The Fully Funded United Nations University Scholarships in Japan is open to all nationals. The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan, is offering a unique opportunity for aspiring scholars.

Their Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Science program is now accepting applications for September 2024. This three-year, full-time program is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability challenges from a global change perspective. 

The PhD programme focuses on sustainability science, incorporating a global change perspective to address critical issues like climate change and biodiversity. As a student, you’ll engage in problem-oriented research within UNU-IAS projects, gaining both quantitative and qualitative analytical skills. The curriculum encourages active participation and offers courses from UNU-IAS as well as other leading universities in Japan.

The Fully Funded United Nations University Scholarships in Japan will provide the following:

1. Monthly Allowance: The scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY (Japanese Yen), which supports the student’s living expenses for up to 36 months. This allowance is a substantial benefit, helping to alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad.
2. Tuition Fee Waiver: One of the most significant benefits of the jfUNU scholarship is the potential waiver of tuition fees for scholarship recipients. Given that the tuition fee is USD 12,000 per year, this waiver represents a considerable saving, reducing the financial pressure on students and allowing them to focus more on their studies and research.

The eligibility criteria for the Fully Funded United Nations University Scholarships in Japan are:

• Developing Country Citizenship: Applicants must be from developing countries included in the latest OECD DAC list, highlighting the scholarship’s focus on supporting students from less economically developed regions.
• Financial Need: Candidates must demonstrate a need for financial assistance, ensuring that the scholarship supports those who might not otherwise afford to pursue their PhD studies in Japan.
• Visa Status: Applicants currently living in Japan under a working visa are not eligible, ensuring the scholarship targets new international students coming to Japan specifically for their PhD studies.
• Enrolment Status: The scholarship is exclusively available to new applicants for the Ph.D. program at UNU-IAS. Those already enrolled in a PhD program elsewhere or who have obtained a Ph.D. degree at another institution are not eligible

To be eligible, applicants must have:

• A completed master’s degree related to sustainability, plus two years of professional experience relevant to UNU-IAS research themes, or two master’s degrees, one of which must be in a sustainability-related discipline.
• A GPA of 2.8 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for at least one of the master’s degrees earned.
• Proficiency in English, with required scores in TOEFL or IELTS.