United Nations University Scholarships 2026 in Japan | Fully Funded

United Nations University Scholarships 2026 are now open for international students eager to pursue a Master’s in Sustainability in Japan. These scholarships offer a competitive opportunity for students from around the world, especially those from underdeveloped and qualifying nations, to gain full or partial financial support while advancing their academic and professional goals. The UNU MSc Scholarships are integrated into the UNU-IAS admission process, meaning applicants are automatically considered for funding when they submit their MSc application. Ideal candidates are those with strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to global sustainability and policy initiatives.

For the 2026–2027 academic intake, United Nations University provides a clear, fully funded path for international students to study sustainability under the UN academic system. Instead of a separate scholarship application, this program combines admission and funding consideration into a single streamlined process. Applicants accepted into the UNU Master of Science in Sustainability program can benefit from this unique scholarship opportunity, enabling them to focus on their studies and contribute to global sustainable development without financial barriers.

Benefits

United Nations University Scholarships 2026 in Japan will cover the following expenses:

• Waiver of all tuition costs for the duration of the MSc program.
• Depending on the scholarship, the monthly living allowance might range from JPY 120,000 to JPY 147,000.
• Travel assistance, including round-trip airfare for certain plans
• Allowances for research and thesis support
• Insurance for accidents and medical conditions (for ADB–JSP recipients)
• Access to UN networks, UNU’s worldwide research ecosystem, and academic instruction focused on policy

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must be citizens of the nations listed on the most recent OECD DAC list of ODA recipients and be able to prove their need for financial aid;
• The scholarship is not available to applicants who are presently residing in Japan on a work visa;
• Candidates who have already completed a master’s degree at a university other than UNU-IAS or who are enrolled in another postgraduate degree program are ineligible.
• Candidates cannot receive several scholarships at the same time.
• A brief essay about their education and experiences at UNU must be written by JFUNU Scholarship recipients and submitted to the donor organization.
• Each beneficiary is asked to send a note of gratitude to the donors with thoughts on their future plans prior to graduation.
• Recipients commit to promoting cooperation with jfUNU by taking part in events, activities, and other opportunities provided to the student body.

List of Scholarships

The following scholarships will be given to qualified candidates who have been accepted into the MSc in Sustainability program. Since the scholarships are included in the primary online application for admission, there isn’t a separate application form for them. When applying to the master’s program, interested candidates must submit the required paperwork and information for the scholarships.

• Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
• UNU Rector’s Scholarship
• Resona Bank Scholarship
• Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)
• All scholarships are given out solely on the basis of merit, financial need, and conformity with UNU’s goal; however, each has its unique funding structure and selection procedures.

How to Apply?

• Ensure you meet the requirements for the MSc in Sustainability program. All scholarships are only available to students accepted for enrolment, so review nationality, academic, and experience criteria carefully.
• Gather all necessary documents such as academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and proof of English proficiency if required. Make sure your documents clearly reflect your academic achievements and commitment to sustainability.
• Complete the online application for the UNU-IAS MSc in Sustainability program. There is no separate scholarship form — your application automatically considers you for available scholarships.
• Fill in all required scholarship-related fields and provide any additional information requested to maximize your chances of selection.
• Once your application is submitted, the UNU-IAS selection committee will review applications and notify successful candidates. If selected, your scholarship will cover tuition, monthly living allowance, and other benefits depending on the scholarship type.
• After acceptance, you may be asked to submit essays, letters of appreciation, or participate in UNU activities as part of your scholarship obligations. Ensure you comply with these requirements to maintain your funding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

United Nations University Scholarships 2026 offer full or partial funding for the MSc in Sustainability in Japan. They are integrated into the MSc application, require strong academics, and cover tuition, living allowance, travel, and research support for eligible international students.