UNU Bonn Scholarship supports the Joint Master of Science in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security; the UNU Bonn Scholarship is a DAAD EPOS-funded opportunity for qualified professionals to pursue a two-year full-time MSc in Bonn, Germany, with limited fully funded awards for eligible applicants.
The programme is jointly offered by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security and the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn. It combines advanced academic study with practical training in environmental risks, climate change, disaster management and human security, taught in English.
UNU Bonn Scholarship Benefits
- A monthly scholarship payment of €992
- Payments toward health insurance
- Payments toward accident insurance
- Personal liability insurance coverage
- A travel allowance, unless travel costs are covered by another source
- A monthly rent subsidy (depending on individual circumstances)
- An allowance for accompanying family members (depending on individual circumstances)
- Tuition fees: None
UNU Bonn Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Be from an eligible developing or emerging country
- Hold an appropriate bachelor’s degree
- Have strong academic results, normally placing them within the upper third of their graduating group
- Have accumulated at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing the bachelor’s degree
- Complete the required two years of experience by the application deadline
- Have obtained their most recent academic degree no more than six years before the application deadline
- Not already hold another master’s degree in a similar field
- Intend to pursue a practitioner-oriented career in development after graduation
- Not use the scholarship principally as preparation for an academic career or PhD
- Demonstrate development-related motivation
- Be prepared to take social responsibility and support positive change in their professional environment
- Commit fully to completing the Joint MSc if selected
- Normally not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline
Required Application Format
Applicants must comply with the following submission rules:
- Complete the online application form first
- Download or obtain the application confirmation sent by email
- Sign and date the required confirmation
- Submit the documents in the exact prescribed order
- Merge the main documents into one PDF
- Ensure the merged PDF does not exceed 8MB
- Name the application file as: LastName.FirstName.pdf
- Submit the academic writing sample as a separate PDF
- Use a separate email for the writing sample if attachment limits make this necessary
- Submit scans rather than smartphone photographs
- Use certified translations where required
- Do not send original documents
- Do not send a paper application through the post
- Ensure the complete package is received before the deadline
Applicants may be asked to present original certificates for verification after admission.
Main Objectives of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Develop advanced theoretical and methodological expertise in environmental risks and human security
- Connect academic knowledge with practical experience
- Examine vulnerability, resilience and adaptation in different geographical contexts
- Maintain a strong focus on developing countries and the Global South
- Create an intercultural and interdisciplinary learning environment
- Strengthen students’ qualitative and quantitative research capabilities
- Develop competence in geographical information systems and remote sensing
- Provide opportunities to participate in research projects at UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn
- Facilitate interaction with the United Nations system and other international organisations
- Prepare graduates for professional careers in development, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian work, environmental governance and related fields
How to Apply for UNU Bonn Scholarship
- Online form followed by submission of application documents by email
- Complete the online application and include the signed and dated online application confirmation as a scanned document
- Send the complete application documents by email to [email protected] before the deadline
- Arrange application documents in the exact order prescribed by the programme
- Start the 2027 programme application via https://unuehs.questionpro.eu/2027GeoRiskApplications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UNU Bonn Scholarship 2027. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the UNU Bonn Scholarship 2027?
The UNU Bonn Scholarship 2027 refers to limited fully funded DAAD EPOS scholarships available for the Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security, a two-year full-time programme delivered in Bonn by UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn. Admission to the programme does not guarantee scholarship funding.
Who offers the Joint MSc programme?
The Joint Master’s programme is offered jointly by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn. The collaboration combines UNU-EHS’s applied research environment with the University of Bonn’s academic strengths.
What is included in the DAAD EPOS scholarship benefits?
DAAD EPOS scholarship benefits may include a monthly payment of €992, contributions toward health and accident insurance, personal liability insurance coverage, and a travel allowance unless covered by another source. Depending on circumstances, recipients may also receive a rent subsidy or allowance for accompanying family members.
What are the application deadlines for the 2027 intake?
Applications for the October 2027 intake must be completed by 31 October 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time. Both the online application and the complete application documents submitted by email must be received before this deadline.
What are the English language requirements?
The programme is taught in English. Applicants must demonstrate at least B2 proficiency (C1 recommended). Accepted tests and minimum scores include TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS Academic 6.5, Duolingo 120, and others listed in the programme details. Native speakers of specified countries are exempt.
Are there tuition fees for the Joint MSc?
There are no tuition fees for the Joint MSc. Students are required to pay institutional contributions, approximately €310 per semester to the University of Bonn (including local transport) and €100 to UNU for each of the first three semesters. Living expenses and other costs are not covered by tuition.
Who is eligible to apply for the DAAD EPOS scholarship?
DAAD EPOS applicants must be from eligible developing or emerging countries, hold an appropriate bachelor’s degree, have at least two years of relevant professional experience completed by the deadline, have recent strong academic results, and meet additional DAAD conditions such as intending a practitioner-oriented career in development.
Can final-year bachelor students apply?
Final-year bachelor students may submit an application using their current transcripts. If admitted, they must provide the final transcript and degree certificate before the Joint MSc begins in October 2027. The qualifying degree must be completed prior to the programme start.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include the signed online application confirmation, a one- to two-page dated motivation letter, a Europass CV (max three pages), academic degree certificates and transcripts (with certified translations if needed), proof of English proficiency, a passport copy, and other references as specified in the programme guidelines.
How do I submit my application and who do I contact?
Start the online application at the programme’s application portal and submit the complete application documents by email to [email protected]. Ensure documents are arranged in the exact order required and that any DAAD EPOS checklist and forms are completed for scholarship applicants.
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