JFUNU Scholarships for MSc in Sustainability Program
Fully-funded JFUNU Scholarships for MSc in Sustainability Program for Developing Country Students is open.
The Master of Science in Sustainability at the United Nations University is a two-year program that equips students with the knowledge and practical skills they need to help solve sustainability concerns. The curriculum incorporates techniques and resources from the scientific and social sciences, as well as the humanities, using an innovative, interdisciplinary approach. The program is designed for recent graduates, professionals, and practitioners who want to make a difference in the work of governments, civil society, the commercial sector, and/or the United Nations and other international organizations in the field of sustainability.
The initiative leverages on UNU’s outstanding research and capacity-building track record, as well as the vast network of academics and academic institutions that participate in UNU research. The program is user-centered, practice-oriented, and of the highest academic level. Through lectures, international conferences, and workshops, students get the opportunity to meet with top researchers and policymakers.
JFUNU Scholarships for MSc in Sustainability Program
The program begins in September, and students must complete all course requirements by July of their second year, earning at least 30 credits. Students can choose from UNU-course IAS’s offerings, as well as courses at other top Japanese universities such as the University of Tokyo, Sophia University, International Christian University, and Yokohama National University.
The Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU) Scholarship is offered to excellent students from poor countries who can establish a financial need and are accepted to the United Nations University – Institute for Advanced Study of Sustainability’s Master of Science in Sustainability Program (UNU-IAS).
There are other scholarships offered for the same degree found at this link.
Host Institution(s):
United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
Level/Field of study:
Master of Science in Sustainability
Target group:
Citizens of developing countries listed in the latest OECD DAC list.
Project Research Opportunities
UNU-IAS research efforts in three main research areas are strongly linked to the teaching curriculum (Sustainable Societies, Natural Capital and Biodiversity, Global Change and Resilience). Students can obtain practical experience by actively participating in the institute’s research programs. Students develop skills taught in the classroom by doing research in the field with experts and seasoned practitioners, and student research is expected to contribute to the project with which the student chooses to be linked.
Scholarship Value for the MSc in Sustainability Program
The JFUNU scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY* for living expenses for a maximum of 24 months. The tuition fees are fully waived for the scholarship recipients.
However, travel costs to and from Japan, visa handling fees, and health/accident insurance costs must be covered by the student.
Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants for the Master of Science in Sustainability are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered.
- A completed bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability (those who expect to receive a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent conferred before the entrance period of September 2022 may also apply);
- A GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% on a 100 % scale) for the bachelor’s degree earned;
- English language proficiency. The minimum score requirements for English language qualifications required by UNU-IAS are: 600 in TOEFL – Paper-Based Testing (PBT); 100 in TOEFL – Internet-Based Testing (IBT); 7.0 in IELTS – Academic format.
The eligibility requirements for the scholarships are as follows:
- Applicants must be persons from developing countries* who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance
- Applicants who are currently living in Japan under a working visa are NOT eligible for the scholarship
- Applicants who want to pursue a second master’s degree at UNU-IAS are not eligible for the scholarship
How to Apply for the JFUNU Scholarships for MSc in Sustainability Program
All applicants:
1. Review the checklist below and prepare the application materials.
2. Register Online
3. Receive an email from UNU-IAS Admissions Office with a link to the Application Form.
4. Submit the Application Form by the deadline* (21 February 2022).
5. Receive an automatic email to confirm that the Admissions Office has received the Application Form. Applicants who have been shortlisted for an interview:
6. Receive an email regarding when and how to submit the following supporting documents.
7. Submit the supporting documents via email by the deadline* (Expected in late-March 2022). *After the applicant submits the Application Form, referees will receive an email from the Admissions Office to notify that they have been registered as referees. Only in case the applicant has been shortlisted for an interview, referees will be directly contacted by the Admissions Office regarding the request for providing reference by the deadline (Expected in late-March 2022). Applicants are not allowed to send reference letters to the Admissions Office. Please ensure that the referees send reference letters directly to the Admissions Office
Your official application for admissions must be submitted through the online application form. During admission selection process, outstanding applicants from developing countries with financial need will be automatically considered as candidates for the award of the JFUNU scholarship. Thus, no separate scholarship application is necessary. Application deadline is 21 February 2022 (23:59 Japan Standard Time).
It is important to read the 2022 Application Guidelines visit the official website (link found below) to access the application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
- How to Apply: To be eligible for this funding package, a candidate must apply and be admitted into the graduate program. See: How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada for useful tips on how to apply.
- Supporting Documents: Prospective applicants must prepare their documents such as academic transcripts and diplomas, academic references, resume and statement of intent. Check the Required documents for graduate school applications
- Admission Requirements: Eligible applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements. Note that admission into the program is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements is no guarantee of being admitted into the program. See our Guide on Applying to Schools Abroad with Scholarships.
