Japan Foundation for UNU Scholarship

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes1 Jan, 2026

The Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship is a competitive funding award offered by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan. The jfUNU Scholarship provides a generous monthly living allowance of 120,000 Japanese Yen. This stipend supports living expenses for up to 24 months, which covers the full duration of the MSc program. In addition, the scholarship waives all tuition fees. As a result, scholars can focus on their studies without worrying about major academic costs. However, the scholarship does not cover travel expenses, visa fees, health or accident insurance, or personal costs. Students must arrange funding for these expenses independently.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Japan Foundation for UNU Scholarship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Sustainability

GPA / Grade

GPA 2.8

Languages

IELTS 7, TOEFL iBT 100

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, MS

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

120,000 JPY for up to 24 months

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount120,000 JPY for up to 24 months
Deadline1 Jan, 2026
LevelMaster's, MS
InstitutionUnited Nations University
CountryJapan
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship is a competitive funding award offered by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan. It supports students admitted to the Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainability program. The scholarship targets outstanding applicants from developing countries who demonstrate financial need and strong academic potential. Through this initiative, UNU-IAS enables talented students to pursue advanced sustainability studies in a global academic environment.

Background and Purpose

UNU-IAS established the jfUNU Scholarship to support future sustainability leaders from developing regions. The program focuses on building human capacity in areas related to sustainable development. Therefore, it selects students who show commitment, academic excellence, and a clear vision for impact. By supporting these scholars, UNU-IAS strengthens global efforts toward environmental protection, social equity, and sustainable policy development. The scholarship also reflects the Japan Foundation’s commitment to education and international cooperation.

Japan Foundation for UNU Scholarship Benefits

The jfUNU Scholarship provides a generous monthly living allowance of 120,000 Japanese Yen. This stipend supports living expenses for up to 24 months, which covers the full duration of the MSc program. In addition, the scholarship waives all tuition fees. As a result, scholars can focus on their studies without worrying about major academic costs. However, the scholarship does not cover travel expenses, visa fees, health or accident insurance, or personal costs. Students must arrange funding for these expenses independently.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be nationals of countries listed on the latest OECD DAC list of ODA recipients. They must demonstrate genuine financial need and strong academic ability. In addition, applicants must apply to and gain admission into the UNU-IAS MSc in Sustainability program. Individuals living in Japan under a work visa, those already enrolled in postgraduate programs, or those holding a second master’s degree are generally not eligible.

Japan Foundation for UNU Scholarship Application Process

There is no separate application for the jfUNU Scholarship. Applicants simply indicate their interest and financial need while submitting the online application for the MSc program. UNU-IAS reviews eligible candidates as part of the main admissions process. The scholarship committee then selects recipients based on merit and need.

Opportunities for Scholars

jfUNU scholars receive more than financial support. They also engage in outreach activities with the donor foundation. Scholars may write reflective essays about their experiences and contribute to foundation events when requested. These activities strengthen professional development and global engagement in sustainability initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be from countries on the OECD DAC list of ODA recipients and demonstrate financial need; those living in Japan on a working visa are not eligible.

Do I apply separately for the jfUNU Scholarship?

No, there is no separate application form; you indicate interest when applying for the UNU‑IAS degree program.

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