The Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship enables talented international students to pursue a Master’s degree (MSc in Sustainability) at the United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan. This scholarship supports your studies with a monthly stipend and may waive tuition fees, so you can focus fully on advancing sustainable development knowledge.
About the Japan Foundation for UNU Scholarship
UNU-IAS offers the jfUNU Scholarship as one of its competitive funding opportunities for students admitted to the MSc in Sustainability program. UNU-IAS awards this scholarship based on eligibility criteria tied to financial need and academic admission; you do not submit a separate scholarship form — UNU reviews your funding application automatically when you apply for the master’s program.
Why Choose The Japan Foundation for UNU Scholarship?
You should consider the jfUNU Scholarship because it:
- Provides a monthly living allowance to support your study stay in Tokyo.
- May waive full tuition fees for eligible recipients.
- Allows you to study at a United Nations research institute with a global academic community.
- Enables you to join a cohort of international students trained to address global sustainability challenges.
Japan Foundation for UNU Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Host Institution: United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
- Scholarship Name: Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
- Study Level: Master’s (MSc in Sustainability)
- Coverage: Monthly stipend; possible tuition fee waiver
- Application Deadline: February 01, 2026
- Program Start: Typically September 2026
- Eligible Applicants: Students from developing countries (OECD DAC list) who gain admission and demonstrate a clear financial need
Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly living allowance of JPY 120,000 for up to 24 months to help with living costs while you study.
- Tuition fees may be waived for successful recipients, reducing your overall cost of study.
- Opportunity to engage with research leaders and sustainability experts at UNU-IAS.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the following to be considered:
- Hold admission (or demonstrate eligibility for admission) to the MSc in Sustainability at UNU-IAS.
- Come from a developing country included in the latest OECD DAC list and demonstrate genuine financial need.
- Not currently living in Japan on a working visa.
- Not be enrolled in another postgraduate program or hold an existing master’s degree.
- Not receive another concurrent scholarship that overlaps with the jfUNU award.
Required Documents
UNU-IAS will evaluate your eligibility based largely on your admission application and supporting academic and financial documents. You should prepare:
- Completed UNU-IAS MSc application (academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose).
- Proof of nationality from an eligible developing country (OECD DAC list).
- Evidence of financial need (income statements, affidavits, etc.).
- English language proficiency (if required by program).
- Any additional documentation that UNU-IAS requests during the admissions process.
(UNU-IAS uses your submitted documents to assess both admission and scholarship eligibility; there is no separate form for the jfUNU Scholarship.)
Application Process & Timeline
- Choose the MSc in Sustainability at UNU-IAS and confirm your eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your application materials, including academic records and financial documents.
- Submit your MSc admission application before the program deadline.
- UNU-IAS will review your application for scholarship eligibility automatically.
- If selected, UNU-IAS will notify you of the scholarship award along with your admissions decision.
- Accept the scholarship and prepare for study in Japan (visa, housing, travel).
- Start your master’s program and receive your monthly stipend throughout the covered period.
