The UNU Rector’s Scholarship 2026 supports talented international students who gain admission to the MSc in Sustainability program at the United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan. This scholarship fully funds your tuition and provides generous living support, travel coverage, and a research allowance so you can focus on your studies and contribution to sustainable development.

About the UNU Rector’s Scholarship 2026

UNU-IAS offers the UNU Rector’s Scholarship as one of its competitive financial support options for admitted MSc students. UNU-IAS assesses scholarship eligibility automatically when you submit your main MSc program application; you do not fill out a separate scholarship form. The award focuses on supporting students from developing countries who demonstrate financial need and academic promise, especially those committed to the broader work of the United Nations.

Why Choose The UNU Rector’s Scholarship 2026?

You should consider the UNU Rector’s Scholarship because it:

  • Pays your full tuition fees for the MSc in Sustainability at UNU-IAS.
  • Provides a monthly living allowance (JPY 130,000) so you can cover daily expenses while studying in Tokyo.
  • Covers travel costs to and from Japan (up to a set limit).
  • Includes a research allowance to support your academic work.
  • Places you in an internationally focused program designed to address global sustainability challenges.

UNU Rector’s Scholarship 2026 Summary

  • Host Country: Japan
  • Host Institution: United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
  • Scholarship Name: UNU Rector’s Scholarship
  • Study Level: Master’s (MSc in Sustainability)
  • Coverage: Full tuition waiver; monthly living stipend; travel allowance; research support
  • Application Deadline: February 01, 2026
  • Program Start: September 2026 (typical UNU-IAS academic year)
  • Eligible Applicants: Students from developing countries (OECD DAC list) admitted to the MSc in Sustainability who demonstrate financial need

Scholarship Benefits

  • 100 % tuition coverage for the two-year MSc in Sustainability.
  • Living allowance of JPY 130,000 per month for up to 24 months.
  • Travel cost coverage for round-trip travel to Japan (subject to a fixed limit).
  • Research allowance to support academic and thesis work.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UNU Rector’s Scholarship, you must:

  • Be a citizen of a developing country included on the latest OECD DAC list and show financial need.
  • Hold admission to the MSc in Sustainability at UNU-IAS.
  • Show interest in the broader work of the United Nations and sustainability.
  • Not living in Japan on a working visa.
  • Not already hold or be enrolled in another postgraduate degree (including a previous master’s).
  • Not hold another concurrent scholarship that overlaps with the UNU Rector’s award.

Required Documents

UNU-IAS considers your scholarship eligibility based on your main MSc application and supporting documents. You should prepare:

  • Your completed MSc in Sustainability application.
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
  • Proof of nationality from an eligible developing country.
  • Statement of financial need (as part of UNU-IAS requirements).
  • Any additional documents that UNU-IAS requests when you become a scholarship candidate.

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Choose the MSc in Sustainability at UNU-IAS and check eligibility requirements.
  2. Prepare your academic documents (transcripts, CV, personal statement).
  3. Submit the UNU-IAS application package before the admission deadline (typically 1 February 2026).
  4. UNU-IAS will assess your application for admission and scholarship simultaneously; you do not submit a separate form.
  5. Receive admission and scholarship decisions (usually in spring).
  6. Accept the offers and prepare for study in Tokyo (visa, housing, travel).