UNU Rector’s Scholarship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes1 Feb, 2026

The UNU Rector’s Scholarship fully funds postgraduate studies at the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan. Recipients receive full tuition coverage for the 24-month MSc program. UNU-IAS provides a monthly living allowance of JPY 130,000 to cover daily expenses in Tokyo. The scholarship reimburses travel expenses up to USD 2,500 for journeys to and from Japan. Scholars also receive a research allowance to fund academic work. Students must cover health and accident insurance and visa fees. These benefits allow scholars to focus fully on their studies and research.

🎓 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 UNU Rector’s 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, Greece, 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, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, 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, Uruguay, 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/month for 2 years

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/month for 2 years
Deadline1 Feb, 2026
LevelMaster's, MS
InstitutionUnited Nations University
CountryJapan
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The UNU Rector’s Scholarship fully funds postgraduate studies at 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 students from developing countries, as defined by the OECD DAC list, who demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to sustainability and UN-related goals. Through this program, UNU-IAS allows scholars to pursue advanced studies without financial barriers.

Background and Purpose

UNU-IAS established the Rector’s Scholarship to attract highly talented students from developing regions who can advance sustainability and international development. The program seeks candidates with academic excellence, dedication to global issues, and a commitment to applying their skills in line with United Nations priorities. By supporting these scholars, UNU-IAS builds capacity for sustainable development and prepares graduates to become global leaders in environmental, social, and policy-related fields.

UNU Rector’s Scholarship Benefits

Recipients receive full tuition coverage for the 24-month MSc program. UNU-IAS provides a monthly living allowance of JPY 130,000 to cover daily expenses in Tokyo. The scholarship reimburses travel expenses up to USD 2,500 for journeys to and from Japan. Scholars also receive a research allowance to fund academic work. Students must cover health and accident insurance and visa fees. These benefits allow scholars to focus fully on their studies and research.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must gain admission to the UNU-IAS MSc in Sustainability program. They must hold citizenship in a developing country listed by the OECD DAC and demonstrate financial need. Candidates cannot enroll in other postgraduate programs, reside in Japan under a work visa, or hold another concurrent scholarship. UNU-IAS selects candidates based on academic excellence, motivation, and alignment with UN values.

UNU Rector’s Scholarship Application Process

Applicants do not submit a separate application for the Rector’s Scholarship. They indicate their financial need and interest during the main UNU-IAS online MSc application. UNU-IAS reviews eligible candidates and awards scholarships based on merit, need, and alignment with the program’s objectives.

Opportunities for Scholars

Rector’s Scholars participate in UNU academic and community activities throughout their studies. They gain hands-on experience in sustainability research, develop leadership skills, and expand global networks. The scholarship equips graduates to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and international policy initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be from countries on the OECD DAC list of ODA recipients, demonstrate financial need, and show interest in the broader work of the United Nations.

Do I need to apply separately for this scholarship?

No, there is no separate application; you indicate interest when you apply to the UNU‑IAS MSc program.

Are there additional requirements for recipients?

Recipients must write annual reports about their UNU learning experiences and participate in UNU activities.

Can current postgraduate students apply?

No, those already enrolled in other postgraduate programs or holding a master’s degree are not eligible,