UNU Scholarship 2026 (United Nations University)

The United Nations University (UNU) – University of Bonn Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security is part of the elite DAAD EPOS scheme that funds development‑related postgraduate courses. Designed for impact‑driven professionals, this two‑year programme integrates geography, environmental sciences, risk governance, and human security to train leaders who can tackle climate and disaster challenges in the Global South.

It blends UN‑system exposure with a top German university, emphasizes interdisciplinarity (vulnerability/resilience, DRR, climate adaptation, GIS/remote sensing), and channels graduates into NGOs, UN agencies, government and research roles worldwide.

Benefits of the UNU Scholarship

• Fully funded through DAAD EPOS: covers tuition‑related costs and monthly living support in Bonn for the standard study period.
• Duration: 2 years (4 semesters), including a compulsory 8‑week internship and the Master’s thesis.
• Academic ecosystem: Co‑taught by UNU‑EHS researchers and University of Bonn faculty with access to UN and international partners.
• Career exposure: High visibility across DRR, humanitarian response, climate change, food security, spatial planning, and public policy.

Note: Exact stipend, travel and insurance benefits follow DAAD EPOS rules for the intake year.

Eligibility Criteria for the UNU Scholarship (EPOS Track)

Eligible nationalities: Applicants from developing countries (per the current DAAD EPOS country list).

Academic background & degree level:

• Bachelor’s (or equivalent) in Geography or a closely related field. Most prior coursework should span:
  • Human Geography/Social Sciences (spatial patterns, society, development)
  • Research methodology & empirical methods
  • Physical Geography/Geosciences/Environmental Sciences (Earth System Science)
• Not targeted at Engineering‑only profiles; IR/Politics profiles must be strongly aligned with environmental risks.

Professional experience: ≥ 2 years of relevant, post‑Bachelor, full‑time work (NGO/GO/private sector) by the application deadline for EPOS consideration.

Recency of degree: Bachelor’s completed ~≤ 5–6 years ago (per annual EPOS/programme rules).

Further constraints (EPOS): No previous Master’s in a similar field; clear intention to work as a practitioner (not immediate PhD).

Language requirements:

• English proficiency required unless exempt. Commonly accepted: IELTS ≥ 6.5, TOEFL iBT ≥ 79 (or PBT 550 / CBT 213), Cambridge CAE/CPE, telc B2–C1.
• Exemptions typically apply only to specific native‑English countries or when permitted via medium‑of‑instruction certificates.

Age: No formal cap; EPOS prioritizes early‑ to mid‑career professionals.

Required Documents for the UNU Scholarship Application

Submit one merged PDF (≤ 8 MB) in the exact order below; attach the academic writing sample as a separate file. Use clear, legible PDF scans (no smartphone photos). Non‑English/German documents need certified translations.

Core package (Programme application):

1. Online application confirmation (signed & dated)
2. Motivation Letter (1–2 pages; programme fit, development impact, career goals)
3. Recent CV (Europass), ≤ 3 pages, reverse chronological; dates must match references
4. Degree certificate(s) — Bachelor (and Master if applicable)
5. Transcripts of records (with overall average/GPA and grading scale)
6. Proof of English proficiency (if required)
7. Up to two academic references (recent, dated, signed, on letterhead) — recommended
8. Passport copy (bio page)
9. Other relevant references (internships/employment/volunteering; up to 3)
10. APS certificate (applicants from China/India/Viet Nam, if applicable)

Additional items for DAAD EPOS funding:
11. DAAD EPOS Checklist (signed & dated by hand)
12. DAAD Application Form (typed; list all EPOS programmes if applying to multiple)
13. EPOS Scholarship Motivation Letter (1–2 pages: why DAAD/Germany; development relevance; career impact; programme preferences)
14. Professional reference from current employer (dated, signed, stamped, letterhead)
15. Work certificate(s) documenting ≥ 2 years relevant post‑Bachelor experience (with exact start/end dates)

Separate file:

• Sample of academic work (e.g., thesis excerpt, course essay, published paper) + declaration of authenticity.

Application Timeline for the UNU Scholarship (2025–2026 Cycle)

• Applications open: 15 September 2025
• Deadline: 15 December 2025 (Germany time) — fixed deadline
• EPOS shortlist & selection: February – April 2026
• Programme start in Bonn: October 2026

Apply early to allow time for translations, references, and document certification.

How to Apply for the UNU/DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Confirm eligibility for both the Joint MSc and DAAD EPOS (work experience, degree recency, country eligibility).
2. Prepare documents in the required order; secure certified translations, where needed.
3. Complete the online form for the Joint MSc and save/sign the confirmation.
4. Merge the PDF package (≤ 8 MB) and rename as [last name].[first name].pdf.
5. Attach the academic writing sample as a separate PDF (or separate email if instructed).
6. Include EPOS forms (Checklist, DAAD application, EPOS motivation, employer reference, work certificates) if seeking funding.
7. Email the application per programme instructions; monitor your inbox for acknowledgements/requests.

Tips for a competitive application

• Make your motivation letters explicitly development‑focused and practitioner‑oriented.
• Ensure date consistency across CV, references, and certificates.
• Request referee/employer letters early; incomplete or late packages are not considered.
• If ineligible for EPOS, proactively explore alternative German funding in parallel.

FAQs about the UNU Scholarship

Is IELTS required?
Often yes unless you meet an exemption. Accepted proofs typically include IELTS (≥ 6.5), TOEFL (iBT ≥ 79 / PBT 550 / CBT 213), Cambridge CAE/CPE, telc B2–C1.

Can students from Africa/Asia apply?
Yes. The EPOS track targets developing countries worldwide.

When will results be out?
EPOS shortlisting generally occurs February–April 2026; final outcomes follow programme timelines.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes. If applying to multiple EPOS programmes, state your preferences in the DAAD form and your EPOS motivation letter.

Do I need work experience?
For EPOS funding, minimum two years of relevant post‑Bachelor experience is required by the deadline.

Final Thoughts on the UNU Scholarship

For professionals passionate about climate risk, disasters, and human security, this Joint MSc offers a rare vantage point within the UN system plus a world‑class academic partner. With full funding, an applied curriculum, and direct exposure to international actors, it’s a powerful launchpad for high‑impact careers.

Apply before the deadline closes and take the next step toward studying in Germany.

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