United Nations University (UNU) Joint MSc Scholarship 2026 in Germany | Fully Funded
The United Nations University Joint MSc Scholarship 2026 is here and fully funded!
The UNU Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security is a two-year Master’s degree jointly run by UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn in Bonn, Germany. It trains you to understand and tackle environmental risks, like climate change and disasters, and their impacts on people and communities. Applications for the October 2026 start run from 15 September to 15 December 2025. A limited number of DAAD EPOS scholarships are available for eligible candidates from developing countries.
Read through to know everything about this scholarship, from eligibility, benefits, required documents, to the application how tos.
United Nations University Joint MSc Scholarship 2026 Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Study Abroad: Study in Europe
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Reward: Fully funded | Monthly Stipends
- Deadline: December 15, 2025
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United Nations University Joint MSc Scholarship 2026 Details
This interdisciplinary MSc blends human geography, physical geography, and research methods to help you analyze environmental risks and protect people and livelihoods. You’ll study with international experts from UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn, learn modern tools like GIS and remote sensing, and gain practical experience via an 8-week internship.
Since October 2013, 279 students from 46 countries have joined the programme—creating a strong, global alumni network. The programme emphasizes:
- Solid theory plus hands-on practice
- Focus on the Global South
- Intercultural, interdisciplinary learning
- Access to UN networks and international organizations
Graduates pursue careers in disaster risk reduction, humanitarian response, climate policy, development practice, spatial planning, and related fields.
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United Nations University Joint MSc Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in geography or a closely related field.
- Have most of your coursework in:
- Human Geography/Social Sciences (with spatial development focus);
- Research methods/science methodology;
- Physical Geography / Environmental Sciences (Earth system science focus).
- Not be a PhD student or holder.
- Be strongly motivated to work on environmental risk and human security in a multicultural setting.
- Provide proof of English proficiency unless you are a native speaker from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA.
- For those seeking a DAAD EPOS scholarship, additional criteria:
- Must come from an eligible developing country (per DAAD list),
- At least 2 years of relevant work experience since a Bachelor’s graduation,
- Bachelor’s completed no more than 6 years ago,
- Must not already hold a Master’s degree in a similar field,
- Intend to work as a development practitioner (not in academia/PhD).
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United Nations University Joint MSc Scholarship 2026 Benefits
- A fully-funded scholarship option (DAAD EPOS) for eligible applicants, covering tuition, stipend, possibly travel and living costs.
- Interdisciplinary, multicultural learning with researchers from both UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn.
- Broad exposure to international organizations and UN networks, academic institutions, NGOs, private sector, especially in climate change, humanitarian aid, disaster risk reduction, policy, and spatial planning.
- Real-world experience via the mandatory eight-week internship and optional involvement in ongoing research.
- Strong career potential for roles in development, policy, research, disaster management, climate adaptation, and more.
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United Nations University Joint MSc Scholarship 2026 Required Documents
Your complete application—submitted as a single PDF (≤ 8 MB) named [your.lastname.yourfirstname].pdf—must include the following in the exact order:
- Online application form (signed and dated scan).
- Motivation Letter (1–2 pages, dated).
- CV in EUROPASS format, max 3 pages, reverse-chronological, dated.
- Degree certificate(s) (Bachelor’s and Master’s if any), in English or German (or certified translation); signed/stamped if EPOS applicant.
- Transcripts of records, including grading system and averages; stamped/emailed directly for EPOS via Registrar’s office if needed.
- English proficiency proof (e.g., TOEFL 550 / iBT 79 / CBT 213; IELTS 6.5; Cambridge CAE B2+ / CPE; telc B2-C1; PTE 67; Duolingo 120). German “Leistungskurs Abitur” may also substitute for German candidates.
- Academic reference(s) – 1–2 letters from university lecturers, dated/stamped/signed, on letterhead (optional but recommended).
- Copy of your passport (bio page).
- Other relevant references (up to 3, e.g., internships, employment; no school-level certificates).
- If you’re from China, India, or Vietnam, scan of your APS certificate.
For DAAD EPOS applicants, include also (as part of the package):
- DAAD EPOS Checklist, hand-signed and dated.
- DAAD Application Form, typed, dated.
- Scholarship Motivation Letter (1–2 pages, dated)—explain why DAAD EPOS, why Germany, how it supports your development goals and future career, and preference if applying to multiple EPOS programmes.
- Professional reference from current employer (dated/stamped/signed, letterhead).
- Work certificates (post-Bachelor), totaling at least 2 years’ documented experience; with duration in dd.mm.yyyy format; signed/stamped/letterhead.
In a separate PDF, include:
- Academic writing sample (≤ 1,000 words, APA style, up to 10 references), answering: “To what extent do the SDGs address environmental risk, and which modifications would you suggest to give the topic higher relevance in a post-2030 agenda?”
Include a declaration of authenticity, in English, interdisciplinary, original (plagiarism checks apply).
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How to Apply for the United Nations University Joint MSc Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step)
- Read all available information on the UNU-EHS site and FAQs.
- Check eligibility, both for the programme and, if relevant, for DAAD EPOS funding.
- Prepare documents: online form, motivation letters, CV, certificates/transcripts, language test results, references, etc. Ensure translations if needed.
- Format PDFs correctly: scan, not smartphone photos, in proper order, combined into a ≤ 8 MB PDF. Name it “lastname.firstname.pdf”.
- Write your academic sample separately (≤ 1,000 words, APA, include originality declaration).
- Submit the online application by 15 December 2025.
- Email the PDF package to: [email protected] as instructed. Make sure EPOS-specific docs are included if applying for a scholarship.
- After submission, monitor your email—confirmation of receipt should arrive.
- Wait for results: general admission decision, and if applicable, DAAD EPOS funding result comes between Feb–Apr 2026.
- If selected, arrange for visa, accommodation, travel, and prepare for the October 2026 start in Bonn.
Deadline
December 15, 2025
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