The United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is offering a range of fully and partially funded scholarships for international students enrolling in its MSc in Sustainability programme in Japan. These scholarships support students from developing countries and cover various expenses including tuition, living costs, travel, and research.
📚 Available Scholarships:
1. Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Monthly stipend: 120,000 JPY
Tuition: May be waived
Duration: Up to 24 months
Eligibility:
Must be from a developing country
Not living in Japan under a working visa
Not already enrolled in another postgraduate program
2. UNU Rector’s Scholarship
Monthly stipend: 130,000 JPY (plus tuition)
Additional benefits: Travel costs, research allowance
Eligibility:
From a developing country
Demonstrated interest in UN-related work
Must not hold a working visa in Japan
3. Resona Bank Scholarship
Monthly stipend: 130,000 JPY
Coverage: Full tuition, up to 260,000 JPY for travel
Eligibility: Same as Rector’s Scholarship
4. Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)
Full funding: Tuition, monthly living/housing stipend (147,000 JPY), travel, research costs, health insurance
Eligibility:
From ADB borrowing member countries
Aged under 35
At least two years of work experience
Strong English skills
Return to home country post-study
5. Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) Scholarship
Monthly stipend: 50,000 JPY (living expenses)
Tuition: Not covered
Eligibility:
From a developing country (listed in Appendix 2)
Engaged in or interested in international cooperation/volunteering
Must hold a “student” visa status
📌 Application Information:
No separate application for scholarships—students apply via the main MSc admission application.
Supporting documents (especially for ADB–JSP) must be submitted upon request by UNU-IAS Admissions Office.
Candidates are ineligible if already enrolled in another postgraduate program or receiving other concurrent funding.
Interested students are advised to prepare early, gather supporting documentation, and ensure they meet all scholarship-specific criteria.
For full programme and application details, visit the UNU-IAS official website.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
