The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan, offers a two-year MSc in Sustainability, taught in English. Students from developing countries can be considered for the Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU) Scholarship.
Applications for September 2027 entry will open in November 2026.
What the JFUNU Scholarship covers
- A monthly living allowance of ¥120,000 for up to 24 months
- Tuition fees may be waived for recipients (tuition is USD 12,000 a year)
Not covered: travel to and from Japan, visa fees, and health or accident insurance.
About the programme
- MSc in Sustainability, two years, full-time, in Tokyo
- Taught in English
- Students choose one of four thematic areas:
- Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development
- Biodiversity and Society
- Water and Resource Management
- Innovation and Education
- A double degree option with the University of Tokyo is available
Who can apply
- Citizens of developing countries on the OECD DAC list who can show financial need
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a field related to sustainability; final-year students can apply
- A GPA of 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale (about 70%)
- English: TOEFL iBT 100, TOEFL PBT 600 or IELTS Academic 7.0, or proof of two years of English-taught study
Not eligible: people living in Japan on a work visa, those already enrolled in another postgraduate programme or holding a master's degree, and those receiving another scholarship.
How to apply
- Choose your thematic area and prepare a short research proposal on a sustainability issue.
- Apply online to UNU-IAS when applications open in November 2026.
- Indicate your scholarship interest in the application form. There is no separate scholarship application.
- Upload your supporting documents (transcripts, degree certificate, English test results and recommendation letters) by the deadline.
Key dates
| Stage |
Date |
| Applications open |
November 2026 |
| Application deadline |
To be announced (last year: early February) |
| Programme starts |
September 2027 |
Tips
- Book your English test now. UNU-IAS asks for a high score (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100).
- Write a clear research proposal linked to one of the four thematic areas.
- Show your financial need and how the degree will help your country.
- Applying for the scholarship is free. Never pay anyone who promises a UNU scholarship.