United Nations University Scholarships 2026 in Japan: A Complete Guide for International Students
Pursuing a master’s degree in Japan at a globally respected institution is a dream for many students, especially those passionate about sustainability, development, and international cooperation. The United Nations University (UNU), through its Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), offers a range of highly competitive scholarships for 2026 to support outstanding students enrolling in the MSc in Sustainability programme.
These scholarships are designed to remove financial barriers for talented students from developing countries and to nurture future leaders committed to the values and mission of the United Nations. Importantly, there is no separate scholarship application process—all scholarships are considered as part of the main online application for admission.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the United Nations University Scholarships 2026 in Japan, including available funding options, coverage, eligibility criteria, and key requirements.
Overview of UNU Scholarships for MSc in Sustainability
Students accepted into the UNU-IAS Master of Science in Sustainability programme may be considered for one or more of the following scholarships:
- Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
- UNU Rector’s Scholarship
- Resona Bank Scholarship
- Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)
All scholarships are merit-based and need-based, and awards depend on academic excellence, professional background, and alignment with the goals of the United Nations.
Important Application Note
There is no standalone application form for these scholarships. Applicants must:
- Apply for admission to the MSc in Sustainability programme
- Submit all required scholarship-related information and documents within the main online application form
- Ensure all supporting documents are complete and accurate
Only applicants who receive an offer of admission are eligible to be considered for scholarship awards.
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
The Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to students from developing countries who demonstrate strong academic potential and financial need.
Benefits
Recipients of the jfUNU Scholarship receive:
- A monthly allowance of JPY 120,000
- Financial support for a maximum duration of 24 months
- Tuition fee waiver, subject to approval
This funding package allows students to focus fully on their academic and research commitments while living in Japan.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be a national of a country listed in the latest OECD DAC list of ODA recipients
- Demonstrate a clear need for financial assistance
- Not be residing in Japan under a working visa at the time of application
- Not be enrolled in another postgraduate degree programme, including those who already hold a master’s degree from an institution other than UNU-IAS
- Not receive any other scholarship concurrently
Additional Obligations
jfUNU Scholarship recipients are expected to:
- Submit a short reflective essay describing their learning experiences at UNU
- Write a note of appreciation to the donor organization before graduation, including future career plans
- Actively participate in jfUNU-related activities, events, and collaborations
UNU Rector’s Scholarship
The UNU Rector’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities offered by the university. It is intended for exceptional students who show strong academic merit and a deep interest in the work of the United Nations.
Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- A monthly living allowance of JPY 130,000 (subject to change)
- Financial support for up to 24 months
- Round-trip travel expenses to and from Japan, up to USD 2,500
- A research allowance
Please note that expenses such as visa fees, health insurance, and accident insurance must be covered by the student.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Come from countries included in the OECD DAC list of ODA recipients
- Demonstrate financial need
- Show a clear interest in the broader mission and activities of the United Nations
- Not be living in Japan on a working visa
- Not be enrolled in or already hold another postgraduate degree (outside UNU-IAS)
- Not be receiving any other scholarship at the same time
Additional Requirements
Recipients of the UNU Rector’s Scholarship must:
- Submit a 400-word reflective paper each academic year detailing learning experiences at UNU
- Use the final paper to reflect on future career and development plans
- Actively engage in and promote UNU activities and events
- Uphold the core values of the United Nations, including integrity, respect, and diversity
Resona Bank Scholarship
The Resona Bank Scholarship is another fully funded opportunity aimed at supporting talented students from developing countries who are committed to sustainability and global development.
Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- A monthly living allowance of JPY 130,000 (subject to change)
- Funding for up to 24 months
- Travel expenses to and from Japan, with actual costs covered up to JPY 260,000
Students are responsible for additional expenses such as visa processing and insurance.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be from a country listed on the OECD DAC ODA recipient list
- Demonstrate financial need
- Show interest in the work of the United Nations
- Not be living in Japan on a working visa
- Not be enrolled in another postgraduate programme or already hold a master’s degree outside UNU-IAS
- Not receive any other scholarship simultaneously
Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)
The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) offers a limited number of scholarships specifically for the MSc in Sustainability programme at UNU-IAS. This scholarship targets mid-career professionals who aim to contribute to development in their home countries.
Only applicants accepted into the programme are eligible for consideration.
Benefits
ADB–JSP provides one of the most comprehensive funding packages:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly subsistence allowance, including housing
- Thesis and research allowance
- Medical and accident insurance
- Books and instructional materials allowance
- Economy class airfare for the most direct route between the home country and Tokyo Narita International Airport
For the academic year 2024–25, the monthly subsistence allowance is JPY 147,000 (subject to change).
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a national of an ADB borrowing member country and a Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country
- Not hold dual citizenship of a developed country
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with an excellent academic record
- Have at least two years of full-time professional work experience after completing a university degree
- Be 35 years old or younger, unless an exception is granted by the Government of Japan
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after graduation
- Not be affiliated with ADB as staff, consultant, executive, or close relative
- Not be employed by an ADB–JSP Designated Institution
- Not be living or working outside their home country
- Not be enrolled in any other graduate programme
Required Application Documents
In addition to UNU-IAS admission documents, shortlisted applicants must submit:
- ADB-JSP Information Sheet
- Certificate of annual income of the applicant
- Certificate of family income (parents’ income if single, spouse’s income if married)
- Employment certificate proving at least two years of full-time work experience
All income certificates must:
- State income in local currency and US dollars
- Be written in English
- Include an official signature or stamp
- Be issued by authorized public agencies
Special certificates are required for retired, unemployed, or deceased parents.
The United Nations University Scholarships 2026 in Japan offer a life-changing opportunity for students committed to sustainability, international development, and global cooperation. With generous financial coverage, world-class education, and direct exposure to the United Nations system, these scholarships empower future leaders to create meaningful change in their home countries and beyond.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and aspire to study sustainability at one of the world’s most respected institutions, applying to the UNU-IAS MSc in Sustainability programme could be the first step toward an impactful global career.