The UNU’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) offers an MSc degree program and a PhD degree program to produce scholars who will become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. UNU-IAS seeks to incorporate perspectives on global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity.

The Japan Foundation offers the UNU Scholarship for outstanding applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

The deadline to apply for the MSc program is 28 February 2020

UNU-IAS welcomes applicants with:

  • a keen interest in the pressing global issues on the UN agenda and in particular those of sustainability;
  • an aspiration to pursue careers in international fields in public service or private organizations, including the United Nations, multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations as well as research and academic institutions;
  • the intention to proactively apply academic research findings to policymaking; and
  • a strong desire to contribute to the solving of problems concerning global environment, through an interdisciplinary approach.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the Master of Science in Sustainability are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered. Those who wish to participate a double degree programme between UNU-IAS and the Department of Urban Engineering in the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo must be shortlisted by the University of Tokyo before submitting application to UNU-IAS.

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  • A strong interest in sustainability studies;
  • Demonstrated commitment to study and understand global issues;
  • A completed bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability (Those who expect to graduate and have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent conferred before September 2020 may also apply.);
  • A GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale for the bachelor’s degree earned;
  • English language proficiency.
    Please see the section below for more details.

English Language Requirements

The minimum score requirements for English language qualifications required by UNU-IAS are:

  • 600 on TOEFL – Paper-Based Testing (PBT) OR
  • 100 on TOEFL – Internet-Based Testing (IBT) OR
  • 7.0 on IELTS – Academic format

Applicants, except for the cases below, must submit original TOEFL or IELTS score reports (from a test taken within the last two years) to Admissions Office at the time of application:

  • Applicants whose first language is English.
  • Applicants who graduated from a university or a postgraduate school located in an English speaking country.
  • Applicants who completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme where the language of instruction and examination was English. In this case, an official statement from the academic institution will be required, confirming the use of English as the language of instruction and examination.

UNU-IAS requires original TOEFL/IELTS score reports (no photocopies accepted).

  • TOEFL: Please order an official score report using an institution code 6991. For more information on TOEFL, please visit http://www.ets.org/toefl/
  • IELTS: Please request that an official report be sent directly to UNU-IAS. For more information on IELTS, please visit http://www.ielts.org/

Scholarships

Scholarships provided through Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU)

Coverage

The JFUNU scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY* for living expenses for a maximum of 24 months. However, travel costs to and from Japan, visa handling fees, and health/accident insurance costs must be covered by the student. The tuition fees are fully waived for the scholarship recipients.
*The amount of monthly allowance has been changed to 120,000 JPY effective 2017.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Applicants must be persons from developing countries* who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance
  2. Applicants who are currently living in Japan under a working visa are NOT eligible for the scholarship
  3. Applicants who want to pursue a second master’s degree at UNU-IAS are not eligible for the scholarship

*Developing countries included in the latest OECD DAC list.

UNU Rector’s Scholarship

I. Coverage

The UNU Rector’s scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 130,000 JPY (subject to change) for living expenses for a maximum of 24 months. Travel costs to and from Japan, will be covered by the scholarship. The tuition fees are fully waived for the scholarship recipients.

II. Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must be persons from developing countries* who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance
  • Applicants who are currently living in Japan under a working visa are NOT eligible for the scholarship
  • Applicants who want to pursue a second master’s degree at UNU-IAS are not eligible for the scholarship
  • Not a recipient of other concurrent scholarships
  • Applicants who demonstrated interest in the broader work of the United Nations

*Developing countries included in the latest OECD DAC list.

III. Additional Requirements

  • Recipients of the Rector’s Scholarship are required to write a short reflection on their learnings and experiences of their time at UNU. One written paper, totaling 400 words, is requested once a year. For the final paper, recipients are also encouraged to reflect on their future plans.
  • Recipients will agree to foster good collaboration with UNU such as through participating in activities, events and other opportunities offered at UNU and promoting UNU activities amongst the student body.
  • Recipients will agree to uphold the core values of the United Nations, such as integrity and respect for diversity.

Resona Bank Scholarship

I. Coverage

The Reson Bank scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 130,000 JPY (subject to change) for living expenses for a maximum of 24 months. Travel costs to and from Japan, will be covered by the scholarship (up to JPY 260,000). The tuition fees are fully waived for the scholarship recipients.

II. Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must be persons from developing countries* who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance
  • Applicants who are currently living in Japan under a working visa are NOT eligible for the scholarship
  • Applicants who want to pursue a second master’s degree at UNU-IAS are not eligible for the scholarship
  • Not a recipient of other concurrent scholarships
  • Applicants who demonstrated interest in the broader work of the United Nations

*Developing countries included in the latest OECD DAC list.

For more details and application,please visit official site

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