JFUNU Scholarship for PhD in Sustainability Science at UNU-IAS, Japan

The Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU) Scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY for living expenses and full tuition coverage to outstanding applicants from developing countries who need financial assistance. It is for students admitted to the PhD Programme in Sustainability Science at the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS). The award is open to those who can show financial need and who are granted admission to the programme.

• Host: United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), Japan
• Level: PhD in Sustainability Science
• Monthly allowance: 120,000 JPY for up to 36 months
• Tuition: fully waived for scholarship recipients
• Target group: citizens of developing countries on the latest OECD DAC list
• Deadline: 19 February 2025
• Number of awards: limited

United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), Japan.

PhD Programme in Sustainability Science. If you are looking for the Master in Science in Sustainability, see this link.

Limited (the exact number is not specified).

Citizens of developing countries listed in the latest OECD DAC list.

The scholarship gives a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY for living expenses for a maximum of 36 months. Tuition fees are fully waived for recipients. You must cover travel costs to and from Japan, visa handling fees, and health/accident insurance costs yourself.

By the application deadline, you must meet ALL of the following to be considered for the PhD in Sustainability Science:

1. A completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability, and a minimum of 2 years of professional field experience related to UNU-IAS research themes acquired after obtaining a university degree (full time equivalent);

OR

1. Two completed Master’s degrees, at least one of which must be in a discipline related to sustainability studies (those who expect to receive a second Master’s degree before the entrance period of September 2024 may also apply);

2. A GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% on a 100% scale) for at least one of the Master’s degrees earned; and

3. English language proficiency: minimum scores of 600 in TOEFL – Paper-Based Testing (PBT); 100 in TOEFL – Internet-Based Testing (IBT); or 7.0 in IELTS – Academic format.

Scholarship-specific requirements:

1. Applicants must be from developing countries and demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
2. Applicants currently living in Japan under a working visa are NOT eligible for the scholarship.
3. Applicants already enrolled in other PhD programmes are not eligible. This includes those who already hold a PhD degree from an institution other than UNU-IAS.

To apply, complete the online application form for admission. During the admission selection process, outstanding applicants are automatically considered as candidates for the scholarship. No separate application is required. The deadline is 19 February 2025.

Read the 2025 Application Guidelines and visit the official website (link below) to access the application form and detailed information on how to apply.

This scholarship suits you if you are a citizen of a developing country (as per the OECD DAC list) with a strong academic background in sustainability or a related field, and you can show you need financial help to pursue a PhD in Japan. You should have either a Master’s degree plus at least 2 years of professional experience in UNU-IAS research themes, or two Master’s degrees (one in a sustainability-related discipline). You also need a GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and English proficiency at the required level. If you already hold a PhD or are enrolled in another PhD programme, or if you live in Japan on a working visa, you are not eligible.

• Who can apply for the JFUNU Scholarship? Citizens of developing countries listed on the latest OECD DAC list who can demonstrate financial need, and who meet the academic and English requirements for the PhD programme.
• What does the scholarship cover? A monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY for living expenses for up to 36 months and full tuition waiver. Travel, visa fees, and insurance are not covered.
• Is there a separate application for the scholarship? No. You only need to complete the online admission application; outstanding applicants are automatically considered.
• What is the deadline? 19 February 2025.
• Can I apply if I live in Japan on a working visa? No, current working visa holders in Japan are not eligible for the scholarship.
• What English score do I need? TOEFL PBT 600, TOEFL IBT 100, or IELTS Academic 7.0.

• Read the official 2025 Application Guidelines carefully before you start.
• Prepare your transcripts, degree certificates, and English test scores early so you can upload them without delay.
• Check that your Master’s degree and experience match the eligibility criteria; highlight relevant professional field experience in your application.
• Make sure your English test score meets the minimum; register for the test well before the deadline.
• Submit your online application before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.