JFUNU Scholarships for PhD in Sustainability Science

The Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU) Scholarship is available for outstanding applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance and who are granted admissions to the PhD Programme in Sustainability Science at United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS).

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

PhD Programme in Sustainability Science. For Master in Science in Sustainability, refer to this link.

Limited

Citizens of developing countries  listed in the latest OECD DAC list

The scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY for living expenses for a maximum of 36 months. 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

Applicants for the PhD in Sustainability Science are required to have met ALL of the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered:

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 which was 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. The minimum score requirements for English language qualifications required by UNU-IAS are: 600 in TOEFL – Paper-Based Testing (PBT); 100 in TOEFL – Internet-Based Testing (IBT); 7.0 in IELTS – Academic format.

Eligibility Requirements for the scholarships:

1. 1. Applicants must be 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 are already enrolled in other PhD programmes are not eligible. This includes those who have already obtained a PhD degree at an institution other than UNU-IAS.

To apply, you must complete the online application form for admission. During the admission selection process, outstanding applicants will be automatically considered as candidates for the award of scholarships. No separate application is required.  Application deadline is 19 February 2025.

It is important to read the 2025 Application Guidelines and visit the official website (link found below) to access the application form and  for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.