Study at the United Nations in Germany: UNU & University of Bonn Scholarship 2027.
If you aspire to build a career addressing environmental risks, climate change, and human security on an international stage, few opportunities compare to studying directly with the United Nations.
The joint Master’s degree program offered by the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn and the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) in Bonn, Germany, offers a truly world-class academic experience.
Supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD EPOS program), this fully funded scholarship allows talented practitioners from developing nations to pursue higher education in Germany without financial stress.
At a Glance: Scholarship Summary
Here is a quick overview of what the United Nations University / DAAD EPOS Scholarship package includes:
- Host Institutions: United Nations University (UNU-EHS) & University of Bonn, Germany
- Funder: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD EPOS Program)
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree (Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security)
- Target Audience: Practitioners and graduates from DAAD-listed developing countries
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Financial Value: Fully Funded
- Monthly Stipend: €992 per month for Master’s candidates (and up to €1,400 per month for doctoral researchers).
- 100% Course & Study Costs covered.
- Health, Accident & Personal Liability Insurance: Fully paid by DAAD.
- Travel Allowance: Round-trip flight assistance between your home country and Germany.
- Additional Subsidies: Potential monthly rent subsidies and family allowances under specific conditions.
- Submission Format: Single merged PDF package (max 8MB) sent directly via email.
Eligibility Criteria (DAAD EPOS Requirements)
To qualify for scholarship consideration alongside admission to the Master's program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Developing Country Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an eligible developing country according to the official DAAD classification list.
- Professional Experience: Must have at least two years of relevant full-time work experience (e.g., with an NGO, government organization, research institute, or private sector body) in a field related to environmental risk and human security.
- Graduation Recency: Must have completed your Bachelor’s degree no more than 5 years ago.
- Academic Background: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree and not have completed another Master’s degree in a similar field of study.
- Career Objective: Must demonstrate a clear intention to work as a practitioner in a field directly related to the study program upon graduation.
Required Application Documents
Application materials must be submitted electronically. All documents (except the writing sample) must be combined into a single PDF package in this exact order:
- Online Application Form
- Personal Motivation Letter
- Recent CV in official Europass Format
- Academic Degree Certificate(s)
- Official Transcripts of Records
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Letters of Recommendation
- Copy of valid Passport
- Completed DAAD EPOS Checklist
- Official DAAD Scholarship Application Form
- DAAD Scholarship Motivation Letter
- Professional Reference letter from your current/recent employer
- Work Certificates proving at least 2 years of relevant experience
- Academic Writing Sample: A sample of your academic work must be attached as a separate file (or in a separate email if file size requires it).
- File Size & Name Rule: The main merged PDF file must not exceed 8MB and must be saved using the naming convention: [lastname.firstname].pdf.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Because admission to the Master's program and the DAAD EPOS scholarship evaluation occur through the same academic department, follow this exact workflow:
Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill out the initial online application portal form for the UNU / University of Bonn joint program.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents in Order
Gather all required academic certificates, work proofs, and DAAD forms. Merge them into a single PDF file (under 8MB) strictly following the 13-item document sequence listed above.
Step 3: Format Your File Name
Rename your merged PDF file strictly as [your last name.your first name].pdf (e.g., smith.john.pdf).
Step 4: Email Your Application Package
Send your complete application package and your separate academic writing sample via email to:
👉 master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu
Step 5: Selection Window
Shortlisted candidates are reviewed for DAAD EPOS funding between February and April. Successful nominees will be notified directly by the university and DAAD.