United Nations University Scholarship (UNU) For Developing Countries

The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations over 30 years ago in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University.

This Master’s programme is the output of the fruitful collaboration between the University of Bonn Department of Geography and the United Nations University.

It is a substantial contribution to the internationalisation of the University of Bonn and is supported by the German agency, DAAD.

Eligible candidates should fulfil the following requirements in addition to the general eligibility criteria for the Master’s programme:

• Being a candidate from a “Developing Country” (according to the classification of the DAAD)

• Having at least two years of practical work experience (e.g. with an NGO, GO, or the private sector) in a field related to the study programme

• Having graduated with the Bachelor no longer than five years ago

• Having completed no other Master's in a similar field of studies

• Aiming at a career as a practitioner in a field related to the programme of study

Successful applicants will be funded to cover all expenses directly related to the study programme as well as their cost of living in Bonn.

The scholarship is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), under the EPOS program.

• Depending on academic level, monthly payments of 992 euros for graduates or 1,300 euros (1,400 euros beginning with February 2026) for doctoral candidates

• Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover

• Travel allowance, unless these expenses are covered by the home country or another source of funding

Under certain circumstances, scholarship holders may receive the following additional benefits:

• Monthly rent subsidy

• Monthly allowance for accompanying members of family

The following documents need to be submitted via email as one PDF package, not exceeding 8MB in size, and in this exact order.

• Online application form

• Motivation Letter

• Recent CV in Europass Format

• Academic degree certificate

• Transcripts of records

• English Language proficiency

• Recommendation Letters

• Copy of passport

• DAAD EPOS Checklist

• DAAD Scholarship application form

• Scholarship Motivation Letter

• Professional Reference from employer

• Work certificates

A sample of your academic work must be attached as a separate file, if necessary, in a separate email. Incomplete documents, late submissions, as well as paper applications sent via post, will not be considered.

• 1

  Students wishing to be considered for the United Nations University (UNU) Scholarship need to apply for the programme as well by filling out the application forms for the DAAD; acceptance to the former does not guarantee acceptance to the latter.

• 2

  read the information below as well as the FAQs thoroughly;

• 3

  submit the online application form;

• 4

  gather the required documents (including the academic writing sample) precisely as explained below;

• 5

  rename the merged application documents’ file as [your last name. your first name].pdf; and

• 6

  send your application documents via e-mail to master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu.

  To apply, please:

• 7

  The selection process for the EPOS funding among shortlisted candidates will happen between February and April each year.

• 8

  Candidates who do not fulfil the EPOS requirements but wish to benefit from financial support during their studies are invited to apply individually and early to other available funding programmes in Germany.