The United Nations University (UNU) Scholarship for 2026 is a great chance for students from impoverished nations to get a completely funded Master's degree in Germany through the well-known DAAD EPOS funding program

This all-encompassing scholarship program offers training in environmental hazards and human security across a range of fields combining academic quality with real-world application to tackle urgent global issues

This guide has all the information you need to help qualified candidates get ready for the application deadline on December 15 2025

Overview and Mission of the Program

The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research works to promote fair and long-lasting development for everyone by doing economic research and giving policy recommendations

The Institute started in Helsinki Finland more than 30 years ago as the first research center for the United Nations University

The University of Bonn's Department of Geography and the United Nations University worked together to create this Master's program

It is a big step toward making the University of Bonn more worldwide and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports it through its EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) funding scheme

The curriculum is designed to meet the rising need for professionals who can use an interdisciplinary approach to deal with complex environmental dangers and human security issues especially in emerging areas

Graduates have a lot of information a critical understanding tactics and tools that can help them make a real difference in sustainable development in their own nations and around the world

Full Financial Benefits

Selected students get full financial support that covers all of their living and study costs in Germany

The scholarship pays for all of the scholar's living and study costs in Bonn so they can focus completely on their academic and professional growth without worrying about money

Requirements and Criteria for Eligibility

Citizenship and Living Here

• According to the DAAD classification you must be a citizen of a developing nation
• You must currently live in a developing country that is eligible

Qualifications for School

• Must hold a Bachelor's degree (or something similar) in Geography or a field that is quite similar to it Most of your previous education should include
• Human Geography/Social Sciences (spatial patterns society development)
• Research technique and empirical methodologies
• Physical Geography/Geosciences/Environmental Sciences (Earth System Science)
• Must have graduated with a Bachelor's degree within the last five years
• Must not have already earned a Master's degree in a related field of study

Work Experience

• At least two years of relevant work experience after getting your bachelor's degree Experience should be in a field connected to the study program and should be with NGOs the government or the commercial sector
• The work experience must be full-time and done by the time the application is due

Goals for Your Career

• Must want to work as a practitioner (not an academic researcher) in an area connected to the program of study
• Must show that they are committed to going back to their home country after finishing their studies

Language Skills

• Must be able to speak English unless exempt
• Tests and scores that are widely accepted
• IELTS ≥ 6.5
• TOEFL iBT ≥ 79 (or PBT 550 / CBT 213)
• Cambridge CAE/CPE
• telc B2–C1 level
• Exemptions usually only apply to certain native-English-speaking countries or when allowed by medium-of-instruction certifications

Deadlines and Timeline for Applications

There is a rigorous timeline that applicants must follow for the application process

Documents Needed

Main Application Package

• An online application form that has been signed and dated
• A letter of motivation (1–2 pages about how the program fits how it will help your career and your career goals)
• A recent CV in Europass format (no more than three pages with the most recent first)
• Degree certificate(s)—Bachelor's (and Master's if you have one)
• Records of grades (including overall average/GPA and grading scale)
• Proof of English proficiency (if needed)
• Up to two recent academic references dated signed and on official letterhead
• A copy of your passport (the bio data page)
• Professional references (up to three from internships jobs or voluntary work)
• APS certificate (only for applicants from China India and Vietnam)

More Papers Needed for DAAD EPOS Funding

• DAAD EPOS Checklist (signed and dated by hand)
• DAAD Application Form (typed if you're applying to more than one EPOS program you need to list them all)
• A letter of motivation for the EPOS Scholarship (1–2 pages explaining why you want to study in Germany/DAAD how it would help your career and what programs you would like to attend)
• A professional reference from your current job that is dated signed stamped and on official letterhead
• Work certificate(s) showing at least two years of relevant work experience after getting your bachelor's degree with exact start and end dates

Submission in a Different Form

• A sample of academic work (such a thesis extract course essay or published paper) with a statement of authenticity

Key Formatting Rules

• Combine all of the papers into one PDF file that is no more than 8MB
• Change the file name to [last name] [First name].pdf
• You must send in a separate file with an example of your academic work
• The documents must be clear readable PDF scans (not images taken with a smartphone)
• Documents that aren't in English or German need verified translations

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Check Eligibility Make sure you meet all the requirements for both the Joint MSc program and the DAAD EPOS financing
• Get your papers ready Make sure you have all the necessary documents and that they are in the right format and contain the right information
• Get certified translations for documents that are not in English or German
• Ask for reference letters a long time in advance Make sure the dates on your CV references and credentials are all the same
• Fill out the form online Fill out the online application for the Joint MSc program
• Sign and save the confirmation page
• Put together the application package Combine all the files into one PDF in the right order Make sure the file size doesn't go over 8MB
• Change the name of the file to [last name] [First name].pdf
• Get ready an example of academic writing Make it a separate PDF file
• Send in your application Send the whole application package to master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu by email
• If you are told to send the academic writing sample as a different attachment or in a separate email
• Keep an eye on communication Look for emails that say thank you and any requests for more information
• Please note that applications that are missing information are late or are sent by mail will not be looked at

How to Choose and What to Look For

There are many steps in the very competitive selection process

First Screening

• Checking to see if you qualify