UNU EHS University Of Bonn Joint Masters Scholarship In Environmental Risks And Human Security 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security and University of Bonn, funded through DAAD EPOS
⚠️ This scholarship's deadline has passed and it's no longer accepting applications.
Few Master’s programmes combine a United Nations research institute with a major German university the way this joint degree in Bonn does, pairing academic rigor with direct exposure to real disaster and security research.
About the Scholarship
The Joint Master of Science in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security is run together by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security and the University of Bonn. The two-year, fully residential programme trains students to analyze environmental risk, disaster response, and human security challenges, and a number of places each year carry full funding through DAAD’s Development-Related Postgraduate Courses scheme, known as EPOS.
Scholarship Benefits
The EPOS-funded places cover the standard comprehensive package.
- Full tuition coverage for the two-year joint Master’s degree
- A monthly living stipend
- Health insurance for the duration of study
- Travel allowance covering relocation to Bonn
- Direct access to UNU-EHS research projects and networks
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must come from an eligible developing or emerging country and hold an appropriate Bachelor’s degree, with at least two years of relevant professional work experience completed after that degree. The most recent academic degree must have been obtained no more than six years before applying, and applicants must not already hold another Master’s degree in a similar field. A clear intention to pursue a development-related career after graduation is also expected.
Fields of Study Covered
The programme centers on environmental risk assessment, disaster studies, climate adaptation, and human security, drawing on both academic coursework and the applied research culture of a UN institute.
Required Documents
- DAAD EPOS scholarship application
- Joint programme application through UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- CV detailing relevant professional experience
- Motivation letter connecting prior work to environmental risk or human security
- Letters of recommendation
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Confirm eligibility against the DAAD list of developing and emerging countries and the programme’s specific requirements.
2. Prepare a CV and motivation letter tying professional experience to environmental risk and human security themes.
3. Submit the joint application to UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn alongside the DAAD EPOS scholarship form.
4. Complete all required documents, including transcripts and recommendation letters, by October 31.
5. Attend an interview if shortlisted by the joint selection committee.
6. Begin visa and relocation preparations once admission and funding are both confirmed.
Selection Process
Selection weighs relevant professional experience, academic background, and how clearly the applicant’s history connects to environmental risk, disaster response, or human security work. The joint nature of the programme means both UNU-EHS and University of Bonn staff are involved in reviewing applications.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Applicants with direct field experience in disaster response, environmental policy, or humanitarian work tend to stand out given the programme’s applied, UN-linked orientation. Clearly articulating a specific environmental or security challenge relevant to the applicant’s home region strengthens the motivation letter considerably. Students interested in related DAAD-funded environmental programmes may also want to compare this with the University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship for Environmental Governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can applicants without prior environmental work experience apply?
Applicants need at least two years of relevant professional experience, though this can come from humanitarian, policy, or related development work rather than environmental science specifically.
Is this scholarship limited to applicants from certain regions?
Eligibility is based on DAAD’s list of developing and emerging countries broadly, rather than a single region, so applicants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and elsewhere can apply if their country qualifies.
Does the programme combine coursework with practical UN-linked research?
Yes, students benefit from direct exposure to UNU-EHS’s applied research projects alongside the academic coursework delivered through the University of Bonn.
Can I apply if I already hold a Master’s degree in an unrelated field?
The eligibility rule specifically excludes applicants who already hold another Master’s degree in a similar field, so a degree in an unrelated area may still allow eligibility.
What is the recency requirement for the Bachelor’s degree?
Applicants must have obtained their most recent academic degree no more than six years before applying to the programme.
Where is the programme based?
The joint Master’s is fully residential and based in Bonn, combining University of Bonn academic resources with the UNU-EHS research institute located in the same city.