UNU–University of Bonn Joint MSc 2027: Fully Funded DAAD EPOS Scholarships

UNU–University of Bonn Joint MSc 2027

 

pplications are open for the 2027 intake of the Joint Master of Science in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security, offered jointly by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the University of Bonn, Germany. This two-year, full-time programme combines academic study with practical training in environmental risks, climate change, disaster management, human security, vulnerability and resilience. A limited number of fully funded DAAD EPOS scholarships are available for qualified professionals from eligible developing and emerging countries, offering a monthly stipend of €992 plus insurance and travel allowances. The programme charges no tuition fees, only a semester contribution of around €310 plus €100 UNU fees for three semesters. Taught in English (B2 minimum), it includes a compulsory eight-week internship and a master's thesis.

Overview

Criteria	Details
Programme	Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
Institutions	UNU-EHS + University of Bonn
Location	Bonn, Germany
Duration	2 years (4 semesters), full-time
Programme start	October 2027
Teaching language	English (B2 minimum, C1 recommended)
Tuition fees	None (semester contribution ~€310 + €100 UNU x3)
Scholarship	Fully funded DAAD EPOS (limited)
Application deadline	31 October 2026 (23:59 CET)

 

About the Joint Master's Programme

The Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security is an international postgraduate programme jointly offered by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn.

The two-year, full-time and residential programme is delivered in Bonn, Germany. It combines advanced academic study with practical training in environmental risks, climate change, disaster management, human security, vulnerability, resilience and sustainable development.

The programme merges the academic strengths of Bonn's Department of Geography with the applied, policy-oriented research environment of UNU-EHS, allowing students to study environmental risks from both physical and human geography perspectives while connecting learning to international development, policymaking and humanitarian practice.

For students exploring other fully funded international study routes, the Open Doors Russian Government Scholarships offer another pathway to postgraduate education abroad.

Programme Benefits

Benefit	Details
Tuition fees	None
Semester contribution	~€310 per semester (includes public transport ticket)
UNU contribution	€100 for each of the first three semesters
DAAD EPOS stipend	€992 monthly (scholarship holders)
Insurance	Health, accident, and personal liability coverage
Travel allowance	Provided unless covered by another source
Possible extras	Monthly rent subsidy + family allowance

Eligibility Requirements

Academic Background

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Geography or a closely related discipline. Most completed coursework must relate to three areas:

Area	Relevant Subjects
Human Geography & Social Sciences	Society, development, social vulnerability, human-environment relationships
Scientific Methodology	Research design, qualitative/quantitative methods, statistics, field research
Physical Geography & Environmental Sciences	Earth system science, climate processes, natural hazards, ecosystems

DAAD EPOS Scholarship Requirements

The Joint MSc is supported through the DAAD EPOS funding scheme. Admission does not guarantee a scholarship — applicants may be admitted as self-funded students.

Additional EPOS Conditions:

• Be from an eligible developing or emerging country
• Strong academic results (upper third of graduating class)
• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience after the bachelor's
• Most recent degree obtained no more than 6 years before the deadline
• No existing master's in a similar field
• Intent to pursue a development-oriented career (not primarily academic/PhD)
• Normally not resident in Germany for more than 15 months by the deadline

Mandatory Academic Writing Sample

Every applicant must submit an academic essay in English (max 1,000 words) explaining:

1. How academic/professional experiences influenced their subjects of interest
2. How these could contribute to a possible thesis
3. Why the proposed perspective addresses a research gap

Requirements: APA style, max 10 references, submitted as separate PDF with authenticity declaration: "I confirm to have written the essay myself, without the use of AI."

⚠️ Plagiarism and AI checks may be applied.

How to apply

Resource	URL
Official Programme Page	UNU-EHS Joint MSc
Online Application	Apply for October 2027 intake
DAAD EPOS Info	Development-Related Postgraduate Courses