UNU and University of Bonn Joint Master's Program 2027

The United Nations University (UNU) and University of Bonn International Joint Master’s Program are now accepting applications for 2027. This Joint Master’s degree is one of a select group of international postgraduate degrees that benefit from the German Academic Exchange Service’s EPOS funding system (DAAD). This scheme makes several fully-funded scholarships available to students from developing nations.

The two-year Master of Science program’s major goal is to offer Master’s students extensive information, critical understanding, methods, and the instruments needed to take an interdisciplinary approach to environmental threats and human security. The Master’s program addresses geographical theoretical and methodological debates to understand better the complex emergence of environmental risks and natural hazards, their implications for human-nature relations (vulnerability, resilience, adaptation), and how to deal with them in practice.

As a collaborative program of the University of Bonn’s Department of Geography and the United Nations University in Bonn, the course offers a one-of-a-kind combination of advanced conceptual and applied interactions in the field of environmental risks and human security in an international context

Courses Overview

The international MSc program is co-taught by faculty from the University of Bonn’s Geography Department and researchers from the United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security. Key areas of study include Vulnerability Assessment, Disaster Management, Climate Change Adaptation, Geomorphology, GIS, and Remote Sensing.

The program consists of 12 modules, 10 of which are taught in the first three semesters. Then, there is a mandatory 8-week internship and a Master’s thesis.

Fields of Study:

• Risk, vulnerability, and resilience
• Development geography
• Earth system science
• GIS & Remote Sensing
• Risk management and disaster response

For more details, contact: [email protected].

All documents must be submitted in English unless indicated otherwise. They must be submitted in the exact order listed below:

Online Application

A confirmation email will be sent after completing the online application.

Sign and date as explained, and attach the scanned document to the application.

Motivation Letter

1-2 pages must be dated.

For EPOS applicants: You must explain your preferences if you apply for multiple EPOS-funded programs.

Recent CV in Europass Format

In reverse chronological order, dates must correspond precisely to the attached references.

A maximum of three pages must be dated.

Academic Degree Certificate(s)

Bachelor’s or equivalent & Master’s (if available).

In German or English; otherwise, add a certified translation.

For EPOS applicants: Must be stamped and signed by the issuing university.

Transcript(s) of Records

Bachelor’s or equivalent & Master’s (if available).

In German or English; otherwise, add a certified translation.

Must include a current average grade and an overview of the grading system.

For EPOS applicants: Must be stamped by the issuing university or sent directly from the Registrar’s Office.

English Language Proficiency

Proof of English proficiency (see additional details below).

Academic Reference(s) (Recommended)

Maximum two references from former university lecturers.

Recent, dated, stamped, signed, and must contain a letterhead.

In German or English; otherwise, add a certified translation.

Copy of Passport

The page displays your name and personal information.

Other Relevant References (Optional)

Internships, previous employment, training, volunteering (maximum three references).

Do not include school certificates.

For Applicants from China, India, or Vietnam

A scan of your APS certificate.

Additional Documents (for DAAD EPOS Scholarship Applicants)

DAAD EPOS Checklist

It must be signed and dated.

Signatures must be handwritten (digital signatures not accepted).

DAAD Application Form

Must list all EPOS programs applied for.

It must be filled in, typed, not by hand, and dated.

Scholarship Motivation Letter

1-2 pages must be dated.

Build on the main motivation letter and address development-related motivations, reasons for applying to DAAD, and preferences if applying for multiple EPOS programs.

Professional Reference from Current Employer

Recent, dated, stamped, signed, and must contain a letterhead.

In German or English; otherwise, add a certified translation.

You can substitute a work certificate if it fulfills all criteria.

Work Certificate(s)

Relevant postgraduate work experience only.

Must state the exact duration (dd.mm.yyyy-dd.mm.yyyy).

Must total at least two years of documented experience by the time of application.

It must be dated, stamped, signed, and have a letterhead.

Sample of Academic Work

It must be in English and include a declaration of authenticity.

It should be an essay, research paper, or thesis (sole work, co-authored samples not accepted).

German submissions must include an English summary (2-5 pages).

Additional Information

Motivation Letter: This letter illustrates your suitability for the program by outlining your academic qualifications, knowledge of the curriculum, scientific interest, and future career goals.

English Language Proficiency: Accepted certificates with minimum scores

TOEFL (550), TOEFL IBT (79), TOEFL CBT (213), IELTS (6.5), Cambridge Exam (CAE ≥ B2; CPE), telc (B2-C1).

German applicants may provide documentation of “Leistungskurs Abitur.”

Scholarship Motivation Letter: For EPOS applicants, explain why you are applying for a DAAD scholarship, why you wish to study in Germany, and how the scholarship would support your career goals.

Eligible candidates must meet these requirements in addition to the general Master’s program criteria to apply for the DAAD Scholarship:

Applicants must be from an eligible developing country.

Have at least two years of relevant work experience (e.g., with NGOs, GOs, or the private sector).

Hold a Bachelor’s degree with the last academic degree earned no more than six years before applying.

They have no previous Master’s degree in a similar field.

Aim for a career in development practice (not academia or a PhD).

Be committed to completing the Joint Master’s and DAAD EPOS scholarship if accepted.

Notes

Candidates must submit the required documents (DAAD form, references, work certificates) for scholarship consideration. Admission to the program does not guarantee a DAAD EPOS scholarship.

EPOS funding selection occurs between February and April. Candidates not meeting EPOS criteria can explore other funding options in Germany early.

Program Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Geography or a related field. Most of their academic coursework (Bachelor’s, Master’s, additional studies) should focus on:

Human Geography and Social Sciences (spatial patterns, society, development);

Scientific methodology and empirical research methods;

Physical Geography, Geosciences, or Environmental Sciences (Earth System Science).

Graduates in Engineering, International Relations, or similar fields are not eligible unless their profile is strongly related to environmental risks.

PhD students and holders are not eligible.

Applicants must be highly motivated to contribute to human security and manage environmental risks in a multicultural, interdisciplinary setting.

Proof of English proficiency is required, except for native speakers from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the US.

The DAAD scholarship provides the following benefits for the Master’s applicants

A monthly stipend of €992 for a master’s degree

Health, accident, and liability insurance coverage

Travel allowance (if not covered by other sources)

Additional benefits may include

Rent subsidy

Family allowance for accompanying members

The Joint Master’s Program starts in October 2027, with applications open from \September to 31 October 2026.

Before applying, read all information and FAQs thoroughly.

Submit the online application form and gather the required documents, including your academic writing sample.

Rename your merged application file as “[Last name. First name].pdf” and email it to the submission email below.

Ensure the application PDF (max 8MB) is in the exact order stated, with the academic writing sample as a separate file if needed.

Incomplete, late, or mailed paper applications will not be considered.

Submission Email: [email protected]

The official UNU website provides further details about UNU and the University of Bonn Joint Master’s Program.

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