Scholarship details
Are you a social science enthusiast seeking a master’s degree in a prestigious institution? Do you dream of studying in a diverse and multicultural environment that fosters academic excellence and social impact? If yes, you might be interested in the Social Sciences Master’s Scholarship offered by the United Nations University (UNU).
The UNU is a global network of research and teaching institutes that aims to address the pressing challenges of human survival, development, and welfare. The UNU offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs in various fields of study, such as sustainability, public policy, environmental risks, and human security. These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the United Nations’ goals and missions.
One of the master’s programs offered by the UNU is the MSc in Public Policy and Human Development, jointly organized by the UNU-MERIT and the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance. This program trains students in designing, monitoring, and evaluating policy. It provides them with various quantitative and qualitative tools and knowledge to work in policy-related fields worldwide. The program also offers several specializations, such as social protection, migration, innovation, and foreign policy.
If you are interested in applying for this program, you might be eligible for a scholarship that covers the full tuition fee and part of the living expenses. The scholarship is funded by the Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU), which supports outstanding students from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The scholarship is highly competitive and awarded based on academic merit, motivation, and potential impact.
Scholarship Provider
The scholarship provider is the Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU), a non-profit organization that supports the activities of the UNU. The JFUNU was established in 2009 to enhance the academic and research capacity of the UNU and promote international cooperation and exchange. The JFUNU provides scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other assistance to UNU students, researchers, and faculty members.
Eligible Applicants
The eligible applicants for the scholarship are students who have been admitted to the MSc in Public Policy and Human Development program at UNU-MERIT. The applicants must meet the following criteria:
- They must be nationals of a developing country that is not a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) or the European Union (EU).
- They must have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution of higher education.
- They must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
- They must have a minimum score of 90 on the internet-based TOEFL test or 6.5 in the IELTS test or equivalent.
- They must have a strong motivation and interest in the field of public policy and human development.
- They must demonstrate a need for financial assistance and a potential for social impact.
Host Country
The host country for the scholarship is the Netherlands, a founding member of the United Nations and a leader in international cooperation and development. The Netherlands is known for its high quality of life, tolerance, and innovation. The scholarship recipients will study at the UNU-MERIT, which is located in the city of Maastricht. This historic and vibrant city is close to the borders of Belgium and Germany. Maastricht is a cultural and educational hub that hosts several international institutions, such as the European Commission and the European Court of Justice.
Scholarship Worth
The scholarship covers the full tuition fee of the program, which is 18,000 EUR for the academic year 2023/2024. The scholarship also provides a monthly allowance of 1,200 EUR for living expenses, which is paid for 12 months. The scholarship does not cover other costs, such as travel, visa, insurance, and books. The scholarship recipients are expected to cover these costs or seek other funding sources.
Level and Field of Study
The level of study for the scholarship is a master’s, and the field of study is public policy and human development. The program is a one-year, full-time, interdisciplinary program that consists of 60 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits. The program is divided into two semesters: the first semester covers the core courses on public policy analysis, research methods, and microeconomics, while the second semester offers the choice of seven specializations, such as social protection, migration, innovation, and foreign policy. The program also includes a master’s thesis and a research project on a relevant policy issue.
How to Apply
The application process for the scholarship is online and consists of two steps:
- Step 1: Apply for admission to the MSc in Public Policy and Human Development program at UNU-MERIT. The application deadline is 1 May 2024. The application requires the submission of the following documents:
- A completed online application form
- A copy of passport or ID card
- A copy of the bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript
- A copy of the English language test score
- A motivation letter
- A curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation
- A research proposal
- Step 2: Apply for the JFUNU scholarship by filling out a separate online form and uploading a statement of financial need. The application deadline is 15 May 2024. The statement of financial need should explain why the applicant needs the scholarship and how the scholarship will help the applicant achieve his or her academic and professional goals.
The applicants will be notified of the admission and scholarship decisions by the end of June 2024.
Countries that can Apply
The countries that can apply for the scholarship are the developing countries that are not members of the OECD or the EU. The list of eligible countries can be found here.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the scholarship are the same as those for admission to the program, as mentioned above. In addition, the applicants must meet the following criteria:
- They must not have received another scholarship from the UNU or any other organization for the same program.
- They must not have previously studied or worked in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the past three years.
- They must be able to start the program in September 2024 and complete it in August 2024.
- They must be willing to return to their home country or region after the completion of the program and contribute to its development.
Scholarship Deadline
The scholarship deadline is 15 May 2024. The applicants are advised to apply as early as possible, as the program has limited seats and scholarships. The applicants can check the status of their application online and contact the program coordinator for any inquiries.
