The programme is jointly offered by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security and the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn. It combines advanced academic study with practical training in environmental risks, climate change, disaster management and human security, taught in English.

• A monthly scholarship payment of €992
• Payments toward health insurance
• Payments toward accident insurance
• Personal liability insurance coverage
• A travel allowance, unless travel costs are covered by another source
• A monthly rent subsidy (depending on individual circumstances)
• An allowance for accompanying family members (depending on individual circumstances)
• Tuition fees: None

• Be from an eligible developing or emerging country
• Hold an appropriate bachelor’s degree
• Have strong academic results, normally placing them within the upper third of their graduating group
• Have accumulated at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing the bachelor’s degree
• Complete the required two years of experience by the application deadline
• Have obtained their most recent academic degree no more than six years before the application deadline
• Not already hold another master’s degree in a similar field
• Intend to pursue a practitioner-oriented career in development after graduation
• Not use the scholarship principally as preparation for an academic career or PhD
• Demonstrate development-related motivation
• Be prepared to take social responsibility and support positive change in their professional environment
• Commit fully to completing the Joint MSc if selected
• Normally not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline

Applicants must comply with the following submission rules:

• Complete the online application form first
• Download or obtain the application confirmation sent by email
• Sign and date the required confirmation
• Submit the documents in the exact prescribed order
• Merge the main documents into one PDF
• Ensure the merged PDF does not exceed 8MB
• Name the application file as: LastName.FirstName.pdf
• Submit the academic writing sample as a separate PDF
• Use a separate email for the writing sample if attachment limits make this necessary
• Submit scans rather than smartphone photographs
• Use certified translations where required
• Do not send original documents
• Do not send a paper application through the post
• Ensure the complete package is received before the deadline

Applicants may be asked to present original certificates for verification after admission.

The programme aims to:

• Develop advanced theoretical and methodological expertise in environmental risks and human security
• Connect academic knowledge with practical experience
• Examine vulnerability, resilience and adaptation in different geographical contexts
• Maintain a strong focus on developing countries and the Global South
• Create an intercultural and interdisciplinary learning environment
• Strengthen students’ qualitative and quantitative research capabilities
• Develop competence in geographical information systems and remote sensing
• Provide opportunities to participate in research projects at UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn
• Facilitate interaction with the United Nations system and other international organisations
• Prepare graduates for professional careers in development, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian work, environmental governance and related fields

• Online form followed by submission of application documents by email
• Complete the online application and include the signed and dated online application confirmation as a scanned document
• Send the complete application documents by email to master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu before the deadline
• Arrange application documents in the exact order prescribed by the programme
• Start the 2027 programme application via: APPLY HERE