Closing Date: 31 October 2026
Fully Funded by DAAD EPOS scholarship: Apply now for the UNU Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security 2027
Apply for the 2027 Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security in Germany Fully Funded by DAAD EPOS scholarships
Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security 2027: Scholarships in Germany
The Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security 2027 offers an opportunity for graduates to pursue a two-year master’s degree in Germany, focusing on climate change, environmental hazards, disaster management and human security. The programme is jointly offered by the University of Bonn and the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS).
Students interested in environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and development can gain advanced research skills and practical experience through this international programme. Eligible applicants from developing countries can also apply for DAAD EPOS scholarships, which provide financial support for postgraduate study in Germany.
About the Joint MSc Programme
The Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security programme explores how environmental change and natural hazards affect people, communities and societies. It examines issues such as vulnerability, resilience, climate adaptation and the management of environmental risks.
The programme combines geographical research, earth system science and social science perspectives. Students learn to analyse environmental challenges and develop approaches to managing risks in different social and geographical contexts, with particular attention to developing countries and the Global South.
The degree is taught in English and takes two years, or four semesters, to complete. It includes ten taught modules during the first three semesters, followed by a compulsory internship of at least eight weeks and independent research for a master’s thesis.
Areas of Study
The programme covers several important areas, including:
- Climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability.
- Disaster management and disaster risk reduction.
- Vulnerability assessment, resilience and risk governance.
- Development geography and human–environment relationships.
- Ecosystem services and earth system science.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
- Research methods, forecasting and environmental risk prediction.
- Humanitarian response and environmental security.
Students also have opportunities to engage with ongoing research at the participating institutions and gain exposure to international organisations and research networks.
Scholarship Information: DAAD EPOS
One of the main funding opportunities associated with this degree is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) scholarship.
The DAAD EPOS programme supports qualified professionals from eligible developing countries who want to pursue development-related postgraduate studies in Germany. Scholarship funding is competitive, and admission to the master’s programme does not automatically guarantee a scholarship.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Monthly stipend of €992 for graduate-level scholarship holders.
- Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance.
- A travel allowance, unless travel costs are covered by another source.
- Possible additional monthly rent support under certain conditions.
- Possible allowances for accompanying family members under certain conditions.
The master’s programme itself is tuition-free, although students must budget for the applicable semester contribution and other personal expenses. Applicants should confirm the precise funding arrangements for the 2027 intake with the programme and DAAD.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must first meet the academic admission requirements for the master’s programme.
Generally, candidates should:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Geography or a related and relevant academic discipline.
- Have an academic background covering human geography and social sciences, empirical research methods, and physical geography or environmental sciences.
- Demonstrate English-language proficiency through an accepted certificate, unless exempt under the programme’s stated rules.
- Show a strong interest in environmental risks, human security and interdisciplinary study.
Applicants whose academic backgrounds are primarily in engineering are specifically advised that this programme is not targeted at engineering graduates. Applicants with international relations backgrounds also need a strong connection to environmental risks to be considered. PhD students and PhD holders are not eligible.
Additional requirements for DAAD EPOS applicants
To be considered for the DAAD EPOS scholarship, candidates must also:
- Be citizens of a country included in the DAAD’s eligible-country list.
- Have at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing their bachelor’s degree.
- Have obtained their latest academic degree no more than six years before applying.
- Have a development-oriented career goal and intend to work as a practitioner after graduation rather than primarily pursue an academic career or PhD.
- Meet the scholarship’s academic and documentation requirements.
Applicants should verify the latest country eligibility list and EPOS requirements before applying.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the October 2027 intake is 31 October 2026. Applicants seeking DAAD EPOS funding must submit the additional scholarship documents alongside their programme application.
How to Apply
- Visit the official programme website and read the application instructions and FAQs.
- Complete the online application form.
- Prepare the required documents, including a motivation letter, Europass CV, academic certificates, transcripts, English-language proof and passport copy.
- Prepare a separate academic writing sample in English, following the programme’s instructions.
- If applying for DAAD EPOS funding, include the additional DAAD application form, scholarship motivation letter, professional reference and work certificates documenting at least two years of relevant experience.
- Submit the complete application package by email to [email protected], following the required file format and submission instructions.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Review the official instructions carefully before submitting your documents.
Final Advice
This programme may suit graduates interested in environmental risk management, climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and development work. However, applicants should carefully assess the programme’s subject-specific academic requirements before investing time in an application.
