The DAAD Scholarship for Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security is a prestigious opportunity offered jointly by the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn (GIUB) and the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS).

This scholarship program aims to equip postgraduate students with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to address interdisciplinary challenges related to environmental risks and human security. The program emphasizes theoretical and methodological debates in geography and provides practical experiences to tackle complex issues in an international context.

This two-year Master of Science program equips postgraduate students with comprehensive knowledge, critical insight, and interdisciplinary skills to address environmental risks and human security. It delves into theoretical debates, methodological approaches, and practical strategies regarding environmental hazards and their impact on human-nature dynamics, such as vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation.

Students gain exposure to various international organizations, governmental agencies, research institutions, and private sectors engaged in disaster risk reduction, humanitarian aid, climate change research, and policy development.

The program comprises 12 modules totaling 120 ECTS credits, covering lectures, seminars, research projects, internships, and a thesis. With about 15 months of studies in Bonn, students can pursue internships and thesis work globally.

Upon completion, students will:

• Understand diverse scientific approaches in Physical and Human Geography, particularly focusing on vulnerabilities and environmental risks in the Global South.
• Engage critically with theoretical and methodological debates.
• Formulate new research questions and apply knowledge in international settings.
• Demonstrate scientific writing, proposal formulation, academic presentation, and project management proficiency.

The program targets individuals with a strong commitment to contributing to human security and environmental risk management. Applicants should exhibit motivation for multicultural and interdisciplinary learning, encouraging women and applicants from developing countries to apply.

Key Details and Dates

• Application start: 31 July, 2026
• Application Deadline: 31 October 2026
• Result Announcement Dates: April/May 2027
• Course Begins: October 2027
• Course Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
• Language Course: 2 months (for DAAD EPOS scholarship recipients)
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institution: Department of Geography at the University of Bonn
• Partner University: United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)
• Eligible Countries: Developing countries, including Afghanistan
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Candidates with a strong interest or experience in human-nature relations and risk governance in the Global South
• Field: Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security (Details below)
• Study Level: Master of Science
• Medium of Instruction: English
• Host Country: Bonn, Germany

Benefits and Financial Aids

The DAAD scholarship provides great funding for the duration of the study program that includes the following:

• A monthly allowance of 992 Euros for the Master’s degree
• Health insurance, accident, and personal liability payments
• Travel cost
• Under certain conditions, scholarship holders may receive the following additional benefits:
  • Monthly rent subsidy
  • Monthly allowance for members of the family

Further Benefits:

• Opportunity to engage in ongoing research projects at both institutions
• At least eight weeks of internship is a compulsory part of the program
• Close cooperation with the UN system and exposure to international organizations, research organizations, and private companies involved in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian aid

Fields of Study

The Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security disciplines include the following:

• Geographical approaches to risk, vulnerability, and resilience
• New approaches to development geography
• Earth system science
• Qualitative & quantitative methods, as well as GIS & remote sensing
• Social-ecological systems, risk & technology
• Risk management and governance, forecast & prediction
• Disaster management, disaster risk reduction

Eligibility Criteria

All candidates for the DAAD scholarship should meet the below requirements in addition to the program-specific criteria:

• Candidates should be from an eligible developing country (listed below)
• Possession of a Bachelor’s or equivalent (first academic degree) in Geography or a related discipline, with a majority of courses related to the three following areas:
  1. Human Geography and Social Sciences with a focus on spatial patterns, society, and development;
  2. Science methodology and empirical research methods;
  3. Physical Geography, Geosciences and Envi
• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience since graduation from the Bachelor’s degree
• Graduation from the last academic degree no longer than six years ago by the time of application.
• Not having completed another Master’s degree in a similar field of study.
• Commitment to pursue a career as a practitioner in the development field following graduation from the Master’s program
• Readiness to commit fully to the Joint Master’s degree and the DAAD EPOS scholarship if accepted
• Provide English language proficiency certificates IELTS: Band 6,0 or higher OR TOEFL: computer-based at least 213 scores, paper-based at least 550 scores, and internet-based at least 80.

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Required Documents

Applicants should provide the following required documents to apply for the Master of Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics course:

• Duly filled in and hand-signed DAAD checklist
• DAAD application form
• One Letter of Motivation indicating the applicant’s choice of postgraduate program (s), describing their previous and current professions, goals, objectives, and plans, with the current date
• Curriculum vitae (CV) in Europass Format
• University Degree certificates and a certified translation for non-German or English documents
• Transcript(s) of the previous degree
• Grading scheme(s) indicating the grading system
• Work certificates indicating two years of experience from the employer(s) (originals or certified copies)
• Reference letter from the current employer with letterhead, date, signature, and official stamp
• A reference letter from a past employer or the applicant’s previous university with letterhead, date, signature, and official stamp
• Proof of English language proficiency from non-native English-speaking countries
• Secondary school leaving certificate (GCE O- and A-level, Baccalauréat, high school diploma
• Uncertified copy of passport or identity card
• One passport photo with a 35 mm × 45 mm size and the applicant’s name on the back
• Other helpful documents, including courses, rank in the class, and awards

Notes:

• Applications must be in English or German
• Incomplete applications are not considered
• If you are applying for multiple courses, you must provide one motivation letter explaining your choices and priorities; failure to do so may result in application rejection or scholarship withdrawal.
• Check the University requirements for certified copies.

Selection Process

The following is the selection process for the applicants:

• Candidates meet academic standards for success in German study programs (top-third performance, language proficiency).
• Candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Candidates possess a minimum of two years of professional experience.
• Candidates demonstrate a development-focused motivation with a commitment to social responsibility and fostering change in their personal and professional spheres post-training/scholarship.

How To Apply?

Apply directly to the chosen study program:

• Step 1: Email your complete application(s) directly to the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn and UNU-EHS via email and complete the form.
• Step 2: A selection committee identifies potential candidates for a DAAD scholarship.
• Step 3: Contacted candidates upload their complete application to the DAAD Portal.
• Step 4: Finalize the selection process; inform candidates accordingly.

Submission Email: master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu

Notes: 

• Gather the required documents, including the academic writing sample, and rename the merged file as [last name. First name].pdf.
• Submit documents as one PDF package, not exceeding 8MB, in a specified order.
• Attach academic work samples separately, if necessary, in a separate email.
• Incomplete, late, or paper applications sent via post are not considered.

Please visit the official DAAD website for further details regarding the DAAD Scholarship for Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security, or visit the program website. For inquiries, contact master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu.

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