The United Nations University offers a variety of academic programmes in line with its obligations under Article I, Clause 7 of the UNU Charter, which states that “the University shall assist scholars, especially young scholars, to participate in research in order to increase their capability to contribute to the extension, application and diffusion of knowledge”.

In December 2009, the UN General Assembly approved an amendment to the UNU Charter, Article I, Clause 8, to facilitate UNU’s role as a global graduate school with the ability to “grant and confer master’s degrees and doctorates, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions”.

Across the various UNU institutes, credited programmes are offered at the master’s degree and doctorate levels. In addition, UNU continues to offer a variety of continuing professional and executive education reaching over 3,000 young professionals each year, mainly from developing countries.