Application Deadline: 1 October 2026
Start Date: 18 January 2027
End Date: 22 January 2027
Location: UNU-MERIT (Maastricht, the Netherlands) and UNU-EHS (Bonn, Germany)
Application and payment: https://www.aanmelder.nl/173050/subscribe

For any questions please contact: cdo@merit.unu.edu

The United Nations University Program on Digital Technology and Sustainable Development (DTSD) program is a unique 1-week intensive training that builds on a collaboration between UNU-MACAU (Macau), UNU-MERIT (Maastricht, The Netherlands) and UNU-EHS (Bonn, Germany). The program is designed for students currently enrolled in their bachelor's or master's programmes in higher education institutions.

We offer a programme with similar content designed for PhD students, early-career researchers and working professionals. You can find more information here.

About the program

Inspired by the global digital and green transition, the DTSD program introduces the use of AI for public policy with a truly multidisciplinary perspective, building on the Digitalisation and AI expertise of UNU-MACAU, the Public Policy, Innovation and Development focus of UNU-MERIT and the knowledge on AI and climate change of UNU-EHS. The three perspectives, brought to the participants via the classes from professors and researchers from all three UNU institutions, are provided to the participants through a series of lectures and practical exercises. The visits to UNU-MERIT in the Netherlands and UNU-EHS in Germany offer participants a firsthand experience of the United Nations University in action.

The programme will help participants with their professional career development and will prepare them for working within international organizations. In addition, the visits to campuses, and a number of (optional) social events will allow the cohort of participants to network and engage outside of class.

Structure of the programme

The programme starts on Monday 18 January 2027 at UNU-MERIT (Maastricht, the Netherlands), with sessions focusing on the foundations of public policy and AI. The next two days zoom in on the use of AI for Public Policy – e.g labour market policy and the use of monitoring and evaluation to understand best practices and learn from implemented policies. Introductory knowledge is shared through lectures, and the interactive sessions build skills of cooperation, communication, software use, data use and presentation.

On Wednesday 20 January in the evening, participants travel by bus (included in the tuition fee) to Bonn, Germany. There, the sessions at UNU-EHS will focus on the use of AI to study climate change, including elements such as climate adaptation and disaster risk management.

The programme concludes on Friday 22 January with a group activity that encompasses all learnings that were gained during the week. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate validated by the three UNU institutes.

Tentative timetable

Please find the tentative timetable here.

*Note that the timetable is based on the 2026 edition, and the specific content of the lectures is subject to change.

Learning objectives

At the end of the programme, participants will:

Know the structure of the UN and its entities
Understand how Digitalisation and AI change societies
Understand the basics of AI and are able to use it
Have the ability to link the concepts of AI and Digitalisation to Public Policy and Development
Understand the relationship between AI and Climate Change
Experience working in a team and co-create solutions for global pressing issues,
Complete a group work with the guidance of the UNU researchers and experts, and present that to the cohort and experts.

Admission

Requirements

The program is open for enrolment. We welcome bachelor or master students and recent graduates from around the globe.

Specific interest in AI, Digitalisation, Sustainability, Research and Public Policy is beneficial.

In order to be eligible for admission, applicants have to submit:

the completed enrolment application form.
a copy of a valid passport or ID-card
a CV
a passport picture
proof of enrolment at or proof of having obtained a master's or bachelor's degree
proof of meeting the English language requirement (minimum level equivalent to a 6.5 IELTS score)

Application

The deadline for applications is 1 October 2026.

Please note that you may need a visa to enter the Netherlands and Germany. Obtaining the visa is the responsibility of the participant and not getting one in time is not a valid reason to get a refund (please read the full refund policies in the section below). After full payment of the tuition fee and if the eligibility criteria are met, participants will receive a confirmation letter that can be used in the process to obtain a visa.

Payment

Tuition fees
The tuition fee for the UNU-DTSD Program is 1,250 euros per participant.

An early bird discount is provided, with a reduced tuition rate of 1,100 euros if the application takes place before 1 August 2026.

Please note that the joint UNU institutions are unfortunately not able to provide scholarships for this programme.

The tuition includes:

Registration to the programme
Access to the learning environment, including readings, software and other relevant information.
Training in Maastricht and Bonn
Bus transfer from Maastricht to Bonn and Bonn to Maastricht
Certificate of completion

The tuition does not include

Visa expenses (including health and travel insurance)
Travel from/to Maastricht (plane and train)
Accommodation expenses in Maastricht and Bonn. The organisation will provide alternative accommodation recommendations (budget and middle class options).
Meals

For payment, please use the following link: https://www.aanmelder.nl/173050/subscribe

Refund Policy for Course Withdrawal

Full Refund Before Registration Deadline: Participants who withdraw before the registration deadline (1 October) are eligible for a full refund of fees paid, minus 100 euro administration costs. Participants that signed up and paid before 1 October that are rejected their visa will still be able to cancel, minus 100 euro administration costs.

Partial Refund: If a participant withdraws after the registration deadline of 1 October, but before 15 December, they are eligible for a partial refund of 50% of the tuition. An exception is made for participants that signed up and paid before 1 October that are rejected their visa. They will still be able to cancel, minus 100 euro administration costs.

No Refund: No refunds will be issued in case of withdrawal after 15 December. An exception is made for participants that signed up and paid before 1 October that are rejected their visa. They will still be able to cancel, minus 100 euro administration costs.