Pura Vida Fellowships
The “Pura Vida” NFT Collection by Costa Rican artist, Gussa: A powerful and evocative collection of pieces that express the cultural identity and values of Costa Ricans through a universal language that connects us all: the smile. It is a tribute to the historical heritage that led Costa Rica to become the peaceful and joyful country it is today, and a testament to the enduring power art has to connect us to our past, present, and future.
The "Pura Vida" Fellowship Programme
In 2023, the University for Peace (UPEACE) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) developed the “Art for Peace” NFT collection, featuring a series of digital artwork by the talented Costa Rican artist, Gussa, entitled “Pura Vida.”
The art collection is called “Pura Vida” as it represents a unique celebration of the peace and hope behind this iconic Costa Rican phrase.
This initiative funded the “Pura Vida” Fellowship Programme, which will provide fellowships for the UPEACE-UNITAR joint Master’s and Certificate Programmes*, for LDC and SIDS nationals.
(*) Please note that the fellowships awarded for Master’s and Certificate programmes do not include travel, accommodation, food, or visa expenses.
Peace begins with a smile.
What is a Pura Vida Fellow?
The “Pura Vida” Fellowship Programme underscores UPEACE and UNITAR’s shared mission of advancing Agenda 2030, specifically SDG #4 – Quality Education for all.
The fellowship will provide nationals of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with the ability to enroll in one of our joint Master’s or Certificate Programmes as well as our Field Visits, where students can experience diplomacy and international law first-hand, with tuition fees covered. Please find more information on eligibility and application requirement below.
One (1) fellowship is available per UPEACE-UNITAR Master’s programme, as follows:
- M.A. in Gender and Development (online)
A total of three (3) fellowships are available for UPEACE-UNITAR Certificate Programmes:
- Certificate in Development Studies and Diplomacy (online)
- Certificate in Gender and Development (online)
By offering these fellowships, the “Pura Vida” Fellowship Programme strives to empower individuals from underrepresented regions with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute significantly to the fields of peace and development. Through this collaborative effort, we aim to foster a global community of professionals committed to building a more equitable and peaceful world.
Who is eligible to apply?
Nationals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) included on the United Nations’ lists below are eligible to apply for a “Pura Vida” Fellowship:
- Least Developed Countries: https://www.un.org/ohrlls/content/list-ldcs
- Small Island Developed States: https://www.un.org/ohrlls/content/list-sids
How will Fellows be selected?
Prospective fellows must apply to the UPEACE-UNITAR programme of their choice through our online application process (click on Apply Now to get started). Application deadline: 1 April 2025.
The UPEACE-UNITAR selection committee will consider the following elements when evaluating prospective fellows:
- Knowledge of international relations, development studies, international law, gender issues, and diplomacy, including the applicant’s academic degrees and relevant training
- Professional experience in the field of international relations, development studies, international law, gender issue and diplomacy
- Relevance of the applicant’s degree to the chosen programme
Eligible individuals under 30 years of age and those who identify as LGBTQI+ are strongly encouraged to apply.
Got questions? We've got answers!
If you have further questions about our Pura Vida Fellowship Programme, kindly email admissions@elearning.upeace.org