- General
- Thematic Areas
- Fees and Expenses
- Scholarships and Funding
- Entry Requirements
- Online Application
- Admissions Decisions
- Living in Tokyo
- After UNU-IAS
General
How will I be assigned a supervisor?
Based on your research topics, supervisors will be allocated after you enrol in the programme. At the time of application, you do not need to choose a supervisor, but must select one thematic area. You may consult the list of faculty members to assess compatibility with your research interests.
What is the status of the PhD programme at UNU-IAS?
UNU is not a Japanese organization; it is a UN entity established by the United Nations General Assembly. The United Nations University is officially recognized as a foreign institution of higher education by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT). As such, approval and quality assurance of the UNU-IAS postgraduate degree programmes are provided as follows:
1. Establishment of UNU and its postgraduate degree programmes
The UNU Charter was adopted in the 28th session of the UN General Assembly (6 December 1973). In its 64th session (21 December 2009), the UN General Assembly approved two amendments (additions) to the UNU Charter — article I, paragraph 8 and article IX, paragraph 2bis (A/RES/64/225) — explicitly authorizing UNU to “grant and confer master’s degrees and doctorates”.
2. Quality assurance of the postgraduate degree programmes
The National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation (NIAD-UE) of Japan, currently known as the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE), conducted a Third-Party Evaluation in 2014–2015 and concluded that the master’s and doctoral programmes of UNU-IAS met the Standards for Evaluation and Accreditation set. For more information, please visit the NIC-Japan website.How long is the PhD programme? When does it start?
The standard period of study for the PhD programme is three years. Students are expected to complete all coursework and their thesis on-site over a three-year period. The programme starts in September each year, with students expected to complete all the requirements by August in the third academic year after enrolment.
Do you allow students to attend part-time? Do you offer online courses?
The programme is offered on a full-time basis only. Students need to reside in Tokyo at least for the five semesters out of the six semesters to attend lectures and seminars. UNU-IAS does not offer online degree programmes.
Can I visit UNU-IAS prior to applying? Do you have an open campus day?
Unfortunately, we are not able to hold any in-person information sessions or campus tours. Please contact us through the inquiry form if you have any questions. UNU-IAS organizes an information session for prospective students once a year, usually in December and it will be announced on the UNU-IAS website and social media. [Top]
Thematic Areas
Can you give an example of research that fits into a particular thematic area?
If you would like to study the impact of climate change on water access, you would select Water & Resource Management (WRM). If you would like to study climate governance and how it is linked to the implementation of the SDGs, you should choose Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (GCSD). Information about each thematic area is available here. More information about research conducted by our previous students is available here.
How do I select a relevant thematic area?
Depending on your interest, you must choose one of the four thematic areas at UNU-IAS. Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (GCSD) focuses primarily on the implementation and governance of SDGs and climate change, with relevant interlinkages and synergies with other global environmental issues. The Biodiversity and Society (BDS) area focuses on socio-ecological production landscapes, traditional knowledge systems and nature-culture linkages. Water & Resource Management (WRM) primarily focuses on water-related concerns, stress and access in both developed and developing countries. The Innovation and Education (IVE) area focuses on access to education and SDGs achievement through formal and informal education systems. In addition to the primary focus of each thematic area, there are interdisciplinary aspects associated with sustainability science research. However, when choosing your thematic area, please be careful to select one which is based on the primary focus. [Top]
Fees and Expenses
How much money will I need to cover the three-year programme?
Besides the tuition fees (USD 12,000 per year), according to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), the average monthly living cost is JPY 130,000 excluding any additional expenses such as the travel, research, etc. For a detailed cost breakdown and more information, please visit the JASSO website.
Are there other fees besides the USD 12,000 annual tuition?
No processing fee is required for application.
Do you have a payment plan for tuition or do I need to submit a full payment?
Students must pay the full amount of the annual tuition (USD 12,000) before each academic year or half the amount of the annual tuition (USD 6,000) before the commencement of each semester. The tuition for the first semester (USD 6,000, non-refundable) should be paid by the due date on the invoice issued after the result announcement and prior to enrolment.
Can I pay for tuition with a credit card?
No. We do not accept credit card payments. Currently, the only method of payment accepted is wire transfer. Details will be provided in the acceptance letter to admitted students. [Top]
Scholarships and Funding
Does UNU-IAS offer financial assistance for students?
UNU-IAS offers some scholarship positions, but slots are limited and competitive. The Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU) Scholarship is available for outstanding applicants from countries included in the latest OECD DAC list of ODA recipients who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Details are available on the PhD programme page.
How can I apply for a scholarship available at UNU-IAS?
No separate application is required to apply for scholarships. An applicant who wishes to apply for a scholarship should answer the relevant questions on the application form.
What is the FAFSA school code for UNU-IAS?
UNU-IAS does not hold a code for the U.S. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) system. Citizens from the United States are encouraged to find other funding sources. [Top]
Entry Requirements
Am I eligible to apply?
You are eligible to apply as long as you have met our entry requirements and submit the application form by the application deadline. Please check the Admission Policy and Requirements on the PhD programme page.
Do I need to have a master’s degree in a certain field?
Please check the Admission Policy and Requirements on the PhD programme page.
Do I need any professional experience in order to apply for the programme?
Applicants for the PhD in Sustainability Science are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline:
A completed master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability and a minimum of two years of professional field experience related to UNU-IAS research themes which was acquired after obtaining a university degree (full time equivalent);
OR
Two completed master’s degrees, at least one of which must be in a discipline related to sustainability studies (those who expect to receive a second master’s degree before the entrance period of September 2026 may also apply).May I send original transcripts and proof of awarded degree directly?
No. Each document must be arranged as instructed in the PhD Application Guidelines. The following is a list of documents required for the PhD programme. Applicants are expected to check the detailed requirements for each document in the Application Guidelines. Unless documents are submitted in the manner requested, they will not be considered.
❖Original documents required directly from the issuing organizations, preferably by email
1) Official transcripts
2) Proof of awarded degree
3) Proof of expected graduation and student registration certificate (if applicable)
4) Proof of English language proficiency❖Digital documents required via email
5) Employment certificate (submitted directly by the employer)
6) Personal identification document (submitted by applicants)
7) Additional documents for scholarship applications, or a letter from the sponsor (if applicable; submitted by applicants)❖Three letters of recommendation (submitted directly by the referees via email)
Referees must send reference letters directly to the Admissions Office.My TOEFL/IELTS score is lower than your requirement. Can I still submit my application?
Applicants for the programme need to show sufficient written and verbal English language skills prior to enrolment to the programme. All courses are taught in English and students are expected to demonstrate fluency to actively participate in high level academic courses. If you are unable to submit a sufficient score prior to the application deadline, we ask that you continue to improve your English ability, take the test again and apply for the programme next year or in the near future.
I will take TOEFL/IELTS next month and cannot submit the score by the application deadline. Can I submit the score after the deadline?
No. You must have your TOEFL/IELTS scores by the application deadline as you need to enter the score in the application form. A copy of the score report should be delivered by the deadline designated in the Application Guidelines.
Do I need a score from the Japanese Language Proficiency Test? Do you require applicants to speak Japanese?
No. We do not require the Japanese Language Proficiency Certificate, nor do we require applicants to speak Japanese. Our courses are conducted entirely in English. [Top]
Online Application
I do not have a full-time work experience. Can I write about my part-time job/internship/volunteering activities in the section of Professional Background?
Please do not write about your internships, part-time jobs or volunteer activities in the Professional Background section as it pertains to full-time employment. If your internship or part-time job experience relates to your personal achievements which you would like to bring to our attention, please write about them in Essay 2 of the application.
Can I submit three professional references?
Please provide at least one academic reference. The reason why we request at least one academic reference is to assess the applicant’s academic competency in pursuing a PhD degree programme. You may submit three professional references; however, it is in your best interest to submit academic references whenever possible.
Do I need to create an account?
No. There is no need to create an account. Please access the application form through the link provided in the Application Guidelines.
Can I save my application form and come back to it later?
Yes. Please click the ‘save and continue later’ button in the application form. You will need to have all the materials ready before starting your application. The Application Guidelines provide step-by-step instructions on how to fill in the application form.
I wish to apply for the programme, but I have limited internet access.
UNU-IAS requires you to complete an online application to be considered for the programme. Paper-based applications are not available. We recommend that you review the Application Guidelines and prepare all the required materials beforehand to reduce the amount of time that you need to use internet. You must read the Application Guidelines thoroughly and carefully before starting to fill in the application form.
My referee cannot send a letter of reference by the application deadline. Can you accept a letter after the deadline?
All supporting documents and letters of reference should be delivered to the UNU-IAS Admissions Office by the designated deadlines. Incomplete or delayed letters will not be considered.
What should I do if my referee cannot send the letter in English?
All application materials need to be in English. If your referee is unable to provide a letter in English, the reference letter must be accompanied by an official or certified translation provided by a school, public notary, professional translator or other recognized service. For validity reasons you cannot do the translation yourself, even if you are qualified to do so.
My school is sending my transcript to you directly. Should I wait until you receive them before sending you my application materials?
No. Please submit the online application form by the designated deadline. All supporting documents, including the transcript, should be delivered directly to the UNU-IAS Admissions Office by the separately designated deadline. Details are available in the Application Guidelines.
I attended three universities. Do you need all the transcripts?
Yes, please provide the transcripts from all schools attended unless your main transcript clearly shows the name of the institutions you transferred from, the period of enrolment for each, and the names and grades received for all course work.
Is it possible to retrieve my original documents after the submitting my application?
No. UNU-IAS will not return any submitted documents.
My referee says he/she has not been contacted by UNU-IAS or given instructions on how to submit the reference letters.
UNU-IAS will not contact the referee. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact two referees and obtain approval to provide references directly to UNU-IAS via email. Details are available in the Application Guidelines.
My referee could not submit a reference letter. Can I submit a paper version on their behalf?
No. All reference letters must be submitted online by the referees themselves. [Top]
Admissions Decisions
Can I defer my offer?
Yes. UNU-IAS allows deferral of admission to the next enrolment in September by submitting a Request Form for the Deferral of Admission. To enrol in the following year, you must contact us by the date specified on the form. Please note that scholarships cannot be deferred.
Why was I rejected?
We do not provide individual feedback on unsuccessful applications.
How are admission decisions made? What are the criteria?
Admission decisions are based on institutional review using a combination of factors, including academic degrees and records, essays, research plan, letters of reference and relevant work experience (if any). UNU-IAS also considers the suitability of your professional goals to the degree programme and to the research interests of the programme's faculty.
I want to withdraw my application. What should I do?
Those who wish to withdraw from the application process must contact the Admissions Office immediately via the Inquiry Form.
Can you tell me the status of my application?
No. The Admissions Office does not reply to inquiries regarding the application status or admission decisions by email or phone during the review period of applications. Only the successful applicants will be contacted for further steps. Unsuccessful applicants will not be individually notified via email or telephone by the Admissions Office.[Top]
Living in Tokyo
How do I apply for a Japanese visa?
Upon acceptance into the programme we will provide you with all the necessary information and documentation for obtaining a Japanese student visa.
Can you help me find housing in Tokyo?
Admitted students are provided with a handbook that provides information and advice on finding housing in Tokyo. Students are expected to secure their own housing for this programme. If you would like to live in the Tokyo International Exchange Center (TIEC) residence halls, UNU-IAS will apply for a room there on your behalf, though admittance is not guaranteed.
How much will it cost me to live in Tokyo?
The annual tuition is USD 12,000. In addition to this fee, we anticipate that it will cost you approximately an average of JPY 1,560,000 per year to live in Tokyo according to the information on the JASSO website.
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After UNU-IAS
What kinds of career opportunities are available to the graduates of the programme?
We expect our students to become important human resources who will contribute to solving global issues by serving in UN agencies, international organizations, government agencies and other similar institutions. However, it depends entirely on the students themselves what kind of job they will find after they have completed the programme.
Will participating in this course guarantee me a position at the UN after graduation?
Completing our programme does not guarantee employment at any UN agencies or any other international organizations. [Top]