UNU-IAS assists students from the time of their registration to graduation, acknowledging that students may experience difficulties adjusting to a new country and culture. An induction programme is conducted at the beginning of the academic session, introducing students to the staff responsible for specific student services, and familiarizing students with the campus through a tour of the facilities.
Library
The UNU Library functions to support the research programmes, teaching and other activities of UNU-IAS. The collection contains over 27,000 books and a range of electronic resources including eBooks, eJournals, and UN related materials. All students are provided with a comprehensive library orientation session at the beginning of the course. Students also have access to the libraries of International Christian University, Ochanomizu University, Sophia University and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.
Housing
There are no UNU housing facilities available. 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 TIEC, the international residence halls, UNU-IAS will apply for a room there on your behalf.
Living Costs
The approximate cost to live in Tokyo for one year is $18,000. Below we provide an estimate of average costs for monthly housing and living expenses for students in Tokyo:
- Rent (central Tokyo): JPY 80,000 / $778
- Utilities (gas, electricity, water): JPY 8,000 / $78
- Compulsory National Health Insurance: JPY 3,000 / $30
- Communication (mobile, internet connection): JPY 10,000 / $98
- Transportation: JPY 10,000 / $98
- Food: JPY 32,000 / $331
- Books: JPY 9,000 / $87
Monthly total: JPY 152,000 / $1,500
UNU-IAS Academic Calendar 2025–2026
| Autumn Semester | 1 September 2025 – 6 February 2026 (Make-up period: 4–6 February 2026) |
| Winter Break | 23 December 2025 – 5 January 2026 |
| Spring Break | 6 February – 31 March 2026 |
| Spring Semester | 1 April – 17 July 2026 (Make-up period: 14–16 July 2026) |
| Summer Break | 17 July – 31 August 2026 |
UNU-IAS Academic Calendar 2026–2027
| Autumn Semester | 1 September 2026 – 5 February 2027 (Make-up period: 3–5 February 2027) |
| Winter Break | 23 December 2026 – 5 January 2027 |
| Spring Break | 6 February – 31 March 2027 |
| Spring Semester | 1 April – 16 July 2027 (Make-up period: 14–16 July 2027) |
| Summer Break | 19 July – 31 August 2027 |
UNU Official Holidays 2026
| 23 February |
| 20 March |
| 4, 5, 6 and 27 May |
| 20 July |
| 21 September |
| 12 October |
| 23 November |
All dates are subject to change.