Applications for 2023 entry are now closed.
The Master of Science in Sustainability is a two-year programme, which provides students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to contribute to solving challenges of sustainability. Drawing on an innovative, interdisciplinary approach, the programme integrates methods and resources from the natural and social sciences, as well as the humanities. The programme aims to produce the policymakers and researchers of tomorrow, who will be at the forefront of global efforts towards a more sustainable future. Studying at UNU-IAS brings the unique benefits of:
The programme is intended for recent graduates, professionals and practitioners who seek to meaningfully contribute to the work of governments, civil society, the private sector, and/or the UN and other international organisations in the area of sustainability.
The programme builds on UNU’s strong record in research and capacity development, as well as the extensive network of scholars and academic institutions participating in UNU research. The programme is practice-oriented, user-focused, and of the highest academic quality. It provides students with unique opportunities to interact with leading scholars and policymakers through lectures, international conferences, and workshops.
The academic year starts in September. By July of the second year students must fulfill the course requirements, obtaining at least 30 credits and completing a thesis. Students can select courses from those offered by UNU-IAS, while also enjoying the opportunity to take courses at other leading universities in Japan such as the University of Tokyo, Sophia University, and International Christian University.
The UNU-IAS postgraduate programmes are closely interconnected with the institute’s research activities. Students have opportunities to gain practical experience by engaging actively in the research projects in UNU-IAS thematic areas. The courses offered correspond to these thematic areas under the overarching theme of sustainability.
Applicants are required to choose one of these thematic areas and propose relevant research to conduct at UNU-IAS. A description of each thematic area is available here.
Student research is expected to contribute to the project with which the student chooses to be affiliated. Students hone the skills learned in the classroom by conducting research in the field alongside experts and experienced practitioners.
The programme is taught by an expert teaching faculty comprising both UNU-IAS academic staff and invited distinguished scholars and practitioners.
Please see the list of UNU-IAS faculty members here.
The programme is offered on a full-time basis only. The standard period to complete the degree requirements is 24 months or four academic semesters, excluding time spent on study leave of absence from the university. The Master of Science in Sustainability degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 30 credits and a master’s thesis project.
The language of instruction is English.
Under the GSD specialisation, the Master’s programme also aims to enhance capacity for implementing the Paris Agreement and provide a practicum training opportunity in collaboration with global partners, with the purpose to contribute to their own country’s climate policy objectives through the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Enrolled students can earn the diploma of Master’s degree with concentration of Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
Strong interest and knowledge are required on the international and national climate policy, including national mitigation and adaptation planning, scenario analysis on greenhouse gas emission, governance and law on climate change, carbon market mechanisms, and nature-based solutions.
UNU-IAS and the Department of Urban Engineering in the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo offer a double master’s degree programme. Students first spend two years at the University of Tokyo, obtaining a Master of Engineering degree. After graduating from the University of Tokyo, students enroll at UNU-IAS for one year to obtain a Master of Science in Sustainability degree. The total amount of time required for this double degree programme is three years.
If you wish to enroll in this double degree programme, you must be accepted to both master’s degree programmes (the UNU-IAS MSc in Sustainability, and the Master of Engineering offered by the University of Tokyo). Information on the Master of Engineering degree is available on the University of Tokyo website. Please note that each university has different admission requirements and application deadlines.
Students of the UNU-IAS master’s degree programme are also encouraged to pursue one of two joint diplomas in sustainability science, which are offered in partnership with the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (UT-GSFS), and with Sophia University. These diploma programmes require students to gain 34 credits, of which eight must be from courses specified by UNU-IAS and the partner university under the respective joint diploma programme. A joint diploma can only be awarded to students who successfully complete the two-year UNU-IAS master’s degree programme.
UNU-IAS is a global university located in Tokyo, with all classes conducted in English. Sharing a building with many UN agencies, it offers a unique learning environment for its diverse and international student body. The master’s degree programme includes courses featuring more than 15 international guest lecturers from leading agencies and institutions, providing students with opportunities to learn from their unique expertise and experience. The class sizes are sufficiently small and students benefit from interactive and personalized teaching.
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, Temple University Japan, and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.
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.
Students are provided with a handbook about living in Tokyo prior to their arrival, including information on how to find and secure accommodation.
The Academic Calendar shows important dates and university holidays for the academic year.
The UNU-IAS Postgraduate Programmes in Sustainability / Sustainability Science seeks students with the following qualities:
1. Students who possess a firm academic interest in the pressing global issues on the UN agenda, in particular those of sustainability, and a strong desire to contribute to the solving of problems concerning global environment and society through a transdisciplinary approach;
2. Students who have adequate research skills and clear questions related to global issues as well as a strong desire to engage in research in UNU-IAS thematic areas, with the potential and motivation to succeed in our programmes;
3. Students who have the intention to proactively apply academic research findings to policymaking, and aim to pursue careers in international fields in public service or private organisations, including United Nations, multinational corporations, and non-governmental organisations as well as research academic institutions.
Applicants for the Master of Science in Sustainability are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered. Those who wish to participate in the double degree programme of UNU-IAS and the University of Tokyo (Department of Urban Engineering in the Graduate School of Engineering) must be shortlisted by the University of Tokyo before submitting an application to UNU-IAS.
* Please note that TOEFL and ILTS test scores are valid for two years. Invalid test scores will not be accepted. IELTS Indicator (7.0 and above) and TOEFL iBT Home Edition (100 and above) may be accepted for those who reside in a country where either IELTS or TOEFL test services are not provided due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
UNU-IAS requires original TOEFL/IELTS score reports (no photocopies accepted).
Application Processing Fee: None
Tuition Fee: USD 10,000 per year*
To secure admission, successful applicants will be required to pay at least 50% of the tuition fee for the first academic year (USD 5,000, non-refundable) within 10 UNU working days** after the result announcement and prior to enrolment. Students who choose to pay annually must make a full one-year tuition payment before the commencement of the academic year. Successful applicants are required to submit all documents and pay the tuition fee by the deadline.
The estimated total expenses for living and studying in Tokyo for 2 years are approximately USD 56,000, including tuition. Applicants must ensure adequate financial resources to meet the full costs of educational and living expenses.
* The fee is subject to change.
** UNU holidays are listed in the UNU-IAS Academic Calendar.
Applications for 2023 entry are now closed.
17 February 2023 (23:59 Japan Standard Time)
Any enquiries after the deadline regarding unsuccessful submissions due to any personal circumstances, including technical difficulties, will not be accepted. Please ensure that you start your application well ahead of time.
Application Guidelines for 2023
Please carefully read the Guidelines for detailed application information and materials. To submit your application, please follow the steps below.
All applicants:
1) Review the checklist and prepare the application materials as listed in the Guidelines.
2) Register online to obtain the Application Form using this link: Registration for Applications.
3) Receive an email from UNU-IAS Admissions Office with a link to the Application Form.
4) Submit the Application Form by the deadline (17 February 2023).
5) Receive an automatic email to confirm that the Admissions Office has received your application.
Applicants who are shortlisted for an interview:
6) Receive an email regarding when and how to submit additional supporting documents.
7) Submit the supporting documents via email by the deadline (expected to be late March 2023).
8) Referees will receive an email from the Admissions Office with a request to provide the reference by the deadline (expected to be late March 2023).
The application must be done in one sitting – you cannot save your application and continue it later. Before you start your Application Form, please gather all necessary materials listed in the Application Guidelines and make sure to have all of them ready to fill in the Form.
The Application Form is composed of 12 sections of questions and essays. There are back/next buttons at the bottom of each section in the form, which enable you to go back to previous sections to edit the answered boxes before you click the submit button at the end of the form.
Those who wish to withdraw from the application process should contact the Admissions Office through the online inquiry form. When submitting the form, please ensure that “MSc Degree” is selected as the topic of your inquiry, and please use the same email address that you used when submitting your application.
Before contacting the Admissions Office, please check the Frequently Asked Questions for an answer to your question. For any other questions, please use the inquiry form and choose “MSc Degree” as the topic.
Please do not call the Admissions Office regarding application status or admission decisions as UNU-IAS will not release such information by telephone.
UNU-IAS may at any time require applicants to provide verification of the information and documents submitted as part of their application and/or additional information including, but not limited to, an interview.
The scholarships listed below are competitive and may be awarded to eligible students who have been accepted for enrolment in the UNU-IAS Master of Science in Sustainability programme. There is no separate application form for the scholarships as it is part of the main online application form for admission. Interested applicants must provide the necessary information and documents for the scholarships when applying to the master’s degree programme.
The jfUNU scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY as a support package for a maximum of 24 months. The tuition fees may be waived for the scholarship recipients.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
*Developing countries included in the latest OECD DAC list.
The UNU Rector’s Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and provides a monthly allowance of 130,000 JPY (subject to change) for living expenses for a maximum of 24 months. Travel costs to and from Japan with a fix amount are also covered, and a research allowance is provided. Other costs such as visa handling fees and health/accident insurance must be covered by the student.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
*Developing countries included in the latest OECD DAC list.
The Resona Bank scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and provides a monthly allowance of 130,000 JPY (subject to change) for living expenses for a maximum of 24 months. Travel costs to and from Japan (up to JPY 260,000) are covered, and a research allowance is provided. Other costs such as visa handling fees and health/accident insurance must be covered by the student.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
*Developing countries included in the latest OECD DAC list.
A limited number of scholarships are offered for the UNU-IAS Master of Science in Sustainability programme under the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP). The award of the scholarship is based on application selection results. Only applicants that are accepted for enrolment in the UNU-IAS Master of Science in Sustainability programme can be considered as candidates for the ADB scholarship.
Full tuition, subsistence allowance including housing allowance, thesis research allowance, medical and accident insurance, books, and instrumental allowance will be covered by the scholarship. The monthly subsistence allowance including housing allowance for one person for the academic year 2022-23 is JPY 147,000 (subject to change). An economy class airfare will also be provided for the most direct route between the scholar’s home country and Tokyo Narita International Airport.
Further information is available on the ADB website.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Interested applicants should submit the following documents in addition to the application documents required by UNU-IAS. Please upload/submit the following documents when instructed by the Admissions Office.
Note: Each income certificate must show annual income in your local currency and US dollars, and be written in English with a signature or a stamp. Please only submit authorised certificates issued by public agencies. For parents who are retired, unemployed or deceased, kindly submit a certificate issued by a local agency, company or government, with a signature or a stamp as applicable.
The scholarships will provide 50,000 JPY for living expenses for a maximum of 24 months. However, travel costs to and from Japan, visa handling fees, and health/accident insurance costs must be covered by the student.
The tuition fees (10,000 USD per year) will not be waived.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Priority will be given to applicants who have been involved in volunteering and/or activities related to international cooperation. Applicants who are willing to engage in such activities are also eligible to apply.
Following graduation, applicants are expected to continue to update the organisation on their career progression.
Each student is required to obtain at least 30 credits to receive a master’s degree, in keeping with the instructions that will be provided during orientation.
Note: The curriculum is reviewed on a yearly basis, so the course offerings may not be identical to the ones listed below.
Overview Courses (Compulsory)
Courses marked with * are compulsory for first-year MSc and PhD students. To obtain a degree of Master of Science in Sustainability with concentration of Climate Action for the Paris Agreement, additional compulsory courses are required.
Elective Courses
Other elective courses may also be offered. Courses marked with * are held over a short period as part of the UNU Intensive Core (IC) Courses. A wide range of elective courses offered by partner universities are also available to UNU-IAS students through credit exchange arrangements.
Before contacting us, please read through the FAQ page as your question may already be answered there.
If your question is not covered in the FAQ, please contact us using the online inquiry form. Please ensure that “MSc Degree” is selected as the topic of your inquiry. If you have already submitted an application to us, please use the same email address on the inquiry form.
United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
Admissions Office
53-70, Jingumae 5-chome
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan
T: +81 (0)3 5467-1212