Applications for 2023 entry are now closed.
The PhD programme in Sustainability Science is a three-year programme that aims to produce scholars who will become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. The programme takes an innovative approach to sustainability, seeking to promote a better understanding of the issues by incorporating global change perspectives, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity.
The programme will equip graduates with comprehensive, multidisciplinary knowledge of sustainability problems, and deepen their understanding of the role of environmental sustainability in addressing current issues related to global change. The programme provides students with unique opportunities to interact with leading scholars and policymakers through lectures, international conferences, and workshops. Students undertake problem-oriented research by playing an active role in UNU-IAS research projects, and acquire the quantitative and qualitative analytical skills necessary to understand the underlying principles of various systems involved in sustainability issues and debates. Through coursework and research, PhD students gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as the technical literacy required to address sustainability problems.
The programme starts in September. By July of their third-year students are expected to complete all of the course requirements, obtaining at least 14 credits and completing a doctoral dissertation. 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 36 months or six academic semesters, excluding time spent on study leave of absence from the university. The PhD in Sustainability Science degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 14 credits and a doctoral dissertation project.
The language of instruction is English.
Students of the UNU-IAS doctoral 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 18 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 PhD programme includes courses featuring more than 15 international guest lecturers from leading agencies and institutions, offering students 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.
Our teaching programme is closely interconnected with UNU-IAS research activities across three thematic research areas (Sustainable Societies, Natural Capital and Biodiversity, Global Change and Resilience). Students have opportunities to gain practical experience by engaging actively in the institute’s research projects. Student research is expected to contribute to the project with which the student chooses to be affiliated; and students hone skills learned in the classroom by conducting research in the field alongside experts and seasoned practitioners.
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 PhD in Sustainability Science Programme 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 PhD in Sustainability Science are required to have met ALL of the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered:
1. A completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability in accordance with the UNU-IAS thematic areas, and a minimum of 2 years of professional field experience related to UNU-IAS research themes which was acquired after obtaining a university degree (full time equivalent);
OR
1. 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 2023 may also apply);
2. A GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% on a 100 % scale) for at least one of the Master’s degrees earned; and
3. English language proficiency.
The minimum score requirements for English language qualifications required by UNU-IAS are:
* 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).
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 pay 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 3 years are approximately USD 84,000, 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 early April 2023).
8) Referees will receive an email from the Admissions Office with a request to provide the reference by the deadline (expected to be early April 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 “PhD 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 “PhD 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 36 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.
Each student is required to (i) obtain at least 14 credits, in keeping with the instructions that will be provided during orientation, and (ii) complete all degree requirements by July of his/her third year. Students must complete a dissertation on one of several UNU-IAS research themes focusing on global change and sustainability.
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.
Elective Courses
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 “PhD Degree” is selected as the topic of your inquiry. If you have already submitted an application to us, please use the same email address as 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