Resources for Students

Information and support for prospective and current students

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 2023–2024

Autumn Semester 1 September 2023 – 7 February 2024 
(Make-up period: 5 February – 7 February 2024)
Winter Break 23 December 2023 – 3 January 2024
Spring Break 8 February – 31 March 2024
Spring Semester 1 April – 18 July 2024 
(Make-up period: 16 – 18 July 2024)
Summer Break 19 July – 31 August 2024

UNU Official Holidays 2024

February 23 February
April 10 April
May 3 & 6 May
June 17 June
July 15 July
August 12 August
September 16 September
October  14 October
November 4 November

UNU-IAS Academic Calendar 2024–2025

Autumn Semester 2 September 2024 – 5 February 2025 
(Make-up period: 3 February – 5 February 2025)
Winter Break 23 December 2024 – 5 January 2025
Spring Break 6 February – 31 March 2025
Spring Semester 1 April – 17 July 2025 
(Make-up period: 14 – 16 July 2025)
Summer Break 17 July – 31 August 2025

All dates are subject to change.