Application Deadline: 11 February 2026
Seize the chance to enroll in the highly esteemed PhD in Sustainability Science programme offered by the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo. The window for submitting your application is closing soon, so ensure you apply promptly to study at a premier institution within the United Nations system.
About the PhD in Sustainability Science Programme
This doctoral programme spans three years and adopts a pioneering approach to addressing sustainability challenges by integrating perspectives on global environmental change. The curriculum is designed to provide students with an extensive, interdisciplinary grasp of sustainability-related issues, emphasizing the critical role of environmental sustainability in tackling pressing global concerns such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Throughout the programme, candidates engage in problem-focused research by actively participating in UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) projects. They develop essential quantitative and qualitative analytical competencies to comprehend the fundamental principles governing the various systems involved in sustainability debates. Students have the flexibility to choose courses offered by UNU-IAS and can also benefit from courses available at other renowned Japanese universities, including the University of Tokyo, Sophia University, and International Christian University.
Programme Structure and Language of Instruction
- The PhD programme is offered exclusively on a full-time basis.
- The academic year commences in September.
- The standard duration for completing degree requirements is 36 months (six academic semesters), excluding any approved study leaves or absences.
- By July of their third year, students are expected to have completed at least 14 credits and the doctoral dissertation.
- English is the official language used for all instruction and academic activities.
Eligibility and Admission Criteria
Applicants must fulfill the following conditions by the application deadline to be eligible for consideration:
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Possess a completed master’s degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited university or higher education institution in a sustainability-related field, along with at least two years of professional experience related to UNU-IAS research themes, acquired after earning a bachelor’s degree (full-time equivalent); OR
Hold two master’s degrees, with at least one in a sustainability discipline. Applicants expecting to complete their second master's degree before September 2026 are also eligible to apply. - Achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% or higher) for at least one of the master’s degrees obtained.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English. The required minimum scores are as follows:
- 600 on TOEFL Paper-Based Test (PBT)
- 100 on TOEFL Internet-Based Test (IBT)
- 7.0 on IELTS Academic format
Note: Applicants who have completed at least two consecutive years of full-time study in an English-medium university degree programme may submit a certification from their university confirming that English was the sole language of instruction, in lieu of standardized test scores. This certificate must be sent directly to UNU-IAS by 27 February 2026.
Application Process
For comprehensive details on how to apply, please consult the official PhD Application Guidelines. This document provides step-by-step instructions for the application submission.
Courses Offered
The curriculum is reviewed annually, so course availability may vary from year to year. Below is an overview of typical courses included in the programme:
Compulsory Courses
- Trans-disciplinary Graduate Research Seminar I & II
- Sustainability Science Research Seminar I & II
Elective Courses
- The United Nations System and Sustainable Development*
- Global Change and Planetary Boundaries*
- Principles of International Development Project*
- Water Resources Systems
- Education for Sustainable Development: From Global Agendas to Local Actions
- Understanding the Mechanism to Implement the Paris Agreement to the UNFCCC
- Enhanced Climate Action through High Integrity Carbon Markets: Practicum on the Implementation of the Paris Agreement Article 6**
- The Law and Practice of the United Nations
- Climate Justice and the Right to Education
- Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems and Analysis: Theory and Application
- Environmental Statistics and Research Methods
- Studies of Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes
- From SDGs to Climate Change: Integrating SDGs into Climate Change Actions
- Climate Change Mitigation through the Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Practicum on the Implementation of the Paris Agreement**
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
The jfUNU Scholarship is a highly competitive award available to qualified students admitted to the PhD programme. There is no separate application required for the scholarship; applicants must indicate their interest by submitting the relevant information during the main application process.
What the Scholarship Covers
- A monthly stipend of 120,000 Japanese Yen for a maximum period of 36 months to support living expenses.
- Potential waiver of tuition fees for scholarship recipients.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the jfUNU Scholarship, candidates must:
- Be nationals of ODA recipient countries (as per the latest OECD DAC list) and demonstrate financial need.
- Not currently reside in Japan under a work visa.
- Not be enrolled in any other PhD programme, nor have previously earned a PhD from an institution other than UNU-IAS.
Additional Scholarship Recipient Obligations
- Recipients must submit a brief essay reflecting on their learning experiences at UNU to be shared with the donor organization.
- Prior to graduation, scholarship holders are required to provide a letter of gratitude to the donors, including their future career plans.
- Recipients agree to actively engage with jfUNU by participating in related events, activities, and opportunities offered to students.
