UNU-IAS PhD in Sustainability Science Scholarships

Imagine completing your doctoral research in Tokyo, embedded within the United Nations system, with access to global sustainability networks and policymakers. The UNU-IAS PhD in Sustainability Science offers exactly that—a fully funded doctoral program at the intersection of academia and international policy, housed in the UN University’s global headquarters.

At a Glance

What is UNU-IAS?

The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is a research and teaching institute of the UN University system, located in Tokyo. It conducts research and postgraduate education on sustainability, with a focus on translating research into policy impact through UN connections.

Why UNU-IAS is Unique

• UN System Access: Direct connection to UN agencies, conferences, and policy processes
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Sustainability science bridges natural and social sciences
• Policy Orientation: Research aimed at informing real-world decisions
• Global Network: Colleagues from 60+ countries, connections across UN University system
• Tokyo Location: One of the world’s great cities, with Japan’s research infrastructure

Research Areas

Primary Research Clusters

1. Governance for Sustainable Development

• Environmental governance
• Multilateral environmental agreements
• SDG implementation
• Institutional frameworks for sustainability

2. Biodiversity and Society

• Socio-ecological systems
• Traditional knowledge and biodiversity
• Conservation and livelihoods
• Natural capital and ecosystem services

3. Sustainable Urban Futures

• Urban sustainability transitions
• Climate adaptation in cities
• Smart cities and technology
• Urban-rural linkages

4. Water and Resource Management

• Water governance and policy
• Integrated water resources management
• Resource efficiency
• Circular economy approaches

5. Education for Sustainable Development

• ESD policy and practice
• Learning for sustainability
• Higher education transformation
• Global citizenship education

Cross-Cutting Themes

• Climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Science-policy interfaces
• Indigenous and local knowledge

Scholarship Package

What’s Covered

Funding Sources

Scholarships come from:

• JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency): For developing country applicants
• MEXT (Japanese Government Scholarship): For outstanding applicants
• UNU Institutional Funding: For exceptional candidates

Most funded students receive JICA scholarships, which are reserved for nationals of developing countries.

Cost of Living in Tokyo

Even with the stipend, budget carefully:

• Rent (shared): ¥50,000-80,000/month
• Food: ¥30,000-50,000/month
• Transportation: ¥5,000-10,000/month
• The stipend is modest for Tokyo—plan accordingly

Eligibility Requirements

Academic Requirements

Relevant Fields

Applicants typically come from:

• Environmental science/studies
• Geography/urban planning
• Political science/international relations
• Economics/development studies
• Sociology/anthropology
• Natural sciences (biology, ecology, etc.)
• Engineering (environmental, civil)
• Public health

Language Requirements

Native English speakers or those with English-medium degrees may be exempted

Nationality

For JICA funding: Priority given to developing country nationals For MEXT/other funding: Open to all nationalities

Application Process

Stage 1: Find a Supervisor

Critical first step: Before applying, you must identify a potential supervisor at UNU-IAS whose research aligns with your interests.

How to approach:

1. Review faculty profiles and publications on the UNU-IAS website
2. Draft a preliminary research idea (1-2 pages)
3. Email potential supervisors with your background and research interests
4. Request an informal discussion about supervision possibility

Applications without supervisor interest typically fail.

Stage 2: Application Materials

Stage 3: Review Process

1. Administrative screening: Completeness and eligibility
2. Academic review: Research quality and potential
3. Supervisor evaluation: Fit and feasibility
4. Committee decision: Final selection
5. Scholarship matching: Funding allocation

Timeline

Writing a Strong Application

The Research Proposal

This is your most important document:

Essential Elements:

• Clear research question: Specific, answerable, significant
• Literature grounding: How does this advance knowledge?
• Methodology: Detailed, feasible, appropriate
• Policy relevance: Connection to sustainability challenges
• UNU-IAS fit: Why here? Why this supervisor?
• Feasibility: Can this be done in 3 years with available resources?

Strong proposals:

• Address pressing sustainability challenges
• Connect to UN/global policy processes
• Use interdisciplinary approaches
• Have clear empirical or theoretical contributions
• Show awareness of methodological challenges

Matching with Supervisors

Your proposal should align with:

• Your potential supervisor’s expertise
• UNU-IAS research clusters
• Ongoing institute projects
• Available resources and field sites

Generic proposals not matching any faculty expertise are rejected.

The Importance of Early Contact

Supervisors are key decision-makers. Before applying:

• Research their publications thoroughly
• Explain specifically why you want to work with them
• Show how your interests complement their research
• Be professional and concise in communications

Insider Tips

Before Applying

• Start 6-12 months early: Building supervisor relationships takes time
• Read UNU-IAS publications: Understand the institute’s approach
• Attend UNU events: Many are virtual and open to the public
• Consider fieldwork needs: Does Japan work as a base for your research?

Strengthening Your Profile

• Publications matter: Even working papers or conference presentations help
• Policy experience: UN internships, government work, or NGO experience valued
• Language skills: Japanese isn’t required but can help
• Regional expertise: Deep knowledge of a specific region or country

During the PhD

• Engage with UN processes: Attend COPs, UN forums, expert meetings
• Publish early: Start submitting papers in year 2
• Network actively: UNU’s value is in its connections
• Consider secondments: Opportunities to work with other UN agencies

Career Pathways

UNU-IAS graduates typically pursue:

• UN agency positions (UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, etc.)
• International development organizations
• Government environment/sustainability ministries
• Research positions at universities
• Think tanks and policy institutes
• Consulting in sustainability

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Application Errors

• No supervisor contact: Applying without discussing with potential supervisors
• Vague research questions: “I want to study climate change” isn’t specific enough
• Poor methodology: Unclear about data collection, analysis, feasibility
• Ignoring policy relevance: Pure academic proposals without real-world connection
• Generic motivation: Not explaining specifically why UNU-IAS

Strategic Mistakes

• Wrong discipline: Applying to a sustainability program with non-environmental research
• Unrealistic scope: Proposals that would take 10 years, not 3
• No Japan logic: Research that has no reason to be based in Tokyo
• Ignoring funding constraints: Not understanding JICA priority for developing countries

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Japanese?

No. The program is fully in English. However, Japanese language skills can enhance your experience and are valued for some research areas (especially Japanese case studies).

Is this a “real” PhD?

Yes. The degree is awarded by the GRIPS (National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies) in partnership with UNU-IAS. It’s a full doctoral degree recognized internationally.

Can I work while studying?

Limited part-time work is allowed under Japanese student visa rules (up to 28 hours/week). Many students do research assistantships or translation work.

What’s the acceptance rate?

Highly competitive. Typically 10-20 students are admitted annually from hundreds of applicants, though this varies by year and funding availability.

Can I apply from developed countries?

Yes, but JICA funding (the main scholarship source) prioritizes developing country nationals. Applicants from developed countries may need alternative funding or exceptional qualifications.

Can I do fieldwork outside Japan?

Yes. Most PhD students conduct substantial fieldwork in their research regions. Travel grants are available, and 6-12 months of fieldwork is common.

Is housing provided?

Not automatically. Some university housing exists, but most students find private accommodation. The stipend must cover rent.

Is This Program Right for You?

Strong fit if:

• Your research interests align with sustainability science
• You want connections to UN policy processes
• You’re from (or studying) developing countries
• You value interdisciplinary approaches
• You can thrive in an international, multicultural environment
• Tokyo works as a base for your fieldwork

May not fit if:

• Your research has no sustainability connection
• You need immediate, high salary
• You prefer large PhD cohorts with many peers
• Your research requires resources unavailable in Japan
• You’re seeking a traditional single-discipline PhD

The UNU-IAS PhD offers something rare: doctoral training embedded within the United Nations system, with unique access to global sustainability policy processes and a truly international research community in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.