Overview
The United Nations University has its headquarters in Tokyo, where its Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is based in Shibuya.
The university was proposed by U Thant in 1969, and the UN General Assembly decided to establish it in December 1972. Today it works through institutes in several countries.
Degree teaching in Tokyo is run by UNU-IAS, which was created in 2014 by consolidating two earlier UNU institutes. It offers an MSc in Sustainability, a two-year programme of 30 credits and a thesis project, and a PhD in Sustainability Science, a three-year programme.
Both are taught in English with a single intake each September.
Both programmes charge USD 12,000 per year and have no application processing fee. The master's route asks for a related bachelor's degree, a GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and an English test score.
Joint diplomas with the University of Tokyo and Sophia University are available alongside the PhD, and a separate diploma programme covers specialisation on the Paris Agreement.
Location & Contact
Find United Nations University on the map and its contact channels below.
Academic Details
Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for United Nations University are listed below.
Faculties & Divisions
Browse United Nations University's faculties and divisions, along with the subjects they cover.
UNU Centre - Putrajaya (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
UNU Centre - Tokyo (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-MERIT
- Maastricht
- Netherlands
UNU Biotechnology Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-BIOLAC
- Caracas
- Venezuela
UNU Centre for Policy Research (Institute) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-CPR
- New York
- NY
- USA
UNU Institute for Environment and Human Security (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-EHS
- Bonn
- Germany
UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-FLORES
- Dresden
- Germany
UNU Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-INRA
- Accra
- Ghana
UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-IAS
- Tokyo
- Japan
UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (Institute) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-INWEH
- Hamilton
- ON
- Canada
UNU Institute in Macau (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU Macau
- Macau SAR
- China
UNU Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-CRIS
- Bruges
- Belgium
UNU International Institute for Global Health (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-IIGH
- Kuala Lumpur
- Malaysia
UNU Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-EGOV
- Guimarães
- Portugal
UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UNU-WIDER
- Helsinki
- Finland
Programs Offered
Browse United Nations University's programmes by level, or filter by name.
2 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan
Master's Degree 1 programme
Scholarships in Japan
Scholarships open to students attending universities in Japan are listed below.
How to apply to United Nations University
Five steps that capture how applications to United Nations University flow.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
United Nations University's catalogue includes 2 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for United Nations University's admissions process.
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3
Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through United Nations University's official website at unu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about United Nations University
Concise answers to common questions about United Nations University.
How old is United Nations University?
The institution opened in 1973 (approximately 53 years ago).
Where can I find United Nations University?
The institution is located in Tokyo, Japan.
Is United Nations University a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
Who recognises United Nations University?
United Nations University is accredited by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Where can I learn more about United Nations University?
The institution's website is unu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in Japan
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Studying in Japan: guides and resources
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