United Nations University
Tokyo, Japan • Founded 1973
Overview
Based in Tokyo, Japan, United Nations University is a public institution that traces its founding to 1973. It functions as a higher-education provider within Japan's higher-education sector.
Academically, United Nations University delivers teaching across multiple qualification levels. Its institutional structure includes numerous faculties and schools and runs a catalogue of active programmes across multiple disciplines.
Location & Contact
Where United Nations University is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Details
Institutional vitals for United Nations University: how big, how staffed, and how recognised it is. Campus setting (urban, suburban, rural) interacts with these metrics in shaping the daily academic experience.
Degrees
United Nations University's study routes by degree level. Professional degrees (LLB, MD, BPharm) have their own conventions distinct from purely academic awards.
Other 11 programs
- Administration
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Geography (Human)
- Peace and Disarmament
- Safety Engineering
- Soil Management
- Sustainable Development
- Waste Management
- Water Management
Faculties & Divisions
Each faculty at United Nations University covers specific subject clusters. Cross-faculty supervision arrangements at the postgraduate level are sometimes available for students whose research spans disciplines.
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
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Search and filter United Nations University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
Master's Degree
1 programme
Explore 1 programme of postgraduate study at United Nations University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Master of Science in Sustainability Natural Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
United Nations University delivers 1 programme at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Science Philosophy & Ethics
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to United Nations University
A practical five-step guide to applying to United Nations University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Common questions students ask about United Nations University — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
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
The institutions topping Japan's rankings give national context for United Nations University. Context matters because employer perception in Japan often correlates with national rankings.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around United Nations University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Natural Sciences
Industry advisory boards on Natural Sciences programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each Japan alternative to United Nations University publishes its industry partners.
Universities Often Compared with United Nations University
Cross-peer scholarship reciprocity exists in some systems where peer institutions accept each other's scholarship students. Worth checking for United Nations University if location flexibility matters.
