phd online japan

Apply to PhD

The Graduate School accepts about 60 full-time graduate students per year. This ensures low numbers of students for each faculty member so that we can deliver best-in-the-world teaching to our graduate students. The basic requirement for the OIST Graduate Program is completion of a Bachelors, Masters, or equivalent degree prior to the admission date. Students may submit an application at any time. Your application will be considered at the next admissions committee meeting. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Admissions Selection , held on-campus twice a year, as part of the selection process.

OIST strives to create and maintain an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment that does not discriminate against gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, medical condition, race, ethnicity, ancestry, culture, national origin, religion, or marital status. Applications from women and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged. For more details, please refer to the OIST Graduate School Three Policies.

Selection Schedule

*The schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Number of Accepting Students

The Graduate School accepts 60 students. To conduct education and research tailored to the wishes and aptitude of each student, we accept a small number of students.

Eligibility

Those who have graduated with a bachelor's or master's degree or expect to complete their degree before the date of enrollment into the PhD Program at OIST are eligible to apply.

Application Procedure

We accept application documents only online. Please prepare all necessary documents written below in English and in a PDF file and upload all necessary documents at the application website .

Note: We recommend using a computer when preparing the online application. If you prefer using a mobile device, please make sure to have the latest operating system for the application website to work properly.

Required Documents

Scanned copies of your current academic transcript and any other transcript from your past degree (BSc, MSc, etc.) along with completed diploma (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format.

• A scan of an unofficial transcript or other record of grades may be uploaded to the application website.
• English explanation is required for transcripts that are not written in English.
• If you have not graduated and do not have a diploma yet, please upload a certificate of enrollment from your institution, preferably indicating your expected graduation date.

This should be no more than 400 words (2500 characters) and should address the following points:

• The applicant’s scientific interests and aspirations.
• What the applicant hopes to gain from undertaking graduate studies at OIST.

The application system requires applicants to submit a passport number and upload a scan of their passport photo page. It is essential that applicants from outside Japan have a valid passport for travel to Japan. You must supply your passport details in the application process.

If you do not have a passport at the time of application, you can upload other government-issued identification documents instead. However, if you receive an offer after the Admissions Selection, OIST will need a copy of your valid passport immediately to prepare your visa application and travel arrangement to relocate to Okinawa.

Each applicant is required to have at least two and no more than five letters of recommendation from appropriate academic referees. Two is the minimum requirement, but as a rule, it is very helpful for the admissions committee to have three or more letters. In the online application system, the applicant will enter the name and email of each recommender. The system will then contact the referee directly for their letter.

• OIST strongly recommends that applicants ask academic referees in advance for permission to list them as recommenders. Recommendation letters need to be submitted by the deadline. Referee comments are a very important part of the selection process, and it is the applicant's responsibility to first ensure that referees are willing to submit such a letter, and then that they do submit before the deadline.
• Recommender’s letters will be treated as confidential material and will not be available to applicants or parties other than OIST faculty members assessing the application. In registering a recommender, the applicant acknowledges that there is no right to read the recommender’s letter.
• You can only submit your application after at least two recommendation letters are received in the application system.

An applicant who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university for which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English is required to provide a TOEFL iBT or IELTS score obtained within the last 2 years. Please upload a digital copy of your official score report to the application website.

• There is no minimum score required but the information is necessary in determining preparatory course requirements.

Optional Documents

The following documents may be submitted optionally, and will be taken into consideration by the selection committee if available:

• Additional evidence of academic ability such as GRE general or specific test scores obtained within the last 2 years.
• Additional material such as the title and abstract of publications and oral presentations, and other evidence of achievement.

Note: The OIST Graduate School reserves the right to request an external evaluation of academic qualifications from any applicant.

Application Fee

There is no application fee to apply for the OIST Graduate Program.

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Graduate School Admissions - Doctoral programmes

In order to enter Degree programs, students have to take and pass the entrance examinations and an interview conducted by Kobe University. Following are the general information on eligibility, selection method, and admission information for each Graduate School.

Eligibility

Applicants must be foreign nationals who do not hold Japanese nationality and have successfully completed 16 years of school education or the equivalent. Those who are expected to graduate by March 31 of the year they are entering are also eligible.

• For detailed information on each Graduate School’s eligibility requirements, please refer to each School’s website.

Selection Method

Students are selected by academic records and the result of the paper based and oral examinations conducted by each Graduate School. The types of examinations vary according to each Graduate School.

• Many international students choose to enter Kobe University as a Research Student non-degree seeking student conduct research while improving their Japanese language ability for about 1 year, and then move on to a degree-seeking program after passing the entrance examination.

How to Apply

1. find your future supervisor.

Graduate Schools either do or do not require students Graduate School, but it is always better to decide the faculty member by whom you wish to be supervised, considering your own research topic. Check the information about the faculty members at Master’s Programs and Doctoral Programs and contact the faculty member directly.

How to find the future academic supervisor?

• Make use of our Directory of Researchers in Kobe University .
• When contact information is not available on the website of Graduate School, contact the Student Affairs Section of relevant Graduate School .

2. Obtain Application Information and Application Forms

When to request.

Application information is usually available on the Graduate School website and also on the website of Japan Study Support. However in order to apply, applicants have to obtain the original application forms. Each Graduate School distributes application forms at certain period usually once a year or twice a year.

Where and How to request

Applicants can obtain application forms either by visiting the office of each Graduate School directly or requesting by post. When requesting by post, be sure to enclose a return envelop with the necessary stamp attached to the Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School.

• The return envelop should be a size that can enclose an A4-size Legal size without folding the forms.
• Please attach the necessary amount of stamp to the return envelop.
• For detailed information, please check the website of the relevant Graduate School.

When to apply

Each Graduate School has certain application period usually once a year or twice a year.

Where and how to apply

Send the Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School the necessary application materials by post. Must reach by the deadline, late arrival would not be considered for admission.

• Students who have different educational background than that of shown on page 59 need to be pre-assessed before application. Please inquire Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School for detailed information.

4. Take the Examination

Each Graduate School has its own examination schedule. All examinations are conducted at Kobe University. Applicants should make arrangement to come to Kobe at this time.

5. Acceptance

How to find out the result.

In early March, applicants will receive an admission notice and other information by post if they passed the examination. Applicants who failed the examination will not receive the notice. If accepted, applicants must make the payment of admission fee by bank transfer, and submit the necessary documents.

6. Prepare for Coming to Japan

Prepare passport and visa (when applicants reside overseas).

In order to enter Japan, international students must have a passport and a “College Student Visa”. Please refer to “Procedure for Entering Japan” for details on how to apply for the visa.

Secure Accommodation

There are University housings and other accommodation that students can apply for through the university, but these rooms are limited. Please use the “Kobe University Student Apartment Search System” to look for private apartment. This system has been established with Nasic National Student Information Center for Kobe University international students. Students can also use this search system to reserve an apartment from overseas. It is available in 4 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean) and will also support students with lease agreement. For more information please refer to “Housing information”.

Students can also search apartment through Kobe University Co-op Service Center after arrival in Kobe.

Reserve an airplane ticket and purchase a traveler’s insurance. (Recommended but optional) (when applicants resides overseas)

7. after arriving in japan, come to kobe university during the designated period to complete the necessary entrance procedures., participate in new student orientation, classes begin, make payment of tuition fees, for more information.

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Japanese Ph.D. Program

Specialization in linguistics.

[Note: Students interested in pursuing the PhD with a specialization in Japanese linguistics can apply for our  MA in Japanese linguistics (if they do not yet have a related MA degree), and, for the PhD, our PhD program in Asian Languages and Cultures , where they can specialize in Japanese linguistics.]

SPECIALIZATION IN LITERATURE AND CULTURE

I. admission.

Application to the Ph.D. program is recommended for those students who have already earned an M.A. in this field or are in the process of earning one. 

Students already enrolled in the M.A. program must submit a Petition to Proceed in order to be admitted to the Ph.D. program.

II. Course Requirements

In addition to the minimum of 45 credits or its equivalent required for the master's program, the Ph.D. student must take at least 50 credits of course work at the graduate level, 20 of which must be at the 500 level.

The following courses and dissertation credits are required:

• Modern Japanese: JAPAN 431, 432, 433 (may be bypassed with previous training, if approved)
• Classical Japanese and kambun : JAPAN 471, 472, 505 (may be bypassed with previous training, if approved)
• 10 credits in classical Japanese literature & culture (JAPAN 571, 572, or 573)
• 10 credits in modern Japanese literature & culture (JAPAN 531, 532, or 533)
• ASIAN 800 Doctoral Dissertation (27 credits)

Additional course work may be required. Each student develops his or her individualized program of study in consultation with his or her faculty adviser.

III. Language Requirement

In addition to English and Japanese, the student must demonstrate proficiency in a third language related to his or her course of study.  Proficiency must be demonstrated in this third language to the satisfaction of the adviser before the student may proceed to the General Examination.

Students pursue advanced studies in three distinct fields, each of which is supervised by a member of the graduate faculty. At least one of those fields must be classical Japanese literature and at least one must be modern Japanese literature. Each of these fields requires a substantial research paper. The third field, which may be pursued outside the department, will be selected in consultation with the adviser and its requirements will be determined by the supervising faculty member.

V. General Examination

After the above field requirements have been fulfilled and the third language requirement has been satisfied, the student must take and pass an oral General Examination for admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree. The examination is administered by the Doctoral Supervisory Committee.

VI. Dissertation and Final Examination

After achieving Doctoral Candidate (Ph.C.) status, the student engages in research and the writing of the dissertation under the direction of his or her Doctoral Supervisory Committee. When the Doctoral Supervisory Committee deems the student ready, a final examination will be conducted in which the dissertation is evaluated. When the final examination has been passed and the result has been approved by the Dean of the Graduate School, then the requirements are complete and the degree is granted.

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Japan Studies (Graduate School of Global Studies Doctoral Program)

The Doctoral Program in Japan Studies encompasses systematic study of the Japanese language, Japanese language education, Japanese literature and culture, and Japanese history and society for comprehensive Japan research.

The program is directed at developing an objective perspective of Japan within a global context. Given the urgent need for human resources capable of conveying Japan to the world, this program is focused on training Japanese and foreign students who can meet this need. The degree acquired through this program is a Doctor of Philosophy.

The Doctoral Program in Japan Studies has one program.

Japan studies program.

This program trains students in the specialized knowledge needed for a broad and comprehensive understanding of Japan so that they can disseminate this knowledge to the world.

Classes: Japanese linguistics, Japanese language education theory, language education theory, Japanese literature and culture, Japanese historical sociology, Japanese politics and economics, Japan studies, etc.

Doctoral Program in Japan Studies

Students in this program will acquire:

• Specialized knowledge in fields related to Japan and the deep comprehensive understanding of the country required to speak of Japan within a global context. Foreign students in particular will acquire a high level of Japanese language ability and understanding of Japanese society.
• Deep and specialized knowledge of Japanese language, Japanese education, Japanese literature and culture, Japanese historical sociology, Japanese politics and economics, etc.
• The qualifications to become a highly skilled academic researcher at a university inside or outside Japan or professional teacher of Japanese language in an international institute of higher education or equivalent organization.

Theses：Doctoral Dissertation

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Doctoral Program Information for International Students—Application Guidelines

01.06.2024 Update

Admissions Schedule for FY2025

The schedule is subject to change. Be sure to confirm dates in the application guidelines

* A "Cooperative major" is a major operated under a joint system of education program. The Cooperative Major in Human Centered Engineering is done in partnership with Nara Women's Universiry, allowing both institutions to take advantage of their mutual education and research resources. Return to Top of Page

1. Application Method

Put all required application documents in the designated university envelope and submit them by registered express mail to the address indicated below within the indicated application period. Applications will only be accepted by registered express mail.

Application documents must arrive at the university by the final day of the application period. Incomplete application packages will not be accepted. Please ensure that all necessary documents are included. Once the application package is submitted, under no circumstances will Ochanomizu University accept changes, return documents or refund the application screening fee.

Submit by registered express mail to: Admissions Division, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610 Japan

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2. Eligibility

The applicant must be a woman who a) does not hold Japanese citizenship, b) either possesses, or is albe to obtain a Status of Residence of “Student” according to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, and c) falls under any one of the following categories.

(1) A graduate of a master’s program or professional program, or a person who will graduate from such a program by March 2025.

(2) A person who has received (or will receive by March 2025) a degree equivalent to a master’s or a professional degree in a foreign country.

(3) A person who has received (or will receive by March 2025) a master's degree while in Japan through a distance education program at an overseas school.

(4) A person who has received (or will receive by March 2025) a master’s degree from a foreign university based in Japan that is also recognized by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as an educational institution.

(5) A person who has completed coursework from the United Nations University and received a degree equivalent to a master’s degree.

(6) A person designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Ministry of Education Notification No. 118 of 1988)

(7) A person recognized through screening at the graduate school concerned at Ochanomizu University as having academic abilities equivalent to or above a master’s-level degree and who will be at least 24 years of age on March 31, 2025.

• Note 1: Individuals who have graduated from a Japanese high school must apply using the admission procedures for Japanese applicants.
• Note 2: Applicants wishing to take the entrance exam under category (2) through (7) above should inquire in advance to the Admissions Division before applying. Applicants under category (6) or (7) should note that the application period differs from the above table.

3. Required Documents

Note1: Please request the following certifications (English version only) from the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHSI) in China or the CHSI China Academic Credentials and Student Registration Certification Center Japan Representative Office in Japan. For graduates: (Online) Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate and (Online) Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate For expected graduates: (Online) Verification Report of Student Certificate As a basic rule, an original certificate from the issuing organization should be submitted. An A4-size printout will be accepted only when an online certificate is the only issuing option available.   Return to Top of Page

4. Guidelines

Our application forms are not posted on the website. Therefore, applicants need to have the application package including the guideline and the application forms sent by mail. 

Guidelines for Application to the 2025 Doctoral Program  (exclusive of "Cooperative Major in Human Centered Engineering")  

Guidelines for Application to the 2025 "Cooperative Major in Human Centered Engineering"  

The Global Students Course for doctoral programs

The Global Students Course, which has been offered only for doctoral programs since 2020, enables entrance examinations, lectures, thesis instruction and doctoral degree acquisition to be performed in English.

To complete the doctoral program, students must earn at least ten academic credits including seminars and lectures. Members who take this course can do that only in English.

• Note 1: The TOEFL score card or IELTS Test Report Form must be submitted to measure English skills of applicants for this course. The criteria are set by each division, and are not made public.
• Note 2 : Applicants must consult a desired adviser teacher in advance. In regard to teachers who can conduct this course, please refer to  " the list of course instructors and main couse subjects ".

Applicants who wish to apply to the Global Students Course should also contact the Admissions Division  at [email protected]  in advance.

5. List of Faculty Members

List of Faculty Members

Admissions Division, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610 E-mail: [email protected]

関連リンク / Related Links

» Special Entrance Examination for Privately Funded International Students (Undergraduate) » Master’s Program Information for International Students—Application Guidelines » Doctoral Program Information for International Students—Application Guidelines

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Online Master's Degrees in Japan

15 Online PhDs by universities at Japan. Below is a selection of the available study options. Interested in studying a distance learning course? View all 15 Online PhD opportunities at universities in Japan . You can also read more about Japan .

Traditionally, PhD candidates prefer to conduct research on campus. In recent years, many universities have started offering fully online part-time PhD options. Meetings with project supervisors are made easier with the help of modern technology. Distance-learning and online support greatly benefit students who need to travel to remote regions to conduct research. Online communication tools bring together academic communities all over the world.

Study in Japan

Japan is a hub of scientific and technological innovation, as well as cutting-edge research discoveries in biomedicine. This island nation places a very high emphasis on education, which is showcased by a literacy rate of almost 100%. By studying at a Japanese university, you will come in contact with a rich culture that has fascinated the Western world for centuries. International students will find various degrees taught in English, with Mathematics and Sciences among the most popular disciplines. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn Japanese, which will make you stand out on the job market if you decide to settle down here or work for an international company. To relax and unwind, students can have fun visiting attractions like the Imperial Palace, the Osaka Castle, Mount Fuji, etc.

Can you handle the weather in Japan?

Distance Learning

Distance or online learning is a mode of study that allows students to study most or all of a course without attending at a campus-based institution. Distance can refer to both material and interaction. Distance learning provides access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both.

During this type of education students communicate with the faculty and other students via e-mail, electronic forums, videoconferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards, instant messaging and other forms of computer-based interaction.

The programmes often include a online training system and tools to produce a virtual classroom. The tuition fees for distance learning vary from institution to programme to country. It is certain that the student saves expenses related to accommodation and transportation, because you can maintain your current living expenses. Distance learning is also a great solution for people that already have a job, and still want or need further education.

15 Online Master's degrees in Japan

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Distinctive Features

This program was established in 1999 in order to enable international students to continue their studies using English and to acquire a doctoral degree. Proficiency in Japanese is not generally considered in the selection process, although a high proficiency in Japanese may be required for some applicants, depending on their research topic. This is a highly competitive program and only those having excellent academic credentials and outstanding potential will be accepted.

Applicant Guidelines

• Master's Course
• Doctoral Course
• Research Students
• Research & Publications

Study Requirements and Degrees Granted

Students will be assigned an academic supervisor with whom they will work to pursue their research. All students are required to take a candidacy examination before completing their doctoral thesis. Students who have obtained the status of doctoral candidate and completed their thesis must pass a final examination and have their thesis approved by the GSICS faculty. The standard duration of study is three years. For students of exceptional capability, the duration may be shortened. Students who have successfully completed the requirements will be granted one of the following doctoral degrees: Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, Doctor of Laws, or Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science.

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In the doctoral program, students are required to take Advanced Research (8 credits) and Advanced Research Presentation (2 credits). They must also earn a total of at least 4 credits from among the following (2credits): Workshop I, Workshop II, Internship, Advanced Overseas Research, and International Organization Management. Students must also receive instruction regarding the writing of their thesis from their academic supervisor.

Associate Professor

NISHITANI Makiko

Today's global governance, especially in the areas of human rights, environment, and development, is characterized by a diversity of stakeholders, including international organizations, civil society organizations and corporations, as well as states. They create diverse norms and organizations that sometimes improve the effectiveness of international regimes through coordination and synergy, but at other times conflict with each other and hinder effective problem-solving.How can we reduce conflicts of interest and contestation of ideas and enhance the effectiveness of governance? You are more than welcome to join us in thinking about these issues!

MATSUNAMI Jun

Should the differences between your country’s politics and Japanese politics be explained by institutional designs, by the histories of the two countries or by different political cultures? Perhaps we should instead question the very existence of differences between countries themselves. As a Japanese scholar whose main research field is Japanese politics, GSICS is an intellectual wonderland because there are students who want to study about many different countries and also many international students coming from a variety of countries and backgrounds.

Graduate Student

Nurul Kartika Putri

As a part of a leading university in social science, GSICS offers an international and multidisciplinary approach to help students exercise skills of global citizenship through practical experiences and cross-learning.There are a variety of lectures conducted by professors with expertise in the field of economics, law, international studies as well as political science. The important thing is that the way they are delivered also harnesses students’ critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaborative skills. The facilities are also amazing! That cozy student room, well-equipped IT room, and first class library make a learning experience unbelievably satisfying, not to mention the cafeteria also provides meals for those with particular dietary restrictions. Furthermore, there are many opportunities for overseas internships, conferences, and trainings to globalize students. GSICS really encourages intellectual endeavors with a warm and supportive school environment while fostering what every future leader always dreams of: To embrace the world beyond borders. Those are several reasons why I choose GSICS. Please find yours!

Mizan Bustanul Fuady Bisri

In the face of more complex and interdependent global problems and challenges like unresolved poverty, climate change and disaster, urgent need for improvement of human education, and others, the world is in need of scholars and professionals who have the intellectual, skills, and attitude to make a significant contribution to shape a more sustainable and resilient future. The GSICS of Kobe University is among the leading graduate schools in Japan that produces such scholars and professionals, given its vast knowledge from all permanent and visiting professors, international environment, as well as multiple supports for students to conduct high-quality research such as international fieldwork, internship opportunities, and endorsements to receive research grants. Studying at GSICS will give you the privilege of being at the forefront of global development, as the graduates of this school make significant contributions to the world!

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Charting Your PhD Journey in Japan: Admission, Lifestyle, and Balancing Work with Study

Japan, with its unique blend of ancient culture and technological innovation, offers a compelling environment for ambitious PhD students. Whether you’re diving into cutting-edge research or exploring the bustling streets, life as a doctoral candidate here is full of potential. But to truly thrive, understanding the ins and outs of admissions, budgeting for your lifestyle, and mastering the Japanese language is key.

Advantages of Pursuing PhD in Tokyo

Application Process and Timeline for a PhD Program

Can You Apply From Overseas?

List of English PhD programs offered by Universities in Japan

Navigating financial waters: living as a phd student, working while you learn, mastering japanese: a strategic move for phd students in japan, the key to professional opportunities, advantages of pursuing a phd in tokyo.

There are many advantages to pursuing an English-speaking PhD or master’s degree in Tokyo. Here are just a few:

• High-quality education: Tokyo’s universities are renowned for their academic rigor and research excellence. Many of these universities are ranked among the top institutions in the world.
• Cultural immersion: Tokyo is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich cultural heritage. Pursuing a degree in Tokyo will give you the opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
• Networking opportunities : Tokyo is a global hub for business and innovation. You will have the opportunity to network with leading professionals worldwide.
• Career prospects: A degree from a prestigious university in Tokyo will give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Application Process and Timeline for PhD Programs

Embarking on a PhD in Japan starts with navigating the admissions process. Programs in English are widely available, particularly in science and technology, economics, business, and various interdisciplinary fields. Admission requires a relevant master’s degree, a well-defined research proposal, and often proficiency in English or Japanese. The admission process for PhD programs in Japan typically varies from university to university. However, the general steps involved in the application process are as follows:

• Meeting Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. Check the program website for specific admissions requirements and deadlines.
• Submitting Application Documents: Required documents may include transcripts, recommendation letters, research proposals, and language proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
• Participating in Entrance Examinations: Some universities conduct written examinations or interviews to assess candidates’ knowledge and aptitude for research.

The application deadlines for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs in Tokyo typically range from April to June. However, it is always best to check with the individual university for the most up-to-date information.

Can You Apply from Overseas?

Applications for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs in Tokyo can typically be submitted from overseas. The application process is usually online, and you must submit the required documents digitally. However, some universities may also require you to send a physical copy of your application materials.

Additional Considerations

• Admissions requirements: Each university will have its own admissions requirements for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs. These requirements may vary depending on the program, but they typically include a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
• Language proficiency: While most English-speaking Ph.D. and Master’s programs in Tokyo do not require Japanese language proficiency, having some basic Japanese language skills is always a good idea. This will help you navigate daily life in Japan and make the most of your experience.
• Funding: There are a number of funding opportunities available for international PhD students in Japan, including scholarships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships. It is important to research these opportunities carefully and apply for those you are eligible for.

Scholarships

Scholarships such as MEXT, Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships, or university-specific grants are vital in supporting your academic journey. They cover everything from tuition fees to living expenses, allowing you to immerse in your studies and the rich culture of Japan. Read what each scholarship offers below!

1. The Japanese Government ( MEXT ) Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). There are scholarships available for privately financed international students, as well as those under student exchange agreements. The application for the 2024 MEXT Japanese Studies Scholarship will open in January 2024 . Value of Award:

• 100% of tuition (covered by the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship)
• 145,000 JPY per month for living expenses (amount subject to change)
• Economy class air travel between the home country and APU at the beginning and end of the program. 

2. Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships

This scholarship is provided for future students of Japanese universities and graduate schools. This program serves two different application periods. If your expected enrollment is April 2024, the deadline is March 1, 2024 . If the expected enrollment is September/October 2024, the deadline is August 1, 2024.

Value of Award:

• 100% of tuition 
• The scholarship provides a monthly stipend for the duration of time, for Doctoral students: 140,000 JPY per month for two years

3. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship

This fellowship is awarded to postdoctoral researchers who are conducting research in Japan. The JSPS offers two different programs long-term and Short-term; the application period is from mid-April to June 7, 2023 .

• 200,000 JPY per month for living expenses
• Leave for childbirth and childcare: Fellows are allowed to suspend their research for childbirth and childcare and are offered a path back into the laboratory. They can also choose to work short hours while on such leave.

4. The Fulbright Specialist Program Japan

This is a partial funding international scholarship provided by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for international students. For those candidates that met all eligibility requirements, you may apply to join the Fulbright Specialist Roster twice every 12 months . If you were not approved with your first application, you may reapply immediately and be included in the next peer review panel cycle. 

Additionally, the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) offers about 135 graduate scholarships annually for studies in economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related fields. 

As a PhD student in Japan, you’re allowed to work part-time up to 28 hours a week during term-time and full-time during vacations. This can supplement your scholarship and provide real-world experience, but it’s essential to balance this with your study commitments.

For PhD students aspiring to work in Japan, proficiency in the Japanese language is invaluable. It paves the way for greater job opportunities, deeper cultural integration, and successful networking. 

Get the Full Japanese Experience

– Cultural Integration: Understanding the language is the first step to truly immersing yourself in Japanese culture and society.

– Work Eligibility: Many employers prefer or require proficiency in Japanese to navigate the local business environment and workplace culture.

– Networking: Speaking Japanese opens up a wealth of networking opportunities that are otherwise inaccessible, helping you to build valuable connections for your career.

If you’re a PhD aspirant in Japan with an eye on the job market, gaining proficiency in Japanese is more than just an academic requirement—it’s a strategic career move. The ability to communicate effectively in Japanese can significantly broaden your professional horizons and make you a compelling candidate in the job market, both during and after your PhD studies.

Our Language Courses: Tailor-Made for Your Success

Recognizing the importance of Japanese language skills for PhD students in Japan, our part-time and online courses are designed to fit into a busy academic schedule:

– Part-Time Japanese Courses These are ideal for PhD students who want to balance their research with language study. With flexible class times, you can learn Japanese without compromising your academic commitments.

– Online Japanese Courses For maximum flexibility, coto’s online Japanese courses allow you to learn from anywhere, at any time. This means you can advance your language skills even during fieldwork or if you’re on a research trip.

As a PhD student in Japan, your success isn’t solely determined by your academic achievements; it also hinges on your ability to navigate the local language and culture. By integrating Coto Japanese language courses into your study routine, you’re not just preparing for your dissertation defense—you’re setting the stage for a flourishing career in Japan. So, take the first step towards unlocking your full potential in the Japanese job market with our dedicated language courses, crafted to help you excel in both your studies and your professional life.

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We have 2 PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Japan

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PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Japan

Fully funded phd program opportunity, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

International PhD Programme

International PhD programs are often designed for international students. Your PhD will usually be delivered in English, though some opportunities to gain and use additional language skills might also be available. Students may propose their own PhD topics or apply for advertised projects.

PhD Project in Physical Chemistry and Biophysical Engineering – development of biosensor based on mechanochormic polymers –

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

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Ph.D. in Japanese Literature and Culture

The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students for a doctoral degree in Japanese literature and culture.

Students should consult the most up-to-date version of the degree plan on the  Stanford Bulletin  as well as the  EALC Graduate Handbook . Each student should meet with their faculty advisor at least once per quarter to discuss the degree requirements and their progress.

Admission to Candidacy

Candidacy is the most important University milestone on the way to the Ph.D. degree. Admission to candidacy rests both on the fulfillment of department requirements and on an assessment by department faculty that the student has the potential to successfully complete the Ph.D.

Following University policy ( GAP 4.6.1 ), students are expected to complete the candidacy requirements by Spring Quarter of the second year of graduate study.

Pre-Candidacy Requirements

Demonstrate proficiency in modern and classical Japanese by completing the following courses or demonstrating equivalent linguistic attainment by passing the appropriate certifying examinations.

• JAPANLNG 213 - Fourth-Year Japanese, Third Quarter (2-4 units)
• JAPAN 264 - Introduction to Premodern Japanese (3-5 units)
• JAPAN 265 - Readings in Premodern Japanese (2-5 units)
• EALC 201 - Proseminar in East Asian Humanities I: Skills and Methodologies (3 units)
• EALC 202 - Proseminar in East Asian Humanities II: Current Scholarship (1 unit)

Complete eight advisor-approved courses numbered above 200 from among the offerings of the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. At least four of these eight courses must be advanced seminars numbered above 300. At least one of these eight courses must deal with Japanese linguistics. For students focusing on modern literature, at least two of these eight courses must deal with premodern material. For students focusing on premodern literature, at least two of the eight courses must deal with modern material.

Complete two upper-division or graduate-level courses in two supporting fields for a total of four courses outside of Japanese literature or linguistics. Supporting fields, to be determined in consultation with the student’s primary advisor, may include Japanese anthropology, art, art history, history, philosophy, political science, religious studies, Chinese literature, Korean literature, comparative literature, etc.

All Doctoral students must complete an MA qualifying paper. An MA thesis is accepted instead of a qualifying paper for students initially admitted as EALC MA students. Students seeking an MA en route to the PhD must secure approval from the primary advisor and submit an MA thesis.

A graded MA qualifying paper or thesis must be submitted to the DGS and SSO with an accompanying note from the student’s primary advisor by week five of spring quarter of the second year of study for the annual review and candidacy decision.

During the quarter when students complete the MA qualifying paper or thesis (25-30 pages), they must enroll in  EALC 299 .

Teaching Requirement

• DLCL 301 - The Learning and Teaching of Second Languages (3 units)

Demonstrate pedagogical proficiency by serving as a teaching assistant for at least three quarters, starting no later than autumn quarter of the third year of graduate study. The department may approve exceptions to the timing of the language teaching requirement.

Post-Candidacy Requirements

Demonstrate proficiency in at least one supporting language to be chosen in consultation with the primary advisor according to the candidate’s specific research goals. Students concentrating on classical Japanese literature usually are expected to fulfill the supporting language requirement by completing  kanbun , JAPAN 265 - Readings in Premodern Japanese (2-5 units). For the supporting language, students must be proficient at the second-year level, at the minimum; a higher level of proficiency may be required depending on the advisor’s recommendation. Reading proficiency must be certified through a written examination or an appropriate amount of coursework to be determined on a case-by-case basis. When deemed necessary by the student’s advisor(s), working knowledge of an additional supporting language may also be required.

Pass a comprehensive qualifying examination that tests the candidate’s breadth and depth in the primary field of research and methodological competence in the relevant discipline before advancing to Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status.

Students should submit a dissertation prospectus before advancing to Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status. The prospectus should comprehensively describe the dissertation project and include sections on the project rationale, key research questions, contribution to the dissertation’s field, literature review, chapter-by-chapter description, a projected timeline, and bibliography.

Pass the University Oral Examination (dissertation defense). General regulations governing the oral examination are found in Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures ( GAP 4.7.1 ). The candidate is examined on questions related to the dissertation after acceptable parts have been completed in draft form.

Following university policy ( GAP 4.8.1 ), submit a dissertation demonstrating the ability to undertake original research based on primary and secondary materials in Japanese.

Japanese Literature and Culture Ph.D. students must complete a Qualifying Paper by week 5 of spring quarter of the second year as part of the Candidacy evaluation process. The Qualifying Paper should be 25-30 pages in length not including bibliography and must demonstrate the ability to develop and carry out an original research project using primary and secondary materials in Japanese. The Qualifying Paper can be an extension of a seminar paper, but its topic should be discussed with the student’s primary advisor prior to writing.

The Dissertation Prospectus Defense constitutes the first step toward faculty approval for the student’s proposed dissertation project and should be completed before the student begins to apply for external funding to conduct doctoral research in Japan – typically by Spring quarter of the third year, but sometimes in Spring or Summer quarter of the second year if the student’s research agenda is already well defined by that time. The defense is a two-hour oral exam conducted by the student’s dissertation reading committee (minimum of three faculty members, including the primary advisor). The prospectus, 12-15 pages not including bibliography, must be submitted to committee members at least two weeks prior to the defense.

The Comprehensive Exam is a two-hour oral exam on Japanese literature with three examiners. The reading list (maximum 150 titles) must be approved by them at least one quarter in advance. The list must include primary texts in Japanese literature as well as core texts in methodology; students may also add a subfield and a fourth examiner if deemed necessary by their primary advisor for their research and credentialing. To pass the exam students must demonstrate competency in literary history and critical issues for the field of Japanese literary studies, selected methodologies, and key issues in any subfield. The Comprehensive Exam must be completed by the end of the fourth year.

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Guide to Studying PhD in Japan for International Students

Want to study for a PhD in Japan but not sure where to start? This article introduces all you need to know about PhD in Japan, from what programs are like, admission requirements, and what English PhD programs in Japan there are. 

First Published: 2021-05-17 Updated: 2024-05-31

Table of Contents

Why should you study for a PhD in Japan?

• Program Types, Durations, and Admission Requirements

PhD in Japan for International Students

Phd programs in japan in english, what is the applicable visa to study in japan, what is the cost to study for a phd in japan, are there scholarships for phds in japan.

Japanese graduate schools are called 大学院 (Daigakuin) . They consists of Master’s courses, 修士 (Shuushi Katei), to obtain a Master’s Degree, “修士号 (Shuushigo)” and PhD courses, 博士課程 (Hakushi Katei) to obtain a PhD, 博士号 (Hakushigo) . 

In this article, we will focus on PhD Programs in Japan, what they are like, and what English PhD programs are there for international students. A person who has graduated from a PhD course is called 先生 (Sensei) or 博士 (Hakase) - Dr. in Japan. 

The reasons for why you should study for a PhD in Japan are pretty much the same reasons for choosing Japan to study abroad , whether it’s for undergraduate studies, Japanese language studies, or graduate school studies. The reasons include:

• World-Ranked Universities in Japan like University of Tokyo and Kyoto University and Nagoya University that rank among the Top 100 globally.
• Japanese universities excel at research and technology. Many universities are research-intensive which makes for a great study environment, especially for post-graduate education and post-doc. 
• There are Japanese graduate schools offering English PhD programs. Many universities offer Japanese classes (in many cases mandatory, but higher levels optional) to help international students integrate into life in Japan. 
• Scholarships for international students, including for PhD courses.
• Helpful if you are planning to continue working in Japan after completing your PhD. Also good for career prospects outside Japan.
• Endless opportunities to expose yourself to Japanese culture and tradition. There’s no better way to learn about Japan than being at the source. On weekends and holidays, take the chance to explore. 

Are you convinced to study for a PhD in Japan yet? From hereon, we will introduce in detail PhD programs in Japan. 

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What are phd programs in japan like .

The doctoral program, better known as PhD, is the highest level of education to exist. A PhD is an advanced degree earned in various fields after successfully completing a research thesis. An individual can generally opt to study for a PhD after completion of a Master’s program. 

In Japan, PhD is called 博士号 (Hakushigo) . PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy”, and graduates are bestowed the title of “Doctor (Dr.)”. In Japan, Doctor (Dr.) is called 博士 (Hakase), though most people go by 先生 (Sensei) . 

Program Types, Their Durations, and Admission Requirements

The duration of a PhD program depends on your choice of subject and research thesis. Typically, a PhD program takes around 5 years to complete for those who graduated from a 4 years long undergraduate program. Specialized fields like medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental have 6 years long Bachelor’s degree programs and no Master’s program, and therefore their PhD programs are 4 years long. 

In Japan, PhD programs are commonly split into 2 phases. Depending on their highest level of education (Master’s or Bachelor’s), students have an option of starting from the first phase or skipping to the second phase. 

First Phase is called First Half of a PhD Program (2 Years)

Called 博士前期課程 (Hakushi Zenki Katei) , the first phase’s curriculum includes studies to obtain a Master’s degree , which is a prerequisite requirement for most PhD programs. The first phase is a 2 Years long program.

According to JASSO , one of the following admission requirements must be satisfied to be eligible to join this program:

• Graduates from 4 Years long university program (Japanese university)
• Graduates with Bachelor’s degree from at least 3 Years long foreign university program; 5 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Graduates of Bachelor’s degree from the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education
• Graduates from National Defense Academy of Japan, Japan Coast Guard Academy, Meteorological College, or any ministry or agency established academy or college
• Graduates from international schools in Japan that are officially recognised as being equivalent to an overseas university
• Those who have completed specialized coursework at designated vocational schools
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in their home country; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in Japan via online curriculum offered by an overseas institution; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed studies at school under Japan’s old education system
• Those aged above 22 who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Second Phase is called Second Half of a PhD Program

Master’s degree holders can skip the first phase to join the second phase. Called 博士後期課程 (Hakushi Kouki Katei) , the second phase is typically 3 Years long , but 4 Years for medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental fields. 

• Graduates with a Master’s, professional degree, or equivalent foreign degree
• Graduates with a Master’s or professional degree from an overseas institution done via online curriculum while living in Japan
• Graduates with degrees equivalent to a Master’s or professional degree from international schools in Japan recognised as being equivalent to an overseas graduate school
• Graduates with Bachelor’s or equivalent degree who have completed minimum 2 Years research at university or research facility having the same academic prowess as a Master’s degree holder
• Those with a degree equivalent to a Master’s degree from United Nations University 
• Those aged 24 or above who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Most graduate school programs in Japan are taught entirely in Japanese. For international students seeking to join these programs, demonstration of a high level of Japanese proficiency, at least N1, is required. This is to ensure that you are able to understand the curriculum in order to complete the course. 

Fortunately, with the increasing number of international students in Japan, many universities have started internationalizing their programs with English-taught courses , including for PhD. There are programs taught mostly in English with supplementary Japanese, as well as programs taught completely in English. 

For English-taught PhD programs, students may be asked to demonstrate their English language proficiency with English proficiency certifications like IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC. This requirement may be exempt for individuals whose undergraduate or Master’s degree shows high mastery in English.

Different universities offer PhD programs in different fields of study, so you will need to do a thorough search to find one that matches your interest. JASSO’s Search for Schools tool is incredibly helpful for this. You can search for educational institutions that accept international students by degree (undergraduate, Master’s, PhD), school type (public, national, private), school location, field of study, medium of instruction, etc. 

To further help you, we have curated a list of 6 PhD programs in Japan which are popular, along with the names of universities offering these programs. 

Visa, Tuition Fees and Scholarships for PhD in Japan

The applicable status of residence for international students in Japan is 留学 (Ryuugaku), aka “Study Abroad”. 

Coming from Overseas

If you are coming from overseas to study for a PhD in Japan, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your university in order to obtain a Visa to enter the country. Upon entering Japan, you will be bestowed a status of residence and a residence card, which acts as your identity card.

Read more about Japan Visa, Status of Residence, and Residence Card here .

Existing Resident in Japan

If you are an existing resident in Japan, you will not need a Visa or a Certificate of Eligibility, which are required for first entry into Japan. 

If you are already an international student in Japan, and planning to advance your studies to Master’s or PhD, then you may need to apply for “Extension of Period of Stay”, which can be done easily online now. Learn how to do it step by step here .

If you are a resident in Japan, but on a different type of status of residence, say the most common “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” or some other type of work visa, then you will need to apply for a “Change of Status of Residence”. This can also be done online now with a My Number Card and IC card reader. 

In Japan, universities and graduate schools can be divided into 3 types of institutions - national, public and private. The admission and tuition fees for each type of institution is different with national schools having the lowest cost. 

In Japan, the first year’s cost for university and graduate schools is higher than the subsequent years. This is because applicants need to pay an admission fee in addition to the year’s tuition fee. 

The first year, aka admission year, cost for PhD that consists of that year’s tuition fee and an admission fee is:

• Approx. 820,000 Yen for National Institution
• Approx. 900,000 Yen for Public Institution
• Approx. 850,000 Yen (medical studies) or 1,100,000 Yen (non-medical studies for Private Institutions

Tuition fees will vary between universities so be sure to check the particulars when applying. 

【Helpful Reading】

• For differences between national, public and private universities in Japan.
• For the cost breakdown of studying abroad in Japan, including tuition fees and living costs.

Yes, there are scholarships for PhDs in Japan. According to JASSO , there are altogether 119 PhD program scholarships for international students for 2023 - 2024. Among the 119, 12 are available to apply before coming to Japan, and the remaining 107 can only be applied for after coming to Japan. 

Read more about Japanese scholarships and how to apply for them here . 

Education plays a crucial role in personal, social, and economic development. Achieving a PhD is sure to improve your confidence, greatly enhance your knowledge, and will make some higher level jobs available to you. After obtaining a PhD, many people choose to continue their research in universities or research centers as post-doc researchers. There are also many other consultation jobs available that requires your expertise. 

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MBA/Professional Degree Course

Ph.d./doctoral course.

TOP Education Ph.D./ Doctoral Course

Ph.D. Program

Practical education linking theory and business.

This program is designed for individuals who have already obtained their MBA or master degree and have professional experience to cultivate highly educated professionals. Students obtain a doctorate and will play active roles in business fields in private companies. The program is designed so that students can continue to work while earning their doctoral degree. Length of study is three years.(in Japanese)

Three Main Research Fields

Financial Practice Field

Service Innovation & Design Field

Project Management Field

• International MBA Programs
• Kyoto-Cornell International Collaborative Degree Opportunity
• Four Core MBA Programs
• 18 months course
• Tourism and Hospitality Management Course
• Characteristics of the MBA curriculum
• Department of Management Science (doctoral course)
• Doctoral Dissertation
• Characteristics of the Ph.D. curriculum

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PhD in Sustainability Science

A three-year programme with an innovative approach to sustainability issues and a global change perspective.

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Applications for September 2024 entry are now closed.  

The Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Science Programme is a three-year programme that takes an innovative approach to sustainability, seeking to promote a better understanding of the issues by incorporating global change perspectives.

This programme will equip graduates with comprehensive, multidisciplinary knowledge of sustainability problems, and deepen their understanding of the role of environmental sustainability in addressing current issues related to global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. Students undertake problem-oriented research by playing an active role in UNU-IAS research projects, and acquire the quantitative and qualitative analytical skills necessary to understand the underlying principles of various systems involved in sustainability issues and debates.

Students can select courses from those offered by UNU-IAS, while also enjoying the opportunity to take courses at other leading universities in Japan such as the University of Tokyo, Sophia University, and International Christian University.

Programme Structure & Language

Admission requirements, how to apply, diploma programme for specialization on the paris agreement (spa), joint diploma programmes, japan foundation for unu (jfunu) scholarship.

The programme is offered on a full-time basis only. The academic year starts in September. The standard period to complete the degree requirements is 36 months or six academic semesters, excluding time spent on study leave of absence from the university. By July of their third-year students are expected to complete all of the course requirements, obtaining at least 14 credits and completing a doctoral dissertation.

The language of instruction is  English . [ Top ]

Applicants for the PhD in Sustainability Science are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered:

1. A completed master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability and a minimum of two years of professional field experience related to UNU-IAS research themes which was acquired after obtaining a university degree (full time equivalent);

Two completed master’s degrees, at least one of which must be in a discipline related to sustainability studies (those who expect to receive a second master’s degree before the entrance period of September 2024 may also apply);

2. A GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% on a 100 % scale) for at least one of the master’s degrees earned; and

3. English language proficiency.

The minimum score requirements for English language qualifications required by UNU-IAS are:

• 600 on TOEFL – Paper-Based Testing (PBT) OR
• 100 on TOEFL – Internet-Based Testing (IBT) OR
• 7.0 on IELTS – Academic format

*   Please note that TOEFL and ILTS test scores are valid for two years. Invalid test scores will not be accepted.   UNU-IAS requires original TOEFL/IELTS score reports (no photocopies accepted).

• TOEFL: Please order an official score report using the institution code 6991. For more information on TOEFL, please visit  http://www.ets.org/toefl/
• IELTS: Please request that an official report be sent directly to UNU-IAS. For more information on IELTS, please visit  http://www.ielts.org/  [ Top ]

Applicants who have studied for at least two consecutive years in a degree-granting university programme taught entirely in English may submit a substitute document for the English language proficiency score. [ Top ]

Please refer to the PhD Application Guidelines  for detailed instructions on how to apply. [ Top ]

• 3 March 2024 : Deadline for applications
• Mid-April 2024 : Invitation to an interview and requests for submitting supporting documents by email (shortlisted applicants only)
• Mid to late April 2024 : Interviews (shortlisted applicants only)
• Late May 2024 onwards : Announcement of application results (successful applicants only)

Dates are subject to change . [ Top ]

• Application Processing Fee:  None
• Tuition Fee:  USD 12,000 per year*

To secure admission, successful applicants will be required to pay at least 50% of the tuition fee for the first academic year ( USD 6,000 *,  non-refundable ) by the due date on the invoice issued after the result announcement and prior to enrolment. Students who choose to pay annually must pay a full one-year tuition payment before the commencement of the academic year. Successful applicants are required to submit all documents and pay the tuition fee by the deadline.**

The estimated total expenses for living and studying in Tokyo for three years are approximately  USD 84,000 , including tuition fees. Applicants must ensure adequate financial resources to meet the full costs of educational and living expenses.

* The fee is subject to change .

**  UNU holida ys  are listed in the  UNU-IAS Academic Calendar .  [ Top ]

The curriculum is reviewed on a yearly basis and the course offerings may not be identical to the ones listed below.

Overview Courses (Compulsory)

• Trans-disciplinary Graduate Research Seminar I & II
• Sustainability Science Research Seminar

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
• Frontier of Sustainability Science
• 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: Implementation Strategies for its Adaptation and Mitigation

Courses marked with * are held over a short period as part of the UNU Intensive Core (IC) Courses.

Other elective courses may also be offered. A wide range of elective courses offered by partner universities are also available to UNU-IAS students through credit exchange arrangements. [ Top ]

UNU-IAS offers the SPA Diploma Programme focusing on the implementation of the Paris Agreement mechanisms, such as the enhanced transparency framework, nationally determined contributions, national adaptation planning process, global stocktake and market mechanisms. By strengthening national capacity in these areas, it aims to become an essential means of implementation of the agreement and develop future leaders who will be at the forefront of these vital efforts. The diploma will be granted upon satisfactory completion of the designated courses. [ Top ]

Students of the UNU-IAS PhD programme are also encouraged to pursue one of two joint diplomas in sustainability science, which are offered in partnership with the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (UT-GSFS) and with Sophia University. These diploma programmes require students to gain 18 credits, eight of which must be from courses specified by UNU-IAS and the partner university under the respective joint diploma programme. A joint diploma can only be awarded to students who successfully complete the three-year UNU-IAS PhD degree programme. [ Top ]

The scholarship is competitive and may be awarded to eligible students who have been accepted for enrolment in the PhD programme. There is no separate application form for the scholarship as it is part of the main online application form for admission. Interested applicants must provide the necessary information and documents for the scholarship when applying to the PhD programme.

I. Coverage

The jfUNU scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY as a support package for a maximum of 36 months. The tuition fees may be waived for the scholarship recipients.

II. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be from developing countries* who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
• Applicants who are currently living in Japan under a working visa are NOT eligible for the scholarship.
• Applicants who are already enrolled in other PhD programmes are not eligible. This includes those who have already obtained a PhD degree at an institution other than UNU-IAS.

*Developing countries included in the latest  OECD DAC list .

III. Additional Requirements

• Recipients of the jfUNU Scholarship are required to write a short essay on their learning and experiences at UNU, which is submitted to the donor organisation. Before graduation, each recipient is requested to submit a note of appreciation to the donors with reflections on their future plans.
• Recipients agree to foster collaboration with jfUNU through participating in jfUNU activities, events, and other opportunities offered to the student body. [ Top ]

Before contacting the Admissions Office, please read through the  Frequently Asked Questions  to see if your question has been answered. For any unanswered questions, please use the  Inquiry Form . [ Top ]

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Japanese Literature and Cultural Studies

EALAC has long been known for its leadership in Japanese literature and culture, beginning with Donald Keene (university professor emeritus), Ivan Morris, and then Edward Seidensticker, who pioneered the field; today it continues to produce many leading scholars of Japanese literature and visual culture. The program is outstanding both in modern and in premodern studies, enabling the students to receive extensive training both linguistically and across different periods and disciplines. The program is well known for teaching various levels and styles, from advanced modern Japanese to classical Japanese, kanbun, and calligraphic script, all of which is supplemented by strong programs in Chinese and Korean. The program promotes critical methodologies and interdisciplinary or comparative studies, combining, for example, literature with film, visual culture, gender studies, cultural history, and religion, often working across one or more countries in Asia.

A major characteristic of the program is the interface of the studies of literature, cultural history, and media. Haruo Shirane is an expert in classical, medieval and early modern Japanese literature and cultural history, with special interest in poetry and prose fiction, intermedial relations (oral storytelling, painting/print culture, dance, and theater in relationship to literary texts), and the role of popular culture in canon formation. David Lurie, teaching both literature and history, is a leading authority in ancient Japanese history and literature, script and writing systems, linguistic thought, and Japanese myths. In premodern studies, they are aided by Wei Shang (premodern Chinese literature), Michael Como, Bernard Faure, and Max Moerman (early and medieval Japanese religion), and Matthew McKelway (medieval and Edo painting).

Paul Anderer is an authority on 20th century Japanese literature, particularly fiction, literary criticism, and film. Tomi Suzuki is an expert in 19th and 20th century fiction, literary and cultural criticism, and intellectual history. They are complemented by Carol Gluck, Greg Pflugfelder, and Paul Kreitman (19th and 20th c. Japanese history), Jonathan Reynolds (modern Japanese visual culture and architecture), and Marilyn Ivy (anthropology), not to mention those in other modern East Asian literatures and cultural studies, particularly Theodore Hughes (modern Korean literature) and Lydia Liu (modern Chinese and literature).

EALAC created almost the entire first generation of Japanese literature scholars after World War II. The Japanese literature and visual culture program at Columbia has continued its leadership role, training and placing, in just the last two decades, more than forty PhDs graduates in institutions of higher learning throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, more than any other program by far. Graduates of the program occupy positions of leadership both in the field and at many of the leading universities such as UCLA, Stanford, Columbia, University of Michigan, University of Virginia, Washington University at St. Louis, Boston University, University of British Columbia, Oxford, SOAS, and University of Hong Kong, among others.

The Japanese literature and cultural studies program also has a MA double degree program with Waseda University which allows PhD students to study and train in Japan for a year, earning a MA as they work toward a PhD at Columbia. Visiting scholars from various Japanese universities also offer workshops and courses on a regular basis.

The Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture, affiliated with the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, regularly sponsors lectures, workshops, performances, and other events that bring prominent scholars, artists, musicians, and other cultural figures to campus from elsewhere in North America, Europe, Japan, and Asia.

With the C.V. Starr East Asian Library, Columbia University has one of the strongest library collections in the world for Japanese literature and culture. It has particularly extensive holdings of books and journals in premodern and modern literature, history, and religion.  Its Makino Mamoru Collection on the History of East Asian Film is an important resource for scholarship not only on cinema and popular culture, but also on many other aspects of modern Japanese history.

Our location in New York City also creates close connections to the Japan Society, Asia Society, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and New York Public Library, as well as providing exposure to a wide variety of Japan-related film screenings, gallery shows, talks by writers, and live performances by both traditional and contemporary artists throughout the year.

EALAC Japanese Literature and Cultural Studies – List of Alumni 

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EALAC – Columbia University 407 Kent Hall 1140 Amsterdam Ave. MC 3907  New York, NY 10027 tel:212.854.5027

リサーチNAVIに戻る

Return to research navi, 04. 博士論文を探す／find doctoral dissertations: english, description.

This page is a guide to finding doctoral dissertations in Japan including Waseda, and overseas.

What is Doctoral Dissertation?

Doctoral dissertation is an academic thesis submitted and accepted to obtain a doctorate degree.

According to a revision of the Degree Regulations by MEXT, Japanese doctoral dissertations after April 1st, 2013 are supposed to be published on the internet as a general rule (Doctoral dissertations before them are also available online, if they have permission of the authors).

In principle, doctoral dissertations are stored and made available as follows:

• Held by libraries at the university where the thesis was submitted
• Held by a national library in each country (e.g. National Diet Library in Japan)
• Available on the university's WEB site (institutional repository), where the thesis was submitted
• Available as a book which is sold generally
• Available sold by specialized vendors (mainly in North America)

Doctoral Dissertations at Waseda

Doctoral dissertations submitted to Waseda University can be searched by WINE .

［In general, all doctoral dissertations after 2013, and  those with author's permission after 2002］

PDF format are available at  Waseda University Repository .

［Doctoral dissertations which are not published on the Internet with extenuating circumstances］

Electronic files are available in the Microforms/ Photographic Services Room on the 4th Floor of Central Library.

○Book form （ Doctoral dissertations submitted before March 2013 and a part of them after 2013 ）

Doctoral dissertations in print forms must be sent to Central Library or other campus libraries to use from Honjo Deposit Library.

○A list of title/ abstract

Please consult at the office of each graduate school.

Please refer to the instruction page for the details.

• How to Find Waseda University Thesis & Dissertation

Doctoral Dissertations at Other Universities in Japan

You can search them on WINE by title of single doctoral dissertation. Please select "Articles" for the search profile, after you enter search words in the search window on WINE.

Online Search

Check whether the full text is available on institutional repositories and following databases.

• IRDB（Institutional Repositories Database） [National Institute of Informatics] (Public Web site) A service for searching academic information (journal articles, theses or dissertations, departmental bulletin papers, research reports, etc.) accumulated in Japanese institutional repositories.
• Current IRs [National Institute of Informatics] (Public Web site) List of institutional repositories in Japan and abroad that NII provides.

A database service that lets you search for information on dissertations written for doctoral degrees in Japan conferred by Japanese Universities and the National Institute for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation.

Other University Libraries

If you cannot use a full text of the doctoral dissertation on internet, check each university's collection catalogs or doctoral dissertation search system to know how to use it. You may consider visiting other university libraries or making requests for photocopies via Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Service.

• Using non-Waseda Libraries  (Library Web site) In this web site, you will get information about how to visit other libraries with a letter of introduction, and how to use libraries which has cooperative agreements with Waseda University Library.
• Interlibrary Loans  (Library Web site) In general, you cannot order actual materials of doctoral dissertations, and a request for photocopy must be less than half of the total number of pages due to Japanese Copyright Law. For requests exceeding the regulation, you need to obtain permission from the copyright holder by yourself.

National Diet Library

National Diet Library holds doctoral dissertations in Japan after September 1923.

　　 Domestic Doctoral Dissertations | Reserch Navi  [National Diet Library] (Public Web site) *In Japanese only 　　This site is a guide for using Japanese doctoral dissertations provided by National Diet Library.

Following WEB sites are searching tools for doctoral dissertations held by National Diet Library and other libraries.

• NDL SEARCH [National Diet Library] (Public Web site) NDL Search is an integrated service of catalogs and digital archives held by public libraries, archives, museums, academic institutions and National Diet Library in Japan. You can search for doctoral dissertations in both printed and electronic form from “Refiners> Doctoral Dissertations”.
• National Diet Library Digital Collections  [National Diet Library] (Public Web site) You can search for doctoral dissertations in electronic form from “Advanced Search> Doctoral Dissertations”.

You may consider visiting National Diet library or making a request of photocopy via Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Services.

• User Registration  [National Diet Library] (Public Web site) Doctoral Dissertations are mainly held in Kansai-kan (in Kyoto) of NDL. So if you need to use them in Tokyo Mail Library, it must be transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo.  It takes some days, and you will be required for User Registration.
• Interlibrary Loans  (Library Web site) In general, you cannot order actual materials of doctoral dissertations, and a request for photocopy must be less than half of the total number of pages due to Japanese Copyright Law. For the request exceeding the regulation, you need to obtain permission from the copyright holder directory by yourself.

Doctoral Dissertations Overseas

When searching for overseas doctoral dissertations, it is important to check web based theses and holding institutions as well as for domestic. In addition to that it might be effective measures to purchase by databases or vendors. The following information are also useful for searching.

　　 Overseas Doctoral Dissertations (General Information) | Reserch Navi [National Diet Library] (Public Web site) *in Japanese only 　　The characteristic of this site is substantial links to regional guides around the world.

• NDL SEARCH [National Diet Library] (Public Web site) National Diet Library also collects overseas doctoral dissertations from the late 1950's. Kansai-kan (in Kyoto) holds European and North American doctoral dissertations mainly in the field of science and technology. On the other hand, Tokyo Main Library hold some of humanities and social sciences related to Japan.

Check whether the full text is available on internet. The following information are also useful for searching.

　　 Overseas Doctoral Dissertations (Internet Resources) | Reserch Navi [National Diet Library] (Public Web site) *in Japanese only

• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global (PQDT Global)  [ProQuest] (Library subscription database) The database of record for graduate research both at the PhD and MA level.
• Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations（NDLTD）  [NDLTD] (Public Web site) Search and browse electronic theses and dissertstions from over 70 institutions - mostly US, but some other countries.
• WorldCat.org   [OCLC] (Public Web site)]  WorldCat.org lets you search the collections of libraries in your community and thousands more around the world..

If the full-text of overseas doctoral dissertations you need is not available on internet, it might be effective measures to purchase by databases or vendors. You may use the thesis much faster and with low costs than ILL or visiting the holding library.

• Dissertation Express   [Proquest,via Sunmedia Co.,Ltd] (Public Web site) *in Japanese only A dissertation search and sales service provided by Proquest.You can use this service from the website of Sunmedia, an authorized distributor, and you can also request Sunmedia to obtain your thesis by e-mail or fax after searching (application by individuals).
• 丸善雄松堂　米国学位論文  ／ MARUZEN-YUSHODO Dissertation Service Center [MARUZEN-YUSHODO Co.,Ltd.] (Public Web site) *in Japanese only This site allows you to search and purchase mainly US dissertations.

Holding Libraries

If the overseas doctoral dissertation is not available neither to use on internet nor to purchase through databases/ vendor, the next step is to search the actual holding library such as an university library or a national library of the country. But please consider the time and costs for making a request via ILL service, and visiting the institution.

• Interlibrary Loans  (Library Web site) In addition to photocopy, sometimes the actual material (books form, microfilms, etc.) is available for overseas ILL.  But please be noted the shipping cost depends on the weight, the parcel,  and the delivery fee on one way/ both ways .
• Using non-Waseda Libraries  (Library Web site) Depending on the circumstances, a letter of introduction is required to use the library you are planning to visit. So please check the WEB site of the institution in advance.
• << Previous: 日本語
• Last Updated: Jan 31, 2024 3:23 PM
• URL: https://waseda-jp.libguides.com/research-navi/find_theses

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Marine base in Japan moves SOFA driver training online

Osamu Koizumi, an Iwakuni City police officer, gives a class on common traffic errors in Iwakuni, Japan, in June 2018. (Stephen Campbell/U.S. Marine Corps)

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — Members of the U.S. military community coming to this air station south of Hiroshima will have to study on their own to acquire a status-of-forces driver’s license.

Training time for the written license test has been cut from the three-day “Welcome Aboard” brief, according to a June 12 post on the air base’s official Facebook page.

New arrivals will be expected to know their Japanese traffic before they reach the air station. The 60-question test will still be administered on the second day of the briefing, Christopher Yonat, director of safety and occupational health at MCAS Iwakuni, said by email June 18 to Stars and Stripes.

A SOFA driver’s license allows the holder, who is governed by the status-of-forces agreement governing the U.S. military in Japan, to drive on the country’s streets and highways. No actual driving test is usually required.

“The original SOFA license training and testing was scheduled for two hours,” Yonat said. “Due to the change in the ‘Welcome Aboard’ process, more time was allocated to the gaining commands in order to better meet their requirements for new personnel.”

Several Navy bases in Japan have moved to online self-study, but “MCAS Iwakuni is the only known Marine Corps Installation/Base in Japan that has implemented this approach to SOFA licensing,” Yonat said by email Wednesday.

Not everyone saw the change as a good idea.

“It just infuriated me,” Kristin Cohen, a Navy spouse, said by phone on June 19.

“Something so important, that is driving safely in another country, on another side of the road with different signage, whether we have 20 years of experience driving or two years of experience driving, I just don’t think that’s the place to try to make things less and I think they should do more,” Cohen said.

Taking away that two-hour briefing in orientation will hurt sailors, Marines and their families as they adjust to their new lives in Japan, she said.

“I feel like every time we leave this base, whether we’re Navy, Marine, civilian, we have to be aware that anything and everything we do could be taken wrong or misunderstood, or we are just wrong,” Cohen said.

SOFA members can also sign up for a free off-base driving course developed by the Iwakuni city mayor, in conjunction with the Iwakuni Driving School and the Iwakuni Police Department, Yonat said.

The course provides fundamentals of driving in Japan and guidance on common violations and accidents committed by SOFA members, he said. The courses are offered on a quarterly basis throughout the Japanese fiscal year, which begins April 1.

Yonat said SOFA license training was moved online to a self-paced course, rather than a train-to-test briefing, to ensure that long-term memory of Japanese traffic laws becomes second nature.

“The amount of study time required to pass the test will vary depending on the individual,” he said. “This allows inbound personnel the ability to study for the test well in advance of their arrival to ensure that they are thoroughly familiar with traffic laws and regulations.”

These test materials can be viewed on the official MCAS Iwakuni web site via smartphone, personal computer or government computer from anywhere in the world, Yonat said.

Information on the self-study format is included in the installation’s sponsorship programs, base spokesman 1st Lt. Aaron Ellis told Stars and Stripes by email on Wednesday.

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June 18, 2024

Purdue's graduate programs continued their elevation in latest U.S. News & World Report rankings

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — In the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Graduate School Rankings, 15  programs earned top 10 placements as Purdue continues to elevate its graduate education and research across the board.

“Purdue graduate students and faculty in master’s, doctoral and professional degree programs are among the best in the country,” Purdue President Mung Chiang said. “The latest graduate and research rankings reflect the success of our students and colleagues across multiple colleges as we continue to support scholarly excellence at scale.” 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

• Purdue recognized among world's best in latest QS rankings and rises to No. 8 among U.S. public universities
• Purdue University Online continues to achieve high national rankings
• Purdue University undergraduate national ranking jumps 8 spots, with 13 undergraduate programs in top 10 in the U.S .

Purdue’s heralded agricultural and biological engineering graduate program earned a No. 1 ranking for the fourth consecutive year. In the College of Engineering , 10 out of 12 departments ranked among the top 10 nationally, the best result in college history, with seven improving year over year:

• Agricultural and biological engineering: No. 1
• Aeronautics and astronautics: No. 2 (up four spots)
• Civil engineering: 5 (up two spots)
• Industrial engineering: 6 (up two spots)
• Electrical engineering: No. 7 (up one spot)
• Computer engineering: No. 8. (up two spots)
• Mechanical engineering: No. 8
• Environmental engineering: No. 9 (up three spots)
• Nuclear engineering: No. 10 (up one spot)
• Biomedical engineering: No. 7 (among universities without a medical school)

Several areas related to the Purdue Computes initiative , including the Department of Computer Science — joint across the College of Science and College of Engineering — also saw gains year over year: 

• Computer systems: 13 (up one spot)
• Computer science: 19 (up one spot) 

The reimagined Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business continued its positive momentum, as the information systems and part-time MBA programs each appeared in the rankings for the first time. Also, these top 10 programs maintained or enhanced their ranking:

• Production-operations: No. 3
• Project management: No. 4 (up three spots)
• Supply chain management: No. 7 (up two spots)

“Our graduate students are at the heart of our mission as a leading public land-grant research university, and we’ve consistently prioritized investments in their success,” said Patrick J. Wolfe, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity. “The hard work of Purdue faculty to elevate our graduate programs and their scholarly impact has driven this continued rise in national rankings, particularly in key strategic areas of enormous consequence to the university as a whole.”

In the School of Nursing in the College of Health and Human Sciences, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program jumped seven spots to No. 24, the biggest gain of any Purdue program in this ranking cycle. The overall master’s program also moved up three spots, to No. 22. Last August the Purdue University Board of Trustees approved plans to construct a transformative Nursing and Pharmacy Education Building , which will continue to accelerate the program’s significant growth. Purdue also had top 10 showings in two additional departments in the College of Health and Human Sciences:

• Speech-language pathology: No. 2
• Audiology: No. 8

The 2024-25 Best Graduate Schools rankings are based on two types of data: expert opinion about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students, and students’ postgraduate outcomes. Data for the rankings in business, education, engineering and nursing disciplines came from statistical surveys of 2,225 programs and from reputation surveys sent to approximately 5,766 academics and 10,941 professionals, conducted in fall 2023 and early 2024. To gather the peer assessment data, U.S. News asked deans, program directors and senior faculty to judge the academic quality of programs in their field on a scale of 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding).  

The visibility and stature of Purdue University continues to grow, as evidenced by these latest U.S. News & World Report graduate school rankings and several other accolades recently accrued:

• Earlier this month, Purdue was ranked as a top 8 public university in the U.S., in the top 25 overall domestically and in the top 90 globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings .
• In February three Purdue online engineering master’s programs placed No. 1 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of best online programs . Several other online programs made significant leaps to underscore Purdue’s mission to deliver high-quality online programs at scale.
• In the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings , Purdue surged seven spots domestically and over 40 spots globally, ranking No. 9 among U.S. public land-grant universities.
• Purdue enjoyed its best-ever showing in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best College rankings of undergraduate programs , jumping to No. 17 among public universities on a list of 435 ranked national universities and earning a sixth consecutive top 10 Most Innovative (No. 7) ranking.

About Purdue University  

Purdue University is a public research institution demonstrating excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, including nearly 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 13 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative — at  https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives .

Writer/Media contact: Derek Schultz, [email protected]  

Sources:   Mung Chiang, Patrick J. Wolfe

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