East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies

This programme is designed to provide international students with both advanced academic knowledge and practical skills. It consists of a two year Masterʼs programme and a three year Doctoral programme, both starting from October. Our students are from a variety of countries including China, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Viet Nam, Germany, Romania, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, UK, U.S.A, Mexico and Japan. The programme is offered in English, and Japanese language skills are not required at the time of admission. The Masterʼs programme offers both basic and advanced courses through which students can enjoy a comprehensive curriculum. The Doctoral programme offers Overseas Field Research and International Graduate Student Workshop subjects through which students further develop a deep understanding of the current issues in East Asia.

In addition to classes designed specifically for this programme, students will participate in selected courses at the Graduate School of Economics as well as other graduate schools. Students will develop academic knowledge and practical skills in international setting. We offer many opportunities to conduct field research at diverse sites such as large manufacturing plants and small factories, cutting-edge businesses and rural farming communities throughout East Asia so that students can develop a multidisciplinary and critical sense of reality. These are all needed to contribute to sustainable development in East Asia as academic researchers, government officials, or social entrepreneurs.

• To achieve Pre‐Doctoral certification (which qualifies a student to submit his/her Doctoral thesis for defence), the Programme requires the minimum of 24 credits in the three‐year duration.
  • Obligatory 16 credits will be given for Thesis Research, which must be conducted under supervision of both your main and sub supervisors (8 credits from each supervisor).
  • 8 credits or more must be taken in Advanced Subjects A and B, 2 credits or more of which must be taken in Advanced Subjects B. You can also count the following credits as part of Advanced Subjects A and B: (i) those from subjects that are not included in the list below but offered at the Graduate School of Economics; (ii) those from subjects offered at other Graduate Schools of Kyoto University; or (iii) those from subjects offered at other universities that have international academic exchange agreements with Kyoto University or the Graduate School of Economics. In the cases of (i), (ii) and (iii), you are required to get recommendation and approval from your supervisor(s).
• You must submit your research plan and progress report every year. To achieve Pre‐Doctoral certification, you must submit the final report of your research achievements for the three years.
• After taking Pre‐Doctoral certification, you are required to indicate your intention to (or not to) continue in the programme in a form of documents before the middle of September. If you would not indicate any intention, you would be regarded to continue in the programme, and have to pay tuition fee.
• The duration must be within the maximum of six years, excluding the period of a leave of absence.
• In addition to the above credit requirements and Pre‐Doctoral certification, you are required to write a doctoral dissertation, which must be approved by the examining committee members (including your supervisors) and defended in a final oral examination in order to complete a Doctoral degree.

Basic Courses

Advanced Courses A

TO BE UPDATED

Advanced Courses B

• Applicants who have already obtained or will obtain a Master’s degree including MBA by the enrollment day at Kyoto University.
• Applicants who are enrolled or were enrolled at universities in China, Hong Kong or Taiwan are required to go through the screening process by Admissions Assistance Office (AAO). Please refer to the following web page for more detail.
• Application Form (see below)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Reasons for Application, Research Proposal, and Plan after Programme Completion. The research proposal must be well structured according to a standard academic style (for example, it would include the background of research, research objectives, literature survey, research questions, methodology, expected results and implications, and reference list). It must also be approximately five A4 pages in length.
• Transcript of Academic Record of your Master’s study from the institute previously attended. In case the original transcript is in languages other than Japanese and English, a translated document in Japanese or English must be attached.
• Applicants whose first language is other than English are required to submit a photocopy of official notice of TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS scores taken within two years before the application deadline.
• Certificate(s) of Graduation from the graduate school(s) previously attended. If you are a currently enrolled student, please include a certificate of expected graduation. In case the original certificate is in languages other than English and Japanese, a translated document in English or Japanese must be attached.
• Letter of Recommendation from an applicant’s supervisor, the dean, or the head of the institute attended. The letter can be sent directly from an applicant’s supervisor to the Programme Committee.
• Reference Paper such as Master’s thesis or an equivalent paper. If the paper is written in languages other than Japanese and English, a translated summary in Japanese or English must be attached.
• Examination fee (JPY30,000), admission fee (JPY282,000) and tuition fee (JPY535,800/year)

The Financing studies of the East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies program at Kyoto University encompass a comprehensive approach to supporting students through various funding options, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities. The program itself is designed to attract talented individuals interested in addressing sustainable economic development issues within East Asia, and as such, Kyoto University offers several financial support mechanisms to ensure accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.

Firstly, prospective students can apply for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships, which are highly prestigious and cover tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and travel expenses. These scholarships are available to international students and are awarded based on academic merit and potential contribution to the field of sustainable development studies. Alongside government-funded scholarships, Kyoto University provides its own scholarships, which include the Kyoto University International Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship programs. These are intended to assist both domestic and international students financially and are awarded based on academic performance and need.

Additionally, the university offers competitive research grants and assistantship positions, which students can apply for to support their research activities and academic pursuits within the program. Teaching or research assistant roles not only offer financial compensation but also provide valuable academic and professional experience, further enhancing students’ career prospects.

For students requiring supplementary funding, external scholarships and grants from various foundations, international organizations, and development agencies are also accessible. These external sources often focus on students from developing countries or those engaged in research aligned with sustainable economic development or environmental issues in East Asia.

The program emphasizes policy and research projects, often collaborating with governmental agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. Such collaboration projects may include financial support as part of the broader funding framework. Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek funding from relevant international development agencies such as the Asian Development Bank or United Nations programs that offer fellowships, research grants, or project-specific funding.

In terms of financial planning, students are advised to consider living expenses in Japan, which vary depending on city, accommodation type, and personal lifestyle. Kyoto, being a historically rich city with a relatively moderate cost of living compared to Tokyo, offers affordable accommodation options for students, including university dormitories and private housing.

In summary, students enrolled in the East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies program at Kyoto University have access to a variety of financing options, including government scholarships, university grants, research and teaching assistantships, and external funding sources. Through these combined efforts, the program seeks to minimize financial barriers, allowing talented individuals from around the world to pursue advanced studies and contribute to sustainable development initiatives in East Asia.

The "East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies" program at Kyoto University is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the economic, social, and environmental challenges faced by East Asian countries in their pursuit of sustainable development. The program focuses on interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from economics, political science, environmental studies, and regional studies to foster a nuanced perspective on sustainable growth strategies tailored to the unique contexts of East Asian nations such as China, Japan, Korea, and surrounding regions.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from Kyoto University's strong emphasis on research and practical applications, gaining both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience through seminars, workshops, and field studies. The curriculum explores topics such as renewable energy, sustainable urban development, resource management, climate change adaptation, and policy analysis. It also addresses issues related to economic inequality, technological innovation, international cooperation, and governance reforms necessary for sustainable economic progress.

Faculty members are leading experts in their fields, often engaged in international research projects and policy advisory roles, providing students with current insights and networking opportunities. The university’s strategic location and collaborations with regional organizations offer students access to relevant case studies and real-world issues, enhancing their understanding of regional dynamics and challenges.

The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector, where they can contribute to sustainable development projects and policymaking initiatives. Emphasizing critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program seeks to develop future leaders capable of promoting sustainable economic practices and environmental stewardship across East Asia.

Overall, the "East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies" at Kyoto University represents a unique educational offering that combines cutting-edge research, regional expertise, and practical skills to address the complex challenges of sustainable development in East Asia. The program underscores Kyoto University's commitment to fostering global citizens equipped to create innovative solutions for sustainable growth and environmental preservation in one of the most dynamic regions of the world.