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.

• The Programme requires the minimum of 30 credits in the two‐year duration or more of study.
• 12 credits or more must be taken in Basic Subjects (2 credits of 2 compulsory subjects and 10 credits or more of optional subjects).
• 10 credits or more must be taken in Advanced Subjects A.
• Obligatory 8 credits will be given for Thesis Research.

Basic Courses

Advanced Courses A

TO BE UPDATED

• The applicant has graduated from university at the time of his or her application, or is expected to graduate from university before his or her enrolment to the programme.
• The applicant is recognized by the Graduate School of Economics to possess an academic ability that is equivalent or superior to those who meet the first qualification, and is at least 22 years old at the time of his or her enrolment to the programme.
• 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 see following web page for more detail.
• Applicants from the countries or regions which do not have any official diplomatic relations with Japan such as Taiwan, Palestine are not eligible to apply for MEXT Scholarship.
• Those who are currently studying and will be staying in Japan during the process of application, selection, and admission procedures are not eligible to receive MEXT scholarship.
• Interview 
• Application Form
• Curriculum Vitae
• Reasons for Application, Research Proposal at Kyoto University, and Plan after Completion; written in English. Maximum five A4 pages, including three A4 pages (about 1500 words) of Research Proposal.
• Transcript of Academic Record of the previous two-year undergraduate study from the institute attended.
  Those who have already finished a graduate programme, please submit all of the transcripts. Those who are currently enrolled in a graduate programme, please submit all available transcripts to date.
  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 or IELTS scores taken within two years before the application deadline.
• Certificate(s) of Graduation from the institute(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 graduation thesis or an equivalent paper. If the paper is written in languages other than Japanese and English, a translated summary in English must be attached.
• Examination fee (JPY30,000), admission fee (JPY282,000), and tuition fee (JPY535,800/year) need to be paid. 

The Financing studies component of the East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies program at Kyoto University is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of financial systems, investment strategies, and funding mechanisms that support sustainable economic growth in East Asia. This specialized area covers key topics such as green finance, environmental economics, fiscal policy, and the role of financial institutions in promoting sustainable development. Students will explore the principles of sustainable investment and learn how to evaluate the economic viability of projects aimed at reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and fostering resilient economies. The curriculum includes rigorous coursework in financial analysis, risk management, and policy-making, tailored to the context of East Asian economies. Additionally, students engage in case studies of successful financial initiatives and conduct empirical research on the effectiveness of various financing strategies within the region. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating economics, environmental science, and public policy to prepare graduates for careers in government agencies, international organizations, financial institutions, and research institutions focused on sustainable development. Practical training is provided through seminars, workshops, and internships with industry partners and government bodies involved in financing sustainable projects. The program aims to develop students' ability to analyze complex financial data, design innovative funding solutions, and implement policies that align economic growth with environmental sustainability. Graduates will be well-equipped to contribute to the development of sustainable financial frameworks and to support East Asian economies in achieving their long-term development goals through effective financing strategies. The program's focus on global and regional financial issues ensures that students understand the broader economic context while gaining specialized skills applicable to local and international contexts.

The East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies program at Kyoto University is an interdisciplinary graduate course designed to address the complex challenges of sustainable economic growth within the East Asian region. This program aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of economic, environmental, social, and policy issues pertinent to sustainable development. It emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from economics, environmental science, political science, and regional studies to foster a holistic understanding of sustainable practices and policies tailored to East Asia's unique contexts.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from a diverse curriculum that covers topics such as sustainable resource management, energy policy, climate change adaptation, socio-economic development, and regional integration. The program encourages active engagement through seminars, workshops, and fieldwork, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges faced by East Asian countries. The faculty comprises experts from various disciplines, providing students with mentorship and guidance rooted in cutting-edge research and practical experiences.

Kyoto University’s strategic location and partnerships facilitate access to extensive resources and networks within the region, enabling students to participate in collaborative research projects and policy debates. The program also emphasizes capacity building, aiming to develop future leaders capable of implementing innovative solutions for sustainable development in East Asia. Graduates from this program are expected to pursue careers in academia, government agencies, international organizations, and the private sector, contributing to sustainable economic development and environmental preservation at regional and global levels. With a curriculum that balances theoretical foundations and practical applications, the East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies program prepares students to actively participate in shaping a sustainable future for East Asia and beyond.