Graduate Education

Admissions

Type of Students We Seek

The Global Environmental Studies Program seeks students who have a strong interest and motivation in research related to Global Environmental Studies, and who have the will and enthusiasm to thrive internationally, constantly honing their rich intellect and sensitivity, aiming for practical research that will open up a new field of research while taking a comprehensive view of the entire field of study, not limited by existing disciplines.

Selection of Students for Admission

In selecting students for the Program, we place importance on basic academic skills, research planning ability, and logical thinking ability to promote research independently in the field of Global Environmental Studies. To properly judge such abilities, the selection process will focus on research and social experience prior to admission, including research during master's degree programs, the specificity and feasibility of research to be conducted after admission, and the ability to conduct such research.

  1. It is highly recommended that applicants refer to our website and contact a faculty member whom you wish to be your prospective supervisor.
  2. Information Session
  3. Check Application Guideline
  4. Preparation of application documents
  5. Application

If you wish to contact a faculty member whom you wish to be your prospective supervisor

  1. CV
  2. Master’s thesis (or brief description about your research to date.)
  3. Ph.D. Research Proposal (if any. Including research theme, description of contents)
  4. Name of a faculty member whom you wish to contact

Please send an email with the above attachments to the contact information below.

  • A meeting with a prospective supervisor must be completed before application.
  • If you are not sure whom you wish to be your prospective supervisor, please send (1) through (3) to the contact information below.

Research Planning Subsection, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature
Email: gakumu[at]chikyu.ac.jp *Please change [at] to @.

Admission Consultation Support Program

The Global Environmental Studies course offers a Consultation Support Program to reimburse round-trip domestic transportation expenses for those who wish to have a face-to-face consultation for the entrance exam or tour the research facilities at RIHN.

Please contact the Administration (see below) to inform your name, affiliation, and the purpose of your visit if you wish to apply for this program.

Research Planning Subsection, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature

Email: gakumu[at]chikyu.ac.jp *Please change [at] to @.

Note

  • The number of seats is limited by the budget.
  • This program covers domestic transportation expenses only.
  • In principle, each person is available for this program only once per fiscal year.
  • Travel expenses from within Kyoto City are not applicable.
  • By the Act on the Protection of Personal Information, application documents will exclusively be used for this program. We will not disclose, transfer, or lend your application documents to any third party without justifiable reasons.

FAQ

I am living far away from Kyoto. Is it possible to enroll the coursework?

Yes, it is. Actually, several students of the Global Environmental Studies (GES) Program live far away and enroll the coursework.

I have a full-time job. Is it possible to obtain a degree while working?

Some students are balancing work and study in the GES Program. SOKENDAI has the Long-term course system, by which students are allowed to extend the period of study beyond the standard period of study upon request, subject to students’ occupation or other circumstances.

Should I choose a supervisor before applying for admission?

Yes, you should choose and consult with a supervisor about your research area and content by meeting or email exchanges before application.

List of Faculty Members

For the contact information of faculty members, please inquire at the Program administration (Email: gakumu[at]chikyu.ac.jp/*Please change [at] to @).

May I contact multiple faculties when choosing a supervisor?

You may contact multiple faculty members. In that case, please inform them that you are also contacting other faculties.

May I change my supervisor after enrollment?

Yes, you may change your supervisor when necessary for conducting your research.

What kind of supervision does the GES Program provide?

Two or three supervisors (one Chief supervisor and others Sub supervisors) are assigned to provide research guidance for each student. In addition, one designated faculty member serves as an Advising faculty and provides individual consultation on academic studies, thesis writing, financial issues, and other matters.

May I request for tuition exemption?

Students are eligible for tuition and admission fee exemption. Conditions and screening apply.

SOKENDAI website

The GES Program supports students in smoothly progressing their research activities through hiring as Research Assistants (RA), which allows students to earn wages while assisting with research activities under the direction and supervision of faculty members. The GES Program also offers the Research Support Program to provide research funding necessary for preparing thesis dissertations.

Student Support