University of Tsukuba - Special program in Japanese and Eurasian studies (SPJES)

The English-language program is a unique program offering students MA degree. It is intended for students from the Eurasian region (Central Asia and Azerbaijan). Classes, guidance, and writing theses and dissertations are conducted in English. Areas of expertise consist of various subjects related to the humanities and social sciences disciplines including the fields of Japanese, Eurasian and International Studies. The graduates of the program are expected to promote cultural, economic, and technological exchanges between Japan and the Eurasian continent as well as to play active roles in the educational and research institutes of their home countries.

The main goals of the program are:

1. To foster human resources to promote a better understanding of SDGs as well as the associated problems pertaining to Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Japan.
2. To reinforce the networks between Eurasia and Japan through the goals mentioned above.

Structure of the Program

The program consists of a 3-year PhD Program. Over the course of their studies, students will have an opportunity to receive their education using Englishlanguage-based curriculum in addition to having an opportunity to enroll in complimentary Japanese language education. By the end of their studies, students are expected to become leading specialists in the chosen area of their specialization. The curriculum of the program features, among other subjects, seminars conducted by governmental and non-governmental agencies, colloquiums based on collaborative research projects and internships at the Japanese companies. Those graduating from this program will be in a position to seek employment in governmental institutions, academic and research institutions, UN agencies, and corporate community.

Collaboration with Nippon Foundation Central Asia – Japan Human Resource Development Project

The program offers students to join “Nippon Foundation Japan Central Asia Human Resource Development Project”. The project has been launched in January 2019, sponsored by The Nippon Foundation, to foster human resources, who will contribute to achieve “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” of Central Asian region. Those applicants who demonstrate outstanding abilities will be “Nippon Foundation Central Asia Fellowship” and awarded scholarships. The project provides special courses for understanding main ideas of SDGs and its implementation in Japan and Central Asian region.

Degrees Obtained

Students will receive an PhD degree in International Public Policy at the Graduate School of Business Sciences, Humanities and Socials Sciences at the University of Tsukuba.

Tentative Application Time Schedule

First Stage: Fellowship application process

November 15, 2025 – Program is officially announced (Preliminary application form and application guidelines will be available through the Program Website: http://www.chiiki.tsukuba.ac.jp/spca.html

↓

January 29, 2026 – Deadline for the preliminary application and the first stage screening of the application at the University of Tsukuba

↓

February-March 2026 – Interviews/exams by the commissioning faculty members of the University of Tsukuba

Second stage: Program application process

Mid-April 2026- Additional Documents to be submitted

↓

Late April 2026 - Second stage interviews/exams by the commissioning faculty members of the University of Tsukuba

↓

May 2026 – Receiving an acceptance letter from the University of Tsukuba.

↓

September 20-30, 2026 – Arriving in Japan

↓

October 1, 2026 – Enrolling in the Master’s Programin International Area Studies as full time students