Brief Information
The Special Program in Japanese and Eurasian Studies 2026 (SPJES) at the University of Tsukuba offers a fully English-taught, 3-year PhD program within the Doctoral Program in International Public Policy (IPP). Designed specifically for students from Central Asia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, this exceptional programme focuses on Japanese, Eurasian and international studies, with strong emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), cultural diplomacy, and East–West academic cooperation.
Applications for Fall 2026 admission are open from 10 November 2025 to 15 January 2026 (23:59 JST).
The Special Program in Japanese and Eurasian Studies 2026 is one of Japan’s leading English-language doctoral programs designed specifically for Eurasian-region scholars.
Key Dates & Details
- Programme: Special Program in Japanese and Eurasian Studies (SPJES), PhD
- University: University of Tsukuba, Graduate School of Business Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Degree Awarded: PhD in International Public Policy
- Language of Instruction: English
- Program Length: 3 years
- Application Period: 10 Nov 2025 – 15 Jan 2026 (23:59 JST)
- Eligibility: Applicants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia
- Application Guidelines (PDF):
https://www.ipp.tsukuba.ac.jp/content/uploads/2025/01/Application-guidelines_PhD.pdf - Application Form (DOC):
https://www.ipp.tsukuba.ac.jp/content/uploads/2025/01/Application_form_PhD.doc - Official Website:
https://www.ipp.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/special-programs-in-english/english-special-program-for-central-asian-countries-spjes/ - Inquiries: [email protected]
Table of Contents
Overview
The Special Program in Japanese and Eurasian Studies 2026 is a highly competitive, fully English-language doctoral track designed to cultivate specialists on Japan, Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The program integrates policy studies, international relations, SDGs, Eurasian research, and Japanese studies within an interdisciplinary framework.
Established in 2006 as Japan’s only combined MA–PhD track focused on Eurasian regions, the University of Tsukuba continues to be a leader in academic diplomacy, regional studies and SDG-related research.
Graduates pursue careers in:
- Government ministries and public-sector institutions
- International organisations (UN, OSCE, ADB, JICA)
- Research institutes & think tanks
- Academia
- Global corporate sectors
Through the Special Program in Japanese and Eurasian Studies 2026, the University of Tsukuba provides advanced interdisciplinary training combining policy studies, SDGs and Eurasian research.
Academic Environment
The University of Tsukuba (est. 1973; original roots 1872) is one of Japan’s top national universities known for openness, innovation and interdisciplinary research.
The SPJES PhD curriculum includes:
- More than 30 English-taught courses
- Seminars by government and NGO experts
- Internships at Japanese companies
- Collaborative research colloquiums
- Optional Japanese language education
Students receive rigorous academic training while gaining strong cross-cultural and policy-related competencies.
Program Aims & Structure
Aims
- Develop specialists who understand SDGs and policy challenges across Japan, Central Asia, Azerbaijan & Georgia
- Strengthen Eurasia–Japan networks
- Produce high-impact research on society, culture, governance, and international relations
Structure
- 3-year PhD Program
- English-taught curriculum
- Interdisciplinary and problem-oriented approach
- Opportunities for internship, field research and applied projects
Degree
PhD in International Public Policy (IPP)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all criteria:
1. Nationality
Applicants must be nationals of:
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, or Georgia.
2. Academic Background
- Must complete an MA degree by September 2025.
3. English Proficiency
(To be submitted during Stage 2)
- TOEFL iBT 80 / CBT 230 / PBT 500 OR
- IELTS 6.0
- Equivalent scores accepted; evaluated case-by-case.
4. Arrival Requirement
Must be able to arrive in Japan by late September 2025.
Applicants to the Special Program in Japanese and Eurasian Studies 2026 must hold an MA degree by September 2025 and be nationals of eligible Eurasian countries.
Application Process
There are two stages:
Stage 1 — Preliminary Screening
Submit Application Form via email:
📩 [email protected]
Application Documents (Stage 1):
- Completed application form
- Basic information & research outline
Stage 2 — Full Application + Interview
Applicants who pass Stage 1 must submit additional documents and participate in:
- An interview
- Subject exam (in home country or online)
Submit the following during Stage 2:
- Certified academic documents
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
- Additional supporting documents
All documents for the Special Program in Japanese and Eurasian Studies 2026 must be submitted strictly within the official application window.
Required Documents
During Stage 1:
- Application Form (DOC)
- Basic project description
During Stage 2:
- Academic transcripts & degree certificates
- English proficiency scores
- CV and supporting documents
- Identification documents
All documents may be emailed or posted to:
Special Program in Japanese and Eurasian Studies,
Doctoral Program in International Public Policy,
University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
Email: [email protected]
Selection & Interview Stages
Stage 1 (Jan 10–29, 2025)
- Application screening
- Shortlisting
Stage 2 (Feb–Apr 2025)
- Online/onsite interviews
- Exams
- Additional document submission
Final Decision
- Acceptance letters issued May 2025
- Enrollment begins 1 October 2025
Important Dates (Timeline)
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Programme Announced | Jan 10, 2025 |
| Stage 1 Deadline | Jan 29, 2025 |
| Interviews/Exams | Feb–Mar 2025 |
| Stage 2 Document Submission | Mid-April 2025 |
| Stage 2 Interviews | Late April 2025 |
| Acceptance Letters | May 2025 |
| Arrival in Japan | 20–30 Sept 2025 |
| Enrollment | 1 Oct 2025 |
| Fall 2026 Application Window | 10 Nov 2025 – 15 Jan 2026 |
Campus Life
Housing
Students may live in university residence halls.
Rent: 15,380 – 44,000 yen/month.
Academic Calendar
https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/academics/academic-calendar
Faculty
FAQ
Is Japanese required?
No. The program is fully English-taught (with optional Japanese courses).
Is funding available?
The program does not include a scholarship. Students must secure funding independently.
Can international students apply?
Only applicants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
Is there an interview?
Yes. Interviews and exams constitute Stage 2.
How do I submit documents?
Stage 1 via email; Stage 2 via email/post as instructed.
The Special Program in Japanese and Eurasian Studies 2026 is fully taught in English and does not require Japanese language proficiency.
Official Links
- Application Guidelines (PDF)
https://www.ipp.tsukuba.ac.jp/content/uploads/2025/01/Application-guidelines_PhD.pdf - Application Form (DOC)
https://www.ipp.tsukuba.ac.jp/content/uploads/2025/01/Application_form_PhD.doc - Official Program Page
https://www.ipp.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/special-programs-in-english/english-special-program-for-central-asian-countries-spjes/ - Contact
[email protected]
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