L-R Garima Nepal and Auron Wiles.
The first two graduates of a joint postgraduate collaboration between Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Tokyo City University (TCU) were awarded a Master of Environmental Studies on 19 March 2026 at a graduation ceremony held at Tokyo City University's Setagaya Campus, in Tokyo. In a symbolic reflection of the partnership, Garima Nepal and Auron Wiles wore ECU academic gowns as they received their jointly conferred degrees.
The two-year program, formally titled the International Collaborative Program for Transdisciplinary Sciences for Sustainability, was launched in April 2024. It is jointly designed and delivered by both universities and represents the first master's level joint degree program between Japan and Australia.
The program was established with support from Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) under the 2022 Inter-University Exchange Project, which promotes collaboration with universities across the Indo-Pacific region.
A collaborative, transdisciplinary program
The degree is delivered through TCU's Graduate School of Environment and Information Studies in partnership with ECU School of Science. It aims to develop highly skilled graduates capable of addressing complex global challenges, including climate change and broader environmental issues.
Students undertake all coursework and research in English and are supervised by academic staff from both institutions. The program emphasises transdisciplinary learning, integrating environmental science with social, cultural and policy perspectives across international contexts.
Graduates receive a single jointly badged testamur issued in English under the names of both institutions, signed by ECU Chancellor, Gaye McMath and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clare Pollock, as well as TCU's President, Dr Tomonari Yashiro and Dean of the Graduate School, Professor Hom Bahadur Rijal.
A defining strength of the program is its global mobility opportunities. Students enrolled at Tokyo City University spend one semester in Perth, where they undertake coursework at ECU.
A selective and growing program
The joint degree is intentionally small and highly selective, with places capped at five students per university per intake. Since its launch, eight students have enrolled, with Garima and Auron the first to graduate.
"The joint ECU-TCU Master of Environmental Science has been specifically designed to give students an international perspective and experience aligned with many of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Graduates from this program will be well equipped to deal with global environmental challenges, becoming the future leaders and thinkers we need to drive change," ECU Program lead Associate Professor Eddie van Etten said.
Built on a long-standing partnership
The joint degree builds on a strong and sustained relationship between the two institutions. Since 2016, TCU students have participated in the Tokyo Australia Program (TAP) at ECU, with two cohorts travelling to Perth each year.
Each intake includes around 80 to 100 students, who complete a 16-week study period combining academic units, English language training and cultural immersion through ECU's Experiencing Australia Program. More than 1,500 students have taken part in TAP since its inception.
Looking ahead
The full partnership highlights activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Japan–Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation in 2026, highlighting the ongoing strengthening of educational and research ties between the two countries.
Students are being encouraged to take advantage of a unique opportunity to enrol in the joint master's program, as both universities look to grow participation and strengthen their partnership.
Applications are open, with both universities inviting students to get involved and contribute to the development of this collaborative initiative.
