Unilinks - Development and Sustainability (DS)

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

To offer a generalist master’s program based on an interdisciplinary approach to international sustainable development. The aim is to build upon shared expertise in the Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) and offering an academic program that has a broader scope than current academic offerings, which are very specialized. A broader and less specialized program will be especially attractive to institutions looking for managers with a broad knowledge of development issues, and candidates who may not want to narrow their academic and research skills but rather get a broader understanding of development issues in the region.

The program also responds to the needs for capacity building regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Asian region and beyond in ways these other programs do not since the concept of sustainability calls for expertise in both the environmental and social dimensions of long-term development.

FOCUS AREAS

Sustainable Development
Environmental Sustainability
Social Sustainability
Poverty Reduction
Social Development
Gender and Development
Interdisciplinary Approach
Industry and Innovations
Sustainable Communities
Life-long Learning

KEY INFORMATION

Degree

PhD

Language

English

Location

Pathum Thani

Intake Start Date

May 2025

Study Format

On Campus

Duration

3.5 years

Program Highlight

Standard Program

Total Semester

Total Tuition Fees

1,495,800 THB In Total

Application deadline

Jul 2025

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Asian Institute of Technology

Asian Institute of Technology, 58 Moo 9, Km. 42, Paholyothin Highway, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand, Khlong Nueng, Pathum Thani 12120 Thailand

Asia Ranking 2025

Data Not Available

Programs

Students

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is an international English-speaking postgraduate institution, focusing on engineering, sustainability, and management studies. AIT’s rigorous academic, research, and experiential outreach programs prepare graduates for professional success and leadership roles in Asia and beyond.

Founded in 1959, AIT offers the opportunity to study at an institution in Asia which possesses a global reputation. Going forward, AIT will be stressing its global connections, injection of innovation into research and teaching, its relevance to industry, and its nurturing of entrepreneurship, while continuing to fulfill its social impact and capacity building role. Sitting on a beautiful green campus located just north of Bangkok, Thailand, AIT operates as a multicultural community where a cosmopolitan approach to living and learning is the rule. You will meet and study with people from all around the world.

Today, AIT’s internationally recognized engineering, environment, and management graduates are highly sought after by employers in their home countryand elsewhere. Across many walks of life in Asia, AIT alumni have distinguished themselves as CEO’s of private and state enterprises, as business owners, as well-respected researchers and faculty, and as senior university and government officials.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Study Plan

Year 1: Coursework and research proposal development

Year 2-4: Independent research and thesis writing

TUITION FEES

Tuition fees

1,495,800 THB / In Total

Application fees

800 THB

Application fee cannot be refunded.

Available Scholarships

Find scholarships suited to your goals. We’ll help you with the application process to secure the support you need.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

To be eligible for admission to the regular Doctoral degree program, an applicant must:

Have strong academic records (both undergraduate and graduate) and normally hold a four-year bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree*, preferably with a combination of course and thesis work, from an institution of good standing, acceptable to AIT. The minimum cGPA requirement for admission to the doctoral program is 3.50 or equivalent, at the Master’s degree level.

English Proficiency Requirement: AIT-EET: 6; IELTS Academic: overall 6 (writing 6); TOEFL iBT: overall 80 (writing 21-23); & PTE Academic: overall 52 (writing 62-73)

Submit a brief outline of dissertation research proposal (5-10 pages) including the required research facilities, if necessary.

Two recommendation letters.

*Applicants with a one-year master’s degree, a one-year professional master’s degree, or a one-year postgraduate diploma can enroll in the doctoral program by completing an additional 12-24 credits of coursework, obtaining a CGPA of 3.5, and achieving a very good or excellent grade in their research study, in addition to the required 84 credits for the doctoral program.

Possible Career Pathway

Graduates of the Development and Sustainability (DS) program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers focused on sustainable development, policy analysis, and project management. They can work in various sectors, including international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. Potential roles include development consultants, sustainability analysts, public policy advisors, social impact assessors, and project managers. These professionals contribute to designing and implementing sustainable policies and practices, assessing social and environmental impacts, and managing development projects that aim to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social equity.

STUDENT's TESTIMONIALS

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FAQs

Question :

Can I apply to two Academic Programs at the same time?

Answer :

No. You can only apply to one academic program at any time.

Question :

Do you have academic exchange programs and scholarships for those?

Answer :

2 Year Master’s Degree students normally study for 22 months (enrolled in August Intake) and 24 months (enrolled in January Intake) which includes four semesters, two short breaks and one long break between semesters. Doctoral students study for at least 42 months or seven semesters. 1-year Master, Professional Master Program and the Diploma Programs are at least 12 months or two semesters and the Certificate Program is 5 months or one semester.

Question :

What are Unified programs?

Answer :

Unified Programs integrate undergraduate studies with graduate studies into a seamless “Unified” program. For example, undergraduate students may join AIT in their final year to complete their undergraduate degree and at the same time start their Master program at AIT. AIT has several Unified programs with partner universities managed by Office of Special Degree Program.

Question :

What is the AIT English Entry Test (AIT-EET)?

Answer :

The Language Center (LC) offers a 90-minute in-house test of English proficiency called the AIT English Entry Test (EET). The score is based on a nine-point scale similar to the IELTS test. The Writing score, which is the most important at AIT, is based on an essay. The test result will be e-mailed within 7 days. The LC will report the test result to the AIT Admissions only if the score is satisfactory for provisional admission. If applicants fail to obtain the minimum score requirements for admission, they may take the test again.

Question :

Will you waive my admission interviews since I was admitted last year but chose not to register?

Answer :

No. As the application assessment varies from each intake, your application in the next intake must be as competitive as those with others applying in that same intake.

Question :

Do I need to apply for the scholarships listed on the website?

Answer :

You do not need to apply separately for the scholarships. Once you have submitted the application online, your will be automatically considered for all scholarships for which the deadline has not expired and for which you are eligible. The type and amount of scholarship given to applicants is on a competitive basis with the main criteria of academic standing. Should you wish to be considered for full scholarships, you must submit an Official English score of 6 including writing and overall that is not older than 2 years.

Question :

How much is the application processing fee?

Answer :

The processing fee is Baht 800 or US$25.

Question :

If I apply and accepted this intake, can I defer to the next intake with the same condition?

Answer :

Yes, you can defer your entry until the next academic semester. However, the financial conditions of the admission may change depending on the competitive assessment for the next semester. You are also required to pay the application processing fee to reactivate your admission.

Question :

When is the school intake and the application deadline?

Answer :

The AIT academic year consists of two semesters: January and August for School of Engineering and Technology (SET) and School of Environment Resources and Development (SERD).