The certificate program is an interdisciplinary course of study designed to complement graduate degree programs or to provide an independent course of study enhancing careers in a variety of fields.

All students who are applying for or currently enrolled in an M.A., Ph.D., or professional degree program at the University of Hawai‘i - Mānoa are eligible for admission. All applicants must write a personal statement which should be at least 300 words and should tell us, among other things, what you understand by International Cultural Studies and how your goals fit with our graduate certificate program.

Students accepted in the Graduate Certificate Program are eligible to apply for the East-West Center/University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Student Affiliate Program. This program offers Graduate Certificate students the opportunity to participate in the East-West Center's educational programs and to live in the East-West Center's residence halls. Those selected as Affiliates are required to live in the Center's dormitory at a rate of $15/night (as of 2013). Affiliates accept roles of active participation in the international East-West Center community and programs. Furthermore, Affiliates can apply for field study awards as well as become involved in East-West Center research programs.

At minimum, the applicant needs to demonstrate above average academic performance (B average, usually a 3.0 on a 1.0-4.0 scale) for undergraduate course work and for any post-baccalaureate or graduate course work.To be eligible, an applicant must hold or expect to hold prior to matriculation a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a recognized non-U.S. institution of higher education. A minimum TOEFL score of 500/61 (paper/internet) or IELTS overall band test result of 6.00 is required.