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Doctoral Program Information for International Students—Application Guidelines

01.04.2024 Update

Admissions Schedule for FY2025

The schedule is subject to change. Be sure to confirm dates in the application guidelines

* A "Cooperative major" is a major operated under a joint system of education program. The Cooperative Major in Human Centered Engineering is done in partnership with Nara Women's Universiry, allowing both institutions to take advantage of their mutual education and research resources. Return to Top of Page

1. Application Method

Put all required application documents in the designated university envelope and submit them by registered express mail to the address indicated below within the indicated application period. Applications will only be accepted by registered express mail.

Application documents must arrive at the university by the final day of the application period. Incomplete application packages will not be accepted. Please ensure that all necessary documents are included. Once the application package is submitted, under no circumstances will Ochanomizu University accept changes, return documents or refund the application screening fee.

Submit by registered express mail to: Admissions Division, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610 Japan

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2. Eligibility

The applicant must be a woman who a) does not hold Japanese citizenship, b) either possesses, or is albe to obtain a Status of Residence of “Student” according to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, and c) falls under any one of the following categories.

(1) A graduate of a master’s program or professional program, or a person who will graduate from such a program by March 2025.

(2) A person who has received (or will receive by March 2025) a degree equivalent to a master’s or a professional degree in a foreign country.

(3) A person who has received (or will receive by March 2025) a master's degree while in Japan through a distance education program at an overseas school.

(4) A person who has received (or will receive by March 2025) a master’s degree from a foreign university based in Japan that is also recognized by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as an educational institution.

(5) A person who has completed coursework from the United Nations University and received a degree equivalent to a master’s degree.

(6) A person designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Ministry of Education Notification No. 118 of 1988)

(7) A person recognized through screening at the graduate school concerned at Ochanomizu University as having academic abilities equivalent to or above a master’s-level degree and who will be at least 24 years of age on March 31, 2025.

• Note 1: Individuals who have graduated from a Japanese high school must apply using the admission procedures for Japanese applicants.
• Note 2: Applicants wishing to take the entrance exam under category (2) through (7) above should inquire in advance to the Admissions Division before applying. Applicants under category (6) or (7) should note that the application period differs from the above table.

3. Required Documents

Note1: Please request the following certifications (English version only) from the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHSI) in China or the CHSI China Academic Credentials and Student Registration Certification Center Japan Representative Office in Japan. For graduates: (Online) Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate and (Online) Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate For expected graduates: (Online) Verification Report of Student Certificate As a basic rule, an original certificate from the issuing organization should be submitted. An A4-size printout will be accepted only when an online certificate is the only issuing option available.   Return to Top of Page

4. Guidelines

Our application forms are not posted on the website. Therefore, applicants need to have the application package including the guideline and the application forms sent by mail. 

Guidelines for Application to the 2025 Doctoral Program  (exclusive of "Cooperative Major in Human Centered Engineering") 〔coming soon〕

Guidelines for Application to the 2025 "Cooperative Major in Human Centered Engineering" 〔coming soon〕

The Global Students Course for doctoral programs

The Global Students Course, which has been offered only for doctoral programs since 2020, enables entrance examinations, lectures, thesis instruction and doctoral degree acquisition to be performed in English.

To complete the doctoral program, students must earn at least ten academic credits including seminars and lectures. Members who take this course can do that only in English.

• Note 1: The TOEFL score card or IELTS Test Report Form must be submitted to measure English skills of applicants for this course. The criteria are set by each division, and are not made public.
• Note 2 : Applicants must consult a desired adviser teacher in advance. In regard to teachers who can conduct this course, please refer to  " the list of course instructors and main couse subjects ".

Applicants who wish to apply to the Global Students Course should also contact the Admissions Division  at [email protected]  in advance.

5. List of Faculty Members

List of Faculty Members

Admissions Division, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610 E-mail: [email protected]

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Graduate School Admissions - Doctoral programmes

In order to enter Degree programs, students have to take and pass the entrance examinations and an interview conducted by Kobe University. Following are the general information on eligibility, selection method, and admission information for each Graduate School.

Eligibility

Applicants must be foreign nationals who do not hold Japanese nationality and have successfully completed 16 years of school education or the equivalent. Those who are expected to graduate by March 31 of the year they are entering are also eligible.

• For detailed information on each Graduate School’s eligibility requirements, please refer to each School’s website.

Selection Method

Students are selected by academic records and the result of the paper based and oral examinations conducted by each Graduate School. The types of examinations vary according to each Graduate School.

• Many international students choose to enter Kobe University as a Research Student non-degree seeking student conduct research while improving their Japanese language ability for about 1 year, and then move on to a degree-seeking program after passing the entrance examination.

How to Apply

1. find your future supervisor.

Graduate Schools either do or do not require students Graduate School, but it is always better to decide the faculty member by whom you wish to be supervised, considering your own research topic. Check the information about the faculty members at Master’s Programs and Doctoral Programs and contact the faculty member directly.

How to find the future academic supervisor?

• Make use of our Directory of Researchers in Kobe University .
• When contact information is not available on the website of Graduate School, contact the Student Affairs Section of relevant Graduate School .

2. Obtain Application Information and Application Forms

When to request.

Application information is usually available on the Graduate School website and also on the website of Japan Study Support. However in order to apply, applicants have to obtain the original application forms. Each Graduate School distributes application forms at certain period usually once a year or twice a year.

Where and How to request

Applicants can obtain application forms either by visiting the office of each Graduate School directly or requesting by post. When requesting by post, be sure to enclose a return envelop with the necessary stamp attached to the Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School.

• The return envelop should be a size that can enclose an A4-size Legal size without folding the forms.
• Please attach the necessary amount of stamp to the return envelop.
• For detailed information, please check the website of the relevant Graduate School.

When to apply

Each Graduate School has certain application period usually once a year or twice a year.

Where and how to apply

Send the Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School the necessary application materials by post. Must reach by the deadline, late arrival would not be considered for admission.

• Students who have different educational background than that of shown on page 59 need to be pre-assessed before application. Please inquire Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School for detailed information.

4. Take the Examination

Each Graduate School has its own examination schedule. All examinations are conducted at Kobe University. Applicants should make arrangement to come to Kobe at this time.

5. Acceptance

How to find out the result.

In early March, applicants will receive an admission notice and other information by post if they passed the examination. Applicants who failed the examination will not receive the notice. If accepted, applicants must make the payment of admission fee by bank transfer, and submit the necessary documents.

6. Prepare for Coming to Japan

Prepare passport and visa (when applicants reside overseas).

In order to enter Japan, international students must have a passport and a “College Student Visa”. Please refer to “Procedure for Entering Japan” for details on how to apply for the visa.

Secure Accommodation

There are University housings and other accommodation that students can apply for through the university, but these rooms are limited. Please use the “Kobe University Student Apartment Search System” to look for private apartment. This system has been established with Nasic National Student Information Center for Kobe University international students. Students can also use this search system to reserve an apartment from overseas. It is available in 4 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean) and will also support students with lease agreement. For more information please refer to “Housing information”.

Students can also search apartment through Kobe University Co-op Service Center after arrival in Kobe.

Reserve an airplane ticket and purchase a traveler’s insurance. (Recommended but optional) (when applicants resides overseas)

7. after arriving in japan, come to kobe university during the designated period to complete the necessary entrance procedures., participate in new student orientation, classes begin, make payment of tuition fees, for more information.

• Intercultural Studies
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Apply to PhD

The Graduate School accepts about 60 full-time graduate students per year. This ensures low numbers of students for each faculty member so that we can deliver best-in-the-world teaching to our graduate students. The basic requirement for the OIST Graduate Program is completion of a Bachelors, Masters, or equivalent degree prior to the admission date. Students may submit an application at any time. Your application will be considered at the next admissions committee meeting. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Admissions Selection , held on-campus twice a year, as part of the selection process.

OIST strives to create and maintain an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment that does not discriminate against gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, medical condition, race, ethnicity, ancestry, culture, national origin, religion, or marital status. Applications from women and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged. For more details, please refer to the OIST Graduate School Three Policies.

Selection Schedule

*The schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Number of Accepting Students

The Graduate School accepts 60 students. To conduct education and research tailored to the wishes and aptitude of each students, we accept a small number of students.

Eligibility

Those who have graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's degree or expect to complete their degree before the date of enrollment into the PhD Program at OIST are eligible to apply.

Application Procedure

We accept application documents only online. Please prepare all necessary documents written below in English and in a PDF file and upload all necessary documents at the application website .

Note: We recommend using a computer when preparing the online application. If you prefer using a mobile device, please make sure to have the latest operating system for the application to work properly.

Required Documents

Scanned copies of your current academic transcript and any other transcript from your past degree  (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format

Completed diploma (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format.

• A scan of an unofficial transcript or other record of grades may be uploaded to the application website.
• English explanation is required for transcripts that are not written in English.
• If you have not graduated and do not have a diploma yet, please upload a certificate of enrolment from your institution (which preferably indicates your expected graduation date)

This should be not more than 400 words (2500 characters) and should address the following points:

• The applicant’s scientific interests and aspirations.
• What the applicant hopes to gain from undertaking graduate studies at OIST.

The application system requires applicants to submit a passport number and upload a scan of their passport photo page. It is essential that applicants from outside Japan have a valid passport for travel to Japan. You must supply your passport details in the application process.

If you do not have a passport at the time of application, you can upload other government-issued identification documents instead. However, if you receive an offer after the Admissions Selection, OIST will need a copy of your valid passport immediately to prepare your visa application and travel arrangement to relocate to Okinawa.

Each applicant is required to have at least two and no more than five letters of recommendation from appropriate academic referees. Two is the minimum requirement, but as a rule, it is very helpful for the admissions committee to have three or more letters. In the online application system, the applicant will enter the name and email of each recommender. The system will then contact the referee directly for their letter.

• OIST strongly recommends that applicants ask academic referees in advance for permission to list them as recommenders. Recommendation letters needs to be submitted by the deadline. Referee comments are a very important part of the selection process, and it is the applicant's responsibility to first ensure that referees are willing to submit such a letter, and then that they do submit before the deadline.
• Recommender’s letters will be treated as confidential material and will not be available to applicants or parties other than OIST faculty members assessing the application. In registering a recommender the applicant acknowledges that there is no right to read the recommender’s letter.
• You can only submit your application after at least two recommendation letters are received in the application system.

An applicant who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university for which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English is required to provide a TOEFL iBT or IELTS score obtained within the last 2 years. Please upload a digital copy of your official score report to the application website.

• There is no minimum score required but the information is necessary in determining preparatory course requirements.

Optional Documents

The following documents may be submitted optionally, and will be taken into consideration by the selection committee if available:

• Additional evidence of academic ability such as GRE general or specific test scores obtained within the last 2 years.
• Additional material such as the title and abstract of publications and oral presentations, and other evidence of achievement.

Note: The OIST Graduate School reserves the right to request an external evaluation of academic qualifications from any applicant.

Application Fee

There is no application fee to apply for the OIST Graduate Program.

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• Graduate Admissions

Doctoral Program Admissions

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List of Graduate Schools

• → Graduate School of Letters
• → Graduate School of Economics*
• → Graduate School of Law
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• → Graduate School of Business and Commerce
• → Graduate School of Medicine* Links to external sites
• → Graduate School of Science and Technology* Links to external sites
• → Graduate School of Media and Governance* Links to external sites
• → Graduate School of Health Management* Links to external sites
• → Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Links to external sites
• → Graduate School of Business Administration (KBS) Links to external sites
• → Graduate School of System Design and Management (SDM)* Links to external sites
• → Graduate School of Media Design (KMD)* Links to external sites

*Graduate school which has a degree program offered in English For details

Past Examination Papers

• → Past Examination Papers

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Charting Your PhD Journey in Japan: Admission, Lifestyle, and Balancing Work with Study

Japan, with its unique blend of ancient culture and technological innovation, offers a compelling environment for ambitious PhD students. Whether you’re diving into cutting-edge research or exploring the bustling streets, life as a doctoral candidate here is full of potential. But to truly thrive, understanding the ins and outs of admissions, budgeting for your lifestyle, and mastering the Japanese language is key.

Advantages of Pursuing PhD in Tokyo

Application Process and Timeline for a PhD Program

Can You Apply From Overseas?

List of English PhD programs offered by Universities in Japan

Navigating financial waters: living as a phd student, working while you learn, mastering japanese: a strategic move for phd students in japan, the key to professional opportunities, advantages of pursuing a phd in tokyo.

There are many advantages to pursuing an English-speaking PhD or master’s degree in Tokyo. Here are just a few:

• High-quality education: Tokyo’s universities are renowned for their academic rigor and research excellence. Many of these universities are ranked among the top institutions in the world.
• Cultural immersion: Tokyo is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich cultural heritage. Pursuing a degree in Tokyo will give you the opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
• Networking opportunities : Tokyo is a global hub for business and innovation. You will have the opportunity to network with leading professionals worldwide.
• Career prospects: A degree from a prestigious university in Tokyo will give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Application Process and Timeline for PhD Programs

Embarking on a PhD in Japan starts with navigating the admissions process. Programs in English are widely available, particularly in science and technology, economics, business, and various interdisciplinary fields. Admission requires a relevant master’s degree, a well-defined research proposal, and often proficiency in English or Japanese. The admission process for PhD programs in Japan typically varies from university to university. However, the general steps involved in the application process are as follows:

• Meeting Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. Check the program website for specific admissions requirements and deadlines.
• Submitting Application Documents: Required documents may include transcripts, recommendation letters, research proposals, and language proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
• Participating in Entrance Examinations: Some universities conduct written examinations or interviews to assess candidates’ knowledge and aptitude for research.

The application deadlines for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs in Tokyo typically range from April to June. However, it is always best to check with the individual university for the most up-to-date information.

Can You Apply from Overseas?

Applications for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs in Tokyo can typically be submitted from overseas. The application process is usually online, and you must submit the required documents digitally. However, some universities may also require you to send a physical copy of your application materials.

Additional Considerations

• Admissions requirements: Each university will have its own admissions requirements for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs. These requirements may vary depending on the program, but they typically include a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
• Language proficiency: While most English-speaking Ph.D. and Master’s programs in Tokyo do not require Japanese language proficiency, having some basic Japanese language skills is always a good idea. This will help you navigate daily life in Japan and make the most of your experience.
• Funding: There are a number of funding opportunities available for international PhD students in Japan, including scholarships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships. It is important to research these opportunities carefully and apply for those you are eligible for.

Scholarships

Scholarships such as MEXT, Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships, or university-specific grants are vital in supporting your academic journey. They cover everything from tuition fees to living expenses, allowing you to immerse in your studies and the rich culture of Japan. Read what each scholarship offers below!

1. The Japanese Government ( MEXT ) Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). There are scholarships available for privately financed international students, as well as those under student exchange agreements. The application for the 2024 MEXT Japanese Studies Scholarship will open in January 2024 . Value of Award:

• 100% of tuition (covered by the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship)
• 145,000 JPY per month for living expenses (amount subject to change)
• Economy class air travel between the home country and APU at the beginning and end of the program. 

2. Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships

This scholarship is provided for future students of Japanese universities and graduate schools. This program serves two different application periods. If your expected enrollment is April 2024, the deadline is March 1, 2024 . If the expected enrollment is September/October 2024, the deadline is August 1, 2024.

Value of Award:

• 100% of tuition 
• The scholarship provides a monthly stipend for the duration of time, for Doctoral students: 140,000 JPY per month for two years

3. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship

This fellowship is awarded to postdoctoral researchers who are conducting research in Japan. The JSPS offers two different programs long-term and Short-term; the application period is from mid-April to June 7, 2023 .

• 200,000 JPY per month for living expenses
• Leave for childbirth and childcare: Fellows are allowed to suspend their research for childbirth and childcare and are offered a path back into the laboratory. They can also choose to work short hours while on such leave.

4. The Fulbright Specialist Program Japan

This is a partial funding international scholarship provided by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for international students. For those candidates that met all eligibility requirements, you may apply to join the Fulbright Specialist Roster twice every 12 months . If you were not approved with your first application, you may reapply immediately and be included in the next peer review panel cycle. 

Additionally, the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) offers about 135 graduate scholarships annually for studies in economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related fields. 

As a PhD student in Japan, you’re allowed to work part-time up to 28 hours a week during term-time and full-time during vacations. This can supplement your scholarship and provide real-world experience, but it’s essential to balance this with your study commitments.

For PhD students aspiring to work in Japan, proficiency in the Japanese language is invaluable. It paves the way for greater job opportunities, deeper cultural integration, and successful networking. 

Get the Full Japanese Experience

– Cultural Integration: Understanding the language is the first step to truly immersing yourself in Japanese culture and society.

– Work Eligibility: Many employers prefer or require proficiency in Japanese to navigate the local business environment and workplace culture.

– Networking: Speaking Japanese opens up a wealth of networking opportunities that are otherwise inaccessible, helping you to build valuable connections for your career.

If you’re a PhD aspirant in Japan with an eye on the job market, gaining proficiency in Japanese is more than just an academic requirement—it’s a strategic career move. The ability to communicate effectively in Japanese can significantly broaden your professional horizons and make you a compelling candidate in the job market, both during and after your PhD studies.

Our Language Courses: Tailor-Made for Your Success

Recognizing the importance of Japanese language skills for PhD students in Japan, our part-time and online courses are designed to fit into a busy academic schedule:

– Part-Time Japanese Courses These are ideal for PhD students who want to balance their research with language study. With flexible class times, you can learn Japanese without compromising your academic commitments.

– Online Japanese Courses For maximum flexibility, coto’s online Japanese courses allow you to learn from anywhere, at any time. This means you can advance your language skills even during fieldwork or if you’re on a research trip.

As a PhD student in Japan, your success isn’t solely determined by your academic achievements; it also hinges on your ability to navigate the local language and culture. By integrating Coto Japanese language courses into your study routine, you’re not just preparing for your dissertation defense—you’re setting the stage for a flourishing career in Japan. So, take the first step towards unlocking your full potential in the Japanese job market with our dedicated language courses, crafted to help you excel in both your studies and your professional life.

Test your Japanese level!

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Find out about the application procedure for PhD course.

University of Tsukuba-NIMS Joint Graduate School

• Program Structure
• NIMS Junior

How to Enter (PhD program)

Entrance examination for admission.

Applicants of the doctoral program need to choose either “Doctoral program in Engineering Sciences, Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering” or “Doctoral program in Materials Innovation”. Please choose the program corresponding to the professor’s assignment. It is highly recommended to contact with potential prospective supervising professor prior to submitting the application and make sure that you apply for the appropriate Master’s program. faculty members : Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering faculty members : Degree Program in Materials Innovation

Find the latest information on the university application guidelines.

Please check the Graduate Admissions website.

Application for NIMS Graduate Research Assistantship (April 2022 admission) is open

* Application for NIMS Graduate Research Assistantship is different from that for Entrance Exam announced on this page. Applicants for NIMS Graduate Research Assistantship must apply for the Entrance Exam as well.

Application guidelines for Doctoral Program

Doctoral program in Engineering Sciences : Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering, Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology

Doctoral Program in Materials Innovation Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology

Application Guide

Please check the Graduate Admissions website . Previous Admission Guidelines are available for reference.

Application Submission

Submit the online application, then send the required documents to the university. A set of the application documents must be delivered to the following university office during the application period.

Academic Service Office for the Pure and Applied Sciences Area 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba-city, Ibaraki-ken 305-8571 Japan

How to Apply

Contact a potential supervisor

Check the lists of the program member and find the matches between their research and your interested research field. The course and the university that the NIMS researcher belong will be the university program that you apply for the admission. Prior to the university application, email the potential supervising professor to discuss about the application and your research plan. * Professors who is going to retire in a few years will not recruit new students. Please find the information on the program professor lists. faculty members : Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering faculty members : Degree Program in Materials Innovation

Apply for NIMS Graduate Research Assistantship (optional)

Application period for the NIMS Graduate Research Assistantship usually starts 4-5 months before the university application period. See “NIMS Junior” page for the application process, the eligibilities and the entry periods.

University application

Please apply to the university according to the university application guidelines; submit the online application, then send the following documents to the university. The documents must be delivered to the university during the application period. Documents required for the application are different from the university programs. Particularly, some certificates are requested to provide the original copy issued from universities / organizations. Please read the university guidelines carefully. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the university application, it’s recommended to contact the university office at the earliest.

University Entrance Examination

Applicants are selected through a comprehensive assessment of their submitted documents and results of the examination. The content of the exam are different depending on the program that you choose. Please check the university application guidelines for the details.

A list of successful applicants' number will be posted on the university website. A letter of acceptance will also be sent to successful applicants by registered mail. Later on, the enrollment procedure guidelines will be delivered to the successful applicants. As well as the enrollment to the university, registration at National Institute of Materials Sciences is required through your supervising professor.

TOEIC/TOEFL/IELTS requirement for the entrance exam

All applicants of "Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering (including Master’s Subprogram in Applied Physics/Materials Sciences)", regardless of your educational background, are required to submit English language proficiency score certificate.

• TOEFL "Examinee Score Report"/"Test Taker Score Report"
• TOEIC "Official Score Certificate"/"Official Score Report" Please note that only Listening & Reading Test is valid)
• IELTS (Academic Module) "Test Report Form"
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition "Test Taker Score Report" It is recommended to send the results of TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition to the university from ETS. The institution code is 9995, the department code is 99.

Important Notes

* For English score requirements, please see the Graduate Admissions website for the latest information. There are changes due to COVID-19 related reasons.

* Result score from TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is accepted for the entrance exam held in October 2020 and February 2021.

* The valid issue date of the certificate is specified on the Application Guidelines

* TOEFL PBT, TOEFL CBT and TOEFL IBT are acceptable. However, TOEFL ITP (Institutional Test Program), TOEIC IP (Institutional Program) and IELTS (General Training Module) are not acceptable.

* The English proficiency certificate that you submit must be the valid and original official certificate delivered by post. You may be able to download the result in PDF format or see your result score on the website. However, the self-printed PDF certificate, a photocopy of the original certificate and a screencopy of the website are not accepted as original. (Although some institutes recognize the PDF certificate as original, University of Tsukuba does not.)

* If you have not taken TOEIC/TOEFL/IELTS in the past, or your score is expired, consider taking the exam as soon as possible. Check out the exam date and the result dispatch date at your local TOEIC/TOEFL/IELTS centre or on the website. Make sure that the score certificate is delivered to you before the application period.

Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (Doctoral) | APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

• Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (Doctoral)
• Graduate Academics

DOCTORAL PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The developing world is in great need of internationally-minded individuals possessing specialized knowledge and skills. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly common for international aid organizations to enlist the professional guidance of doctoral graduates. The doctoral program aims to produce independent individuals capable of conducting high-level research. This involves gaining expertise in theoretical and empirical approaches for investigation, acquiring in-depth knowledge of the Asia Pacific region, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing practical solutions for complicated issues in a comprehensive and integrative manner. Alumni of this program become distinguished leaders and take on prominent roles in advanced institutions for research and higher education around the world.

Asia Pacific Studies

*Accelerated completion in 2 years may be possible upon further examination after enrollment. The total tuition for the program will not change even if you complete your degree before the standard period of completion

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS

*Current as of the 2022 academic year.

FACULTY AND THEIR RESEARCH FIELDS

Bui thanh huong.

Human Geography, Social Psychology, Tourism Management and Development, Sustainability and Resilience

GHOTBI Nader

Public Health and Epidemiology, Health Economics, Environmental Economics, Ethics and Philosophy, Bioethics

Urban Ecology, Material Metabolism, Low-carbon City/Transport, Livable City, Circular Economy, Ecosystem Services, GIS and Remote Sensing

IGUCHI Yufu

Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, Southeast Asian Studies (Malaysian Studies), Intellectual History

JONES Thomas Edward

Environmental Policy, Nature-Based Tourism, Protected Areas, Regional Development

KASEDA Yoshinori

Politics, International Relations

KIKKAWA Takuro

Politics, Area Studies, International Relations

Theoretical Economics, Econometrics, Applied Economics, Economic Policy

KIMURA Rikio

Social Welfare and Social Work Studies, Area Studies, Sociology of Education, Education

Environmental Policy, City Planning, Regional Planning, Traffic Engineering, Social System Engineering

MANTELLO Peter A.

Artificial Intelligence, Chatbots, Human-Machine Relations, Emotional AI, Malicious AI, Surveillance Systems, Predictive Policing, Videogame Theory, Conflict Media

MEIRMANOV Serik

General Life Science, Social Psychology, Human Genetics, Human Pathology, Public Hygiene Studies/Health Science

NATSUDA Kaoru

International Development Studies, International Political Economy, Economic Policy, Industrial Development, Rural and Community Development, Automotive Industry, Apparel Industry

OTSUKA Kozo

Applied Economics

PISHVA Davar

Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs), Simulation and Modeling (SaM), Decision Science (DS)

SATO Yoichiro

Suzuki yasushi.

Doctoral supervision available only for students that have completed their master's thesis under the professor's supervision

TODOROKI Hiroshi

Geography, Area Studies, Human Geography

VAFADARI M. Kazem

Cultural Heritage Management, Ecotourism, Agriculture Heritage Tourism, Community Based Tourism and Rural Tourism

YAMAGATA Tatsufumi

Development Economics, Textile Industry, Bangladeshi Economy, Health and Development, Disability and Development

YAMASHITA Hiromi

Environmental Sociology, Environmental Communication, Public Participation in Decision Making, Coastal Wetlands Restoration Projects, Ramsar Convention and Local Implementation

YOSHIDA Kaori

Media Studies (Representation Politics: Gender, Ethnicity, Nation), Cultural Studies, Popular Culture, Comparative Culture Studies

YOSHIMATSU Hidetaka

International Relations, International Political Economy, Regional Studies (East Asia)

YOTSUMOTO Yukio

Sociology, Tourism

LE Hoang Anh Thu

Cultural Anthropology, Folklore Studies

ROTHMAN Steven B.

International Relations Theory, International Policy Making, International Environmental Policy, Subject Pedagogy

Information Network, Web Informatics, Service Informatics, Management, Commerce

Area Studies (East Asia), Area Studies (European Union), Politics, International Relations, Political Economy

YAMAURA Koichi

Food and Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics

YOUN Seung Ho

Tourism Studies, Social Psychology

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

Completion of the doctoral program requires fulfillment of doctoral coursework in addition to submission and approval of a final dissertation. The dissertation should integrate the results of in-depth investigation into Asia Pacific issues and incorporate individual findings that outline strategic, policy-oriented, and practical solutions to issues arising from current developments in the region. APU provides support for doctoral students conducting field research for their dissertations. Research supervision can be provided in areas such as diversity and integration, environment and development, international political economy, and tourism development.

PH.D. CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

Dr. cindy lyn banyai (usa, graduated in 2010).

US Congressional Candidate, Founder and Principal of Banyai Evaluation & Consulting, LLC, and Adjunct Faculty, Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Florida Gulf Coast University, USA

“Getting my doctorate at APU allowed me to conduct field work both within Japan and throughout Southeast Asia. This research that culminated in my dissertation also lead to additional peer-reviewed publications and my own book. I was fortunate to also work with my supervisor on JICA international development projects, which gave me practical skills in training, evaluation, and program design needed for my career. This experience helped me learn about emergent leadership and gain the global perspective necessary to start my own evaluation and organization development consultancy and contribute to the global community as the representative to the UN for the International Association for Community Development.”

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Guide to Studying PhD in Japan for International Students

Want to study for a PhD in Japan but not sure where to start? This article introduces all you need to know about PhD in Japan, from what programs are like, admission requirements, and what English PhD programs in Japan there are. 

First Published: 2021-05-17 Updated: 2024-01-12

Table of Contents

Why should you study for a PhD in Japan?

• Program Types, Durations, and Admission Requirements

PhD in Japan for International Students

Phd programs in japan in english, what is the applicable visa to study in japan, what is the cost to study for a phd in japan, are there scholarships for phds in japan.

Japanese graduate schools are called 大学院 (Daigakuin) . They consists of Master’s courses, 修士 (Shuushi Katei), to obtain a Master’s Degree, “修士号 (Shuushigo)” and PhD courses, 博士課程 (Hakushi Katei) to obtain a PhD, 博士号 (Hakushigo) . 

In this article, we will focus on PhD Programs in Japan, what they are like, and what English PhD programs are there for international students. A person who has graduated from a PhD course is called 先生 (Sensei) or 博士 (Hakase) - Dr. in Japan. 

The reasons for why you should study for a PhD in Japan are pretty much the same reasons for choosing Japan to study abroad , whether it’s for undergraduate studies, Japanese language studies, or graduate school studies. The reasons include:

• World-Ranked Universities in Japan like University of Tokyo and Kyoto University and Nagoya University that rank among the Top 100 globally.
• Japanese universities excel at research and technology. Many universities are research-intensive which makes for a great study environment, especially for post-graduate education and post-doc. 
• There are Japanese graduate schools offering English PhD programs. Many universities offer Japanese classes (in many cases mandatory, but higher levels optional) to help international students integrate into life in Japan. 
• Scholarships for international students, including for PhD courses.
• Helpful if you are planning to continue working in Japan after completing your PhD. Also good for career prospects outside Japan.
• Endless opportunities to expose yourself to Japanese culture and tradition. There’s no better way to learn about Japan than being at the source. On weekends and holidays, take the chance to explore. 

Are you convinced to study for a PhD in Japan yet? From hereon, we will introduce in detail PhD programs in Japan. 

What are PhD Programs in Japan like? 

The doctoral program, better known as PhD, is the highest level of education to exist. A PhD is an advanced degree earned in various fields after successfully completing a research thesis. An individual can generally opt to study for a PhD after completion of a Master’s program. 

In Japan, PhD is called 博士号 (Hakushigo) . PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy”, and graduates are bestowed the title of “Doctor (Dr.)”. In Japan, Doctor (Dr.) is called 博士 (Hakase), though most people go by 先生 (Sensei) . 

Program Types, Their Durations, and Admission Requirements

The duration of a PhD program depends on your choice of subject and research thesis. Typically, a PhD program takes around 5 years to complete for those who graduated from a 4 years long undergraduate program. Specialized fields like medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental have 6 years long Bachelor’s degree programs and no Master’s program, and therefore their PhD programs are 4 years long. 

In Japan, PhD programs are commonly split into 2 phases. Depending on their highest level of education (Master’s or Bachelor’s), students have an option of starting from the first phase or skipping to the second phase. 

First Phase is called First Half of a PhD Program (2 Years)

Called 博士前期課程 (Hakushi Zenki Katei) , the first phase’s curriculum includes studies to obtain a Master’s degree , which is a prerequisite requirement for most PhD programs. The first phase is a 2 Years long program.

According to JASSO , one of the following admission requirements must be satisfied to be eligible to join this program:

• Graduates from 4 Years long university program (Japanese university)
• Graduates with Bachelor’s degree from at least 3 Years long foreign university program; 5 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Graduates of Bachelor’s degree from the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education
• Graduates from National Defense Academy of Japan, Japan Coast Guard Academy, Meteorological College, or any ministry or agency established academy or college
• Graduates from international schools in Japan that are officially recognised as being equivalent to an overseas university
• Those who have completed specialized coursework at designated vocational schools
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in their home country; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in Japan via online curriculum offered by an overseas institution; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed studies at school under Japan’s old education system
• Those aged above 22 who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Second Phase is called Second Half of a PhD Program

Master’s degree holders can skip the first phase to join the second phase. Called 博士後期課程 (Hakushi Kouki Katei) , the second phase is typically 3 Years long , but 4 Years for medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental fields. 

• Graduates with a Master’s, professional degree, or equivalent foreign degree
• Graduates with a Master’s or professional degree from an overseas institution done via online curriculum while living in Japan
• Graduates with degrees equivalent to a Master’s or professional degree from international schools in Japan recognised as being equivalent to an overseas graduate school
• Graduates with Bachelor’s or equivalent degree who have completed minimum 2 Years research at university or research facility having the same academic prowess as a Master’s degree holder
• Those with a degree equivalent to a Master’s degree from United Nations University 
• Those aged 24 or above who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Most graduate school programs in Japan are taught entirely in Japanese. For international students seeking to join these programs, demonstration of a high level of Japanese proficiency, at least N1, is required. This is to ensure that you are able to understand the curriculum in order to complete the course. 

Fortunately, with the increasing number of international students in Japan, many universities have started internationalizing their programs with English-taught courses , including for PhD. There are programs taught mostly in English with supplementary Japanese, as well as programs taught completely in English. 

For English-taught PhD programs, students may be asked to demonstrate their English language proficiency with English proficiency certifications like IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC. This requirement may be exempt for individuals whose undergraduate or Master’s degree shows high mastery in English.

Different universities offer PhD programs in different fields of study, so you will need to do a thorough search to find one that matches your interest. JASSO’s Search for Schools tool is incredibly helpful for this. You can search for educational institutions that accept international students by degree (undergraduate, Master’s, PhD), school type (public, national, private), school location, field of study, medium of instruction, etc. 

To further help you, we have curated a list of 6 PhD programs in Japan which are popular, along with the names of universities offering these programs. 

Visa, Tuition Fees and Scholarships for PhD in Japan

The applicable status of residence for international students in Japan is 留学 (Ryuugaku), aka “Study Abroad”. 

Coming from Overseas

If you are coming from overseas to study for a PhD in Japan, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your university in order to obtain a Visa to enter the country. Upon entering Japan, you will be bestowed a status of residence and a residence card, which acts as your identity card.

Read more about Japan Visa, Status of Residence, and Residence Card here .

Existing Resident in Japan

If you are an existing resident in Japan, you will not need a Visa or a Certificate of Eligibility, which are required for first entry into Japan. 

If you are already an international student in Japan, and planning to advance your studies to Master’s or PhD, then you may need to apply for “Extension of Period of Stay”, which can be done easily online now. Learn how to do it step by step here .

If you are a resident in Japan, but on a different type of status of residence, say the most common “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” or some other type of work visa, then you will need to apply for a “Change of Status of Residence”. This can also be done online now with a My Number Card and IC card reader. 

In Japan, universities and graduate schools can be divided into 3 types of institutions - national, public and private. The admission and tuition fees for each type of institution is different with national schools having the lowest cost. 

In Japan, the first year’s cost for university and graduate schools is higher than the subsequent years. This is because applicants need to pay an admission fee in addition to the year’s tuition fee. 

The first year, aka admission year, cost for PhD that consists of that year’s tuition fee and an admission fee is:

• Approx. 820,000 Yen for National Institution
• Approx. 900,000 Yen for Public Institution
• Approx. 850,000 Yen (medical studies) or 1,100,000 Yen (non-medical studies for Private Institutions

Tuition fees will vary between universities so be sure to check the particulars when applying. 

【Helpful Reading】

• For differences between national, public and private universities in Japan.
• For the cost breakdown of studying abroad in Japan, including tuition fees and living costs.

Yes, there are scholarships for PhDs in Japan. According to JASSO , there are altogether 119 PhD program scholarships for international students for 2023 - 2024. Among the 119, 12 are available to apply before coming to Japan, and the remaining 107 can only be applied for after coming to Japan. 

Read more about Japanese scholarships and how to apply for them here . 

Education plays a crucial role in personal, social, and economic development. Achieving a PhD is sure to improve your confidence, greatly enhance your knowledge, and will make some higher level jobs available to you. After obtaining a PhD, many people choose to continue their research in universities or research centers as post-doc researchers. There are also many other consultation jobs available that requires your expertise. 

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HOME > Admissions > ［Application Guide］ Doctoral Program - Examination for general track (Division of Advanced Science and Technology)

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Doctoral Program - Examination for general track (Division of Advanced Science and Technology)

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• The Graduate School of Advanced Science and Technology has been reconceptualized into 10 new research areas in April, 2022!

Application Guide (Division of Advanced Science and Technology) ＜October 2024・April 2025・October 2025＞

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Japan Studies (Graduate School of Global Studies Doctoral Program)

The Doctoral Program in Japan Studies encompasses systematic study of the Japanese language, Japanese language education, Japanese literature and culture, and Japanese history and society for comprehensive Japan research.

The program is directed at developing an objective perspective of Japan within a global context. Given the urgent need for human resources capable of conveying Japan to the world, this program is focused on training Japanese and foreign students who can meet this need. The degree acquired through this program is a Doctor of Philosophy.

The Doctoral Program in Japan Studies has one program.

Japan studies program.

This program trains students in the specialized knowledge needed for a broad and comprehensive understanding of Japan so that they can disseminate this knowledge to the world.

Classes: Japanese linguistics, Japanese language education theory, language education theory, Japanese literature and culture, Japanese historical sociology, Japanese politics and economics, Japan studies, etc.

Doctoral Program in Japan Studies

Students in this program will acquire:

• Specialized knowledge in fields related to Japan and the deep comprehensive understanding of the country required to speak of Japan within a global context. Foreign students in particular will acquire a high level of Japanese language ability and understanding of Japanese society.
• Deep and specialized knowledge of Japanese language, Japanese education, Japanese literature and culture, Japanese historical sociology, Japanese politics and economics, etc.
• The qualifications to become a highly skilled academic researcher at a university inside or outside Japan or professional teacher of Japanese language in an international institute of higher education or equivalent organization.

Theses：Doctoral Dissertation

Distinctive Features

This program was established in 1999 in order to enable international students to continue their studies using English and to acquire a doctoral degree. Proficiency in Japanese is not generally considered in the selection process, although a high proficiency in Japanese may be required for some applicants, depending on their research topic. This is a highly competitive program and only those having excellent academic credentials and outstanding potential will be accepted.

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Study Requirements and Degrees Granted

Students will be assigned an academic supervisor with whom they will work to pursue their research. All students are required to take a candidacy examination before completing their doctoral thesis. Students who have obtained the status of doctoral candidate and completed their thesis must pass a final examination and have their thesis approved by the GSICS faculty. The standard duration of study is three years. For students of exceptional capability, the duration may be shortened. Students who have successfully completed the requirements will be granted one of the following doctoral degrees: Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, Doctor of Laws, or Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science.

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In the doctoral program, students are required to take Advanced Research (8 credits) and Advanced Research Presentation (2 credits). They must also earn a total of at least 4 credits from among the following (2credits): Workshop I, Workshop II, Internship, Advanced Overseas Research, and International Organization Management. Students must also receive instruction regarding the writing of their thesis from their academic supervisor.

Associate Professor

NISHITANI Makiko

Today's global governance, especially in the areas of human rights, environment, and development, is characterized by a diversity of stakeholders, including international organizations, civil society organizations and corporations, as well as states. They create diverse norms and organizations that sometimes improve the effectiveness of international regimes through coordination and synergy, but at other times conflict with each other and hinder effective problem-solving.How can we reduce conflicts of interest and contestation of ideas and enhance the effectiveness of governance? You are more than welcome to join us in thinking about these issues!

MATSUNAMI Jun

Should the differences between your country’s politics and Japanese politics be explained by institutional designs, by the histories of the two countries or by different political cultures? Perhaps we should instead question the very existence of differences between countries themselves. As a Japanese scholar whose main research field is Japanese politics, GSICS is an intellectual wonderland because there are students who want to study about many different countries and also many international students coming from a variety of countries and backgrounds.

Graduate Student

Nurul Kartika Putri

As a part of a leading university in social science, GSICS offers an international and multidisciplinary approach to help students exercise skills of global citizenship through practical experiences and cross-learning.There are a variety of lectures conducted by professors with expertise in the field of economics, law, international studies as well as political science. The important thing is that the way they are delivered also harnesses students’ critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaborative skills. The facilities are also amazing! That cozy student room, well-equipped IT room, and first class library make a learning experience unbelievably satisfying, not to mention the cafeteria also provides meals for those with particular dietary restrictions. Furthermore, there are many opportunities for overseas internships, conferences, and trainings to globalize students. GSICS really encourages intellectual endeavors with a warm and supportive school environment while fostering what every future leader always dreams of: To embrace the world beyond borders. Those are several reasons why I choose GSICS. Please find yours!

Mizan Bustanul Fuady Bisri

In the face of more complex and interdependent global problems and challenges like unresolved poverty, climate change and disaster, urgent need for improvement of human education, and others, the world is in need of scholars and professionals who have the intellectual, skills, and attitude to make a significant contribution to shape a more sustainable and resilient future. The GSICS of Kobe University is among the leading graduate schools in Japan that produces such scholars and professionals, given its vast knowledge from all permanent and visiting professors, international environment, as well as multiple supports for students to conduct high-quality research such as international fieldwork, internship opportunities, and endorsements to receive research grants. Studying at GSICS will give you the privilege of being at the forefront of global development, as the graduates of this school make significant contributions to the world!

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2024.05.13: Additional information at Entrance Examination Briefing has been appended. 2024.05.10: Method for Briefing session (tentative) of Information and Communication Engineering at ＜Briefing Session for each department＞, Entrance Examination Briefing has been revised. 2024.04.24: Start Time (tentative) of Information and Communication Engineering at ＜Briefing Session for each department＞, Entrance Examination Briefing has been changed. 2024.04.19: Information on the AY2025 Entrance Examinations (conducted in AY2024) of the Graduate School of IST has been released. 2023.03.22: Information on the AY2025 Entrance Examination Briefing has been released 2024.01.31: The announcement "[Important] On the expected changes in the method of the entrance examination in Special Admission for “English Program on Intelligent Information Processing” from AY2025 Entrance Examinations (conducted in AY2024) " has been released.

An overview of the types of entrance examinations and the schedule for AY2025 entrance examinations (conducted in AY2024) at this Graduate School is given in the following document.

Overview of the Entrance Examination System at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo

Japanese Government (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, MEXT) Scholarship students (Research Students) (Embassy Recommendation) will be accepted as Graduate International Research Students (non-degree) at this Graduate School, in principle. Please refer to here for more details. If the applicant wishes to proceed to the Master's or Doctoral programs after they entered as a Graduate International Research Student, they will need to take and pass the entrance examinations (Regular Admission or Special Selection for Professionals).

*AY stands for "academic year". In Japan, each academic year is from April to March in the next year.

The application periods for AY2025 entrance examinations (conducted in AY2024) for Master's and Doctoral programs (entrance date: October 2024, April 2025, or October 2025) (Regular Admission and Special Selection for Professionals) are as follows.

【 Summer Examinations 】

【 winter examinations 】, entrance examination briefing     (released on mar 22, 2024)　 (closed).

Entrance Examination Briefing for AY2025 Entrance Examinations will be held as follows. Those who wish to participate in the briefing should submit the entry form . Those who have completed the registration through the entry form will receive an email containing the URL, which includes the necessary information for participation in the Entrance Examination Briefing and detailed information for the Briefing.

Date: May 11 (Sat), 2024

＜Briefing Session on the Graduate School＞ This is a pre-recorded video session, consisting of: *Introduction of the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology *Introduction of each department, etc. (The videos will be made available on the website for examination briefing.)

＜Briefing Session for each department＞ This session includes; *Guidance of each department including lab tours (varies by department)

【 Admission Guide for Master ‘ s and Doctoral Programs of the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo 】

• Master’s Program  
• Doctoral Program  
• Doctoral Program [Special Selection for Professionals]
• Accompanying document to the Admission Guide : “Timeline of Enrollment Procedures for New International Students”

【Admission Guide for Each Department】

• Information Physics and Computing
• Information and Communication Engineering

Those who wish to apply for the AY2025 Summer Entrance Examinations (conducted in AY2024) should follow the procedures below.

1. Prepare the necessary materials for your application

Check the Admission Guide of the Graduate School and your preferred department and prepare the necessary materials for your application. Please keep the original of the Academic Transcript submitted as a copy during the admission process, as it is required at the time of enrollment procedure. The original of Certificate of Graduation/Completion/Degree is also required at the time of enrollment procedure.

2. Enter the required information to the WEB Application System below and create the application form

(available from May 31) WEB Application System (Master ’s Program) WEB Application System (Doctoral Program) WEB Application System (Doctoral Program [Special Selection for Professionals])

3. Pay your examination fee

1) Bank Transfer (in Japan): Use the Transfer Application Form from the "WEB Application System" and ask a teller to transfer your examination fee.

2) E-shiharai.net (by credit card / at a convenience store, etc.): Refer to " How to make Payment of Examination Fee at E-shiharai.net " and pay your examination fee as instructed.

→ Click  here to navigate to "E-shiharai.net". 【available period : May 23 (Thu), 2024 - June 6 (Thu), 2024】

• The following applicants are exempted from their examination fee payment.

* those who are expected to complete a Master's program or Professional degree program at the University of Tokyo in March 2025 and proceed to a Doctoral program in April 2025 * those who are expected to complete a Master's program or Professional degree program at the University of Tokyo in September 2024 and proceed to a Doctoral program in October 2024 * international students on scholarships from the Japanese government (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, MEXT)

• Entrance Examination Fee Exemption for Applicants for Admission Affected by Natural Disasters.

The University of Tokyo has taken the decision to waive the payment of entrance examination fees by applicants affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, etc., to lighten the economic burden and to secure the opportunity of admission for applicants. If you wish to apply for the exemption of the examination fee for the AY2025 Summer Entrance Examinations of the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, please refer to the following notice and mail the required documents to the address given below by a traceable method.

Application Period: May 14 (Tue), 2024 – May 21 (Tue), 2024 Office of Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo Engineering building No.8 (Room# 162), 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 113 8656 TEL 03 5841 7926

If you wish to apply after the application period, please contact us directly by email. johoriko.t(at)gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Entrance Examination Fee Exemption for Applicants for Admission Affected by Natural Disasters Application Form

4. WEB Application System: Upload all required documents, and "CONFIRM" application on My Page

【Important】 Even if you create the application form, your application will not be completed until all required items are uploaded and also until you "confirm" your application on " My Page" before the deadline. Refer to instructions on "My Page" about how to "confirm" your application, etc.

Convert all the required documents into PDF files , and after you have uploaded them to the  WEB Application System:My Page   (available after creating the application form), click "Confirm" to “confirm” your application .

The (strict) deadline for uploading: 17:00 (JST), June 6 (Thu), 2024

• When your application has been confirmed on "My Page", "Application Confirmed" will be displayed on Status of Your Application, and you will receive a confirmation notice at your registered email address. Please make sure to check if your application has been confirmed on "My Page".

5. Submission of Recommendation Letters 　 (Only for applicants who are required to submit）

Examinees should ask their recommenders to provide a Recommendation Letter. Examinees applying to the Department of Information and Communication Engineering are required to download the specific form from here and send it to their recommenders.

Examinees should register the necessary information about the examinees (their application receipt numbers, names, email addresses, etc.) and their recommenders (names, affiliations, positions, email addresses, etc.) through the " Registration Form for Recommender ". (available from May 31)

The URL for uploading the recommendation letter will be notified to the recommender by email.

The recommender should upload the recommendation letter to the website indicated in that email.

【The deadline for uploading the recommendation letter】 23:59 (JST), June 13 (Thu), 2024

After the recommender completes uploading, both the recommender and the examinee will receive a confirmation message by email.

For details on how to submit your TOEFL Institutional Score Report, refer to the " Guidelines for Submission of TOEFL Scores (for AY2025 Entrance Examinations) ".

Application for SPRING GX Project Students There will be a call for SPRING GX project students during some time between the application deadline for entrance examinations and the enrollment date. If you wish to apply, please check the webpage regularly for the latest information.

Statistics on Past Entrance Exams (updated on May 18, 2023)

Archives of Past Entrance Exams    (updated in April 2024)

2023.12.26 : The announcement "[Important] On TOEFL Score submission for the entrance examination of the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo" has been released.

2023.10.27 : the announcement "[important] on the winter entrance examinations of department of information physics and computing for master’s program" has been released., 2023.06.21 : the announcement "[important] on the expected changes from ay2025 entrance examinations (conducted in ay2024)" has been released..

Please refer to here .

Office of Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo TEL: +81-3-5841-7926/7428 johoriko.t(at)gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp * Please replace (at) with @ when sending a message.

Contact us via E-mail instead of calling. Before you contact us, please check the above FAQ. See  here for the open hours of the Office of Graduate School of IST.

We will reply to your questions during weekdays (except Saturdays, Sundays, and Japanese national holidays) from 9:00 to 17:00 in JST. Please contact us early if you have any questions, as it can take several days for us to answer your questions.

In particular, please note that it may take a long time to answer your questions during the period just before the Summer Entrance Examinations, due to the “Obon” holiday season in Japan. During that time, our office may be closed on weekdays, in addition to Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.

• Entrance Examinations

• IST Introduction Movie

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• Access・Information

3 Clusters in the PhD Program

The PhD program, according to specialized research areas, consists of 3 clusters that are formulated by further developing the 3 existing Master’s programs in GSIR, i.e.,“International Relations Program,” “International Development Program”, and “Public Management and Policy Analysis Program.”

International Relations Cluster

fosters researchers with the specialized knowledge and high-level research ability in the increasingly complex field of International Relations, including security, and fosters those professionals with the above-mentioned knowledge and abilities which can be applied to relevant jobs (such as security policy formulation) and be implemented in such places as international organizations and government bodies.

Economics Cluster

fosters researchers with the specialized knowledge and high-level research ability in Economics including quantitative and statistical methods, and fosters those professionals with the above-mentioned knowledge and abilities which can be applied to relevant jobs (such as economic development or economic policy formulation) in such places as international organizations and government bodies.

Public Management Cluster

fosters researchers with specialized knowledge and high-level research ability in Public Management, and fosters those professionals with the above-mentioned knowledge and abilities which can be applied to relevant jobs (such as effective management) in such places as international organizations and government bodies.

Degree Requirements

PhD candidates must satisfy the following requirements while enrolled in the program for a minimum of 3 years and receiving necessary research guidance.

■ To obtain 6 credits (3 courses) from the “Core Required Courses” (listed below).

International Relations Cluster 　 Advanced Studies in Theories of International Relations, Advanced Studies in International Political Economy, Advanced Studies in Human Rights and Global Justice Economics Cluster 　 Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, Advanced Econometrics

Public Management Cluster 　 Advanced Public Management, Advanced Politics and  Governance, Advanced Public Policy Process

■ To obtain 9 credits from “PhD Dissertation Advanced Seminar I, II and III” (which carry 3 credits each).

■ To pass the comprehensive examination conducted at the end of 1st year. Candidates will be given a second chance during the 2nd year to take this examination if they fail the examination in the 1st year.

■ To pass the evaluation and the final examination of their PhD dissertation. The PhD dissertation is, in principle, comprised of three academic papers, one of which must be accepted by a refereed academic journal.

Curriculum and Courses

The PhD curriculum consists of Core  Required Courses and PhD Dissertation Advanced Seminars. The Courseworks are designed to give students high level specialized and scholastic knowledge and research capability required for PhD candidates. The PhD Dissertation Advanced Seminars are designed to give students guidance for writing a PhD dissertation.

Core Required Courses

Phd dissertation advanced seminars, 3-year schedule, phd faculty members, dormitories.

IUJ dormitories offer students a very special international experience. Each student occupies a private room and neighbors include men and women from all over the world. There are three single student dormitories (SD1, SD2 and SD3) and one married student dormitory (MSA). Each single room is furnished and has a private Western-style bathroom and an outlet and Wi-Fi access for connecting to the campus LAN. The dormitories also boast computer lounges, numerous meeting rooms, common kitchens, washing machines, TV lounges with satellite broadcasts, a billiards room, a tatami room, a prayer room, and storage.

Special Study Room (exclusively for PhD Students)

A special study room will be set up in the 1st floor of MLIC exclusively available for PhD students. The Study Room will be equipped with 15 lockers, 15 desks, one PC printer, cabinets and bookshelves. The Study Room will be located close to PC rooms and library which allows PhD students to easily access these facilities.

Matsushita Library and Information Center (MLIC)

The MLIC fulfills the dual roles of library and information center. Two computer rooms, offering PCs with Windows operating systems, are available. Students have unrestricted high-speed access to the entire range of resources offered on the Internet. With extensive database subscriptions and holdings on CD-ROM, the library offers free and easy access on and off campus to thousands of current journals and newspapers, many in full text, as well as to principal world economic statistics and data. MLIC also subscribes to leading financial data and market research services, which enable students to access real time information on business and market movements.

Admissions and Tuition Fees

Application and inquiries.

Office of Admissions and Career Support Graduate School of International Relations International University of Japan 777 Kokusai-cho, Minami Uonuma-shi, Niigata 949-7277 Japan TEL：+81-25-779-1200 ／ FAX：+81-25-779-1188 ／ E-MAIL： admgsir@iuj.ac.jp

• Graduate School of Art and Design

Doctoral Degree Program

The doctoral degree program at MAU has been structured by reorganizing and consolidating the fine arts and design majors of the master's degree program into a single major in art and design. The art and design course in the doctoral degree program covers three interacting, intersecting domains: production of art, design and configuration, and theory and history of art and design. While belonging to one of these domains, students will have ongoing access to knowledge and stimulation from the others. The three areas of study are independent, and at the same time organically linked.

前壮一郎 Studies in Production of Art

Studies in Production of Art

Here students explore a variety of topics through the production of artworks, including perceptions, values, modes of expression, materials, techniques and the history of artistic expression, and seek out new, universal possibilities for expression. As artistic approaches, students will not only employ two-dimensional forms of expression such as painting (Japanese painting, oil painting, printmaking etc.), three-dimensional expression (sculpture, 3D modeling) and spatial modeling: they will explore projects involving collaboration with other areas of study, and formative arts fields such as imaging arts and installation, adding a variety of media to the mix and exploring the possibilities for new integrated realms of expression that encompass all these fields.

Studies in Design and Configuration

This field of study aims to build better relationships between people, objects and information in contemporary society, targeting the environments composed of these elements and using superlative technologies and information to form environments. Environment formation encompasses fields such as communication design, product design, craft design, spatial design, architecture, imaging arts and information design.

Studies in Theory and History of Art and Design

Here students research the history and theory of the formative arts (fine arts, architecture, design, crafts, media arts etc.). The areas encompassed by historical and theoretical research in the formative arts are currently expanding, and collaboration with the adjoining sciences is essential. Here students will also conduct research on issues in the practices of producing art, and the influence of society on the production of art, and vice versa. By opening up studies in history and theory, rather than confining their status to that of narrow specialties, we take a fresh look at the meaning of the formative arts. The aim here is to train not only academic researchers to work in the realm of the formative arts, but also people who will contribute to education in the formative arts, including the production of art, art criticism, and the work of art galleries and other institutions.

More job opportunities for Japan's PhD graduates

People with doctorates have typically had little luck finding jobs in Japan where they can make use of their expertise. Corporate recruiters have often placed more priority on hiring fresh university graduates who can be trained from scratch, but now, some Japanese firms are changing their approach.

Major beverage firm Kirin Holdings set up a website to recruit PhD holders fresh from completing their studies or in mid-career. The company says the ratio of doctoral graduates hired for research posts in fiscal 2023 roughly doubled from a year earlier.

Kadota Tomoyuki of Kirin Holdings says " As a business, we are focusing on health science. We expect researchers from diverse backgrounds can create new value based on new ideas."

Chemical firm Asahi Kasei has been recruiting around 20 PhDs every year. It has been hiring year-round since 2023 to secure more post-doctoral talent.

The overall trend is still bleak, however.

The Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, says less than 20 percent of firms that responded to a survey last year plan to hire more PhD graduates in the next few years.

The education ministry says the number of students advancing to doctoral courses has almost halved in around 40 years, partly due to the poor job prospects.

Unraveling Japan’s Urban Jewels: The Best Cities to Visit for an Unforgettable Adventure

L ost amidst the wonders of where to kick-start your Japanese odyssey ? Japan, with its stunning mix of old-world charm and innovative future, can be an overwhelming destination.

However, Kevin Erickson , your globetrotter guide for today, is here to set you on the right path!

• Tokyo is the magnetic pulse of Japan, drawing in 14 million visitors in 2019 alone.
• Kyoto mesmerizes with 17 UNESCO sites, proving its weight in cultural gold.
• Osaka seduces foodies and thrill-seekers alike.
• Insider tips to elevate your experience in each city.
• Chris Rowthorn encapsulates Japan as a "world apart, thriving in contrasts."

The Crowning Glories: Why Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka Reign Supreme

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka secure the top positions when it comes to tourist footfall. And why wouldn’t they? Let's dive deeper .

Tokyo: Where Traditions Tango with Tomorrow

Tokyo , the dynamic capital of Japan, is an electrifying fusion of ancient and avant-garde, creating an urban sprawl where the past and future coexist in harmonious rhythm. Every corner of this sprawling metropolis tells a unique tale, reflecting the city's uncanny ability to respect its roots while ambitiously reaching for the skies.

As dawn breaks, you'll find locals paying their respects at the centuries-old Meiji Shrine, where the spiritual essence of Shinto rituals blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty. But as dusk engulfs the city, neon lights begin to dance across districts like Shinjuku and Akihabara, showcasing Tokyo's vibrant nightlife and its undying love for technological advancements .

Yet, Tokyo's heart truly beats in its neighborhoods. The historic district of Asakusa, with its iconic Senso-ji Temple, offers a glimpse into the city's rich past. A gentle rickshaw ride here transports you back to the Edo period, with shopkeepers selling traditional crafts and treats. Contrastingly, just a train ride away lies Harajuku, the epicenter of Japan's youth culture and fashion, where bold styles and eccentric trends reign supreme.

And of course, there's Odaiba, the futuristic artificial island featuring architectural marvels and the famous Unicorn Gundam statue standing tall, symbolizing Japan's love affair with innovation.

In Tokyo, centuries-old tea ceremonies find their home beside futuristic robot cafes. Sumo wrestlers train in the shadows of soaring skyscrapers , and meticulously maintained bonsai trees sit in the balconies of modern apartments. This city is an ever-evolving dance of traditions tangoing with tomorrow, proving that reverence for the past doesn't stifle innovation but instead fuels it. Indeed, Tokyo isn't just a city; it's a living testament to Japan's unparalleled journey through time.

Kyoto: A Time Capsule of Tenacity & Tradition

Chris Rowthorn might've been envisioning Kyoto when he said,

“Japan is a world apart.”

Kyoto , the ancient heart of Japan, stands as a mesmerizing testament to the nation's profound reverence for its storied past. Nestled amid misty mountains and meandering rivers, this former capital encapsulates the soulful essence of a time where emperors, samurais, and geishas etched their tales into the city's cobblestone streets and wooden machiya townhouses.

From the vermilion gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which wind up the sacred mountain paths, to the iconic golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji that glistens in the sun, every temple and shrine in Kyoto narrates epochs of devotion and artistry. The city's seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites aren't just monuments; they are living relics, where chants, rituals, and festivals continue to breathe life into traditions that span millennia.

But perhaps the true magic of Kyoto lies in its quieter moments: the subtle bow of a kimono-clad geisha in the historic Gion district, the whispering bamboo groves of Arashiyama, or the delicate craftsmanship of a local artisan creating intricate Kiyomizu pottery.

Kyoto is also a season-driven spectacle. The cherry blossoms of spring cast a rosy hue on the city's canals, while the russet leaves of autumn set the landscape ablaze, painting scenes reminiscent of classical Japanese ukiyo-e prints.

In Kyoto, the passage of time feels different. Here, amidst teahouses and terraced gardens, history isn't just remembered; it's relived, cherished, and celebrated. It's a city where every stone and sakura petal reverberates with tales of tenacity and tradition.

Osaka: A Gastronomic Galore & Glee

Osaka, often touted as Japan's kitchen, pulses with an undeniable vibrancy, striking a delightful balance between the contemporary and the traditional. While Tokyo may be the nation's crown and Kyoto its historical heart, Osaka is undeniably its soulful belly, always hungry for celebration and flavor.

Dotombori, the city's bustling epicenter, encapsulates Osaka's spirit. As the neon lights flash and the giant mechanical crabs beckon, the tantalizing aroma of street foods like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) fills the air, showcasing Osaka's culinary prowess. The city’s love affair with food is so profound that there's a popular saying: " Kyotoites are ruined by extravagance; Osakans are ruined by food."

Yet, beyond its gastronomic wonders, Osaka offers historical gems like the majestic Osaka Castle, a testament to the city's storied past. There's also the futuristic side, evident in attractions like the Universal Studios Japan, where thrills and adventures await.

Osaka's charm lies in its unabashed authenticity. It's a city that laughs a little louder, eats with a tad more gusto, and lives life with an infectious zest. Here, modern skyscrapers coexist with ancient shrines, and every alleyway promises an adventure, whether culinary, historical, or just plain fun.

The Hidden Haunts: Beyond the Big Names

While the aforementioned cities hold their ground firm, Japan's versatility doesn't end there.

Hiroshima sings a song of resilience.

Nara , where deer might photobomb your perfect shot.

Sapporo , a canvas painted in white during the Snow Festival.

Kanazawa , holding samurai secrets and geisha tales.

Yokohama and Nagasaki – the list is as endless as it is enchanting.

Conclusion: Japan - A Symphony of Surprises

Embarking on a journey through the diverse tapestry of Japan's cities is akin to stepping into a living, breathing storybook. Each city, from the globally renowned to the hidden gems, radiates its unique charisma, offering snapshots of a nation that seamlessly weaves millennia of history with future-forward innovations.

In Tokyo , one can marvel at the electric symphony of neon lights, yet find solace in the tranquility of its serene gardens, a reflection of the city's balancing act between the rapid pace of technology and the gentle embrace of tradition. Meanwhile, Kyoto stands as a testament to Japan's dedication to preserving its heritage, with temples, shrines, and wooden machiya revealing tales of emperors, samurais, and geishas from eras gone by.

Beyond these giants, cities like Hiroshima teach lessons of resilience and hope, while places like Sapporo present a winter wonderland, echoing the country's diverse climate and geography.

To travel through Japan is to experience a myriad of emotions. It is the thrill of Osaka's culinary adventures, the meditative peace in Kyoto's bamboo forests, and the awe of Tokyo's skyscraper canyons.

Kevin Erickson often muses, “In Japan, every alley, every shrine, and every smile seems to carry a tale waiting to be discovered.” It's a sentiment every traveler will echo after their own journey through this unparalleled land.

So, as you contemplate where to begin or continue your Japanese sojourn, remember, in every city, magic awaits.

1. What's the best time to visit Japan?

Spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and fall (September to November) for vibrant autumn colors.

2. Is Japan expensive for tourists?

Japan can be pricier than some destinations, but with planning and tips like using JR passes, it's manageable.

3. Can I get by with English in these cities?

Major cities are tourist-friendly, with many signs in English. However, a translation app can be handy.

4. How safe is Japan for solo travelers?

Japan consistently ranks as one of the safest countries. However, always exercise general travel precautions.

5. What's a must-try Japanese dish in these cities?

While each city has its specialty, sushi, ramen, and tempura are universally beloved.

6. How's the public transport in these cities?

Efficient and punctual. Trains and buses are the lifelines of transportation in Japan. 

• Japan National Tourism Organization. (2020). Tourist statistics.
• Rowthorn, Chris. (2019). "Lonely Planet Guide to Japan."
• Erickson, Kevin. (2022). "Whispers from Japan: A Traveler's Tales.

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Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses Eighteenth Edition

• In-depth coverage of patient safety, red tab for high-alert medications, red, capitalized letters for life-threatening side effects, and REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) icon
• Special considerations for patient populations
• Icon highlighting pharmacogenomic content
• IV administration coverage
• Patient and family teaching guidance
• Canadian-specific content identified with a maple leaf icon
• Audio Pronunciation Library of 1,200+ drug names
• Tutorials with self-tests, Preventing Medication Errors and Psychotropic Drugs
• Calculators for body mass index (BMI), metric conversions, IV drip rates, dosage/KG and Fahrenheit/Celsius.
• Interactive Case Studies, each followed by a series of questions
• Eight audio podcasts covering must-know information, concepts, and considerations for safe drug administration
• Video clips illustrating the safe administration of medications
• ISBN-10 1719646406
• ISBN-13 978-1719646406
• Edition Eighteenth
• Publisher F.A. Davis Company
• Publication date May 18, 2022
• Language English
• Dimensions 5.7 x 1.9 x 8.3 inches
• Print length 1504 pages
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ F.A. Davis Company; Eighteenth edition (May 18, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 1504 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1719646406
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1719646406
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.8 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.7 x 1.9 x 8.3 inches
• #3 in Nursing Pharmacology (Books)
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• #59 in Unknown

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