Admission Procedure

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Application and Entrance Exams

  • Are graduates from other universities or those without bachelor’s degrees in law or economics qualified for application?
  • Anyone can apply, regardless of the university he/she graduated from or the type of his/her degree. Actually, our school has many students from various faculties and from different universities. This diversity is a big advantage in the academic field of “public policy,” which requires an interdisciplinary perspective.
  • Is there an age limit for applying?
  • In principle, there is no age limit. Anyone can apply. Expected graduates should apply for the general selection examination, and those who have full-time jobs should apply for the professional selection examination.
  • How many students do you accept every year?
  • We accept about 30 students from the general selection, 10 from the professional selection, and a few from the special foreigner selection. In total, we have 40-plus students enrolled per academic year. Through this small-class education, students can engage in various activities in close cooperation with each other, and professors can provide painstaking guidance to each and every student.
  • Do I need to submit my TOEFL score to apply?
  • No, you do not need to submit your TOEFL score. However, you may submit your TOEFL score by attaching it to your application documents. A general selection applicant should take a written English examination, the result of which is the main basis for our judgment of his/her proficiency in English.
  • How is an admission decision made?
  • In principle, an admission decision is made based on a comprehensive consideration of application documents and the results of written and interview examinations.
  • What is a “cluster,” and what are its characteristics?
  • A “cluster” is a system built to cultivate professional abilities based on each student’s intention, in addition to the abilities commonly required for public duties. Specifically, there are three clusters: Policy Analysis and Evaluation, Negotiation between Administrative Organizations, and Global Coexistence. For further information, please see this page.
  • When do students choose their clusters? Can they change their clusters?
  • Students choose their clusters by the time of the second semester registration of the first year. Students can change clusters, provided that they notify the Education Manager thereof by the time of the second semester registration of the second year.
  • Does your school approve academic credits granted at other graduate schools?
  • Up to 24 academic credits may be recognized at our school after the deliberations of a faculty meeting of the Education Department.
  • By earning a degree from a public policy school, can I receive special treatment in seeking employment at central government offices?
  • Currently, a student at a public policy school receives no special treatment in seeking employment at central government offices. We are confident, however, that practical studies at our school greatly help our students in acquiring valuable knowledge and expertise.