The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo, Japan, is accepting applications for 2027–2028 Master’s and PhD programmes in public policy, economics, governance and science and technology policy. International students can apply for scholarships including the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship and the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship.
Next deadline (MEXT scholarship route): online registration by 20 November 2026, 17:00 JST (9:00 a.m. WAT, 10:00 a.m. CAT/SAST, 11:00 a.m. EAT); supporting documents by 27 November 2026, 17:00 JST.
Key Details
- Institution: National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Tokyo
- Levels: Master’s and PhD
- Intake: 2027–2028
- Language: English
- Scholarships: MEXT, JJ/WBGSP, Japan–WCO, ADB-JSP, JICA, ICHARM and others
- Deadlines: vary by programme and scholarship (see table below)
Programmes Open for 2027–2028
Master’s programmes:
- One-year Master’s Program of Public Policy (MP1)
- Two-year Master’s Program of Public Policy (MP2)
- Macroeconomic Policy Program (MEP), for externally funded or self-financed applicants (or via the IMF for scholarships)
- Public Finance Program (PF): Tax and Customs tracks
- Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program (MSP)
PhD programmes:
- GRIPS Global Governance Program (G-cube): five-year PhD
- Policy Analysis Program (PA): five-year PhD
- Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Program (STI): three-year PhD
- Disaster Management Program (DM): PhD
Note: the Economics, Planning and Public Policy Program (EPP) is not taking applications for 2027–2028.
Benefits: Scholarships at GRIPS
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, University Recommendation: for MP1, MP2, G-cube, PA and STI. MEXT scholarships generally cover tuition, a monthly allowance and travel to Japan
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP): for the Public Finance (Tax) programme; aimed at mid-career professionals from developing countries
- Japan–WCO Human Resource Development Programme: for Public Finance (Customs), with nomination by your customs administration
- ADB-Japan Scholarship (ADB-JSP): for MP1/MP2; only for citizens of ADB borrowing member countries (mainly Asia-Pacific)
- JICA, IMF, ICHARM and Japanese Embassy (YLP) routes: through sponsoring organisations
You’ll study in the heart of Tokyo with classmates who are often government officials from dozens of countries, which makes for a strong professional network.
Application Deadlines 2027–2028 (Applicants Outside Japan)
- MEXT, ADB-JSP and self-financed (MP1, MP2, MEP, G-cube, PA, STI): online form 20 November 2026; documents 27 November 2026 (17:00 JST)
- JJ/WBGSP and Japan–WCO (PF Tax and Customs): online form 12 February 2027; documents 19 February 2027
- Disaster Management PhD (DM), incl. ICHARM assistantship: paper application by 5 March 2027
- MSP (self-funded) and JICA-instructed applicants: online form 30 April 2027; documents 7 May 2027
- YLP, IMF, ASEAN, JDS: deadlines vary by sponsoring organisation
Eligibility
- Master’s and five-year PhD: a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Three-year PhD (STI): a master’s degree or equivalent
- good English ability (programmes are taught in English)
- each scholarship has its own rules on age, nationality and work experience (many programmes target public sector professionals); check GRIPS’ scholarship eligibility chart
- JICA routes require your employer to instruct you to apply. Don’t contact the JICA office directly
How to Apply
- Download the application guide and forms from the GRIPS How to Apply page: application form, statement of purpose, recommendation letter, certificate of employment and (for two-year Master’s and PhD) a research proposal.
- Fill out the GRIPS Online Registration Form by the deadline for your programme and funding.
- Post your supporting documents to the GRIPS Admissions Office so they arrive by the document deadline.
- Check the official deadlines page for your programme and funding option. Applicants in Japan should email the Admissions Office first.
Tips for African Applicants
- Target the MEXT route if you are not a government employee; you have until 20 November for the online form.
- Courier your documents early: postal delivery from Africa to Tokyo can take a week or more.
- Public sector workers should check JJ/WBGSP for the Tax programme (February deadline).
- Make your statement of purpose specific: name a policy problem in your country and explain how GRIPS training will help solve it.
