Japan National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies Scholarship

GRIPS Japan

Deadline : Dec 03, 2008

This program aims to provide individuals with the training to research and analyze actual policy issues, both theoretically and empirically.
With the understanding that economics and econometrics are the key disciplines to analyze modern policy issues, the program requires students to take the basic economics and econometrics courses. The program will employ a broad international perspective.



PROGRAM FEATURES

Master's and doctorate courses are integrated, and the usual time needed for completion of the doctorate course is five years. Doctorate degrees can be completed in a minimum of three years from course entry.


Not only can a master's degree be obtained within the first two years of the course, but it is also possible to take the qualifying examinations required for writing a doctoral thesis during this time.


The study of economics methodology is compulsory. By studying specific economic theories and subjects related to policy analysis, students will develop the ability to handle various policy issues.
Students are provided with opportunities to consider various practical issues with those who are involved in actual policy formulation and analysis through daily interactions, lectures, tutorials, and workshops.
An economics-related degree or previous knowledge is not necessarily required for entry into the program. However, depending on a student's level of economic knowledge and understanding, the student may be required to take some basic subjects prior to taking the core subjects. Conversely, the requirement for studying some or all of the core subjects may be waived for advanced students, as training is adjusted to suit the ability of each student.
So that doctoral graduates may have their qualifications recognized internationally, all subjects and research skills are taught in English.
MAJORS (DEGREES OFFERED)

The program awards both master's and doctorate degrees in two fields of specialization (majors):
Public Economics (MA/Ph. D. in Public Economics)
Development Economics (MA/Ph. D. in Development Economics)
The former trains students as analysts of economic issues related to a broad range of public policies, while the latter trains students as analysts of issues related to economic development.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible individuals include those who have obtained or are expected to obtain a bachelor's degree or master's degree.

SELECTION PROCESS (ENTRANCE EXAMINATION)

Document screening of Application Form, undergraduate academic records, and TOEFL scores
Interview (for applicants who passed the document screening)
SCHOLARSHIPS

The following scholarships are available.

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarships: Non-Japanese nationals
In the case of the integrated master's and doctorate courses, scholarship money is guaranteed for the initial two years of the program at the time the scholarship is granted. The amount for the remaining three years of the program is guaranteed if permission has been granted to continue to the next level of the program.
GRIPS Assistantship Award: Japanese national, non-Japanese nationals
This scholarship is provided for one year and can be renewed for three times to reach the maximum of four years. The award carries a stipend of 170,000 yen per month, and tuition fees are waived. Work as a teaching or research assistant is required on the condition that the work does not interfere with the student's academic studies.
Japan Student Services Organization Scholarships: Japanese nationals
Available to students who are Japanese nationals.
SUBJECTS

As shown in Table 1, central coursework related to economics is provided. If a student studies subjects other than these, they are also awarded credit accordingly. Core subjects are in principle only offered in the spring and autumn terms. The courses are arranged so that time is available for specific and peripheral economic subjects to be studied and field research to be carried out in the summer and winter terms. Core subjects are shown in Table 2.

Table 1: List of Subjects
Table 2: List of Core Subjects
COURSE MODEL

As a general rule, courses begin in April (Student 1). Students who enter before April, such as in October of the previous year (Student 2), study basic subjects for the master's course, taught in English, for the six months until courses begin. Students who do not have a grounding in economics (Student 3) enter a year prior to commencement of courses and study mainly basic subjects for the master's course, taught in English and Japanese.

Student 1: Japanese national (entry in April) with a strong background in the field of economics.
Student 2: Non-Japanese national (overseas student) (entry in the previous October).
Student 3: Japanese national (entry in the previous April) with a background in a field other than economics.

Of the core subjects shown in Table 2, basic coursework is taken in the first year (Student 1). In addition to lectures, there are seminar classes aimed at increasing research skills.

DEADLINE

December.3, 2008

For more information please visit:

http://www.grips.ac.jp/pstudents/phd_programs/analysis.html