Ambassador Info

Please use the following as a reference when helping prospective student with questions about IUJ.

What current programs are there? How do they differ?  Which is best for XYZ profession?

      Graduate School of International Relations (GSIR) offers 4 programs, 5 degrees

MA in International Relations

  • IRP: A more independent study approach.  Good for PhD preparations, journalism/research/academic/world organization/diplomatic/political career interests
  • IPSP Track: Discontinued

MA in International Development – with specializations in International Development or Economics

More emphasis on economics specifically development economics and sustainable development issues, emphasizing a scientific approach to development issue problem solving.  Good for those prepare for government or IO roles to promote good-governance development in their countries, development consultants and development project professionals, as well as finance and banking careers.  Aftger the initial core courses, student can choose the MA in International Development or  MA in Economics under the MicroEconomic Policy Program.

PMPP – Public Management and Policy Analysis Program

The program is  designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in public sectors by providing them with a conceptual framework and practical skills necessary to succeed in public administration and management.  A specialization on ITC helps prepare those in the public sector to advance their organization/government’s goals with up-to-date IT knowledge.

IPPP – International Public Policy Program

This is a new 1-year program created for politicians and diplomats and other government officials who have been and will be making policy for their countries and in coordination with other countries.

MA in “Japan-Global Development program” (JGDP)

JGDP is a new program focusing on the institutions and government policies that helped Japan develop. It is closely affiliated with the MBA degree of the same name. It is hoped that students will take lessons from both Japan’s success stories, and failures and apply them in their own country’s context to aid in their country’s own development.

Updated info coming soon on NEW MA programs: IPPP, ISEP, and more!

Graduate School of International Management (GSIM) offers:

MBA in International Management (with career tracks) – MBA

The main 2-year MBA track puts emphasis on responsible management in the business world, with traditional emphasis such as Finance, Marketing, Consulting, IT.  The program aims heavily at creating leaders skilled in international teams with both cross-cultural communication skills and sensitivities, and leading edge best practices management skills.  The overall theme is “Leveraging Emerging Asia for Global Advantage.”

A new MBA program focuses on today’s business strategies for developing a nation based on Japan’s development history – both the successful and failing measures experienced by Japan. The program is called “Japan-Global Development program” (JGDP)

  • The 1-year MBA is designed for those sponsored by a company, with 5 years of experience, and who return to their sponsor to use their IUJ skills for the benefit of the company goals. Within the 1-year MBA program is an E-business management specialization.

Two new 1-year business degrees  are

  • “Digital Transformation Program”

  • “International Social Entrepreneurship Program”

Which program you choose depends on your career goals (see below).  With cross registration between any of the programs, IUJ encourages students to customize their academics to best prepare yourself for your career after IUJ.  Our focus is your professional career development.

Is IUJ really International or is that just a buzz word?

YES, its diversity is one of the main features and strengths that alumni value.  Learning outside the classroom and inside in how to function in a truly international setting, take leadership roles on such diverse teams, and working within and between cultures are life-time career enhancing skills not easily available anywhere else!  With about 60 nationalities in just 350 students, and an international faculty, we truly earn the word.

For these reasons, IUJ values our in-class (not online) structure and are striving to make that a reality in the COVID19 situation as well. Campus remains virus free as of July 28, 2020).

Is there help with Financial Aid available?  How do I apply?  What are the qualifications?

Yes.  At the time you apply to IUJ for admissions to one of our degree programs, you may apply for scholarship support.  This is mostly in the form of IUJ scholarships, or scholarships administered by IUJ provided by outside funding.  In order to qualify for any scholarship, you must first apply for, and be accepted into a degree program.  If accepted, then the admission’s team tries to match you with an appropriate scholarship.

You can also come to IUJ after receiving scholarships from the Japanese government (Mombukagakushou – see your local Japanese embassy for details). JICA, Asian Development Bank, and IMF have scholarship programs for graduate studies at IUJ.  The full scholarship information and guidelines are ONLINE on the Admissions information pages.  MANY students are on some kind of scholarship or sponsorship at IUJ – far above the norm.  So apply to a degree program, and try your luck!

Is there an Application Fee?

Yes, and it is required without exception.  It is 5,000 for  those applying from overseas.  Please don’t let the Application Fee stop you from applying.  You do need to make an investment of money, as well as time, to create an exciting future for yourself!

When are the application deadlines?  How can I apply?

Online application is available by late September to the last deadline of each school every year. For scholarship consideration, the January deadline is recommended

We highly encourage you to use the Secure Online Application forms through our admissions site at https://www.iuj.ac.jp/admis/.  If you are unable to use the online system you may request alternative support to apply. Contact the Admissions team:  GSIR  admgsir@iuj.ac.jp and GSIM admgsim@iuj.ac.jp

Application Deadlines:

Overseas (Residents countries other than Japan, regardless of nationality).  In each case early applications are encouraged, but not required, if you are seeking scholarship support. Please confirm actual dates on the Admissions site above.

1) GSIR: Early January, Mid February  and mid March,

2) GSIM:   Early January, Mid February  and mid March

NOTE:  Early applications for those needing scholarships is highly recommended

Does IUJ help students with their job hunt? What companies/organizations do graduates go to? 

Yes, IUJ has an in-house Career Support office.  Lots of support, advice and guidance is provided in both group workshops and one-on-one assistance.   The companies and organizations that hire IUJ graduates are as diverse as IUJ!   For a placement report, visit the Career Homepage,   It has a list of companies and international organizations that recently interned and employed IUJ graduates.

May I contact the IUJ Career Counselor with Questions?

Yes, you can reach her at ccs@iuj.ac.jp.  Please put a subject line that clearly identifies you as an IUJ Prospective student with career questions (spam mail problem) – IUJ suggests “IUJ Prospective Student with Career Question”

What is campus life like?

Busy and active.  When you first arrive things will seem to quiet and remote.  But within a few days the schedule picks up with studies, club events and off-campus activities arranged with the local community.  Soon, there are not enough hours in the day. Students live in dorms on campus for their 2 years, and use the small kitchens to cook or dine in our Cafeteria and snack lounge.   There is also a small convenience store with a variety of foods, snacks, drinks, and sundries.  Sports clubs, career clubs and culture clubs dominate, but yearly a new club will sprout up like the Onsen Club (Hot Spring goers Club), Adventure Hikers Club, Chess Club, etc.    The sports range from soccer and badminton nights, to Aikido, Karate and Iaido clubs.  Photography clubs, and Year book clubs too are popular, and the Career Clubs of Finance, Consulting and Global Concerns Forum are all active.  A volunteer program to support the community surrounding IUJ was created – Community Action Team (CAT).  Many CAT events take you into the local schools to meet the children.

To enhance campus life, students are grouped into HOUSEs (Honoring Our Unique Social Environment) to “compete” in a variety of “competition” to have fun together and strive to be HOUSE Champion!

What is the community like?

It is very remote, safe and peaceful, with mountains surrounding the valley of rice fields.  The community is small and quite friendly and helpful.  The chance to get to know the REAL Japan, rather than just a big city, is just outside campus.  Local festivals, small villages and really nice people make for memorable 4-season experience.  Food is amazing and fresh, and the water pure and delicious.

Do I have to learn Japanese to attend?

No.  IUJ is an English-only study environment.  However, you will want to learn the basics to be able to enjoy the area, and make off-campus friends.  The community cannot really support non-Japanese speakers.  When language is a problem for your health, legal or car issues (for example) the university is supportive!  Students join a 24-7 telephone translation service to help with health emergencies or clinic visits too!

But of course, if you plan to work in Japan after graduation it is best to come to IUJ with Intermediate skills and get through our advanced levels.  But at least get into Elementary and finish the Intermediate if you plan to work or live in Japan.  The Japanese Language Program at IUJ is very supportive and demanding!

Do I need to submit GMAT/TOEFL scores to apply your MBA Program?

Yes, GMAT/TOEFL (or similar English language test) scores are required documents for admission. Your scores must be sent directly to IUJ.  We are hoping for a GMAT of 610 or above, though lower is acceptable, especially if you have other skills to offer and good recommendation letters.  As an alternative, GRE may be submitted. However, the GMAT is highly recommended for those wanting to be evaluated for a scholarship.

An English Test is required for ALL those who do not meet our exemption policy. See the FAQ to confirm you are exempt: Basically you must be from a native English speaking country (as defined by IUJ – see below) to qualify.

Do I need a GRE and TOEFL scores for the GSIR programs?

You do not need GRE, but do need a recent TOEFL (or similar English language test) test score. Only those who have completed their English-medium formal education for more than 6 years, including their undergraduate program, in one of the following countries are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC requirement: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, the USA and the Caribbean island nations.

How recent should my TOEFL score be?
Taken within the last 2 years

My TOEFL score is 530, Can I apply to IUJ?

Yes, you can apply to IUJ. However, please note that priority will be given in the admissions process to the applicants whose TOEFL scores are 550 (213 on the computer-based test or 85 on iBT) or above.

Can I apply to both GSIR and GSIM simultaneously?

Yes, you can. The admissions processes are separate. There are some differences between the GSIR’s instructions/rules and those of the GSIM. You must submit both completed applications, and fees, and follow all instructions given by each school.

Did you like your experience?  How has it helped your career?  Would you recommend IUJ to me?

Most alumni point to the international experience that is so uniquely IUJ, and to the close relationship with faculty as major selling points.  Also, getting help for the career search and access to the world-wide alumni network are seen as very positive.  The academic experience is so different from each program that we recommend you talk about your private experience AND remind them of how diverse the campus is.  Emphasize cross-registration chances which is quite unique for a graduate school.

Also, most alumni really miss the natural setting and the snow after they leave IUJ.   It is fun to talk about those experiences too, including the local festivals.

I have a lot of more questions, is there an FAQ page on the Internet?

Yes, just click.

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