FAQs for Ambassadors

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

      Graduate School of International Relations (GSIR) offers:

MA in International Relations – IRP

More independent study approach.  Good for PhD preparations, journalism/research/academic/world organization/diplomatic/political career interests

MA in International Development – IDP

More emphasis on economics specifically development economics and sustainable development issues, with shorter thesis than the IRP, more group work.  Good for development consultants and development project professionals, as well as finance and banking careers.  There is a new MA in Economics under the MicroEconomic Policy Program within the IDP offerings as of 2010!

MA in International Peace Studies - IPSP 

This degree focuses on the politics, economics and social issues that can promote a peaceful society and the avoidance of conflict.  Private and Public sector obligations, impact and ways to contribute are included as part of our new Platform curriculum, see below.

PMPP - Public Management and Policy Analysis Program

This is a new program, which will bring our first student group to campus in Fall 2010, for June 2012 graduation!  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.

Graduate School of International Management (GSIM) offers:

MBA in International Management (with career tracks) – MBA

More emphasis on managing 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. 

Masters of E-business Management – Ebiz

One year program with an emphasis on new technologies in the business settings.  Not a programming degree, but a IT solutions degree with emphasis on coordinating/managing projects or solution implementations that combine IT specialists, marketing specialists, top management and often cross-border issues. CRM, Customer Relations Management, CyberLaw and other key issues facing the use of technology in business are also addressed

Which program you choose depends on your career goals (see below).  With cross registration between any of the 6 programs, IUJ encourages students to customize your 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 work within and between cultures are life-time career enhancing skills not easily available anywhere else!  With 50 nationalities in just 300 students, and an international faculty, we truly earn the word.

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, you may apply for Financial Aid help.  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) or JICA, and the World Bank, Asian Development Bank. Inter-American 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 for any school in the world.  So apply to a degree program, and try your luck!

Is there an Application Fee?

Yes, but it is modest for those applying from overseas. Some of the scholarships even reimburse it if you are accepted by IUJ!  Please don't let the Application Fee stop you from applying.  You do need to make an investment of a bit 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 from early September to the last deadline of each school every year.

We highly encourage you to use the Secure Online Application forms through our admissions site at http://www.iuj.ac.jp/admis/.  If you prefer hard copies to be sent to you, please request through "Materials Request" site at http://www.iuj.ac.jp/admis/request/ or contact us to info@iuj.ac.jp.

Application Deadlines for 2011 Admissions are as follows:

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:

1) GSIR: February 18, 2011 and April 1, 2011

2) GSIM:   February 4, 2011 and March 25, 2011

Domestic (Residents of Japan, regardless of nationality):

1) GSIR:  Nov. 10, 2010; Jan. 24, March 28, and April 25, 2011

2) GSIM:  Nov. 19, 2010; Feb. 10, April 1, and May 27, 2011

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

Yes, IUJ is one of the few masters-level program in Japan with an in-house Career Counselor.  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!  Major financial firms, to regional UN offices, to consulting firms world wide, to governments and academic institutions, the world is open to you!  For a placement report, visit the Career Homepage, /career/  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, her name is Gretchen Shinoda, and 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"  You can also find her on LIVE chat at www.iuj.ac.jp/career/ during most of the Japanese business day.

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.  Most students live in dorms on campus, and use the small kitchens to cook or dine in our Cafeteria and snack shop.   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 Kendo 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 new 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.

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.

Do I have to learn Japanese to attend?

No.  IUJ is an English-only community.  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!  And 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 to GSIM. Your scores must be sent directly to IUJ from ETS.  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.

 You do not need a GMAT for the E-business program.

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 requirement: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.

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 above.

Can I apply to both GSIR and GSIM simultaneously?

Yes, you can do so. 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, /faq/