Applications for admission to the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) for the 2026–2027 academic year is open, presenting a competitive opportunity for aspiring public policy leaders and economists. The selection process aims to identify exceptional candidates dedicated to advancing national and global public policy, with various master’s and doctoral pathways underscoring GRIPS’s commitment to developing professionals equipped to tackle complex policy challenges.
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When is the Application Deadline:
Application deadlines vary by program and scholarship provider.
Online applications for GRIPS-direct programs for 2026–2027 are now open.
Nomination-based programs (JICA, IMF, WCO, etc.) follow their respective institutional deadlines.
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Tell Me About the Award:
The GRIPS Fully Funded Scholarships 2026 offer outstanding international students the opportunity to pursue master’s or doctoral studies in public policy, economics, public finance, governance, maritime security, innovation policy, and related fields.
These scholarships—funded by MEXT, IMF, JICA, World Bank, ADB, and other partners—cover the full cost of graduate study in Japan while preparing students for high-level roles in government, development, and global policy institutions.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Eligible GRIPS degree programs include:
Master’s Programs
- One-year Master’s in Public Policy (MP1)
- Two-year Master’s in Public Policy (MP2)
- Macroeconomic Policy Program (MEP – 1 or 2 years)
- Public Finance Program (PF)
- Economics, Planning & Public Policy Program (EPP)
- Maritime Safety & Security Policy Program (MSP)
Ph.D. Programs
- GRIPS Global Governance Program (G-cube) – 5 years
- Policy Analysis Program (PA) – 5 years
- Science, Technology & Innovation Policy (STI) – 3 years
- Disaster Management Program (DM) – PhD (paper-based)
Type:
- Master’s Programs (1-year and 2-year)
- Five-year Integrated Ph.D. Programs
- Three-year Research Ph.D. Programs
- Fully funded scholarships (MEXT, JICA, IMF, WCO, etc.)
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
For Master’s Programs & 5-year PhD:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent
For 3-year PhD Programs:
- A master’s degree or equivalent
Additional requirements depend on scholarship provider:
- Professional experience may be required (IMF, WCO, JICA, WB).
- English proficiency (TOEFL iBT / IELTS) unless exempted.
- Some programs require current government employment.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence
- Professional experience and leadership potential
- Statement of purpose & research proposal quality
- English proficiency
- Strength of recommendations
- Endorsement from sponsoring organization (for nomination-based scholarships)
- Alignment with public policy and national development goals
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Open to all international applicants from developing and developed countries, based on program-specific and scholarship-specific eligibility.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Tokyo, Japan.
(All programs are taught in English.)
How Many Awards?
Varies depending on scholarship provider.
GRIPS awards hundreds of fully funded scholarships annually across all programs.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Benefits differ depending on the scholarship scheme but typically include:
- Full tuition waiver
- Admission & application fee coverage
- Monthly stipend (JPY 147,000 – JPY 300,000+)
- Economy-class airfare to and from Japan
- Research allowance, books, and study materials (varies)
- Health insurance and settling-in allowance (for some scholarships)
- Accommodation support (varies by provider)
How Long Will the Award Last?
- 1 year (MP1, 1-year MEP)
- 2 years (MP2, PF, EPP, MSP, 2-year MEP)
- 3 years (STI PhD, DM PhD)
- 5 years (G-cube, PA Integrated PhD)
How to Apply:
There are three main application routes depending on your program and scholarship:
A. Apply Directly to GRIPS (Online Application)
Step 0 — Download Application Guide
- Read the GRIPS Application Guide carefully.
Step 1 — Download & Complete Application Forms
Forms include:
- Application for Admission
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Certificate of Employment (if applicable)
- Research Proposal (for 2-year Master’s & PhD programs)
- WCO Nomination Form (PF Customs Course only)
Step 2 — Submit the Online Registration Form
Step 3 — Send Supporting Documents by Post
(All transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.)
B. Paper-Based Application (for Disaster Management PhD)
Download the application guide and submit forms directly to GRIPS Admissions.
C. Apply Through a Sponsoring Organization
Some programs require nomination by:
- JICA
- IMF
- ASEAN Secretariat
- Embassy of Japan
- WCO
- Indonesian Partner Universities
Applicants for MP1/MP2, MEP, PF (Tax), G-cube, PA, and STI must be instructed by their organisation before applying to GRIPS.
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
Access full information, forms, and program guidelines here: https://www.grips.ac.jp/en/admissions/apply/
