The Master of Public Policy, International Program (MPP/IP) 2027 at the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), The University of Tokyo, offers an opportunity for graduates and public policy professionals from Japan and around the world to pursue an advanced, interdisciplinary education in public policy.

The two-year professional master’s degree is designed for individuals who want to build careers in public policy, international affairs, economic development, public management, finance, government, international organizations, and related fields. The programme combines academic knowledge with practical competencies in policy design, implementation, evaluation, leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

For the 2027 intake, the programme expects to admit approximately 65 students, including around 20 places associated with partner programmes.

This article provides a detailed guide to the University of Tokyo MPP/IP 2027 application, including the available policy streams, eligibility requirements, admissions categories, application documents, English-language requirements, fees, important deadlines, selection process, scholarships, and practical considerations for prospective applicants.

What Is the University of Tokyo MPP/IP?

The Master of Public Policy, International Program is an interdisciplinary graduate-level professional degree designed for current and future public policy professionals.

The programme seeks to prepare students to understand complex policy challenges and develop practical, evidence-based solutions that can be applied in national, regional, and international settings.

Rather than focusing exclusively on one academic discipline, MPP/IP integrates important areas such as:

• Law
• Politics
• Economics
• Public policy
• International relations
• Public management
• Finance
• Development
• Policy design
• Policy implementation
• Policy evaluation
• Stakeholder engagement

This interdisciplinary structure is particularly relevant for students who want to work on complex public challenges where economic, political, legal, institutional, and social factors interact.

The programme aims to develop graduates who can identify emerging challenges, assess possible policy responses, evaluate policy outcomes, and work with different stakeholders to build consensus.

What Does the MPP/IP Programme Aim to Achieve?

The programme seeks to nurture individuals who aspire to become public policy professionals and leaders with strong ethical standards and the ability to operate effectively within the international community.

Students are expected to develop the ability to:

1. Identify current and emerging policy challengesPublic policy professionals must be able to recognize both existing problems and challenges that may emerge in the future. The programme therefore emphasizes analytical skills that allow students to understand complex policy environments.
2. Develop effective policy responsesStudents are expected to learn how to assess alternative policy options and determine appropriate responses to public challenges.
3. Evaluate policy impactsDeveloping a policy is only part of the policymaking process. Students are also trained to understand how policies can be evaluated to determine whether they achieve their intended objectives.
4. Build consensus among stakeholdersPublic policy often involves governments, businesses, civil society organizations, communities, international organizations, and other stakeholders. The ability to communicate and build consensus is therefore an important competency.
5. Understand policy design and implementationThe programme provides fundamental knowledge that can be applied to the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policies.
6. Integrate law, politics, and economicsPolicy challenges rarely exist within a single discipline. MPP/IP therefore uses an interdisciplinary approach combining different perspectives.

MPP/IP Policy Streams

Students can develop specialized knowledge through two major policy streams.

1. Economic Policy, Finance and Development (EPFD)

The Economic Policy, Finance and Development stream is designed for students interested in the economic and financial dimensions of public policy.

The stream may be particularly relevant to individuals interested in areas such as:

• Economic policy
• Development policy
• Public finance
• International development
• Financial policy
• Economic governance
• Development institutions
• International economic affairs

The programme strongly recommends the submission of a GRE General Test score, particularly for applicants applying to the EPFD stream.

2. Public Management and International Relations (PMIR)

The Public Management and International Relations stream is intended for students interested in public-sector management and international affairs.

Potential areas of relevance include:

• Public administration
• Public management
• International relations
• Government
• Diplomacy
• International organizations
• Institutional management
• International policy
• Global governance

Applicants should consider how their academic background and long-term professional objectives align with their selected policy stream.

Admissions Categories for the 2027 Intake

The MPP/IP programme has two principal admissions categories.

Fresh Graduates and Early Career Professionals

This category is intended for applicants who have less than two years of full-time work experience after obtaining their bachelor’s degree.

Applicants in this category should demonstrate a clear interest in developing careers related to public policy after completing the programme.

This route may be particularly relevant to:

• Recent university graduates
• Early-career professionals
• Young professionals transitioning into public policy
• Graduates interested in government or international development
• Applicants seeking to build policy expertise before establishing longer professional careers

Professionals

The professionals’ admissions category is for applicants who have at least two years of full-time work experience after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

For these applicants, professional experience is an important part of the admissions evaluation.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate how their professional experience has prepared them for graduate-level public policy studies and how the MPP/IP degree connects with their future career objectives.

Professionals may come from areas such as:

• Government
• Non-governmental organizations
• International development
• Finance
• Business
• Public administration
• Research
• International organizations
• Communications
• Public affairs
• Consulting
• Development programmes

Who Can Apply for the University of Tokyo MPP/IP 2027?

The programme is open to applicants who have completed, or are expected to complete, an appropriate undergraduate education before enrollment.

Generally, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.

The programme’s formal eligibility requirements recognize several routes through which an applicant may qualify.

These include individuals who:

• Have graduated from a Japanese university or expect to graduate by the enrollment date.
• Have completed, or expect to complete, 16 years of education abroad by the enrollment date.
• Have obtained or expect to obtain a bachelor’s-equivalent degree from a qualifying foreign university or institution through a programme lasting at least three years.
• Meet certain qualifications designated by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
• Have obtained or expect to obtain a bachelor’s degree through the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education.
• Are at least 22 years old at the time of enrollment and are individually recognized by the Graduate School as having abilities equivalent to those of a graduate of a Japanese university.

Applicants relying on the individual screening route should contact the MPP/IP Desk well in advance because their eligibility must be confirmed before application.

Applicants seeking eligibility under this individual screening route must submit the required documentation by November 24, 2026.

Category of People Who Qualify

Eligible applicant category:

The programme is designed for:

• Bachelor’s degree holders or equivalent qualifications.
• Students who will complete their undergraduate degree before enrollment.
• Fresh graduates and early-career professionals with fewer than two years of post-bachelor’s full-time work experience.
• Professionals with at least two years of full-time post-bachelor’s work experience.
• Japanese applicants who satisfy the programme’s academic eligibility requirements.
• International applicants who satisfy the foreign-education and degree-equivalency requirements.
• Applicants from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, and other regions, provided they meet the programme’s eligibility and application requirements.

Nationality and race: The supplied guidelines do not establish a race-based restriction. The programme is international in nature and provides an application route for qualified applicants educated in Japan or abroad. Applicants should nevertheless review the official eligibility rules and immigration requirements applicable to their individual circumstances.

For international applicants, obtaining the appropriate Japanese visa is required before completing enrollment procedures.

How Competitive Is the MPP/IP Admission Process?

Admission is based on a holistic evaluation rather than a single academic or professional criterion.

The selection process has two main stages:

Stage 1: Document Screening

All applicants first undergo document screening.

The Graduate School evaluates the complete application package, including the online timed video/written assessment materials.

The assessment considers factors such as:

• Academic excellence
• English communication ability
• Motivation for pursuing the MPP/IP
• Fit with the programme
• Communication skills
• Alignment between academic interests and career objectives
• Professional experience, where applicable

Stage 2: Oral Examination

Applicants who successfully pass the document screening stage are invited to an online interview.

The interview is an important part of the admissions process and applicants must be available on the designated date and time.

The interview dates for the 2027 admission cycle are:

February 1 or 2, 2027

The scheduled interview date and time are not negotiable.

Online Timed Video and Written Assessment

One distinctive part of the MPP/IP application process is the online timed video/written assessment.

After submitting the online application through the GraSPP Web Entry System, applicants receive an invitation to access an internet-based assessment platform.

The invitation is expected to arrive within two to 10 business days after submission of the online application.

Applicants will be required to respond to questions pre-recorded by GraSPP through timed video and/or written responses.

This assessment is important because the materials form part of the overall document-screening process.

Applicants should therefore:

• Monitor their email after submitting the application.
• Check spam or junk folders regularly.
• Ensure they have reliable internet access.
• Prepare a quiet environment for the assessment.
• Review their motivation for applying.
• Understand their intended policy stream.
• Be prepared to discuss their academic and professional goals.
• Submit the assessment materials before the deadline.

Assessment Deadline

December 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time

Failure to submit the timed assessment materials may negatively affect the application.

Important University of Tokyo MPP/IP 2027 Deadlines

Applicants should carefully monitor all deadlines because applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Application Activity	Date/Deadline
Application period begins	November 1, 2026
Application deadline	December 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST
Application fee payment deadline	December 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST
Online application and required documents deadline	December 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST
Timed video/written assessment deadline	December 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST
Individual eligibility screening documents deadline	November 24, 2026
Shortlisted applicants announced	January 22, 2027
Online interview	February 1 or 2, 2027
Admission results announced	February 18, 2027
Expected enrollment	October 1, 2027

Main Application Deadline

December 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST).

Applicants should not wait until the final hours to submit their applications because references, institutional documents, and standardized test reports may require additional processing time.

Application Requirements for MPP/IP 2027

Applicants must submit their applications through the GraSPP Web Entry System.

The required documents include the following.

1. Full-Face Photograph

Applicants must provide a recent color photograph suitable for passport purposes.

The photograph must have been taken within the six months preceding the application.

2. Official Academic Transcript

Applicants must provide an official transcript from their university.

The transcript must include:

• All courses taken
• Grades received
• The university’s grading policy or grading scale
• Information explaining the maximum/full score
• Appropriate university certification, such as an official seal or stamp

Applicants must upload a PDF version through the online application system.

The official transcript must also be sent directly to the MPP/IP Desk by the relevant university or institution.

If the university does not include the grading scale in the transcript, applicants must provide supporting documentation explaining the grading system.

If a cumulative GPA is not shown on the transcript, a certified GPA statement should be submitted where possible.

3. Official Certificate of Graduation

Applicants must provide an official certificate confirming their bachelor’s degree or anticipated graduation.

The document should include:

• The degree name
• The actual or expected award date
• Certification by the awarding institution

Applicants who are still studying must provide an authorized document confirming their anticipated graduation.

A provisional certificate of graduation is not accepted as proof of graduation.

A certificate of enrollment cannot replace an expected graduation certificate.

4. Two Reference Forms

Applicants must arrange for two referees to complete reference forms.

The referees must submit the forms directly through the online application system.

Traditional reference letters are not accepted in place of the prescribed reference forms.

Applicants are strongly advised to confirm that both referees have submitted their forms at least one day before the application deadline.

This is particularly important because the application cannot be submitted through the system unless both reference forms have been received.

For professional applicants, obtaining one reference from a professional supervisor is encouraged.

5. Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is a key component of the application.

The total statement must be within 600 words, divided into three parts of approximately 200 words each.

It must address:

1. Motivation to apply for MPP/IP
2. Study plan
3. Future career implications

Applicants should ensure that these three components tell a coherent story.

A strong statement should explain not simply why the applicant wants a master’s degree, but why the University of Tokyo’s MPP/IP programme is appropriate for their specific academic interests and professional objectives.

Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between:

Past experience → Current policy interests → MPP/IP study plan → Future career goals

6. Application Fee

The standard application fee is:

JPY 30,000

The fee is non-refundable.

Applicants must pay through The University of Tokyo’s online payment system, e-shiharai.Net, using a credit card.

After payment, applicants must provide the 12-digit receipt number shown on the payment confirmation screen.

Applicants seeking the JJ/WBGSP or ADB-JSP scholarship programmes may be eligible to request a reduced application fee of:

JPY 10,000

However, the fee reduction requires prior authorization from GraSPP.

The deadline for requesting the reduced application fee is:

November 10, 2026

Applicants should not pay the reduced fee without first obtaining the necessary authorization.

7. English Language Requirement

Applicants are generally required to submit an official IELTS or TOEFL score.

The programme states that applicants are not exempt from submitting an English test score except under specified circumstances.

An exemption can apply to applicants who meet one of the following conditions:

• They received at least 10 years of education in English-medium schools during the first 12 years of schooling in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States; or
• They obtained, or expect to obtain, a bachelor’s degree from an institution located in one of those countries where English was the primary language of instruction throughout the institution.

Degrees obtained from overseas campuses of English-speaking institutions located outside the specified countries do not qualify for this exemption.

IELTS and TOEFL Test Date Requirement

The IELTS or TOEFL examination must have been taken after December 1, 2024.

For IELTS:

• The Academic Module is required.
• One Skill Retake scores are not accepted.
• IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator are accepted according to the guidelines.

For TOEFL:

• PBT and iBT institutional score reports are accepted.
• ITP is not accepted.
• Test Date Scores are required.
• MyBest Scores cannot be used.

Applicants must request the testing organization to send the official score report to GraSPP before the online application deadline.

TOEFL Institution Code

Applicants submitting TOEFL scores should use:

ETS Institution Code: 8554

The score report received by GraSPP must match the scores and test date entered in the online application.

8. Passport or Proof of Citizenship

Applicants must upload a scanned copy of the passport photo page.

Applicants who do not currently have a passport may provide another acceptable document demonstrating citizenship, such as a census register or equivalent proof.

International applicants should make sure that their identification documents are clear and readable.

9. GRE General Test

The GRE General Test is strongly recommended, particularly for applicants applying to the Economic Policy, Finance and Development stream.

The GRE must have been taken after December 1, 2021.

Applicants must request ETS to send their official score report directly to GraSPP.

GRE Institution Code

ETS Institution Code: 3944

The official GRE score report must correspond exactly with the scores and test date reported in the application.

GRE at-home testing is acceptable according to the guidelines.

10. Scholarship Eligibility Form

Professional applicants seeking certain scholarships, including the JJ/WBGSP or ADB-JSP programmes, may need to submit a scholarship eligibility form.

Applicants interested in funding should carefully review the scholarship eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.

The MPP/IP guidelines also note that admitted applicants may have access to various scholarship opportunities.

11. Residence Card for Certain April Enrollment Applicants

International applicants seeking April enrollment may be required to provide a scanned copy of both sides of their Japanese residence card.

However, April enrollment has specific restrictions.

The April 1, 2027 enrollment option is available only to:

• Japanese nationals; and
• Non-Japanese nationals who are already living in Japan at the time of application and possess a visa valid through March 31, 2027 that permits them to study in Japan.

International applicants who do not have the required valid visa at the time of the application deadline are not eligible for April enrollment.

For most international applicants applying from outside Japan, the relevant enrollment date is therefore expected to be October 1, 2027.

University of Tokyo MPP/IP Fees

Applicants should budget for the following fees based on the AY2026 figures provided in the application guidelines.

Application Fee

JPY 30,000

Admission Fee

JPY 282,000

The admission fee is non-refundable.

Annual Tuition

JPY 535,800 per year

The university notes that these fees are subject to change.

Applicants should therefore verify the final fees applicable to their admission year before making financial plans.

MEXT Scholarship Consideration

The application guidelines also mention the Japanese government’s MEXT scholarship.

MEXT scholarship students are exempt from paying:

• Application fee
• Admission fee
• Annual tuition

Applicants who are already MEXT scholars are advised to contact the MPP/IP Desk well in advance and follow the university’s instructions.

Other scholarship opportunities may also be available to admitted students, including scholarship programmes associated with international development institutions.

Applicants should not assume that admission automatically includes a scholarship. Funding opportunities generally have separate eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Application Documents Must Be in English

A particularly important requirement is that all application documents must be written in English.

If an applicant’s university does not issue official documents in English, the applicant must submit:

1. The original document; and
2. An English translation prepared by a translator accredited by the applicant’s university or by a notary public.

Applicants should begin arranging translations well before the application deadline.

What Happens If Your University Cannot Send Documents Directly?

Official transcripts and graduation certificates are generally required to be sent directly from the relevant university to the MPP/IP Desk.

However, if a university has a policy preventing it from sending transcripts or certificates directly to third parties, the applicant may need to follow an alternative procedure.

For example, the transcript may need to be issued in a sealed envelope and sent by the applicant to the MPP/IP Desk.

Applicants should contact the MPP/IP Desk in advance if their university’s document policies create difficulties.

Important Rules for Application Documents

Applicants should take the documentation requirements seriously.

The university warns that applications containing missing, incomplete, or unauthorized submissions may receive an unsuccessful evaluation during screening.

Other important rules include:

• Submit only the documents requested.
• Do not submit unnecessary materials.
• Ensure documents are complete.
• Make sure all information is accurate.
• Do not submit false or misleading information.
• Ensure documents are properly certified where required.
• Verify that reference forms have been submitted.
• Ensure official test scores are sent directly where required.
• Do not expect submitted documents to be returned.
• Revisions to application documents after submission will not be considered.

Providing false, plagiarized, misleading, incomplete, or inaccurate information may result in the application not being screened, admission being denied, or an admission offer being withdrawn even after enrollment.

Study Abroad and International Opportunities

MPP/IP students may have opportunities to participate in additional international study programmes.

One option mentioned in the guidelines is the CAMPUS Asia Plus Program.

Selection for CAMPUS Asia Plus takes place shortly after the announcement of MPP/IP admission results.

Applicants interested in the GraSPP-Sciences Po Double Degree Joint Admission must follow the procedures specified by the respective programme.

Other study-abroad options may also be available through the Graduate School.

These opportunities can provide additional international exposure and may be particularly valuable for students interested in international policy, diplomacy, development, and global governance.

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations

The University of Tokyo provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure that applicants are not disadvantaged during entrance examinations and subsequent studies.

Applicants requiring accommodations should contact the MPP/IP Desk at the time of application.

Although requests submitted after the recommended timeframe may still be considered, applicants are encouraged to make their requests as early as possible because some accommodations may require advance preparation.

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students must obtain an appropriate Japanese visa before completing the enrollment procedure.

Applicants planning to study in Japan should therefore consider immigration requirements as part of their application planning.

Being admitted to the programme does not eliminate the requirement to obtain the appropriate immigration authorization.

International applicants should begin preparing for the visa process as soon as they receive the necessary admission documentation and instructions.

How Applicants Will Be Evaluated

The admissions process considers several important factors.

Academic Excellence

Academic performance is one of the core evaluation criteria.

Applicants should therefore present accurate and complete academic records.

English Communication Skills

Because the MPP/IP is an international graduate programme, strong English communication skills are important.

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to communicate ideas clearly in both written and spoken formats.

Motivation

Applicants must demonstrate a convincing reason for pursuing the programme.

The admissions committee will consider whether the applicant’s motivation is consistent with the purpose and structure of MPP/IP.

Programme Fit

Applicants should explain why the University of Tokyo’s MPP/IP is appropriate for their interests and career plans.

Generic statements about wanting to study public policy are unlikely to be as effective as a well-developed explanation connecting the applicant’s background, policy interests, study plans, and career objectives.

Career Consistency

The programme evaluates the consistency between:

• Academic interests
• Professional experience
• Proposed study plan
• Long-term career goals

Applicants should therefore present a clear and logical career narrative.

How to Strengthen Your MPP/IP Application

Although admission is competitive, applicants can take several practical steps to improve the quality and completeness of their applications.

1. Start Preparing Early

Do not wait until November 2026 to begin collecting documents.

Academic transcripts, graduation certificates, reference forms, IELTS/TOEFL reports, GRE scores, and translations may require significant preparation.

2. Choose Your Policy Stream Carefully

Consider whether your background and future goals align more closely with:

Economic Policy, Finance and Development (EPFD)

or

Public Management and International Relations (PMIR).

Your choice should be consistent with your statement of purpose and long-term professional objectives.

3. Develop a Strong Statement of Purpose

Use the 600-word limit strategically.

Clearly explain:

• Why public policy?
• Why the University of Tokyo?
• Why MPP/IP?
• Why your selected policy stream?
• What do you want to study?
• How will the programme advance your career?
• What policy problems do you want to address?

4. Prepare Your Referees Early

Do not assume your referees will submit their forms immediately.

Contact them well before the deadline and give them enough information about your academic and professional objectives.

5. Prepare for the Timed Assessment

The online video/written assessment is not something applicants should ignore.

Practice answering questions under time pressure while communicating ideas clearly and logically.

6. Consider Taking the GRE

Although the GRE is strongly recommended rather than listed as universally mandatory, applicants—especially those interested in EPFD—should consider taking it if they can prepare adequately.

7. Verify Your English Test

Check that your IELTS or TOEFL score meets the programme’s test-date and reporting requirements.

Do not wait until the application deadline to request the official score report.

8. Check Your Documents Multiple Times

Before submitting, confirm that:

• Names are consistent across documents.
• Dates are accurate.
• Documents are legible.
• Transcripts contain the necessary grading information.
• Graduation documentation is valid.
• Reference forms have been submitted.
• Test scores have been requested.
• The application fee has been paid correctly.

MPP/IP 2027 Application Timeline

The application process can be summarized as follows:

November 1, 2026

The application period begins.

November 10, 2026

Deadline for requesting the reduced application fee for authorized applicants seeking the specified scholarship programmes.

November 24, 2026

Deadline for applicants using the individual eligibility-screening route to submit the required eligibility documents.

December 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST

Main application deadline, including the application fee payment and required application materials.

December 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST

Deadline for online timed video/written assessment materials.

January 22, 2027

Shortlisted applicants are announced.

February 1 or 2, 2027

Online interviews take place.

February 18, 2027

Admission results are announced.

October 1, 2027

Expected enrollment date.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The University of Tokyo MPP/IP may be particularly suitable for applicants who want to build careers in public policy and related fields.

Potential applicants include:

• Recent bachelor’s graduates interested in public policy.
• Early-career professionals transitioning into policy careers.
• Government employees seeking advanced policy training.
• NGO and development professionals.
• International development practitioners.
• Public administration professionals.
• Economists and finance professionals interested in public policy.
• International relations professionals.
• Researchers interested in policy analysis.
• Professionals working in public affairs or related areas.
• Individuals interested in international organizations and global governance.
• Professionals seeking to strengthen their policy design and evaluation capabilities.

Applicants should nevertheless ensure that they meet the formal academic and other requirements before applying.

APPLY HERE

Official Application Website

Applications are submitted through the Graduate School of Public Policy’s official MPP/IP information and application system.

Applicants should use the official university website as the primary source for application instructions, updates, forms, announcements, and any changes to deadlines or requirements.

Visit HERE to learn more about the University of Tokyo Master of Public Policy International Program 2027.

Conclusion

The University of Tokyo Master of Public Policy, International Program (MPP/IP) 2027 presents a significant graduate study opportunity for aspiring public policy professionals, recent graduates, early-career professionals, and experienced practitioners who want to develop advanced expertise in public policy.

The two-year programme combines law, politics, economics, policy design, implementation, and evaluation, while allowing students to develop specialized knowledge through the Economic Policy, Finance and Development (EPFD) or Public Management and International Relations (PMIR) streams.

The application process is comprehensive and highly structured. Applicants must prepare academic documents, two reference forms, a statement of purpose, English-language test results, identification documents, and other required materials. The process also includes a timed online video/written assessment and an online interview for shortlisted applicants.

The most important deadline to remember is December 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time, while the timed assessment must be completed by December 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST.

Prospective applicants should begin preparing well in advance, particularly when arranging official university documents, English-language test scores, GRE results, references, translations, and scholarship-related documentation.

For international applicants, the programme can provide an opportunity to study public policy in Japan while gaining exposure to international academic networks and potential study-abroad opportunities. However, applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements, fees, immigration rules, scholarship conditions, and application instructions before submitting their applications.

Deadline: December 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST

Assessment deadline: December 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST

Expected enrollment: October 1, 2027

For more global post-graduate opportunities visit OFY HERE.