Degree Programs in Humanities and Social Sciences

Doctoral Programs

1. Number of Students to be Admitted

Course	Program	Enrollment in October 2025	Enrollment in April 2026
Course	Program	July Selection Process	July Selection Process	October Selection Process	January to February Selection Process
Doctoral Programs	Humanities	–	–	–	42
	International Public Policy	A few students when appropriate	–	–	10*
	International and Advanced Japanese Studies	A few students when appropriate	3	7	4*
	International and Advanced Japanese Studies (Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)	–	–	–	A few students when appropriate*

*Applicants applying for the January to February Selection Process for the doctoral program in International Public Policy or International and Advanced Japanese Studies should choose the admission date (April 2026 or October 2026) when submitting the Web application. After applying, no changes can be made, so please consider this carefully before submitting your application.

2. Eligibility for Admission

Applicants will be deemed eligible if they meet one of the following requirements:

Enrollment in October 2025	Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a master’s degree by September 2025 Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a specialized degree by September 2025 Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a master’s degree from a university outside Japan by September 2025 Other
Enrollment in April 2026	Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a master’s degree by March 2026 Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a specialized degree by March 2026 Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a master’s degree from a university outside Japan by March 2026 Other
Enrollment in October 2026	Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a master’s degree by September 2026 Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a specialized degree by September 2026 Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a master’s degree from a university outside Japan by September 2026 Other

If you have any questions about your eligibility, send us an email.

Recommendation Requirements (Only for July Selection Process)

International Public Policy

Individuals who have recommended by the supervisor at the current university or an equivalent person, and who can guarantee enrollment if the applicant is accepted.

International and Advanced Japanese Studies

Individuals who have recommended by the supervisor or an equivalent person, and who can commit to enroll in the school if they passes the exam.

※The supervisor or an equivalent person is a university professor or other person with teaching experience in the candidate’s field of research.

Requirements for “Special Selection Process for Working Individuals”

Individuals who have the above eligibility for admission and have at least one year of full-time or part-time work experience by enrollment