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東京大学公共政策大学院 | GraSPP / Graduate School of Public Policy | The university of Tokyo

交換留学/ダブル・ディグリープログラムFAQ Double degree & Exchange Program FAQ

Exchange / Double Degree Program

  • Q

    If I fall a few points short of the required English score, can I not apply?

    A

    Applications will be accepted. However, since English scores are one of the important screening criteria, if a student with higher English proficiency and a stronger motivation for applying apply, that student may be given priority in the selection process. On the other hand, after passing the document screening, applicants’ academic ability and aptitude will be comprehensively evaluated through interviews, so the possibility of being selected is not zero.

  • Q

    To what extent does my preference rank take precedence in the selection process? Does this ranking have any influence on the selection process?

    A

    If you have a strong preference for one specific school, please indicate this in your application. We cannot say for certain how much priority your preference will be given during the selection process, but we will consider it if you have a positive reason.

  • Q

    Is there any case in the past that students being rejected from the host university after the GraSPP preliminary nomination?

    A

    There have not been many such cases; however, it totally depends on the host university’s decision. We had a few rejection cases in the last few years for double-degree programs. Due to the nature of the program and its course requirements, they expected students to have good professional backgrounds, international exposure, as well as high English competency.

  • Q

    When is the dispatch period?

    A

    The dispatch period is for the fall semester only. Please check the latest application guidelines for specific start and travel dates.

  • Q

    Is the MPP the only course in the study abroad program?

    A

    Courses and degrees available vary depending on the destination, so please check with the Study Abroad Office for details.
    Note that since the exchange program is not designed for the purpose of earning a degree at the destination university, you will not be able to earn a degree at the destination university, but you will be able to earn credits. In this case, it is possible to take not only MPP courses but also various other courses. In the case of a double degree program, as a rule, courses must be taken within the department in which the degree is intended.

  • Q

    If I have not completed Basic Economics, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics at the application stage, how will this affect my selection?

    A

    It is preferable that you have already completed the course at the time of application, but it is possible to complete the course before your dispatch, and we strongly encourage you to do so. Please indicate on your application that you plan to complete the course before you are dispatched.

  • Q

    Can I discuss about transfer credit in advance?

    A

    You can view a list of courses that have been approved in the past at the Graduate School Office. This list is only an actual record, so even if the course title has not changed, but the course content has changed, it may not be accredited. If you submit an application for advanced accreditation, the faculty member in charge of the course will review the syllabus to determine if it will be accredited. However, official transfer accreditation will be granted only after your grades are finalized at your study-abroad university and the application procedure is approved at the conference.

  • Q

    The exam dates for one of my classes overlaps with the dispatch period. Will you be able to take special measures?

    A

    It is your responsibility to check the examination schedule with your instructor at the time of class, etc. (Be especially careful with merged courses.) The graduate school office will not take any special measures or consult with the professors.

  • Q

    Is it possible to study at a university with which the school do not have an agreement with GraSPP and UTokyo?

    A

    It is possible to take a leave of absence and study abroad while on leave.

  • Q

    Some universities require completion of macroeconomics and microeconomics courses. Should I have taken those courses the time of application to GraSPP?

    A

    You can take macro & microeconomics in the semester anytime before your departure.

  • Q

    How competitive to apply to these programs? How many apply and how many will be nominated?

    A

    About half of the applicants are nominated to the destination universities, in the past years. Usually, 1 – 2 students are nominated to each university for both Ex. and DD programs. However, the competitiveness quite depends on which school you wish to apply to.

  • Q

    I am a MEXT scholar, am I eligible to apply this exchange/ double degree program? If so, what would happen to the tuition support and the sholarship stipend?

    A

    MEXT scholars are also eligible to apply; however, the MEXT scholarship will be suspended during the period of study abroad since it is funded by the Japanese government and its purpose is to support international students who are studying in Japan.

  • Q

    I am a ADB scholar, am I eligible to apply this exchange/ double degree program? If so, what would happen to the tuition support and the scholarship stipend?

    A

    ADB, IMF and WB scholars are not eligible to apply for the exchange study programs.

  • Q

    Will the school apply visa for me?

    A

    Obtaining a certificate of admission, I-20, financial aid, and making a reservation at the embassy for visa application are all part of the procedures for studying abroad.

    Make sure that you plan ahead and obtain necessary documents for visa application early enough, since it takes time to receive visa in July and August.

    Each country has different procedures for visa application and immigration system, so research carefully and apply at your own responsibility.

  • Q

    I had been nominated as an successful GraSPP applicant; however, I was told to take some summer preparatory programs at the destination university. Do I have to do so? What about the tuition fees? And what about my UTokyo summer term finals?

    A

    If your destination university requires so, it is then necessary to take those courses at your own expense.
    Be careful with the course schedule of the joint courses, in particular with the Law Faculty at UTokyo, as they usually have finals in September. Please consult with the course professor at the beginning of the summer semester.

  • Q

    Should I have to apply for insurance?

    A

    Yes, please be sure to have your international/ study abroad insurance covered for the whole period of your study abroad to prepare for sickness, injury, accident, and property loss.
    Also, you might be required by your destination university to purchase their designated university insurance, so you might want to check what it would cover first.

  • Q

    I was not admitted to the school dormitory. Will UTokyo help me to arrange a housing, or introduce me an agency?

    A

    Arranging housing is also a part of studying abroad. Please research housing information well at your destination school’s international student office information site and/or directly consult with the program coordinator of your destination school.

  • Q

    Is there any site that I can look up for the safety information for?

    A

    Once you are admitted to Ex./DD programs, please refer to the
    “The University of Tokyo, Going Abroad Crisis Management Guidelines”
    and be well prepared. 「海外渡航危機管理ガイドブック」
    https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/adm/go-global/ja/voyage-safety.html

    Please also be sure to visit the MOFA site http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/
    (外務省海外安全ホームページ)and check the safety condition of your destination country periodically.

TOEFL, IELTS, GRE

  • Q

    Can I submit a proof of my TOEFL score as online certificate format? Can I replace my TOEFL score after submitting application?

    A

    Yes, a copy of the online certificate or screenshot as an email attachment is also acceptable. You can replace your TOEFL score anytime before the application deadline.

  • Q

    Can I submit my IELTS certificate, instead of TOEFL (iBT) certificate?

    A

    Yes, you can as most partner schools are now accepting both of the English test scores, even though TOEFL iBT might be still ideal for GraSPP application.

  • Q

    Do I have to take a GRE test?

    A

    If you are applying for the double degree program of SIPA, Columbia University, GRE score is now optional and yet could help your application to be more competent (esp if your TOEFL score is not that strong.)