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Admissions

Could you tell me the acceptance rate in the past?
Yes. Please refer to Admissions and Scholarship Facts(90KB).
Is there a required minimum test score for GRE?
There is no stated minimum score result. However, given the highly competitive nature of the application process, all other things equal, a higher test score will improve your chances of being admitted. Please refer closely to the requirements specified in the Application Guidelines of your intended program of study.
For the MA Program, in particular, what if I do not have an undergraduate senior thesis to submit as a “Writing Sample”, or what if I have not completed my thesis yet?
If you do not have a completed thesis, or have not completed it yet, please submit (in English) a summary of the research/study you have carried out thus far.
I cannot find the web application system. Can I send my materials to your contact email address?
No, application documents may not be sent to our contact email address. Please use the web application system (https://e-apply.jp/e/ynu/). Note that the system accepts applications only during the application period. Refer to the PDF files entitled "Application for International Ph.D. Program in Economics" and "Application for International M.A. Program in Economics" available on the below admissions page:
//www.economics.ynu.ac.jp/igp/admissions/
What is a RESEARCH STUDENT (kenkyusei)?
Some international students seek initial entry in Japanese universities by gaining admission as a non-degree RESEARCH STUDENT to prepare for an entrance examination (which is often the case for programs instructed in Japanese), or to later enter graduate programs (which may or may not have required preceding applications).

Non-degree research students conduct their designated research under the guidance of an academic advisor and are allowed to audit other courses but no credits are awarded towards a degree.

The intake period for non-degree RESEACH STUDENTS occurs in April and October. The normal period of study as a research student is six (6) months to 1 year, with the maximum period being two (2) years.

Special Notice for Research Student Applicants: Applications for Research Student and as a Graduate Student are entirely exclusive. Each application may require submitting duplicate materials, or obtaining/submitting materials that are relevant only to the administrative requirements of the particular application.
I reside outside Japan and am interested in applying for the MEXT Scholarship (Research Student, Embassy Recommendation). If I am accepted to YNU as the Research Student in April, can I later enter the International M.A. or Ph.D. Program in October of the same year?
Yes, provided following steps are completed in sequence: i) apply directly at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country for the MEXT Embassy Recommended Scholarship during the designated application period (and receive an offer) for April admission as a non-degree RESEARCH STUDENT to the Graduate School of International Social Sciences; and ii) apply directly to YNU during the designated application period (and receive an offer) for October admission as a GRADAUTE STUDENT (not to be confused with RESEARCH STUDENT) to the International M.A. or Ph.D. Program prior to the prospective April admission as a non-degree RESEARCH STUDENT.

Please consult the following webpage for details on applying for admission as a non-degree RESEARCH STUDENT via the MEXT Scholarship (Embassy Recommendation):
//www.ynu.ac.jp/english/international/accept/jp_gov_scholarship.html#research-embassy

Please refer to the PDF files entitled “Application for International Ph.D. Program in Economics” and “Application for International M.A. Program in Economics” available on the admissions page for application for admission as a GRADUATE STUDENT:
//www.economics.ynu.ac.jp/igp/admissions/.
Note that the application period varies from year to year.
Do I first have to become a “Research student” (kenkyuusei) prior to admission to Department of Economics at YNU?
No. If accepted FOR ENROLLMENT IN THE IMAP/IPHD PROGRAM, you are admitted directly to the Department of Economics as a fully matriculated, full time student. The “research student” system still exists, but does not relate to the International M.A. and Ph.D. Programs.
Do I need to have a supervisor before applying for your program?
Our program does not require applicants to make advanced contact with potential supervisors prior to submitting applications. We do, however, advise all applicants to look closely into the faculty profiles (available here) to take note of professors' research interests ahead of submitting program applications. Applicants are required to name up to two potential supervisors of her/his choice when applying on the web application system. Note that the potential supervisor(s) cannot guarantee (or deny) your admission.
Can I make arrangements to have my TOEFL score report sent even before the application period?
Yes, we accept official score reports arriving prior to and up until the end of the application period.

Note: Official Score Reports must be sent directly from the testing institute to Yokohama National University at the address posted on the Application Guidelines.
I am a first year master's program student. Can I transfer to the second year of the International M.A. Program in Economics?
Applicants can enter the International M.A. Program in Economics only as a first year student. Credits earned in other master's programs may not be transferred to count as credits in the International M.A. in Economics Program.
You have requested applicants living in Japan to submit copies of bothe sides of a Residence Card along with the application materials. What is this document called in Japanese?
The term for Residence Card in Japanese is “Zairyu” Card.
I cannot proceed after answering a series of questions at the beginning to determine my eligibility profile and clicking on NEXT on the web application system. What am I doing wrong?
Only those applicants for the Ph.D. program with eligibility profiles vi), vii), viii) and ix) and those applicants for the M.A. program with eligibility profiles viii) and ix) are required to submit applications during the application eligibility assessment period of . All other application profiles may submit applications during the application period of for October 2019 admission.
I would like to send you an email with a copy of my resume. Could you tell me if I am eligible to apply?
The Graduate School will not reply with an assessment of eligibility based on forwarded resumes.

Applicants may determine their eligibility profiles by responding to the pertinent questions while completing web applications. The PDF files entitled “Application for International M.A. Program in Economics” and “Application for International Ph.D. Program in Economics” describes the eligibility profiles for their respective program. The Graduate School will only assess the eligibility for applicants who meet profiles viii) and ix) for the International M.A. Program and vi), vii), viii) and ix) for the International Ph.D. Program.

These applicants should submit applications during the application eligibility assessment period of .

All other eligibility profiles are not required to have their eligibility individually assessed by the graduate school. They should submit their application during the application period of for October 2019 admission.

Please note that we do not accept any documents via e-mail. Application must be made via the YNU Web Application System. Required documents must be submitted by postal mail.

For further details, please check the PDF file for the program you are applying for.
I am having problems uploading my writing samples to the web application system. How do I complete this step?
After you have uploaded the files, be sure to select "SAVE" or "NEXT and Complete" before you leave the page. You can confirm whether you finished uploading the files at the Review page. If you cannot view the file names on the Review page, it means you failed to upload them.
I want to print out my application forms in PDF on the Web application system, but I am unable to do so. How can I print out the PDF?
After you pay the examination fee on the Web Application System, you will receive an e-mail acknowledging the payment. The e-mail also shows the URL for a page where you can review your application forms and print out a PDF.
Can I make an arrangement to have my referees send their letters by postal mail or by e-mail?
No. Be sure to follow the appropriate steps on the web application system and submit a request for a letter of recommendation when completing your application. Each referee will receive two e-mails from the system containing instructions on how to submit our designated form letter of recommendation online.
One of my professors has not received the two e-mails that the Web Application System is supposed to send to him/her after I made a request for his/her recommendation letter on the system. What should I do?
First, please request your professor to look for the mails in the junk mail folder of his/her mail software. This will solve the problem in most cases. In case the e-mails are not found, we can check the status of the mails on the system, but you may have to wait for some time to hear the results from us.
Can I submit a photocopy of my TOEFL score sheet?
No, we only accept original score sheets
I am aware that I have to submit original copies of application documents by mail. One problem is that some of my documents cannot be re-issued and that they may be required again elsewhere in the future. In such a case can I submit a photocopy as an alternative?
Original copies are required for application purposes. As a rule, application documents will not be returned. However, upon request in special circumstances, materials that cannot be easily be reissued will be returned after the screening of application documents and a decision on enrollment. Be sure to attach a note in your application submission should this situation apply to you.
Is there any admission quota for students from Asia?
There is no predetermined admission quota based on nationality, region of residence, working student, or veteran status.
How do my research interests fit into professors' current research?
You can learn about our faculty members' research on the following database: http://er-web.jmk.ynu.ac.jp/index-e.jsp

You can find summary information on faculty members teaching in the International M.A. and Ph.D. Programs in Economics on the following page: //www.economics.ynu.ac.jp/igp/faculty/index.html

You can view his/her major works by clicking on "more." You can view his/her page on the database by clicking on his/her name.
What is the relative importance of grades, personal statement, research proposal, recommendations, on the selection process?
Details on standards of acceptance are confidential.
I will have graduated from a four year university in Japan and earned a bachelor's degree by September 30, . Prior to the admission to the Japanese university, I was enrolled in a university in a country other than Japan. I want to apply for the International M.A. Program in Economics and my profile should be i), but the Web Application System fails to identify my profile as i). What should I do?
Please answer "No" to the question "Did you receive higher education from educational institutions in a country or countries other than Japan? " and "Yes" to the question "Did you graduate after March, 1951 or are you scheduled to graduate by September 30, from an existing Japanese university?."
I graduated and earned a bachelor's degree from a four year university in Japan. After graduation from the Japanese university, I was enrolled in a graduate school in a country other than Japan. I want to apply for the International M.A. Program in Economics, but the Web Application System fails to identify my profile as i). What should I do?
Please answer "No" to the question "Did you receive higher education from educational institutions in a country or countries other than Japan?" and "Yes" to the question "Did you graduate after March, 1951 or are you scheduled to graduate by September 30, from an existing Japanese university?."
I checked your website and it states that the web application system is not available. When can I upload my application for graduate school enrollment?
The web application system will be activated on the first day of the application period for your intended intake. Please check the following link to view the application period for your program of study:
I have an undergraduate degree but have completed less than 16 years of formal education. Can I still apply for the International M.A. Program in Economics?
Depending on the country where you completed your formal education you may be eligible to apply. Please contact the Graduate School Affairs Office for further detail specific to your academic history.
I was unable to obtain a scholarship and would like to apply as a privately funded student. Assuming I become accepted into your program will it be difficult to obtain a Japanese Student Visa?
YNU will apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on behalf of privately funded international students who do not have residency in Japan. The following documents are required by Japanese Immigration to obtain a COE:
  • A completed Application for Certificate of Eligibility (This form will be sent to successful applicants by email)
  • A color photograph sized 40 mm (height) X 30 mm (width)
  • A copy of applicants passport information page
  • Statement of Financial Support (This form will be sent to successful applicants by email)
  • ***Documents to prove your financial circumstances. (Examples include an official or notarized copy of a previous year's tax documents, a certified bank statement taken in the last three months, a declaration of assets from persons who are self-employed, or the like).

It takes approximately two months for COEs to be processed at Immigration in Yokohama and mailed to YNU. Our Office will then courier the COE to the enrolling student's home address for the student to submit it along with his/her student visa application at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Details on the visa process are posted at the following Japanese Immigration website: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/index.html
My professor insists that he/she has not received an email from the web application system asking him to upload a letter of reference. Can he/she simply email you a copy of a letter?
Applications to the International M.A. and Ph.D Programs in Economics require that letters of reference be uploaded to the web application system. Should concern arise, the Graduate School Affairs Office can conduct an audit to verify that the Web Application System forwarded an email to the address you request, however, YNU is not responsible for technical problems with the referee’s email server.

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