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How to apply?

Application schedule (AY2026)

The process runs from October 2025 through enrolment at a Japanese graduate school in September/October 2026. The flow below shows every step in order — tap any step to open its full details.

Trace by university:

Pick a university to follow only its path — every step is tinted in that school’s colour, and steps that don’t apply are hidden. UT GraSPP only steps run in parallel with the main process.

START
  • Applicants can select up to two graduate schools to apply.
  • The online application must be completed on time. If delayed, the application will be invalid and will NOT be accepted.
  • Form 1 (statement of reference) should be submitted by your work supervisor via the online system.
  • In addition to the online application, the following must reach the JDS Project Office by 22 Nov: Form 2 (nomination form), a notarized copy of your degree certificate, and a notarized copy of your official marksheet / transcript.
University of Tokyo (GraSPP)Form 3A — Statement of purpose (max 600 words): motivation, study plan, career goals.
University of Tokyo (Engineering)Form 3B — 2–4 page research plan. Attach a 1–2 page graduation thesis abstract (and master's thesis abstract, if applicable).Note: Before you prepare Form 3B, identify your preferred academic supervisor and discuss your research plan with them. See page A6–7 of the Application Guidelines for the list of supervisors.
Hitotsubashi UniversityForm 3E — 2,000-word study plan: practical experience, study plan, and post-graduation application.
Waseda UniversityForm 3C — Research plan (follow the template), or Form 3D — research plan (max 700 words, excluding footnotes/references).
Kobe UniversityForm 3D — Research plan (max 700 words, excluding footnotes/references).
  • All applicants must take the IELTS Academic Module UNLESS they present an IELTS Academic Module (except IELTS Online) or TOEFL iBT (except Home Edition) score within 2-year validity (as of 31 May 2026).
  • The IELTS examination fee is borne by JDS. However, you must pay the fee if you cancel the IELTS without prior notification to the JDS Office.
University of Tokyo (GraSPP)Submit IELTS/TOEFL scores through the online application by 5 pm JST, 3 December.
University of Tokyo (Engineering)A copy of IELTS/TOEFL scores, or Form 4 completed by the controlling officer in lieu of the score certificate.
Hitotsubashi UniversityA copy of IELTS/TOEFL scores.
Waseda UniversityA copy of IELTS/TOEFL scores.
Kobe UniversityA copy of IELTS/TOEFL scores, or Form 4 completed by the controlling officer in lieu of the score certificate.
  • The basic math exam is 60 minutes and covers arithmetic operations, fractions, equations, inequalities, matrices, basic quadratic functions, basic exponential and logarithmic operations, and basic integration and differentiation.
  • Exam scores are used for reference purposes during initial selection by the accepting universities.
  • You can download past exam papers from the JDS website.
University of Tokyo (GraSPP)Not required.
University of Tokyo (Engineering)Basic math exam and an additional advanced math exam required.
Hitotsubashi UniversityNot required.
Waseda UniversityNot required.
Kobe UniversityBasic math exam required.
  • Applicants to UTokyo (GraSPP) must submit a separate online application according to UTokyo's guidelines.
  • The application fee (JPY 10,000) is reimbursed by JDS to applicants who pass preliminary document screening by the JDS Office.

Note — Applicants to the University of Tokyo (GraSPP) must submit the application DIRECTLY to the University of Tokyo, in addition to the JDS Project Office. They go through the selection process simultaneously at the University of Tokyo and the JDS Office.

  • The Online Timed Video / Written Assessment must be submitted by 5:00 pm JST, 10 December.
  • Submit your original documents by 5:00 pm JST, 10 December: official marksheet / transcript, official certificate of graduation, official English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) score report, and GRE General Test official score report.
  • Screening of application documents by the graduate school faculties.
University of Tokyo (GraSPP)The result will be notified by 26 January by UTokyo.
UT Engineering, Hitotsubashi, Waseda & KobeThe result will be notified by mid-January by the JDS Office.
University of Tokyo (GraSPP)The interview will be held online. The result will be notified by the end of February.
UT Engineering, Hitotsubashi, Waseda & KobeTechnical Interview — held in Delhi or online by the faculty members of the graduate school. The result will be notified by the end of February.
  • All candidates must take a medical check-up at a designated hospital.
  • The check-up fee is borne by JDS.
  • Comprehensive Interview by the JDS Operating Committee.
  • Final selection results by mid-March.
  • Submit the Pledge of Compliance after acceptance.
  • Admission procedures for the graduate schools (supported by the JDS Office).
  • Online Japanese language training begins.
  • Pre-departure Orientation & send-off party in Delhi.
  • Departure to Japan in mid-August.
  • Post-arrival Orientation in Tokyo (2 weeks).
  • Enrolment at the graduate school (2-year study period).
GOAL

University-wise List of Required Documents & Specified Forms

The required documents and prescribed forms differ by graduate school. Confirm the exact list for each university you intend to apply to. Prescribed Form 1 and Prescribed Form 2 are required by every university.

The University of Tokyo (GraSPP)

Required documents

Form 1 Form 2 Form 3A IELTS / TOEFL

Prescribed form & details

Form 3A — Statement of purpose (max 600 words), including motivation, study plan and career goals. The content of the Form you submit to JDS and what you submit to the university must be the same.

The University of Tokyo (Department of Urban Engineering)

Required documents

Form 1 Form 2 Form 3B Maths Exam IELTS / TOEFL or Form 4

Prescribed form & details

Form 3B — 2–4-page research plan (contact your faculty supervisor in advance to prepare it). Attach an approx. 2-page graduation thesis abstract (and master's thesis abstract, if applicable). Form 4 may be filled out by the controlling officer at your workplace in lieu of an IELTS/TOEFL score.

Waseda University

Required documents

Form 1 Form 2 Form 3C or 3D IELTS / TOEFL

Prescribed form & details

Form 3C — follow the template closely; ensure all required information is included; delete the instructional text before submission. Form 3D — max 700 words (excluding footnotes, references). Submit either one.

Hitotsubashi University

Required documents

Form 1 Form 2 Form 3E IELTS / TOEFL

Prescribed form & details

Form 3E — 2,000-word study plan including practical experience, study plan, and post-graduation application. Focus on the Global Governance track (Foreign Service Sub-program).

Kobe University

Required documents

Form 1 Form 2 Form 3D Maths Exam IELTS / TOEFL or Form 4

Prescribed form & details

Form 3D — max 700 words (excluding footnotes, references). Form 4 may be filled out by the controlling officer at your workplace in lieu of an IELTS/TOEFL score.

TAO Online Application

Applications must be submitted via the Admissions Office (TAO) online portal. The application period is from 12:00 noon, Wednesday 1 October to 17:00, Friday 21 November 2025. Carefully read the TAO Online Application Manual (PDF) before starting.

After submitting online, send hard copies of the following to the JDS Project Office by 21 November 2025 (by post/courier): Prescribed Form 2, a notarized copy of your degree certificate(s) (bachelor's and above), and a notarized copy of your transcript(s) (bachelor's and above). Late or incomplete applications result in automatic disqualification, and documents are not returned for any reason.

Video tutorials

Be sure to watch all three tutorials, especially tutorials 2 and 3, which are indispensable.

1. How to Create a TAO Account
1. How to Create a TAO Account
2. How to access the input screen after logging in/re-logging in
2. How to access the input screen after logging in/re-logging in
3. Detailed explanation of the input screen and important notes
3. Detailed explanation of the input screen and important notes

Download Documents

All forms and reference materials for the JDS India application are gathered here. Application Guideline, prescribed Forms 1–4 / 3A–3E, the research-plan guidance, and past mathematics papers are all available below.

Downloadable Forms

Research Plan

Before you begin writing your research plan, carefully review the Fields of Study & Graduate Schools section to make sure the graduate school of your choice offers an appropriate curriculum and has faculty members relevant to your research plan. You can obtain more information from the websites of individual graduate schools.

Note — Your research plan should be consistent with one of the Components (development issues), correspond to a programme offered by the graduate school of your application, and align with the overall objectives of the organisation to which you belong.

Mathematics Examination

Applicants to The University of Tokyo (Engineering) and Kobe University are required to take the mathematics exam. The exam is approximately 60 minutes and consists of arithmetic operations, solving fractions, equations, inequalities, matrices, basic quadratic functions, basic operations of exponential and logarithmic functions, and basic integral and differentiation, etc. Applicants to The University of Tokyo (Engineering) must additionally take a 30-minute, highly challenging mathematics exam. Exam scores are used for reference purposes during initial selection by the accepting universities.