Funded Master's Scholarships in Agricultural Development Studies in Japan 2023

The Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Tokyo is offering the 2022 International Program in Agricultural Development Studies (IPADS).

The IPADS program is the only Master’s program that is taught entirely in English in the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The program equips the students to be global leaders in the agricultural sector who have the capacity to identify and implement solutions to various agricultural, environmental, and resource management issues in developing countries. Students engage in a truly interdisciplinary curriculum filled with cutting-edge research from all subdisciplines covering agriculture, encompassing natural and social sciences. As fully integrated members of the School’s Department of Global Agricultural Sciences, IPADS students have numerous opportunities to participate in seminars and international symposia and work collaboratively with faculty members and fellow students, including those from the School’s other departments and graduate programs. Approximately eight students will be admitted for the Academic Year 2022-2023.

• The examination fee, enrollment fee, and tuition are waived for recipients of the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho, hereafter MEXT) Scholarships on submission of a certificate showing their scholarship status.
• A limited number of full scholarships funded by the Japanese Government (hereafter MEXT scholarships) may be available to outstanding applicants who applied during Round One. Those who applied during Round Two will not be eligible for MEXT Scholarship. These scholarships cover the examination fee, enrollment fee, and tuition as well as living expenses. The examination fee should be paid by the MEXT Scholarship applicants at the time of application for IPADS and shall be refunded later on submission of a certificate showing their scholarship status. Selection will be conducted concurrently with selection for admission during Round One.
• The University also offers a tuition waiver program for other students who meet certain criteria. Students can apply to this program after enrollment.
• For all other students, it is their own responsibility to secure funds for fees and tuition. While students, after enrollment, are eligible to apply for internal and external scholarships, including the University of Tokyo Fellowship, the School does not guarantee that all students are financially assisted.
• Student services, including housing information services and limited health services, are provided to all students.

To be eligible to apply for this program, the applicant must meet all the following criteria. 

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required as of 30 September 2021. The admission automatically becomes void if a student who has applied prior to the conferment of a Bachelor’s degree fails to attain it by 30 September 2021. In addition, applicants must have completed, as of 30 September 2021, a total of 16 or more years of education including higher education. Applicants with fewer years of education must demonstrate that they are able to obtain the bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment to their IPADS.
• A very high level of English language proficiency adequate to engage in high-quality postgraduate study is required.
• Applicants must possess an excellent academic record and a sound plan for their MSc research that suits the program’s philosophy.
• All newly admitted students must arrive in Tokyo by the designated date in September 2022. Those who cannot arrive in Tokyo by September 2022 must obtain special permission from the IPADS Office. Permission will be only granted for few special circumstances. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the admission offer. 
• Military employees, whether soldiers or civilians are ineligible to apply. 

Application Process and Requirements:

Applicants from developing countries who concurrently apply for a scholarship scheme supported by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) should follow the application schedule published by the JICA office in their home country.

Applicant should provide the following:

• Application form—This will be available on the program website to shortlisted candidates. 
• Proof of a Bachelor’s degree—Original document with the official seal of the institution such as a degree certificate. For an applicant who has not been awarded the degree at the time of application, an official certificate from the academic institution stating the expected date of completion needs to be submitted.
• Official transcripts.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Research work conducted by the applicant.
• Proof of citizenship.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Two photographs of the applicant.
• Proof of examination fee payment.
• Application checklist—This will be available on the program website to shortlisted candidates. 

About the University of Tokyo:

It is a public research university located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1877 as the first imperial university, it is one of Japan's most prestigious universities. The university has 10 faculties and enrolls about 30,000 students, 2,100 of whom are international students. Its five campuses are in Hongō, Komaba, Kashiwa, Shirokane, and Nakano. It is among the top echelon of the select Japanese universities assigned additional funding under the MEXT's Top Global University Project to enhance Japan's global educational competitiveness.

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