The Graduate School of Economics at the University of Tokyo offers a two-year master's program for English-speaking students from around the world known as the International Program in Economics (UTIPE).
About the program
This master's program in economics at the University of Tokyo meets the highest international standards and offers the right environment where students can learn and conduct research.
The program seeks to achieve the following two main objectives:
- educating students as researchers and educators with an international perspective based on advanced analytical skills in the modern economy;
- To give students practical and globally useful experience in the field of economics.
The majority of the faculty in this program are PhDs from internationally acclaimed universities and have also gained teaching experience by teaching at such universities. The faculty includes prominent researchers in a wide range of areas in economics, including macroeconomics, econometrics, and microeconomic theory.
In this programme, students will have a unique opportunity to study under the supervision of leading researchers, and will be able to develop their expertise in the Asian and Japanese economies. Such expertise is especially valuable in light of the growing importance of Asian economies in the twenty-first century.
Admission Requirements
The University of Tokyo International Program in Economics (UTIPE) offers a two-year master's program in English and accepts approximately 15 students each year. Below are some of the admission requirements for the program:
- The applicant must have a Bachelor's degree in Economics.
- The program does not require Japanese language proficiency for the degree. UTIPE does not pay much attention to Japanese language proficiency skills, but such skills may broaden the scope of study and research a student has after being accepted into the program. In this case, proficiency in Japanese may be considered an added advantage.
- Approximately 15 students are accepted each year in this program offered by the Department of Economics, and students have the opportunity to choose to register in the month of April or October.
- Students with proficiency in English and with advanced knowledge and skills in mathematics and/or economics are especially welcome.
- UTIPE makes admission decisions based on an aggregate evaluation of all information received from applicants and letters of recommendation.
- There is no pre-set minimum score for TOEFL and GRE exams. However, the faculty are well aware of the evaluation criteria and procedures for the most prestigious colleges in the US and the UK, and admission procedures for the UTIPE program will be similar to graduate schools of economics in the US and UK.
- GRE scores are an indispensable prerequisite. Nor will the University of Tokyo accept GMAT scores in lieu of the GRE.
- Mathematical background is very important in this programme. The level of mathematics required in this program is essentially the same as that required in American economics programs. Linear algebra and calculus are also important skills in this program. Dynamic programming skills are preferred, but it is not a prerequisite. The university also has a review course in mathematics covering the above three subjects for first-year students.