Address and Contact Information

Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia
Self-Financed Students

Getting to GRIPSThe GRIPS building is located in the centerof Tokyo,conveniently accessible by public
transport.
Both Nogizaka Station on the Chiyoda Line andRoppongi Station on the Oedo and Hibiya Lines
are within 10 minutes walking distance.

1

AoyamaCemetery Park

Hinokicho Park

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The National
Art Center, Tokyo
Science Councilof Japan

Main
Gate

Tokyo Midtown

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Access RouteTokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Toei Oedo Line

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Tokyo Metro
Hibiya Line
Roppongi Sta.

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Roppongi Hills

KeiseiSkyliner

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
7-22-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-8677, Japan
TEL: +81-3-6439-6000 FAX: +81-3-6439-6030
www.grips.ac.jp/en/
GRIPS Admissions Office
TEL: +81-3-6439-6046 FAX: +81-3-6439-6050
www.grips.ac.jp/en/admissions/index
admissions@grips.ac.jp

2023. 9

©GRIPS 2023 Printed in Japan

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ijo

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Toei Oedo Line
Roppongi Sta.

Ryudocho
Bijutsukan Dori

South
Gate

Roppongi
TunnelRoppongi Hills

Macroeconomic
Policy Program2

4
Tokyo Metro
Chiyoda Line
Nogizaka Sta.

52023 〜CONTENTS
1 About the Program 

02

2 Curriculum 04

3 Alumni 06

4 Admissions 08

5 About GRIPS 

10

6 Student Support and Resources 

12Address and Contact Information

Photo Copyrights
Photos of Roppongi Campus (front cover, p. 1, 2): Masao Nishikawa
Other photos: GRIPS

1 About the Program
The Macroeconomic Policy Program (MEP) is a professionally oriented program designed to train modern

The coursework consists of required courses, recommended courses, and elective courses. The required

macroeconomic policy makers and professionals who need to understand macroeconomic ﬂuctuations

courses, which include Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Econometrics, provide solid training inand the roles of monetary and ﬁscal policies in domestic and global economies. The program aims toprinciples and theories of economics and develop practical analytical skills for designing and evaluating

enhance the capacity of governments to formulate and implement ﬁnancial and economic policies in amacroeconomic policies. The variety of recommended and elective courses gives students the chance tomanner that leads to quality growth. The curriculum deals with macroeconomic and structural aspects,

further advance their analytical and quantitative skills as well as to develop their specialization in specificincluding policies aimed at establishing sound macroeconomic fundamentals, liberalized trade, a robust

areas of interests, such as monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade, and financial markets.

ﬁnancial system, and a vast private sector. Ample attention is also given to a broader range of issues, suchas roles for government, institution building, the environment and sustainable development.

The writing of policy papers (One year Program)/theses (Two year Program) will be closely supervised byexperienced core faculty members through seminar courses.

The MEP developed from the successful tradition of the Transition Economy Program, which has been apartner of the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) since the inception of JISPA in 1993.

Target GroupThe program is primarily aimed at government ofﬁcials and professionals who are involved in designingand implementing macroeconomic policies.

Prof. Junichi Fujimoto
Director, Macroeconomic Policy Program

Program Design

Specialty: Macroeconomics

Both one-year and two-year programs are offered. One year Program requires 34 credits for graduationand grants a Master of Public Policy or a Master of Public Economics; Two year Program requires 44
credits and grants a Master of Arts in Public Economics. Qualified candidates who have flexible working
schedules, are willing to devote more time to thesis writing, and have a desire to develop more advanced
analytical skills may consider the Two year Program.
Students who fulfill the specified requirements will be awarded a Certificate in Data Science in addition totheir Master’s degree.

Prof. Minchung Hsu
Associate Director, Macroeconomic Policy Program
Specialty: Macroeconomics, Health Insurance,
Social Insurance, Demographic Changes and Growth,
Public Policy, Economic Dynamics

02 

About the Program

About the Program 03

2 Curriculum
The curriculum consists of four components: required courses, a policy paper (One year Program)/thesis (Two

Required Courses

year Program), recommended courses, and elective courses. Both the policy paper and thesis writing will be

All students must take the following courses: Macroeconomics I and II, Microeconomics I and II, International

closely supervised by experienced core faculty members through seminar courses.

Finance, Introduction to Applied Econometrics, and The world and the SDGs. These required courses provide
solid training in principles and theories of economics and develop practical analytical skills for designing and

Two year Program (As of 2023)

One year Program (As of 2023)

Category

Category
The World and the SDGs

The World and the SDGs

Microeconomics I

Microeconomics I

Macroeconomics I

Macroeconomics I

Microeconomics II

I
Required Coruses

Macroeconomics II
Introduction to Applied Econometrics

Microeconomics II

I
Required Coruses

International FinanceTutorial (MEP2)

Tutorial (MEP1)

Thesis Seminar I

Policy Paper Seminar I

Thesis Seminar II

Policy Paper Seminar II

Thesis Seminar III

Monetary Economics (Money and Banking)Monetary Economics (Money and Banking)Economic Development of Southeast Asia

Economic Development of Southeast Asia

Government and Market

Government and Market

Finance and Economic Growth

Finance and Economic Growth

Applied Time Series Analysis for Macroeconomics

Applied Time Series Analysis for Macroeconomics

Applied Econometrics

Applied Econometrics

Applied Econometrics PracticeApplied Econometrics PracticeData Science for Public Policy

Data Science for Public Policy

Trade and Industrial Development

Trade and Industrial Development

Mathematics for Economic Analysis

Mathematics for Economic Analysis

Public Finance I

Public Finance I

Political Economy

Political Economy

Fiscal Reform in Japan

Fiscal Reform in Japan

Economics of Tax Policy

Economics of Tax Policy

Reform of Economic Policy in Japan

Reform of Economic Policy in Japan

Economics of Law

Economics of Law

Competition and Regulatory Economics

Competition and Regulatory Economics

International Trade

Empirics of Macroeconomic Policies and International Finance

Empirics of Macroeconomic Policies and International Finance

Theory and Practice of Central Banking: Japanese and Global Experience

II
Elective Courses I

Resource and Energy Economics

Contemporary Japanese Economy

Contemporary Japanese Economy

Japanese Economy

Japanese Economy

Financial Economics

Financial Economics

Time Series Analysis

Time Series Analysis

Cost Benefit Analysis I

Cost Benefit Analysis I

Economic Modeling for Policy Simulations

Economic Modeling for Policy Simulations

Development Economics

Development Economics

Development History of Asia: Policy, Market and Technology

Development History of Asia: Policy, Market and Technology

Economic History and Institutions

Economic History and Institutions

Computer Programming for Economics

Computer Programming for Economics

Modernization of Financial Sector: Lessons from Recent Financial Crises

Modernization of Financial Sector: Lessons from Recent Financial Crises

Policy Design and Implementation in Developing Countries

Policy Design and Implementation in Developing Countries

GRIPS Forum I

GRIPS Forum I

GRIPS Forum II

GRIPS Forum II

Introduction to Data Science

Introduction to Data Science

Data Science in PracticeData Science in Practice

East Asian Economies

East Asian Economies

Selected Topics in Policy Studies I - IV

Selected Topics in Policy Studies I - IV

Advanced Microeconomics I

Advanced Microeconomics I

Advanced Microeconomics II

Advanced Microeconomics II

Advanced Microeconomics III

Advanced Macroeconomics I
Advanced Macroeconomics II
Advanced Macroeconomics III

Curriculum

Advanced Macroeconomics I
Advanced Macroeconomics III
Advanced Macroeconomics IV

Advanced Econometrics I

Advanced Econometrics II

Advanced Econometrics II

Advanced Econometrics III

Advanced Econometrics III

Advanced Econometrics IV** Courses offered by the Center for Professional Communication

The recommended courses include quantitative analysis courses
such as Applied Time Series Analysis for Macroeconomics, Applied
Econometrics, Mathematics for Economic Analysis,
Cost Benefit Analysis I, Introduction to Data Science, Data Science inPractice, and Data Science for Public Policy. Students may also choose
from courses covering a variety of disciplines such as
Monetary Economics, International Trade, Public Finance, Financeand Economic Growth, Development Economics, Environmental
Economics, Economic History and Institutions, and Japanese Economy.

Advanced Courses in Economics
Students with exceptional performance enjoy an opportunity to take advanced courses offered to
Ph.D. candidates in the Policy Analysis Program. These include Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced
Macroeconomics, and Advanced Econometrics.

GRIPS Forum and GRIPS Seminar Series in Economics
The bi-weekly GRIPS Forum provides an excellent opportunity for students to understand major economic andpolitical issues in Japan and the world. Weekly economic seminars are provided by researchers explaining theirlatest findings.

Recent GRIPS
Position
Forum Speakers

LectureMinister
Audrey Tang

Minister without Portfolio, Executive Yuan

Creating Open and Inclusive Societies with Digitalization:
Discussions with Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s Digital Minister

H.E. Ms.Melba
María PRÍAOlavarrieta

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United
Mexican States

Mexican Agenda for Gender Equity

Courses not listed in this table

X Others

Mr. Ban Ki-moon The Former Secretary General of the United Nations

Advanced Macroeconomics II

Advanced Econometrics I

Two year Program Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Public Economics
Graduation Requirements: Students must complete a minimum 44 credits

04 

For
qualifiedstudents
only

Advanced Macroeconomics IV

Courses not listed in this table

Recommended Courses

Advanced Microeconomics IV

III
Elective
CoursesAdvanced Econometrics IV

X Others

Environmental Economics
Resource and Energy Economics

Advanced Microeconomics IV

III
Elective
Courses

Theory and Practice of Central Banking: Japanese and Global Experience

Environmental Economics

Advanced Microeconomics III

For
qualifiedstudents
only

Introduction to Applied Econometrics

International FinanceInternational Trade

II
Elective Courses I(minimum 10 courses)

Macroeconomics II

evaluating macroeconomic policies.

** Courses offered by the Center for Professional Communication

One year Program Degree Offered: Master of Public Policy/Master of Public Economics
Graduation Requirements: Students must complete a minimum of 34 credits

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: Blueprint for a Better
FutureProf. Masaaki
Shirakawa

The 30th Governor of the Bank of Japan, Distinguished Guest What Should Emerging Economies Learn from JapaneseProfessor at Aoyama-Gakuin University
Experience?

Ms. Yoko
Kamikawa

Minister of Justice

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Legal
Administration: Along with “Judicial Diplomacy”

H.E. Dr. Ibrahim
Assane Mayaki

Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development
Agency - NEPAD

Beyond ODA: How the Cooperation between Japan and Africa
Can Help Rethink Development

Mr. Haruhiko
KurodaThe 31st Governor of the bank of Japan / Professor (Special
Asian Economy and Japan
Assignment) of GRIPS / Senior Fellow of the GRIPS ALLIANCE

Curriculum 05

3 Alumni
One of the greatest resources and joys of studying at GRIPS is the diversity of the student community.
The connections you make at GRIPS are a valuable part of your degree. The GRIPS Alumni Network will
ensure they are lifetime bonds by keeping you in touch with fellow alumni and the school. As a GRIPS
graduate, you will join an impressive network of around 5,000 alumni who are actively shaping policies
in more than 100 countries around the world. We offer a variety of ways to remain engaged with GRIPS
and strengthen your ties with fellow alumni around the globe. These include alumni reunions, seminars, asearchable alumni directory and online networking opportunities utilizing social media such as Facebook
and LinkedIn.

Voices of the Alumni
Nguyen Dang Binh (Vietnam, ’05)
Current Position: Chairman
Affiliation: People’s Committee of Bac Kan province
Studying at GRIPS was a wonderful time for me. I got a lot of valuable knowledge and lessons from it andalso have had an interesting and useful experience to apply all this to my present life and work. The lecturers
and staff at GRIPS were very kind, enthusiastic and helpful to us. GRIPS is also an ideal place to meet andbecome friends with people from many countries in the world. I am grateful to GRIPS and IMF for giving mea solid foundation to readily and self-confidently overcome new challenges in my work and to have a more
beautiful and meaningful life.

The Number of Graduates (As of 2023)
Macroeconomic Policy Program(including Transition Economy Program and Asian Economic Program)
51

Uzbekistan
49

Vietnam

Oleg Smolyakov (Kazakhstan ’05)
Former Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan

After four years in the National Bank of Kazakhstan I felt that to become more proficient and competitive
there was a need to pursue further graduate studies in a recognized, balanced master’s program ofhigh standards. GRIPS allowed me to match my personal ambitions with program sophistication. This
multifaceted program at GRIPS, with its outstanding lecturers, provides an excellent experience and is agreat starting point for those aiming to become leaders in public policy making.

Curriculum

33

Myanmar
31

Bangladesh
Thailand25

Kazakhstan

25

Kyrgyz20

Indonesia

20
18

India

Current Position: Executive Director, Research Division
Affiliation: Maldives Monetary Authority

Mongolia

My journey to GRIPS was an incredible experience made possible a by a supportive network of dedicatedfaculty, staff and classmates from across the globe, including Japan. I enrolled in GRIPS MEP program as apractitioner seeking to deepen my theoretical knowledge and quantitative skills required for policy-oriented
research, but it offered more than that. The academic standard was high, led by outstanding scholars anddistinguished practitioners. GRIPS facilitates an environment where professors and students can easilyinteract with each other to exchange ideas and build our global network which enabled lifelong friendships.
It was inspiring to be surrounded by individuals with a passion to improve public policy. Added to this, theamazing cultural experience of Japan has contributed immensely to my professional and personal growth.

Tajikistan

8

Philippines

8

Current Position: Economisit
Affiliation: ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO)GRIPS promotes interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research and maintains strong networking. It is a greatplace for me to not only focus on my research, but also meet people from different cultural backgrounds.
The courses being offered cover a wide range of topics related to monetary and fiscal policies. Being a
student in GRIPS has given me a whole new experience. I have met professors whom I can discuss life
and things beyond textbooks and amiable university staffs who have always been caring to help ease theproblems of foreign students.

Alumni39

Cambodia

Mariyam Rashfa (Maldives, ’12)

Tanyasorn Ekapirak (Thailand, ’13)

06 

44

China

13
10

Laos

5

Maldives
4

Nepal
3

Sri Lanka
2

Malaysia
U.S.A.

1

Tonga

1

Japan

1

Fiji

1

Colombia

1

Bhutan

1
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Alumni 

07

4 Admissions
Applications can be made either as a self-financed student or as a scholar in the Japan-IMF Scholarship

Qualifications

Program for Asia (JISPA). For self-financed students, additional details can be found at the GRIPS

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized/

Admissions website (http://www.grips.ac.jp/en/admissions/index/ ).

accredited university and must satisfy the English language

The application deadline for self-financed students is typically in November.

requirements with a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (iBT 79-80) or
IELTS 6.0.
A strong undergraduate background and/or evidence of

JISPA Scholarshipexperiences with public policy issues in economic management are

Application

also required.

For JISPA, applications should be made through the IMF. Full details about the process are available attheir website (https://www.imf.org/en/Countries/ResRep/OAP-Home/JISPA-Home).

Under current program guidelines, candidates must be a national

The following briefly summarizes some key points for JISPA.

of one of the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia,
India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao P.D.R.,

Overview

Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pacific Island Countries, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka,

Scholarship provides for tuition fees; a monthly stipend (including the housing allowance and medical/

Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, or Vietnam (as of June, 2023).

accident insurance); one round-trip economy class air-ticket; and a lump-sum allowance to cover visa
application costs, testing fees (such as TOEFL), and bookshipping costs. (Subject to annual review). The

Candidates should also currently be employed by one of the following or related government agencies:

scholarship covers expenses incurred by the scholar only. The scholarship covers one year. For the two-year

central bank, ministry of economy, ministry of finance, ministry of planning/development, ministry ofmaster’s programs, the scholarship can be renewed for the second year based on academic performancetrade/commerce, tax administration, national statistics bureau, or financial regulatory agencies. The

and the university’s recommendation, together with nomination by a scholar’s sponsoring agency.

program will also consider officials working in other areas of government that have a significant impact on
the formulation or implementation of macroeconomic policy.

Admissions Timeline
IMF Scholarship
Previous Year

Year of Enrollment

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

OctomberNovember

DecemberJanuary

February

March

April

May

June

July

AugustSeptember

OctoberExam and Interview

Final approval by IMF
and result
notification

Finalizing the admissions process andpre-departure preparation(Visa application, accommodation, etc.)

Deadline

Screening

IMF Orientation Program Starts in July or August,depending on current TOEFL score.

Start the program

Self-financePrevious Year

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

OctomberNovember

DecemberJanuary

February

March

April

May

June

July

AugustSeptember

October

Deadline

08 

Admissions

Year of Enrollment

Screening andresult notification

Finalizing the admissions process and predeparture preparation(Visa application, accommodation, etc.)

Arrival in Japan and start of the
program

Admissions 09

5 About GRIPSGRIPS is a graduate school specializing in education

GRIPS at a glance

and research for policy studies. It is located in Roppongi,

The educational mandate of GRIPS is to cultivate high-level policy professionals and researchers. Our

one of the trendiest cultural and international districts indegree programs are designed to train students to envision a wide range of solutions to various policy

the heart of Tokyo. Established in 1997 by the Japaneseissues.

government, GRIPS aims to produce first-class policy
makers and conduct cutting-edge research in policy
studies. Our slogan is, “Gateway to Global Leadership.”Economics, Political Science, International Relations,

OUR MISSION

Public Administration, Operations Research and Social• Cultivate future leaders in policymaking• Serve as an international center for policy researchEngineering comprise the major academic disciplines of
the university.
The predecessor of GRIPS was the Graduate School of• Numerous scholarships available• Spacious campus located in the heart of Tokyo (Roppongi)

STUDENT LIFE

• Modern and comfortable dormitories

Policy Sciences established in 1977 at Saitama University.

• Global community and network (from over 80 countries)

It was the first graduate school for policy studies in• Field trips and various cultural programs offered

Japan.
GRIPS is one of the most open and internationalized• 1- and 2-year master’s programs (13 programs)• Integrated 5-year doctorate program (1 programs)

ACADEMIC• Various doctorate programs (4 programs)

graduate schools in Japan. There are more than 222• Distinguished faculty

foreign students from 56 countries currently studying• Classes taught fully in English

at GRIPS. International students comprise 61% of
the student population. Most GRIPS students areprofessionals from central and local governments. The

FUTURE CAREERS

working and teaching language for the Macroeconomic Policy Program is English.

• Policy-making career tracks(government official, private sector, international organizations, academia, etc.)• Active alumni for international networking

GRIPS has been a partner of the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) since the program’s
beginnings in 1993. In addition GRIPS has been entrusted by the Japanese government and internationalorganizations such as the World Bank, World Customs Organization, and Asian Development Bank totrain mid-career bureaucrats from emerging and developing countries.

Programs offerd at GRIPS for international students
Faculty
The MEP is supported by full-time faculty and visiting lecturers. About 20 full-time faculty members

For details, visit: http://www.grips.ac.jp/en/education/inter_programs/

serve as the core faculty of the program. The core faculty includes not only Japanese professors, but

Brief History of GRIPS

also international scholars. Faculty at GRIPS include both members with solid academic training and1977

outstanding publication records, as well as practitioners with extensive experience in civil service andGraduate School of Policy Science (GSPS) established at Saitama University; the predecessor of
GRIPS

public policy management. All are committed to educating a new generation of policy makers and have

1997

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) establishedrich experience in teaching and thesis supervision. The expertise of GRIPS faculty in economics has been

1999

Relocated to Wakamatsu-cho campus in Tokyo (Shinjuku)

recognized globally. According to the economic institution rankings in RePEc, GRIPS ranks third in Japan

2005

Relocated to current campus in Roppongi(as of May 2023).
For more on our faculty members, please see http://www.grips.ac.jp/en/about/directory/

10 

About GRIPS

About GRIPS 

11

6 Student Support and Resources
One unique aspect of GRIPS is our extensive support system for assisting students in their daily living.

Resources

We consider this aspect of your lives to be every bit as important as your academic life, especially forforeign scholars unfamiliar with Japan. As international students have comprised, on average, about 60%of the GRIPS student body over the last 10 years, we have developed comprehensive services to assist
students in their day-to-day living.
The Student Office organizes orientation programs for incoming students and assists arriving international
students in getting organized and settled in Japan. It also organizes a number of social events andactivities, including field trips and Japanese cultural experiences. The Student Office also functions as a
hub to promote meaningful interaction and understanding between Japanese and foreign nationals.

Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in the Tokyo International Exchange Center, Misato Housing Complex, or
GRIPS International House.

Tokyo International Exchange
Center Residence Halls

Misato Housing Complex

GRIPS International House I

In the bayside area, built in 2001 by the
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology (MEXT).

In Saitama prefecture, nearby Lalaport
shopping mall that boasts around200 shops and restaurants flanked byenormous IKEA and Costco stores.

In Nakano, built in 2009
Room Types : Single, Couple

Room Types : Single, Couple, Family

Room Types : 1Room w/kitchen
2Rooms w/kitchen

GRIPS International House II
In Nakano, built in 2010
Room Types : Single, Couple

Center for Professional
Communication
The mission of the Center for Professional
Communication is to support GRIPS students,
faculty, and staff in developing effective professional
communication skills and competencies needed tocommunicate productively in an environment of multiple
stakeholders. To this end, we offer a range of instruction
and support in fundamental areas of professional
communication in English and Japanese, including
policy paper writing, professional speaking, grant
proposal writing, and digital communications. We
also provide opportunities for cultural and academic
exchanges through a self-access learning center,organize seminars and special events related to all
aspects of professional communication, and prepare
customized materials for students and staff onacademic and professional writing and language
learning.
The center supports Japanese langage learning ofstudents who lack Japanese langage proficiency fordaily living and study. The purpose is to help students
achieve greater competence in comperhension andspeaking. The center also facilitates cultural andtraditional experience.

Center for Data Science
The progress of digital innovation has been making it
possible to utilize diverse big data via the internet, andthere arise immence expectations to the goverment
for implementing effective policy based in precise
predictions by the use of big data to provide better
solutions to social problems. Needless to say, data
science is crucial in this context. To deal with thiscircumstance, GRIPS launched the Center for Data
Science in April 2022 for the purpose of promoting
deeper data science education and reserch. Taking
advantage of holding both specialized policymakers
with extensive practical experience who are well-versedin actual policymaking prosesses and reserchers in thefield of policy science in academia, GRIPS will carry out
activities to develop the Center for Data Sceience as apionnering and unique data science reserch hub in thefield of policy science, aiming at fostering policymakers
suited for the 21st century.

Library• Extensive collection of publications in the field ofpolicy studies, collected from around the world• Collection contains over 180,000 volumes, includingreference books, statistical collections, working
papers, and government documents• Large collections of periodicals that include more than
12,000 journals, many of which are available online• Well-trained staff are equipped to respond toresearch-related requests

Facilities
Student Rooms and IT support center• Each student is provided with a study space,accessible 24 hours a day• A computer help desk is open to all students during
regular working hours

Health Services Center• In-house health clinic• Nurse on duty daily, doctor available several days aweek• Provides medical advice, basic medical examinations• Will refer to an appropriate hospital or specialist whennecessary

Fitness Center• Running machines• Training equipments• Showers• DVD for exercises• Free use by students, faculty, and staff

12 Student Support and Resources

Student Support and Resources 13