2025-2026

YLP-MEXT Scholarship Program

Young Leaders Program
School of Government
School of Local GovernanceA World of Opportunities for Young Leaders
Message from the Program Director

The Young Leaders Program (YLP) at GRIPS is a special master's
degree program for promising young leaders in government. It isfully supported, including full scholarships for all students, by theJapanese government.
The YLP aims at nurturing future national leaders in Asia and otherregions, forming international human networks of these leaders,establishing friendly relations among participating countries andimproving the quality of public policy.
The specific content of the YLP is designed to provide young leaders with opportunities
to enrich and enlarge their knowledge of global, regional and Japanese politics
and economies, public administration and policies from comparative, historical andcontemporary perspectives. The faculty is composed of eminent academics andformer government officials with a wide range of experience in both national and local
governments.
I hope you will join the YLP and realize your dream of contributing to your country and to
the global community in your future career.
Hirofumi Takada

Director of Young Leaders Program
Vice President, Professor
Specialty: Local Public Administration
and Finance, Local Revitalization

Mikitaka Masuyama

Deputy Director of Young Leaders
Program (School of Government)
Professor
Specialty: Japanese Politics, Legislative
Institutions, Political Methodology

Tsuyoshi Yoshimuta

Associate Director of Young Leaders
ProgramProfessor
Specialty: System of Government,
Government Reform, Public Policy

About GRIPS
The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) was founded in 1997 by the Japanese government as astand-alone national graduate university focused on policy studies. Future policy leaders and researchers from allover the world gather here, forming an international research hub.
Photo :

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Masao Nishikawa

Message from the Program Director

1 About the Program
The YLP is a one-year program that culminates in a Master's Degree in Public Policy. The
YLP is part of the Japanese government's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology (MEXT) scholarship program.
The YLP has two parallel and overlapping programs run through the School of Government andthe School of Local Governance. The curriculum for both courses is taught entirely in English
and covers a wide range of topics concerning public administration and policy formulation.
It also offers the opportunity for intensive discussion with politicians, high-level government
officials, corporate directors, journalists and other leaders. The program includes a field trip anda workshop and requires a final paper based on independent study. There are opportunities
to collaborate on policy research with other institutions, including Japan's central and local
governments. The colloquium, which meets seven or eight times per semester, is an unrivalled
opportunity to discuss fresh ideas with eminent speakers.

Goals and mission

The goal of the YLP is to cultivate national leaders of the future in Asia and around the world.
Participants gain a deep understanding of Japan through their activities and work during the
program and build the foundations for a network of friendly relationships and improved policy
planning capacity among national leaders.
Graduates from the YLP are expected to return to their former governmental organizations andapply their knowledge and experience to become strong leaders.

Target group

The YLP is for exceptionally promising young government officials who have already shown
their dedication through work experience in public administration. Students are admitted on thebasis of an appraisal of their potential to become future leaders at home, to play important rolesin their countries' development and to maintain strong, long-lasting working relationships withJapan and other countries around the world.

About the Program01

2 Curriculum
Course Oﬀerings for 2024-2025
School of Government
Category

Course NameI
The World and the SDGs
Required Courses Introduction to Japan
Colloquium
Independent Study
Tutorial
Field Trip
II
Microeconomics I
Recommended
Essential Microeconomics
CoursesContemporary Japanese Economy
Japanese Economy
Economic Development of Japan
Government and Politics in Japan
International Relations
International Political Economy
International Security Studies
Comparative Politics
Structure and Process of Government
Leadership and Knowledge Creation
GRIPS Forum I
GRIPS Forum II
III
Macroeconomics I
Elective Courses
Government and Market
Data Science for Public Policy
International Trade
Development Economics
Japanese Foreign Policy
Human Resources Management
Social Security System in Japan
Introduction to Data Science I
Introduction to Data Science II
Local Government System and Finance
Local Governance in the Changing World
Selected Topics in Policy Studies I -IV
Courses not listed in this table
X
Courses offered by the Center for Professional
OthersCommunication

02

Curriculum

Credit

1
2
2
4
2
2
2
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

School of Local GovernanceCategory

Course NameI
The World and the SDGs
Required Courses Local Government System and Finance
Local Governance in the Changing World
Introduction to Japan
Colloquium
Independent Study
TutorialWorkshopII
Microeconomics I
Recommended
Essential Microeconomics
Courses
Economic Development of Japan
Government and Politics in Japan
International Relations
Structure and Process of Government
Leadership and Knowledge Creation
GRIPS Forum I
GRIPS Forum II
III
Macroeconomics I
Elective Courses
Government and Market
Data Science for Public Policy
International Trade
Development Economics
East Asian Economies
Japanese Foreign Policy
International Security Studies
Human Resources Management
Social Security System in Japan
Small and Medium Enterprise and Technology
Introduction to Data Science I
Introduction to Data Science II
Selected Topics in Policy Studies I -IV
Courses not listed in this table
X
Courses offered by the Center for Professional
OthersCommunication
Courses offered in the program are subject to change.
For the latest, please see
https://www.grips.ac.jp/en/education/inter_programs/leader/

Credit

1
2
2
2
2
4
2
2
2
4
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

Coursework

The YLP offers a wide range of courses concerning public administration, economics, politicalscience and policy formulation. In addition to the required courses, students can select subjects
in accordance with their interests and needs. All courses are taught in English.

Colloquium

One of the unique features of the YLP is the Colloquium, where YLP students are offered an
exclusive and unrivalled opportunity to discuss and share ideas with a diverse range of eminent
speakers, including many distinguished government leaders and business executives. The
Colloquium meets fifteen or sixteen times a year, divided between the fall and spring terms.

Independent Study

During the independent study you work one-on-one with an instructor on your master’s thesis(or “policy paper”) on a particular topic related to public administration and policy formulation.
Students are supported in their research by the Center for Professional Communication (CPC)that organizes Writing Workshops as well as individual consultation throughout the year. The
CPC will also help students improve their presentation skills. All students will give a presentationon their research in July.

Field Trip (School of Government)

Educational field trip is organized and provide a great opportunity to learn about local
governments and communities, and socioeconomic developments in Japan. The field trips
complement what is being taught in the classrooms and take you to places that you may not beable to explore and learn about on your own. You will visit central and local government offices,
cultural and historical heritage sites, and industrial facilities.

Workshop (School of Local Governance)

During the workshop, you will visit local governments to meet with officials who will share theirfirst-hand experience and practice in policy planning and implementation. You will also have achance to visit various facilities such as a day care center for elderly people and a local economic
and tourism development facility. You may thus beable to catch a glimpse of how the Japanese local
government system actually works in everyday life inJapan.

Curriculum03

3 Student Support and Resources
One unique aspect of GRIPS is our extensive support system forassisting students in their daily living. We consider this aspectof your lives to be every bit as important as your academic
life, especially for foreign scholars unfamiliar with Japan. Asinternational students have comprised, on average, about 60% of
the GRIPS student body over the last 20 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 ofsocial events and activities, including field trips and Japanese cultural experiences. The Student
Office also functions as a hub to promote interaction and understanding between Japanese andforeign nationals.

Faculty

GRIPS boasts a nearly 200-member faculty, which includes world-class academics anddistinguished practitioners with many years of experience in public- or private-sector policy
analysis and management. Our faculty’s expertise spans a wide array of policy issues and areas ofresearch, which allow us to offer a broad range of courses in policy-related fields.
For more on our faculty members, please see http://www.grips.ac.jp/en/about/directory/

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in the Tokyo International Exchange Center (TIEC), operated by theJapan Student Services Organization ( JASSO ).
Tokyo International Exchange Center Residence Halls
In the bayside area, built in 2001 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology (MEXT)
Room Types: Single, Couple, Family

04

Student Support and Resources

Resources
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 ofmultiple stakeholders. To this end, we offer a range
of instruction and support in fundamental areas ofprofessional communication in English and Japanese
including policy paper writing, professional speaking,grant proposal writing, and digital communications.
We also provide opportunities for cultural andacademic exchanges through a self-access learning
center, organize seminars and special events related
to all aspects of professional communication, andprepare customized materials for students and staff
on academic and professional writing and language
learning.
The center supports
Japanese language
learning of students
who lack Japanese
language proficiency
for daily living andstudy. The purpose
is to help students achieve greater competence
in comprehension and speaking. The center also
facilitates cultural and traditional experiences.

Library• Extensive collection of publications in the field ofpolicy studies, collected from around the world• Collection contains over 190,000 volumes, includingreference books, statistical collections, working
papers, and government documents• Large collections of periodicals that include morethan 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

Center for Data Science

The progress of digital innovation has been making it
possible to utilize diverse big data via the internet, andthere arise immense expectations to the government
for implementing effective policy based on 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 research. Taking
advantage of holding both specialized policymakers
with extensive practical experience who are wellversed in actual policymaking processes andresearchers in the field of policy science in academia,
GRIPS will carry out activities to develop the Center for
Data Science as a pioneering and unique data science
research hub in the field of policy science, aiming at
fostering policymakers suited for the 21st century.

★

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 and other training equipment• Showers• Free use by students, faculty, and staff

Student Support and Resources05

4 Admissions
Eligibility

The YLP is open to young public administrators and government officials who are expected toplay active roles in the future as national leaders in their home countries. A minimum of three
years of full-time work experience (five is preferable) in the field in the applicant's home country
is a prerequisite for admission to the program.
The School of Government focuses on national policy-making and accepts students from 28
countries: P. R. China, Rep. of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei,
Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland,
Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey.
The School of Local Governance focuses on enhancement of local governance and government
to respond to various regional issues in such areas as education, health, social welfare, and local
development. It accepts students from 19 countries:
P. R. China, Rep. of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia,
Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland,
Romania.
Admission to the YLP requires a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized,
accredited university of the highest standard as well as certifiable health. The applicant shouldbe, in principle, under 40 years of age as of 1 October, 2025; should be proficient in English witha TOEFL iBT score of 79, IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or equivalent and must be able to obtain aStudent visa prior to arrival in Japan.
Applicants are not eligible if they are unable to travel to Japan by the last date of the period
specified by GRIPS. People who are active members of military forces or civilians employedby the military during any part of the scholarship period or who are enrolled in a Japanese
university under Student status or plan to enroll at a Japanese university as a privately financed
international student between the time of application for the YLP scholarship and the time thescholarship period is due to commence are also ineligible. Loss of status as public administrator
or government official before completion of the program will also render participants ineligible.

06

Admissions

Scholarships

An allowance of 242,000 yen per month (in FY 2024; amount is subject to change) will be
provided to grantees during the term of the scholarship. Grantees who are absent from theuniversity for long periods will no longer be provided with the scholarship. Application fee,
admission fee and tuition will be paid by the Japanese government. An economy-class air ticketfrom your home country to Japan upon enrollment at GRIPS and an economy-class air ticketfrom Japan to your home country upon completion of your studies at GRIPS will be provided.

Application procedures

Applicants should obtain an application form from the Japanese embassies or recommending
authorities in the eligible countries (please check the GRIPS website for details about
the recommending authorities in your country). Applicants must submit the following
documentation in hard copy: application, recommendation letter from the recommending
authority, 2 letters of recommendation by your immediate superior at work or supervisingprofessor of the university you attended, official transcripts of academic record and graduation/
degree certificates, official evidence of English ability, passport copy, essays and certificate ofhealth.
For details, please see
http://www.grips.ac.jp/en/education/inter_programs/leader/

Admissions07

5 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 join an impressive network of over 5,900 alumni, including 555
graduates from YLP, who are actively shaping future policies in more than 100 countries aroundthe world. Connectivity and communication sit at the heart of the alumni community. 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, a searchable alumni directory andonline networking opportunities utilizing social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
Number of YLP Alumni
Australia

Bangladesh

Brunei

Bulgaria

Cambodia

China

22

17

4

8

33

37

Czech Republic
14

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Japan

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyz Republic

Laos

13

20

34

8

16

12

28

Malaysia

Mongolia

Myanmar

Pakistan

Philippines

PolandRepublic of Korea

29

7

25

23

36

27

15

Romania

Singapore

Slovakia

Sri Lanka

ThailandTurkeyTurkmenistan

6

11

43

3

4

11

4

Uzbekistan

Viet Nam

35

10Total 555
as of April 2024

08

Alumni

Alumni Voices
Young Leaders Program (School of Government)
Sukant Vatsa (India, 2018)

Additional Private Secretary to the Hon’ble Minister for Information & Broadcasting and YouthAffairs & Sports, Govt. of India
Young Leaders Program (YLP) at GRIPS is an experience which is hard to put down in words. The
excellent academic exposure provided by vastly experienced faculty enriches the repertoire of young
administrators. The academic rigour is combined with numerous opportunities for diverse social
interactions, both on and off-campus which leaves everlasting bonds of friendship and memories.
Add to it, the warmth and charm of the beautiful country of Japan, which makes the stay a once in a
lifetime experience. I recommend every budding civil servant to join YLP. I can promise, you will beoverwhelmed. Be here to experience it.

Miskolczi-Bodnár Éva (Hungary, 2019)

Legal advisor and Justice Attaché, Permanent Representation of Hungary to the EU (Belgium)
Studying at GRIPS was enriching on both an academic and personal level, as the program not only
provided in-depth and up-to-date knowledge and interesting discussion on the most pressing
issues on the world agenda with the pioneers of the fields, but also lasting friendships with fellow
students. The dedication of the professors and the staff to education and student welfare wastruly unparalleled. The social activities, trips and cultural events granted also an invaluable chance
to experience Japanese life and culture. Therefore, the privilege of being a YLP student was
undoubtedly the most unforgettable and life-changing experience for me.

Vanisova Veronika (Czech Republic, 2020)

Head of Unit of Direct Payments, Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic
YLP stands for a one-of-a-kind opportunity that combines a high-quality education with a uniquechance to experience the greatly admired Japanese culture. The exceptionally designed curriculum
covers a rich variety of subjects and provides for enriching discussions with Japanese governmental
officials as well as with other fellows from all around the world. The program also allows to learn
about the socio-economic realities from the perspective of the Indo-Pacific region. Spending one
year in Japan was a great privilege that empowered me to advance my career and, most importantly,
it made me discover new horizons, views, and precious friendships.

Young Leaders Program (School of Local Governance)
Wit Prasompluem (Thailand , 2019)Local Administration Extension Officer, Professional Level, Department of Local Administration,
Ministry of Interior
It was an honor for me to study at GRIPS as a YLP student. It was indeed a memorable experience,as I had to live a student life abroad during the early outbreak of COVID-19 in Japan. Despite thedifficulties and online classes for several months due to the pandemic, the professors and staff of
GRIPS were always supportive and could help me to gain practical and theoretical knowledge fromthe Japanese perspective and to build international networks as intended. I feel truly proud andprivileged to tell others that I am an alumnus of GRIPS under the YLP.

Briones Alyssa Marie Aspe (Philippines , 2020)

Local Government Operations Officer IV, Head, Strengthening Peace and Order Councils-ProjectManagement Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government
In the midst of a global pandemic, the Young Leaders Program was the best thing that happened
to me. Despite taking classes online, I learned a lot from professors and classmates throughunique opportunities. The program was well-designed; lessons were relevant in my career inlocal governance. Everyone in GRIPS made the journey worthwhile. Through YLP, I met incredibleinternational young leaders, made best friends from Czech Republic, South Korea, Brunei, andIndonesia, had a family away from home, and had the best year ever. YLP molded me to become
humbler and more service-oriented, in this ever-changing and dynamic world.

Alumni Voices09Address and Contact Information
Access Route

Getting to GRIPSThe GRIPS building is locatedin the center of Tokyo,
conveniently accessible bypublic transport. Both Nogizaka
Station on the Chiyoda Line andRoppongi Station on the Oedoand Hibiya Lines are within 10
minutes walking distance.

Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line

Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line

AoyamaCemetery Park

Toei Oedo Line

Tokyo Metro
Chiyoda Line
Nogizaka Sta.

Hinokicho ParkTokyo Midtown
The National
Art Center,Tokyo

Science Councilof Japan

Main
Gate
South
Gate

Roppongi
TunnelRyudocho
Bijutsukan DoriGRIPS

Seijoki DoriTokyo Metro
Hibiya Line
Roppongi Sta.

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
7-22-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8677 Japan
Tel: +81-(0)3-6439-6000 Fax: +81-(0)3-6439-6010
http://www.grips.ac.jp

eet

i Str

ong

p
Rop

Roppongi Hills

Toei Oedo Line
Roppongi Sta.

Roppongi Hills