Application Guidebook 2024

Japan-WCO Human Resource Development Programme

Public Finance Program
Customs CourseC o n te n ts
1

Program Description1

2

About GRIPS

11

3

Student Support

13

4

Admissions

15

5

Alumni16

Address and Contact Information

1

Program Description

Public Finance Program (Customs Course)

Overview and Program Objectives
Since 2000, the Customs Course in the Public Finance program at GRIPS has been cultivatingpromising customs officials from developing countries. The primary objective of the Public
Finance Program is to provide scholars with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills
essential for excelling as leaders in the field of customs and taxation. The program consists of
two segments: an academic segment shared by tax and customs scholars, and a practicum
segment dedicated to either tax or customs, depending on the scholar's chosen stream.

Public Finance Program
Tax Course

Customs Course

Degree offered : Master of Public FinanceAcademic Segment
The academic segment provides a rigorous economics-oriented education aimed at developing abroad understanding of the theoretical, empirical, and institutional aspects of customs/tax policy
implementation and administration, in the context of developing countries economic and social
development. The academic segment culminates in the writing of a master's thesis facilitated bya course in which students develop their thesis with the input of academic supervisors and theirpeers, in which they have several opportunities to present their research.
Practicum Segment
The practicum segment of the Customs Course is provided in collaboration withJapan's Customs Training Institute (CTI: WCO Regional Training Centre), the Ministry of
Finance. It involves workshops and seminars by Japan Customs experts, and field trips
to regional Customs. These experiences give students opportunities to enhance theirlearning on practical,
administrative, legal,
and institutional
issues, thus integrating
p r a c t i c a l ex p e r i e n c e
with their theoreticallearning.

Program Description01

Outline of the Curriculum
September Program
One academic year at GRIPS is composed of four terms: fall (16 weeks), winter (8 weeks),spring (16 weeks), and summer (8 weeks). Although the formal academic term starts in
October, students in the Customs Course are invited to arrive in early September, andattend supplementary classes to brush up on their basic mathematical and statistical skills,
which will help them grasp the micro-foundations of economics and the basis for empiricalanalysis. They also attend classes on basic Japanese, and special five-day program as part ofthe practicum in Customs Administration.
Schedule for September-October 2023
September
Week 1

Week 2

Sep. 8

Arrival in Japan
Welcome party sponsored by WCO● Campus tour, program-wide guidance● Japanese language class

Sep. 11●

Sep. 6
Sep. 7●●●

Week 3-4

Sep. 20●●

Japanese language class
Mathematics for Economics
Mathematics for Economics
Courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Customs
and Tariff Bureau at the Ministry of Finance, Japan

October
Week 5Oct. 1
Oct. 3-4
Oct. 5Oct. 602

Move into student residence
Entrance ceremony, school-wide orientation● Administrative formalities at GRIPS● Health check-up● Fall term classes commence●●

Program DescriptionFormal Academic Program
The formal academic segment of the master's program begins in October. It starts with focusedteaching of foundational skills in micro - and macroeconomics as well as quantitative analysis. It thenmoves to a range of applied topics which help students understand how to design, implement, andevaluate public policies -- customs policy in particular -- in accordance with development strategies.
Topics include public finance, international economics, development economics, human resource
management, customs laws, and tax laws. See the list of course offerings and the flow chart for the2023-2024 on the following pages.
In addition to the required and strongly recommended elective courses, students can choose freely
throughout the year from any of the extensive list of courses offered at GRIPS. Along with economics
courses, GRIPS also offers numerous courses in various academic areas that are conducted in English.
These range from public administration, political science, international relations, mathematical science,
data science, and social engineering, to a diverse range of interdisciplinary fields. Students can alsochoose to enroll in the Japanese language courses offered throughout the year at various levels of
proficiency, although credits earned in these courses cannot count towards the degree.
Practicum Program
Practicum segment comprises Practicum in Customs Administration (PCA) I, II, III and Intellectual
Property Rights (IPR) Enforcement at the Border as required courses and Multilateral Trading System
and Customs Administration (MTS & CA) as an elective. Among these, PCA I to III are interrelated andmutually complementary courses, whereby PCA I focus on the WTO and Customs-related trade rules,
PCA II focus on the standards and good practices developed in the WCO and PCA III provide necessary
knowledge of Customs reform and modernization building on the preceding courses and focus on how
international rules and norms are being implemented in Japan Customs. MTS & CA will be focusing
on how the multilateral trading system based on the GATT and the WTO evolved over the years and its
implications on Customs administration. The segment begins in October with PCA I and subsequent
courses will involve on-site visits to regional Customs in collaboration with the instructors at the CTI.
Master's Thesis
Each scholar is required to produce a policy paper as their master's thesis, focusing on a topic related
to public finance customs administration with an emphasis on policy discussion. As part of thisprocess, scholars must enroll in the "Thesis seminar," which is a mandatory course providing personal
instruction in a supportive environment. During the seminar, scholars receive guidance from a faculty
advisor and have multiple opportunities to present both their ongoing and completed research
papers. Additionally, scholars are expected to participate in courses offered by the GRIPS Center forProfessional Communication, which focus on enhancing their academic writing skills.

Program Description

03

Academic Year 2023-2024
Course No.

Course Name

Term

Credit

PFP5110E

Practicum in Customs Administration I

Fall

2

PFP5120E

Practicum in Customs Administration II

Winter through Spring

2

PFP5130E

Practicum in Customs Administration III

Winter through Spring

4

I

PFP5210E

Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement at the Border

Spring (Session I)

2

Required

ECO1000EB

Microeconomics I

Fall (Session I)

2

Courses

HighlyRecommended

III
Elective
Courses

ECO3102E

Public Finance I

Winter2

ECO4120E

Thesis Seminar

Fall through Summer

4

ECO4130E

Tutorial (PF)

Fall

1

GEN5020E

The World and the SDGs

Fall

1

ECO1060EA

Macroeconomics I

Fall (Session I)

2

ECO2000EB

Microeconomics II

Fall (Session II)

2

ECO2020EB

Government and Market

Winter2

ECO2720EB

Introduction to Applied Econometrics

Fall

2

ECO3110E

Fiscal Reform in Japan

Fall

2

ECO3130E

Economics of Tax Policy

Winter2

ECO3160E

Reform of Economic Policy in Japan

Spring2
2

ECO3400E

International Trade

Spring (Session I)

ECO3840EB

Development Economics

Winter2

PAD2560E

Human Resources Management

Spring2

PFP2500E

Multilateral Trading System and Customs Administration

Winter through Spring

2

ECO1600E

Monetary Economics (Money and Banking)

Fall

2

ECO2060EA

Macroeconomics II

Fall (Session II)

2

ECO2760E

Applied Time Series Analysis for Macroeconomics

Winter2

ECO2770E

Applied Econometrics

Winter2

ECO2780E

Applied Econometrics Practice

Winter

2
2

ECO3000E

Mathematics for Economic Analysis

Fall

ECO3104E

Political Economy

Spring2

ECO3200E

Economics of Law

Spring2

ECO3710ETime Series Analysis

Spring (Session I)

2

ECO3860E

Development History of Asia: Policy, Market and Technology

Spring2

PAD2670E

Public Expenditure Management

TBA

2

MOR1030E

Introduction to Data Science

Fall(Session l)

2

Data Science in Practice

Fall (Session II)

2

MOR2020E*Selected Topics in Policy Studies I - IV
Courses not listed in this table
X
Others**Courses offered by the Center for Professional Communication

Notes:
1. Graduation Requirements: Students must complete a minimum of 34 credits and meet the following requirements:				(a) Tax students must complete the following courses: PFP2520E, PFP5010E, ECO1000EB, ECO3102E, ECO4120E, ECO4130E and GEN5020E from Category I.
(b) Customs students must complete the following courses: PFP5110E, PFP5120E, PFP5130E, PFP5210E, ECO1000EB, ECO3102E, ECO4120E, ECO4130E and GEN5020E from Category I.
2. Courses offered in the Program are subject to change.										3. Students cannot take courses conducted in Japanese without Director's approval. If a student takes the same course in both English and Japanese, only one course(2 credits) will count toward the degree.
4. *Course Number, Instructor, and Term for these courses will be announced later when the course is offered.						5. **Credits earned in these courses cannot count toward the degree.								Degree Requirements
The curriculum is comprised of two course categories: required courses and elective courses. In the elective courses, we haveidentified 11 courses that are highly recommended.
● Students in the Customs Course must complete a minimum of 34 credits, 20 of which are made up of required courses.
● Besides the minimum credit requirements stated above, students must complete and obtain approval for a master's thesis.
●

04

Program Description

Flow Chart for Core and Other Major Elective Courses
Fall

Microeconomics 1 (Fall 1)

Microeconomics 2 (Fall 2)

Mathematics for Economic Analysis

WinterSpringPublic Finance 1

Political Economy

Government and Market

Economics of Law

Development Economics
Economics of Tax Policy

Macroeconomics 1 (Fall 1)

International Trade (Spring 1)

Macroeconomics 2 (Fall 2)

Finance and Economic Growth

Monetary Economics (Money and Banking)Introduction to Applied Econometrics
Introduction to Data Science (Fall 1)

Time Series Analysis (Spring 1)

Applied Econometrics
Applied Econometrics PracticeData Science in Practice (Fall 2)

Applied Time Series

Fiscal Reform in Japan

Public Expenditure Management

Reform of Economic Policy in Japan

Local Government System and Finance

Human Resources Management

The World and the SDGs

Development History of Asia: Policy Market
and Technology

Multilateral Trading System and Customs Administration

Practicum 1
Practicum 2

Practicum 3***Practicum 3***

Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement
at the Border

Other Electives
Thesis Seminar (Fall - Summer)
Tutorial
indicates subjects that are required.

indicates subjects that are strongly recommended

Program Description

05

Brief Core Course Descriptions (Academic Segment)
Followings are for c ategor y I and Highly Recommended C ourses only. For othercourses, see http://www.grips.ac.jp/en/education/information/syllabus/
Public Finance l
This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of how governments manage theirfinances and make economic decisions that impact the well-being of their citizens. Public financeexplores the intricacies of government revenue, expenditure, and debt, shedding light on thecomplex mechanisms that shape fiscal policies. The course will also discuss the economic
implications of government interventions as well as its crucial role in economic growth and welfare.
The World and the SDGs
The sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations General Assemblyin September 2015 present challenges that we all have to face, both globally and locally. This
course, mandatory for all GRIPS students, offers an introductory overview of the state of theworld in the 21st century through an examination of the historical development of the world
system within the global eco-geological setting, and provides basic knowledge of the social,economic, political and ecological issues that are now being targeted by the SDGs. Throughout
their participation in this course, the students are expected to think and re-think their major
research focus at GRIPS within the wide perspective embodied in the SDGs.
Microeconomics I
This is an introductory course on microeconomics. It covers basic economic assumptions andconcepts used to define behaviors of consumers and producers in the market. The course
consists of three parts: consumer theory, producer theory and the equilibrium in a competitivemarket. In the consumer theory, preference, utility, budget constraints, utility maximization anddemand curves will be introduced. In the producer theory, production and cost functions, profit
maximization, and supply curves will be discussed. Finally, the concept and the determination of
the equilibrium will be discussed.
Microeconomics II
Based on certain understanding of materials taught in Microeconomics I, this course expands
the basic framework. This course covers various market structure such as monopoly, oligopoly,and monopsony using the framework of game theory. Then course also introduces several cases
where the market fails to achieve efficiency and how to address those market failures.
Macroeconomics I
This is a first course in the macroeconomics sequence. The course will cover broad topics
relating to major macroeconomic variables; e.g. money supply, inflation, unemployment,
economic growth. Given that these variables can be changed over time and different acrosscountries, we will use simple macroeconomic models to illustrate the underlying mechanism
behind the change and difference. The focus of this course is on the long-run equilibrium.

06

Program Description

Macroeconomics II
This is the second course in the macroeconomics sequence. It will cover broad topics, mostly
related to short-run economic behavior.
Introduction to Applied Econometrics
This course helps students to understand applied econometric methods and to foster the skills
needed to plan and execute their own empirical projects in economics. Topics include ordinary
least squares estimation, panel data and fixed effects estimation, instrument variable estimation,difference-in-differences, and regression assessment. We study many examples and STATA
package for actual estimation and application.
Government and Market
The objective of this course is to acquire an in-depth understanding of the economic roles ofgovernment in a modern market-based society. We seek to understand what governments
should do (or should not do), what should be left to the market and to private individuals, andwhat would be the consequences of government policies. This course will help you to apply theprinciples and knowledge of microeconomics to current policy issues.
Fiscal Reform in JapanThe course discusses the current problems with Japan’s public finance policy and the necessaryreforms to address them. Japan’s public finance faces several important issues such as hugegovernment debt and rapid population aging, The course will discuss a fiscal consolidation plan,
implementation of social security reform as well as medical care system and pension system.
Reform of Economic Policy in Japan
This course covers issues related to the formulation of economic policy. The main topics
discussed include the current state of the Japanese economy and its weaknesses. Japan’s
economy has three major weaknesses: lagging in globalization, low productivity in the service
sector, and inflexibility in the labor market. Knowledge of Japan’s economic structural reforms
towards increased productivity and labor market reform will be useful to many Asian countries
which are experiencing or will experience rapid population ageing. Also, under discussion will be
the role of government from the view point of economic growth.
International Trade
This course introduces the basic concepts, tools and information required for an understandingof the flow of goods across countries, i.e. international trade. We will investigate why nations
trade, what they trade, and who gains from international trade. We will also analyze countries'
motives for regulating international trade and the effect of regulatory policies on economic
welfare.

Program Description

07

Development Economics
This course aims to familiarize students with development problems and issues that are
fundamental to developing countries.
Human Resources Management
Knowledge of Human Resource Management (HRM) has become critically important for the
managers of public sector organizations. By working within a framework of academic analysis
and through the practical experience of the instructor, students are expected to acquire
managerial expertise and a practical sense of how public sector organizations are reformed.
Economics of Tax Policy
In this course, the students will acquire an in-depth understanding of the principles of taxationand the economics tools for analyzing tax systems and policy. In particular, students will gain
hands-on experience conducting academic research using the econometric technique learned
during the program. The overall goal of this course is that the students will be able to apply theseprinciples, tools, and skills to work with current tax policy issues and fundamental policy reform
options.
Political Economy
This course reviews the recent development in the literature on political economy, by introducing
both theoretical and empirical studies on the frontier of the literature. The goal of the course isto develop students’ ability to identify interesting and important questions in the related applied
economic fields and to present these ideas effectively.

Brief Core Course Descriptions (Practicum Segment)
Practicum in Customs Administration I
This course will introduce the basic principles of the multilateral trading system (Most Favored
Nation (MFN), National Treatment (NT), Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)/Customs Unions (CUs)/
Preferential Trade Arrangements (PTAs), etc.) and take up Customs-related trade rules in the context
of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the World Trade Organization (WTO),
focusing on how these rules are developed in trade negotiations and its implications on the Customs
administration especially as the implementing authority. Topics will include trade facilitation, boundrate of duty and tariff classification, customs valuation, e-commerce, etc.
Practicum in Customs Administration II
Knowing about policy and role of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and its tools isessential for managing Customs administration. WCO sets strategic management and four
packages, namely Revenue Package, Economic Competitiveness Package (ECP), Compliance andEnforcement Package (CEP) and Organizational Development Package (ODP) as the frameworkof its activities. Four packages include various tools and instruments including Risk Management
Compendium, Safe Framework of Standards (SAFE FOS), Authorized Economic Operator (AEO),Time Release Study and other Performance Measurement tools and others. This course provides

08

Program Description

the background and outline of the WCO activities and its tools including how member's apply
these tools effectively.
Practicum in Customs Administration III
This course aims to provide students with necessary knowledge of Customs reform andmodernization, in terms of both theoretical and practical aspects, and problem-solving skills
needed for strategic planning. The focus is thus placed on how a given knowledge can be applied
to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their own Customs Administrations. As generally
recognized that a holistic approach is the key to successful reform and modernization, students
are expected to deepen their understanding of essential components of Customs missions byreferring to international standards and good practices of Japan Customs. Lectures include reviews
and more practical aspects of areas which have already been taught in the Practicum in Customs
Administration I and II.
Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement at the Border
Customs administrations are in the position to play a pivotal role in enforcing regulations regarding
IPR infringing goods, given the fact that trade in such goods often involves cross-border transactions.
IPR is one of the key issues discussed in various forums (e.g., WTO, WCO APEC, etc.), and customs
administrations worldwide are expected to undertake appropriate measures. This course, consistingof classroom lectures and various field visits, aims to facilitate the students’ consideration of a modelof IPR border enforcement for their own customs administrations, through study of international
practices of IPR border enforcement in Japan. The course also guides students towards a strong
understanding of related matters such as individual IPR laws and IP rights holders’ activities.
Multilateral Trading System and Customs Administration
This course will take up how the multilateral trading system based on the GATT and the WTO
evolved over the years with focus on its implications on the Customs administration. The course
will further elaborate on the basic principles of the multilateral trading system such as the MFN,
NT, relationship between WTO and FTAs/CUs/PTAs, together with discussions on how WTO
Members can use the trading system based on the WTO Agreements, including the Dispute
Settlement System.

Program Description09

Academic Calendar for 2023 - 2024
Term

Month

Fall

OCTOBERNOVEMBER

DECEMBERJANUARY

WinterFEBRUARY

MARCH

Spring

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

Summer

AUGUSTSEPTEMBER

FRI

SAT

Note

2

3

4

5

6

7

Oct. 3 - 4 Entrance Guidance and Orientation

SUN MON TUE WED THU

1
8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Oct. 3 - 17 Registration for Fall Term & Fall (Session I)

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Oct. 6 Classes for Fall Term & Fall (Session I) begin

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

Oct. 18 - 24 Withdrawal for Fall Term & Fall (Session I)

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2

Nov. 29 - Dec. 12

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Dec. 1 Classes for Fall (Session II) begin

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Dec. 13 - 15 Withdrawal for Fall (Session II)

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

Registration for Fall (Session II)

Dec. 29 - Jan. 3 New Year holidays

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

[*Interterm Period: Jan. 31 - Feb. 1]

28

29

30

*31

*1

2

3

Jan. 31 - Feb. 13 Registration for Winter Term

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Feb. 2 Classes for Winter Term begin

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

*1

*2

*3

4

5

6

[*Interterm Period: Apr. 1-3]

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Apr. 2 Entrance Guidance for domestic programs

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Apr. 2 - 16

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

Apr. 4 Classes for Spring Term & Spring (Session I) begin

28

29

30

1

2

3

4

Apr. 17 - 23

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Apr. 26 Grade release (Winter Term)

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Jun. 3 - 12 Registration for Spring (Session II)

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Jun. 4 Classes for Spring (Session II) begin

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

Jun. 13 - 17 Withdrawal for Spring (Session II)

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

Feb. 28 Grade release (Fall Term)

Mar. 19 Graduation Ceremony for domestic programs

Registration for Spring Term & Spring (Session I)
Withdrawal for Spring Term & Spring (Session I)

30

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

*30

*31

*1

*2

3

[*Interterm Period: Jul. 30 - Aug. 2]

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Aug. 1 - 13 Registration for Summer Term

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Aug. 5 Classes for Summer Term begin

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Aug. 28 Grade release (Spring & Summer Terms)
Sep. 11 Graduation Ceremony

Course Registration (Please note that schedules are subject to change.)
Registration

10

Program Description

Withdrawal

No class (Sundays, National Holidays, and New Year Holidays)

2 About GRIPS
Message from the Dean
GRIPS was founded in 1997 as a stand-alone national graduate university focusing on policy
studies. Future policy leaders and policy researchers from around the world gather here, making
GRIPS an international hub for public policy research and education.
We offer Master’s and Doctoral programs covering a broad range of areas, from economics,
political science, public administration, and international relations to social engineering andmathematical science, and we encourage students and faculty to engage in interdisciplinary
research.
GRIPS has a very international character in every respect, with more than two thirds of ourstudents coming from overseas, from over 110 nations to date. Our faculty is also international
and includes academics, public officials, and executives from private companies. The diverse
backgrounds of our faculty create an ideal environment for students pursuing policy studies.
Reflecting the diverse backgrounds of our students and faculty, GRIPS aspires for cross-fertilizationof academic disciplines and their application to real policy making and policy analysis. We welcome
young people from all over the world to come to GRIPS to learn more about
Japan and to engage in productive communication with each other. GRIPS’
mission is to train and educate young, talented people to become national leaderswith a genuine sense of social responsibility.
The Public Finance Program is an integral part of this mission. I hope you will joinus.
Dean and Vice President

Nobuhiro Hosoe

About GRIPS

11

GRIPS at a glance
The educational mandate of GRIPS is to cultivate high-level policy professionals and researchers.
Our degree programs are designed to train students to envision a wide range of solutions tovarious policy issues.

OUR MISSION●●

Cultivate future leaders in policymaking
Serve as an international center for policy research

Numerous scholarships available
Spacious campus located in the heart of Tokyo (Roppongi)● Modern & comfortable dormitories● Global community and network (about 60 countries)● Field trips and various cultural programs offered●●

STUDENT LIFE

1 - and 2-year master ’s programs
Integrated 5-year doctorate programs● Various doctorate programs● Distinguished faculty● Classes taught fully in English●●

ACADEMIC●

FUTURE CAREERS

Policy-making career tracks(government official, private sector, international organizations, academia, etc.)●

Active alumni for international networking

Programs offerd at GRIPS for international students
For details, visit: http://www.grips.ac.jp/en/education/inter_programs/

Brief History of GRIPS
1977 G raduate School of Policy Science (GSPS) established at Saitama University; thepredecessor of GRIPS
1997 National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) established1999 Relocated to Wakamatsu-cho campus in Tokyo (Shinjuku)
2005 Relocated to current campus in Roppongi

12

About GRIPS

3 Student Support
One unique aspect of GRIPS is our extensive support system for assisting students in their dailyliving. We consider this aspect of your lives to be every bit as important as your academic life,
especially for foreign scholars unfamiliar with Japan. As international 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 concerts. The Student Office also functions
as a hub to promote meaningful interaction and understanding between Japanese and foreign
nationals.

Faculty
GRIPS boasts a nearly 200-member faculty from a variety of backgrounds. Many of them holddoctorate degree from outside of Japan, and many have served as central and local government
officials, diplomats, bankers or business executives. This enables an effective combination ofrigorous academic courses complemented by professional expertise and experience.
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
the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), in GRIPS International House, or in private
apartments recommended by the GRIPS Student Office.

Tokyo Academic Park Residence Halls
In the bayside area, built in 2001 by the
Ministr y of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology (MEXT)
Room Types: Single, Couple, Family

GRIPS International House I
In Nakano, built in 2009
Room Types: Single, Couple

GRIPS International House II
In Nakano, built in 2009
Room Types: Single, Couple

Student Support13

Resources

Facilities

Center for Professional Communication

Student Rooms and IT Support CenterT h e m i s s i o n o f t h e C e n t e r f o r P r o fe s s i o n a lCommunication 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, andprepare customized
materials for students
and staff on academic
and professional writing
and language learning.

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

Library
Extensive collection of publications in the field of policy
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 more than
1 2, 0 0 0 j o u r n a l s ,many of which areavailable online● Well-trained staff are
equipped to respondto research-related
requests●

14

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

Gym

CDS is conveniently located in room C505 on the 5th
floor at the end of the corridor that opens onto lecturerooms A-H. The main missions of CDS are: (1) To provide
follow-up on data science-related classes; (2) To provide
consultations for students and researchers who use data
science in their research; (3) To provide training sessions in
the use of software for data science, including R language
and Stata, and in the mathematics necessary for a
sufficiently deep understanding of the theoretical aspectsof data science; (4) To promote joint research relating todata science within
and outside GRIPS;
and to hold related
symposiums; and (5)To develop GRIPS's
data archives.

●

Student Support

Running machines and training equipment
Showers and washing machines● Free use by students, faculty, and staff●

Photo : Masao Nishikawa.

Tea Ceremony room
Prayer room

4 Admissions
Each year, the Secretary General of the WCO invites nominations from a selected number of
WCO member customs administrations, encouraging their promising young officials to apply
for the program. If selected, these officials would receive full funding from the
WCO.

Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply for GRIPS, please carefully read the full description of eligibility criteria on the Public Finance Program
web page at http://www.grips.ac.jp/en/education/inter_ programs/finance/.
Details of WCO scholarships are also available on that page.
Irrespective of the funding source, to be eligible for admission to the Public Finance Program (Customs Course), theapplicant must meet the following criteria:
1. Have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized, accredited university of the highest standard.
2. Be proficient in English (admission priority will be given to applicants who have a TOEFL iBT score of 79 or higher, or an
IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or higher).
3. Be an active government official in a developing country, with at least 2 years of work experience in customs policy andadministration in the home country at the time of enrollment. Ideally be below 35 years of age as of April 1st in the yearof enrollment. Preference will be given to those who demonstrate potential for continuing their career in customs policy
and administration upon returning to their home countries.

For Those Seeking a WCO Scholarship
Those seeking a WCO scholarship must first apply for admission to GRIPS. GRIPS will make ashort list of candidates and send it to the WCO for the final selection.

How to Apply
Additional Criteria for WCO Scholarship

Scholarship Coverage

Be a national of an eligible developing country
member of the WCO● Be chosen and nominated by their Customs
Administration● Have never before been awarded a scholarship under
the Japan-WCO Human Resource Development
Programme●●

Monthly stipend: JPY147,000.
Application fee, admission fee, and tuition● An economy-class air ticket from your home country toJapan upon enrollment at GRIPS and an economy-class air
ticket from Japan to your home country upon completion ofyour studies at GRIPS● Book allowance: JPY75,000● Arrival allowance: JPY25,000● Return allowance: JPY25,000●

For full description, please refer to the Public Finance Program web page at

http://www.grips.ac.jp/en/education/inter_programs/finance/

We accept applications for the Public Finance Program (Customs Course) online at the GRIPS website.
For details, please refer to the Admissions web page at
http://www.grips.ac.jp/en/admissions/index/

Admission15

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 around 5,400 alumni who are actively
shaping future policies in more than 115 countries around the world. We offer a variety of ways
to remain engaged with GRIPS and strengthen your ties with fellow alumni. These include
alumni reunions, seminars, a searchable alumni directory and online networking opportunities
utilizing social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

Alumni of the Public Finance Program (Customs Course)
Since its launch in 2000, two hundreds twenty six (226) students have graduated from the
Public Finance Program's Customs Courses with Master's degree. This year, eleven students are
expected to get a degree by the end of September 2023.
All were mid-career customs officials when admitted into the program. The majority of WCO
scholars who graduate return to their home countries and pursue careers in the field of customs.

16

AlumniVoices of the Alumni

Rizvi Mohammad Salahuddin (Bangladesh, 2019)
Current Position: Professional Associate
Affiliation: World Customs Organization (WCO), Brussels, Belgium
The 13-month Master's program in Public Finance (Customs) at GRIPS is a unique opportunity for Customs officials fromdeveloping countries. GRIPS provides a perfect learning environment, exposing participants to ideas and viewpoints
from students across the globe. This creates opportunities to interact with individuals from diverse cultures andintellectual backgrounds, which is an invaluable experience.
The Public Finance program provided me with a solid theoretical foundation in economics and development economics,
along with practical knowledge and skills essential for customs work. The faculty members were proactive and always
willing to answer our questions, which helped us stay motivated and engaged throughout the program. Furthermore,
the staff at GRIPS were accommodating and friendly, making my time studying abroad a genuinely enriching experience.
Presently, I work at the WCO Secretariat as a Professional Associate. The knowledge and experience I gained during mytime at GRIPS have been instrumental in helping me excel in my role at the WCO, as well as in my home administration.
For anyone considering applying to the Master's Program in Public Finance at GRIPS, I strongly encourage you to do so.
This program is exceptionally well-designed and will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successfulcareer as a Customs officer. It's truly a breathtaking journey toward the next stage in your career development, and I'm
confident you'll find it an amazing experience.

Tsendsuren Davaa (Mongolia, 2011)
Current Position: Senior State Customs Officer of International Cooperation Division
Affiliation: Customs General Administration of Mongolia
I selected the Customs Course in the Public Finance Program at GRIPS (WCO – Japan Scholarship) for the 2010/2011
Academic year. It remains one of the most memorable moments of my educational and social life, enriching my personal
experiences. The Public Finance Program enhanced my understanding of economics and statistical principles that
impact the performance of Mongolian Customs. This educational program empowered me to refine my analytical skills,
particularly my proficiency in utilizing economics and statistical methods.
In addition to academic lectures, the degree program included the study of best practices and visits to Japan Customs,
providing firsthand experience of real-time field operations. Upon completing my Master’s Degree Program, I felt that I
had fortified my capabilities as a data analyst. Upon my return to Mongolian Customs, I was promoted to the position of
Deputy Director of the Customs Control and Risk Management Department.
After obtaining my Master’s Degree in Japan, I continued my research work in Mongolia and successfully received my
Ph.D. in Business Administration from the Mongolian National University in 2015. My Master’s thesis primarily focusedon Customs Risk Management, which served as a foundation for my Ph.D. thesis. I would like to emphasize that without
the comprehensive learning in the field of economics and Customs that I received from GRIPS, pursuing a Doctorate
would have been considerably more challenging. I am genuinely grateful to GRIPS for giving me the opportunities,
motivation, and support for my ongoing career development.

Nurazlaily Mohamad Retha (Malaysia, 2019)
Current position: Assistant Director of Customs,
Affiliation: Royal Malaysian Customs Department
The year 2018 stands out as the most memorable for me. In June, I received the scholarship result, and by August,just a month before my departure to Japan, I was promoted to Assistant Director of Customs. Initially, I was concernedthat during my study leave, I would become disconnected from the world of Customs and struggle to stay updated
on current and emerging issues. However, my worries were unfounded. The curriculum of the PF Program (Customs
Course) comprised both academic and practicum segments. Crucially, the practicum segment was facilitated by Japan’s
CTI and the CTB of the Ministry of Finance. To be honest, I learned more about the realm of Customs during my time at
GRIPS than I did in my initial 6 years of active service.
Coming from an accounting and finance background, I was initially assigned to the Audit Branch, envisioning it aswhere I would work for the remainder of my career. Nevertheless, GRIPS broadened my perspective. As my studies
drew to a close, I found myself eager to return to my home administration, brimming with motivation to contributeto the modernization of RMCD by applying the skills and knowledge I had newly acquired. Presently, I work as arisk management officer, putting into practice the data cleaning and manipulation skills that I gained from studying
Introduction to Applied Econometrics at GRIPS.

Hector Kenzo Horiuti Kitahara (Brazil, 2018)
Current Position: Deputy Director
Affiliation: São Paulo Customs
Throughout the Public Finance Program, students delve into the economic impacts of Public Policies while acquiring
insights into the latest trends and best practices from WCO and Japan Customs. This skillset proves exceptionallyvaluable for making decisions grounded in evidence and economic principles — traits of paramount importance for
Customs Policy Makers upon their return to their respective countries.
Over the course of the program, growth is not confined to just the professional realm; personal growth is equallyprominent. The diligent efforts of GRIPS staff contribute to ensuring our comfort during the study period. Undoubtedly,
this Program has been the most enriching experience of my life, and I hold dear all the friendships I have cultivatedduring my time in Japan!

Almuni17

Address and Contact Information

Getting to GRIPS

Access RouteTokyo Metro Hibiya LineThe GRIPS building is located in
the center of Tokyo,conveniently
accessible by public transport.
Both Nogizaka Station on the
Chiyoda Line and Roppongi
Station on the Oedo and Hibiya
Lines are within 10 minutes
walking distance.

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

Ryudocho
Bijutsukan Dori

Main
Gate
South
Gate

Roppongi
TunnelToei Oedo Line
Roppongi Sta.

GRIPS

Seijoki DoriTokyo Metro
Hibiya Line
Roppongi Sta.
t

ree

i St

ong

p
Rop

Roppongi Hills

Roppongi Hills

JR Yamanote Line

NaritaAirportNishi-Nippori
Nippori

Aoto

Keisei Line

Oshiage
Keisei Ueno

Nakano
JR Chuo/Sobu Line

Shinjuku
Yoyogi-Uehara

Ochanomizu

YoyogiOdakyu Line

Oedo Line

NogizakaTokyo

Chiyoda Line

Kasumigaseki★
Ebisu
KeikyuKuko Line

Shinbashi

Keikyu Line
Keikyu-Kamata

ShinagawaTokyo Monorail

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

Admissions Officeadmissions@grips.ac.jp

Higashi-Ginza

Hibiya Line

Hamamatsucho
Sengakuji

To Yokohama
HanedaAirportHibiyaRoppongi

To Yokohama

JR Narita
Express

Akihabara

Shiodome
Yurikamome Line
Tokyo International Cruise Terminal