SPECIAL COURSE FOR
DEVELOPMENT POLICY(DOCTORAL COURSE)
Enrollment for the academic year
beginning in October 2024

Graduate School ofInternational Cooperation Studies(GSICS)

KOBE UNIVERSITY
Changed as of December 25, 2023-

Date of Result Announcement changed from April 10, 2024 to April 17, 2024
(See page 4)

1.

Overview and Number of Students Admitted

To enable international students to continue their studies in English while acquiring a doctoral degree, thedoctoral program for the Special Course for Development Policy was established in 1999. This is a highly
competitive program and only those with excellent academic credentials and outstanding potential will be
accepted. Although proficiency in Japanese is not considered in the selection process, a high proficiency inJapanese may be required depending on the applicant’s research topic.
Our doctoral program has a dual structure: the Japanese program starts in April and the English program(i.e., Special Course for Development Policy) starts in October. Accordingly, we have two enrollment
periods: April and October. For a single academic year (from April to March), a total of 23 students areadmitted.

2.

Study Requirements and Degrees Granted

Students will be assigned an academic supervisor to pursue their research. All students must pass a
candidacy application before completing their doctoral thesis. The following requirements must be met:
obtain the status of a doctoral candidate, complete a thesis, which must be approved by the GSICS faculty,
and pass a final examination. Most students require three years to earn a doctoral degree, but exceptional
students may finish sooner. Students who successfully complete the requirements will be granted one of
the following doctoral degrees: Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, Doctor of Laws,
or Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science.

3.

Eligibility

Only applicants who are not of Japanese nationality and can obtain an appropriate visa for enrollment may
apply to the Special Course for Development Policy. Categories of eligible applicants are as follows:(1) Those who hold a master's degree or a professional degree, or who will obtain one by the end of
September 2024.
(2) Those who hold a degree equivalent to a master's degree or a professional degree from an accredited
institution outside of Japan, or who will obtain one by the end of September 2024.
(3) Those who have completed a formal education by taking a correspondence course through a
non-Japanese university while residing in Japan, and hold a degree equivalent to a master's degree or aprofessional degree, or who will obtain one by the end of September 2024.
(4) Those who have obtained a master’s degree from a graduate program at an educational institution in acountry outside of Japan, which has been assessed by the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology to be equivalent to a graduate program in the education system ofJapan, or who will obtain one by the end of September 2024.
(5) Those who have completed the course of the United Nations University and have received a degree
equivalent to a master’s degree. The United Nations University refers the university established by the1United Nations General Assembly’s resolution of December 11 in 1972. The university is provided forunder Paragraph 2 of 1st Article of the Act on Special Measures (Law No. 72. 1976) concerning the
Implementation of the Agreement between the United Nations and Japan relating to the Headquartersof the United Nations University.
(6) Those who have completed their formal education by taking courses through 1) a non-Japanese
university, 2) an educational institution which received the designation of Item 4 or 3) the United
Nations University, who have passed an examination or a screening provided in the regulations by
Article 16.2 in Standards for the Establishment of Graduate Schools, and who are recognized to havean academic ability equivalent to master’s degree holders.
(7) Those who have been approved by the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology (Ministry Notice No. 118 of 1989).
(8) Those who are at least 24 years of age by September 30, 2024 and are recognized as possessing an
academic ability equivalent to or higher than those with a master’s degree by GSICS.

Note
Applicants in eligibility categories 3(5), 3(6), 3(7) or 3(8) must contact the GSICS Academic Affairs
Office about eligibility. All inquiries must be accompanied with the following documents: curriculum vitae,
official transcript from the last university attended (if any), and an explanation of the reasons for applying,including additional supporting evidence of eligibility. The documents outlined above must be received by
December 6, 2023.

4. Other Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:(1) English proficiency: Applicants will need a sufficient command of English for graduate studies.
Applicants must submit their official TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Except for:a) Applicants whose undergraduate or graduate activities outside Japan are carried out in Englishb) Applicants who have completed GSICS master’s course in English.
Other applicants are encouraged to submit their official TOEFL or IELTS scores.
(2) Accepted applicants must appear at the GSICS Academic Affairs Office no later than October 2, 2024
(i.e., before classes begin in the fall semester).
Note
Admission may be revoked:(1) If the accepted applicants are not in Japan by the date specified above in 4(2) or(2) If the accepted applicants do not receive a master’s degree by September 30, 2024.

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5.

Application Documents (Application documents cannot be returned)

The following documents must be submitted (by post):(1) Application form (enclosed)(2) Official transcript of master’s program in English (Photocopy is not accepted)
If not in English, a translation should also be included.
(3) Official certificate of master’s degree in English (Photocopy is not accepted)
Applicants who have yet to obtain a master’s degree must submit an official letter from the university
in which they are currently enrolled affirming the applicant’s expected graduation and degree
conferment by September 30, 2024.
If not in English, translation(s) should also be included.
(4) Research proposal (3 copies, 2000 words maximum, double spaced on A4-sized paper)(5) Master’s thesis (3 copies) along with its abstract (3 copies, 2,000 words maximum,). If the thesis is
not in English, the abstract must be in English.
*1
Applicants who are expected to obtain a master’s degree by September 30, 2024 may submit thecurrent draft of their master’s thesis (3 copies) and its abstract (3 copies, 2,000 words maximum).
*2
Applicants who have or will obtain a master’s degree without submitting a master’s thesis must
submit an academic paper or report equivalent to a master’s thesis (3 copies, publications also
accepted) along with its abstract (3 copies, 2,000 words maximum).
*3
Applicants in eligibility category 3(5), 3(6), 3(7) or 3(8) must submit an academic paper or reportbased on their research work or practical experience, which is equivalent to a master’s thesis (3copies), along with its abstract (3 copies, 2,000 words maximum).
*4
In addition, applicants may submit up to two relevant published papers (3 copies).
(6) Two letters of recommendation (forms enclosed)
Original letters must be submitted; copies, in any form, are unacceptable. At least one of the lettersshould be from a person familiar with the applicant’s academic work and English ability.
(7) Letter of consent (form enclosed)
A letter of consent must be obtained from a prospective academic advisor.
*
Refer to the list of teaching staff (page 9-10)(8) Application fee: 30,000 yen (fee subject to change)
Please print the incoming email of payment completion and attach it to the application form (Referto page 11)
Remittance charge (if any) is the responsibility of the applicant.
(9) Photograph card and examination registration form (forms enclosed)(10) Three recent (within the last three months) portrait-sized (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm) photographs.
Affix a photograph to each of the following: application form, photograph card, and examination
registration form.
(11) Photocopy of the passport biographical information page*1
Applicants residing in Japan must also submit a photocopy of their residence card.
*2
Applicants without a passport at the time of application may submit a photocopy of a citizenshipcertificate instead.
(12) Official TOEFL or IELTS score report (See 4(2))
TOEFL
3Submit an official “Test Taker (Examinee) Score Report” (Photocopy is not accepted) or request thatETS forward an “Official Score Report” to GSICS to be received no later than February 14, 2024 (DICode:3341, Department Code: 80). TOEFL-ITP is not accepted.
IELTS
Submit an official “Test Report Form” (Photocopy is not accepted) or request that the testing center
forward an original “Test Report Form” to GSICS to be received no later than February 14, 2024.
Note
Applicants who have graduated or will graduate from a university in China, if admitted, must apply for thecertificate of their bachelor's degree and transcript provided by China Higher Education Student Information(CHSI) without delay. Details will be communicated to each successful applicant in this category after theadmission decision

6.

Application Deadline

All application documents must be submitted as a single packet to the GSICS Academic Affairs Office byregistered mail.
Application documents must be received by GSICS between January 31, 2024 and February 14, 2024.
Application documents brought in directly cannot be accepted.

7.

Admission Process and Interview

Admission decision will be made based on the application documents and the results of the interview. Allapplicants except those in eligibility categories 3(1) or 3(2) who reside overseas during the interview
period must take an interview:
Applicants will be contacted with the date of the interview, which will be determined in accordance withthe schedule of the interviewers. The interview can be conducted in person or via any electronic method.

8.

Admission Process and Results

On April 17, 2024, the results will be posted on the GSICS website and an official letter be sent.
No telephone inquiries will be accepted.

9.

Registration(1) All necessary documents for the registration and the enrollment procedures will be mailed tosuccessful applicants along with the notification of the application results.
4(2) The fall semester begins on October 1, 2024. All entering students must obtain a student visa and attend
the GSICS New Student Guidance.
(3) Fees (subject to change): Entrance fee: 282,000 yen.
Tuition fee: 535,800 yen/year (267,900 yen/semester).

10.

Additional Information

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

Incomplete application cannot be accepted.
Application documents cannot be altered after submission.
The application fee is non-refundable.
To obtain a letter of consent, applicants are advised to contact a prospective academic advisor well inadvance.
(5) Financial support, including scholarships and accommodations for international students, is notguaranteed. Applicants should make separate arrangements.
(6) Teaching staff who have their primary appointment in other faculties of Kobe University may only
accept a limited number of students.
(7) Successful applicants who have not completed their master’s program at the time of application mustobtain a master’s degree by September 30, 2024. Otherwise, the admission will be cancelled.
(8) If incorrect information is found on application, the admission will be cancelled.
(9) Applicants should apply by themselves for a visa to enter Japan for an entrance examination if required.
(10) Applicants who are in need of additional support to take an entrance examination and/or to conduct theiracademic work should contact us by December 6, 2023.
* This is for us to make every effort to ensure that all qualified applicants take full advantages of ourprograms and is not to restrict their application or study. If you need to take the entrance examination
using adaptive equipment such as a hearing aid, crutches, and a wheelchair, please contact us inadvance.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Academic Affairs Office
Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University
2-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, JAPAN
Phone: +81-78-803-7267
Fax: +81-78-803-7297
URL: http://www.gsics.kobe-u.ac.jp/

5

11.

Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases

Submission of a certificate demonstrating inoculation and an antibody test against measles andrubella:Kobe University has implemented the Measles and Rubella Registration Policy, and all newly enrolled
Kobe University students must submit one of the following three certificates(①, ②, or ③) to prevent a possible outbreak of measles and rubella on campus.
Please note that students admitted into the following schools should submit either ① or ③:
School of Medicine (Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Health Sciences),the Graduate School of Medicine, or the Graduate School of Health Sciences.
① A vaccination certificate to prove that you were inoculated against measles and rubella(twice each after one year of age) . (recommended)② A vaccination certificate to prove that you were inoculated with measles and rubella vaccines each
within the last five years (since April 2019).
③ An antibody certificate verifying that you have sufficient antibody titer in your blood (refer to the chartnext page) to prevent the development of measles and rubella, based on the results of an antibody test
performed within the last five years (since April 2019).
＊ For ① and ②, it can be a combined vaccine of measles and rubella vaccines (e.g., MR vaccine).
＊ For ① and ②, the certificate must be issued by an accredited medical institution,and state the typeof vaccine and the date of inoculation.
＊ If there is a history of vaccination, please submit ③or receive vaccination and submit①or②.
＊ For ③, the certificate must specify the measuring method and the measured values of antibody titer inyour blood (refer to the next page), and it must satisfy the judging standard listed in the chart. A blood
test report sheet itself can be accepted for submission.
If the antibody titer in your blood is insufficient, you must receive the necessary vaccination, andsubmit either ① or ②.
＊ You may submit a combination of ①, ②, and ③ (e.g., ① for measles, and ③ for rubella).
＊ If the antibody titer level is below requirements, yet you cannot be inoculated with vaccines forsome reason (e.g. illness or body composition), please submit an official document (for example, acertificate issued by the doctor) explaining why.
<Submission Period and Place of Submission>・All successful undergraduate and graduate applicants enrolling in April (except the Graduate School of
Medicine, the Graduate School of Health Sciences, and the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences):
Please submit at the time of the medical checkup for new students scheduled in April.
・All successful graduate applicants enrolling in April (the Graduate School of Medicine, the6Graduate School of Health Sciences, and the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences):
Submit the certificate to the following institution by the designated date:- Students of the Graduate School of Medicine should submit directly to the Medical
Center for Student Health, Kusunoki Branch, by April 15.
₋Students of the Graduate School of Health Sciences should submit directly to the Physical and
Mental Health Consultation Office (Myodani Campus), by April 15.
- Students of the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences are required to submit the form at the medical
examination site on the day of the medical check-up for Maritime Sciences students.
・Successful applicants enrolling in October:
Submit the certificate at the medical check-up site for October enrollment.
(Only for the Graduate School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Health Sciences):
Submit the certificate by end of December of your first year to the following:- Students of the Graduate School of Medicine should submit directly to the Medical Center forStudent Health, Kusunoki Branch.
- Students of the Graduate School of Health Sciences should submit directly to the Physical and
Mental Health Consultation Office (Myodani Campus).

Measuring
MethodIgG －methodMeasles

EIA

PA method
NT method

RubellaHI method
IgG－EIAmethodJudging Standard

Remarks

8.0 ≦ positive（16.0 ≦ ）＊≦ positive≦ ）＊≦ positive≦ ）＊Positive result by one of these threemethods.
＊For the School of Medicine (both theFaculty of Medicine and the Facultyof Health Sciences), the Graduate
School of Medicine, and the
Graduate School of Health Sciences:
Positive result by one of these threemethods, and must achieve values
shown in brackets.

32x ≦ positive
8.0 ≦ positive

Positive result by one of these two
methods. (HI method is recommended)

256x
(256x
4.0x
(8x

7

Measuring Methods and Judging Standards for Protective Antibodies in Blood＊ Antibody testing is not required if the vaccination history meets the requirements or if additional
vaccinations are given.
＊ Make sure the above methods are followed when the antibody titer is measured in your blood.
＊ The protective antibody value differs according to the measuring method used. Please note that the
judging standards are higher than the usual standards used at medical institutions.
Students who wish to enter the School of Medicine (the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Health
Sciences), the Graduate School of Medicine, and the Graduate School of Health Sciences should beaware that they are required to have an even higher level of protective antibody values listed in brackets
against measles.
＊ Before you visit a medical institution, please make an appointment and confirm that the antibody test
and/or the vaccine you need are available at that institution.
When you visit a doctor at a medical institution, make sure you present this guidebook so your doctor
can issue the necessary certificate(s). (Please make sure you confirm with your doctor the measuringmethods and judging standards when measuring the antibody titer in your blood.)＊

Points to Consider when Submitting a Certificate:① Please bring the original certificate and one set of copies (A4 size).
② If the certificate is written in a language other than Japanese or English, please attach a documentthat shows either a Japanese or English translation.
For further information, please refer to:
Medical Center for Student Health, Kobe University
Tel: 078-803-5245
Student Support Division, Student Affairs Department, Kobe University Tel: 078-803-5219

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List of Teaching Staff

Abbreviations under each name are the degrees students can apply for under the supervision of that person.


E： Master of Economics, Doctor of Philosophy in Economics



IS： Master of International Studies, Doctor of Philosophy



L： Master of Laws, Doctor of Laws



PS： Master of Political Science, Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science

Faculty members whose names are followed by an asterisk (*) have their primary appointment in other faculties
of Kobe University, and may only accept a limited number of students.

International Studies Program
Name

Position

NISHITANI Makiko

PS, ISAKAHOSHI Sho

International Relations, Global Governance,
International Norms

International Institutions, Global Governance,
Associate
Forced Migration Studies, Human rights andPS, IS Professor
Humanitarianism

OGAWA Keiichi
SAKAUE Katsuki
NAKAZAWA Minato *KAMEOKA Masanori *KONDO Tamiyo*

Professor

Research Fields

E, IS

Professor

Economics of Education, Education Finance,
Education Policy and Planning

CoursesInternational Relations,
Special Seminar
Issues in Peace andDevelopment I, Special
SeminarHuman Capital Development, United
Nations and SDGs, World Bank and
SDGs, Special Seminar

Associate International Educational Development, Economics
Field Research Methods, Special Seminar
E, IS Professor of Education, Evaluation of Education Policy

IS
IS
IS

Professor

International Health, Public Health, Human
Ecology and Demography

Professor International Health, Virology
Professor

Housing Policy, Planning for Built Environment,
Housing Recovery

Demography, Medical Anthropology,
Environmental Health, Special Seminar
Special Seminar
Post-Disaster Recovery Planning, Special
SeminarDevelopment and Economics Program
Name
TAKAHASHI Shingo
ITO Takahiro
UCHIDA Yuichiro
KODAMA Masahiro
KAWABATA Koji
INOUE Takeshi

E, IS

Position

Research Fields

Professor

Labor Economics, Personnel Economics, Applied
Econometrics

Associate
Development Economics, Applied Econometrics
E, IS Professor

E, IS
E, IS

Professor
Professor

Courses
Statistics, Special Seminar
Microeconomics, Special Seminar

Development Economics, Economic Development International Economics,
in East Asia, Applied Economics/Econometrics
Development Macroeconomics, Structural
Transformation

Associate Applied Econometrics, Economic Development,

E, IS Professor Industrialization

Associate Development Finance, Financial Inclusion,
E, IS Professor Remittances

9

Growth Theory, Special Seminar

Macroeconomics, Special Seminar
Econometrics, Special
SeminarMonetary Theory, Special Seminar

International Trade, Foreign Investment,
Professor Multinational Labor-Management Relations,
E, IS
Cross-Border Pollution, International Merger

ZHAO Laixun *KITANO Shigeto *E, IS

KAJITANI Kai *E, IS

HAMAGUCHI Nobuaki *SATO Takahiro*
MIYAZAKI Tomomi *

E, IS
E, IS

E, IS

Special Seminar

Professor International Macroeconomics

Special Seminar

Professor Chinese Economies

Special Seminar

Professor

Latin American Economy, Regional and Spatial
Economics

Special Seminar

Professor Indian Economy

Special Seminar

Professor Public Economics

Public Finance, Special Seminar

International Law /Law and Development Program
Name
SHIBATA Akiho

HAYASHI Mika

YOTSUMOTO Kenji
KANEKO Yuka
SAITO Yoshihisa

Position

Research Fields

L, IS

Professor International Law

L, ISProfessor International Law

L, IS
L, IS

Professor Asian Constitutional Law
Professor
Associate

L, IS Professor

Courses
Introduction to International
Environmental Law，International Polar
Law Ⅱ, Special Seminar
Introduction to International
Cooperation Law，International
Security and International Law, Special
Seminar
Law and State Building,Special Seminar

Law and Development, Comparative Law in Asia, Law and Economic
Law in Disasters
Development, Special Seminar
Social Law in Asia and Transition Economies

Law and Social Development,
Special Seminar

Political Science and Area Studies Program
Name
MATSUNAMI Jun
KIMURA Kan
KAWAMURA Yusuke
MINOHARA Tosh *PS, ISPS, IS

Position

Research Fields

Courses

Professor

Comparative Study of Deregulation, Privatizationand Local Governments

Japanese Politics, Local Government,
Special Seminar

Professor

Korean Nationalism and Historical Disputes inNortheast Asia

Introduction to
Political Analysis, Special Seminar

Associate Politics in the Middle East and North Africa, Social Principles of Political Research, Special
PS, IS Professor Policy in Authoritarian Countries
SeminarPS, IS

Professor

US-Japan Relations, Diplomacy, International
Politics, Intelligence, and Security Studies

10

Special Seminar11