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Graduate Program in Global Governance and Sustainable Development (G2SD)
FAQ list (as of September 28, 2023)

Application procedures (1): General[Question 1] Can I send my application documents via email?
[Answer 1] No. Application documents are accepted only through the online application system, The Admissions
Office (hereinafter referred to as TAO).
[Question 2] When should I submit my application documents?
[Answer 2] We strongly recommend that you have your application documents reach us at least a week before
the deadline. This is important because after reviewing your documents thoroughly, we may ask you to makerevisions or to submit additional documents. Any revised documents and/or additional documents must reach
us by the deadline.
[Question 3] My graduate or undergraduate program did not require me to submit a thesis for its completion. What
type of paper is accepted as a paper equivalent to a Master's Thesis or an Undergraduate Thesis, as mentioned in theapplication guidelines? Is there any specific format to follow?
[Answer 3]
The following documents will help us examine your ability to conduct research in the field where you intend towork.
For Doctoral Program applicants:
As a substitute for a Master’s Thesis, you can submit a term paper in English that you wrote for a course/class you
previously enrolled in, a paper you published in an academic journal in English or a paper that describes yourgraduation project/design in English.
For Master’s Program applicants:
As a substitute for an Undergraduate Thesis, you can submit a term paper you wrote for a course/class you
previously enrolled in, a paper you published in an academic journal or a paper that describes your graduation
project/design in English. If you have one of the above substitute documents, but not in English, please submit thefull text in the original language together with an abstract written in English in 2,000 words or less. Submitting anabstract alone is not acceptable.
[Question 4] I have a scholarship. Do I still need to submit a Statement of Financial Position?
[Answer 4] If you have been selected as a scholarship recipient, a certificate issued by the foundation will suffice.
[Question 5] Is there a minimum amount that I have to show in my financial statement?
[Answer 5] There is no particular amount specified. However, applicants must usually demonstrate that they will
be able to afford at least their first semester. You may visit the following websites to see the cost of living at
Tohoku University:<http://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/admissions/tutition_fees.html>

2<http://sup.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/tips/cost_en.html>[Question 6] I have a MEXT scholarship. Do I still have to pay my application fee?
[Answer 6] No, you do not have to pay.

Application procedures (2): Language ability[Question 7] Do I need to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test?
[Answer 7] No. Scores on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test are not required.
[Question 8] What is the minimum English test score required for enrollment?
[Answer 8] There is no minimum score. In addition, we will evaluate your academic skills in general, including
your English language ability, through an examination of your documents and through screening.

Application procedures (3): Reference letters[Question 9] The application guidelines say that one of my reference letters should be written by my academicsupervisor. Who should write the other one?
[Answer 9] Ideally, the other one should also be written by an instructor, but a non-academic referrer is acceptable.
If you have a professional career, it can be written by your supervisor.
[Question 10] I cannot contact my former (or current) academic supervisor. What should I do?
[Answer 10] If there are extenuating circumstances and you are unable to contact your supervisor, such as if yoursupervisor has passed away, a reference letter written by another referrer will be considered. In such an event,please contact the Office of Academic Affairs for guidance in advance.
Office of Academic Affairs: int-kkdk@grp.tohoku.ac.jp

Tuition fees and financial support[Question 11] Can the amounts of the admission fee and tuition fees be reduced?
[Answer 11] Prospective students with economic hardships may apply for an admission fee waiver and/or a tuition
fee waiver. For more information, visit:<http://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/admissions/tutition_fees.html><http://www2.he.tohoku.ac.jp/menjo/>[Question 12] Are there any scholarships available?
[Answer 12] The Graduate School of International Cultural Studies (GSICS) does not offer scholarships.
Although graduate students work as teaching assistants (TAs) or research assistants (RAs) for their supervisors,
the income from this work is not sufficient to cover their living expenses. However, there are other types of

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financial assistance programs offered by Tohoku University and other foundations, including the JapaneseGovernment. If you are interested in the University Recommendation scheme for a Japanese Government(MEXT) scholarship, you will need to ask your prospective supervisor to prepare application documents andsubmit them to the university.
For more information, visit:
Scholarships for international students at<http://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/admissions/financial_aid.html>.
The MEXT scholarship at<https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/ryugaku/06032818.htm>.
Tuition waivers<http://www2.he.tohoku.ac.jp/menjo/>

Other issues[Question 13] Should I contact your faculty members in advance?
[Answer 13] Yes, we strongly recommend that applicants contact one (or more) of our faculty members inadvance to confirm that our program can accommodate your research interests. To find a prospective supervisor,
you can visit the "Faculty" page of our website and check their areas of expertise.
Faculty page < http://www.intcul.tohoku.ac.jp/g2sd/faculty/>[Question 14] I have never taken courses on issues concerning global governance or sustainable development. AmI eligible to study in your graduate program?
[Answer 14] You can apply for the program even if you have not taken courses on issues concerning global
governance and sustainable development. However, we strongly recommend that applicants contact one (ormore) of our faculty members in advance to confirm that our program can accommodate your researchinterests.
[Question 15] Should I start as a "research student" (i.e., kenkyu-sei or non-degree seeking student) first, and thenapply for the graduate program later?
[Answer 15] If you feel that you have insufficient knowledge regarding your research topic, you can study for 6 or
12 months as a research student if accepted. In any case, you should consult your prospective supervisorabout
your knowledge of the topic and suitable courses. In any event, if you want to become a research student, youwill need to find a supervisor who can accept you as his/her advisee.
[Question 16] How can I decide on a research topic?
[Answer 16] A research topic will be determined based both on your own research interests and on guidance fromyour prospective supervisor. You are strongly recommended to ask your prospective supervisor in advanceabout possible research topics.

4[Question 17] I have special circumstances or other questions about the application. Who can I contact forapplication information?
[Answer 17] You can send an email to the Office of Academic Affairs.
Office of Academic Affairs: int-kkdk@grp.tohoku.ac.jp