This year we received the record high number of applications far
    more than expected, from all over the world including
    internationally prestigious universities, making the competition
    tough and our task very difficult.

    We have examined all the submitted application documents and
    supporting credentials. Above all, we have carefully reviewed the
    submitted Research Plan and Reference Paper, and evaluated
    applicants’ potential comprehensively. Individual inquiries about
    the detail of our evaluations cannot be answered.

    Please be noted that the short-listed applicants for the next
    selection process (i.e. matching with prospective supervisor and
    Skype interviews) are not assured of being admitted yet and will go
    through another tough competition.

    Prof. Shuji HISANO
    Director, International Programme for East Asia Sustainable Economic
    Development Studies
    Graduate School of Economics