Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The application period for each year is generally held from December until June in following year and is divided into multiple rounds. Please see How to Apply for deadlines and more information.
After the current year’s application period ends in June, applications and details for the upcoming academic year will be provided online in November. If you are visiting our site before the materials for your desired entry year are available, please keep in mind that there may be some differences in application materials depending on the year.
How to Apply

The Doshisha Global MBA starts from fall semester. New students are expected to participate in orientation and complete course registration in person on campus in early September. Classes begin in late September or October.

We recommend arriving in Kyoto in early September well in advance of the start of orientation events.
All new students are expected to participate in orientation and complete course registration in person on campus in September. The office will contact successful applicants with a detailed orientation schedule in August.

We only accept students for fall intake.

We do not offer deferred or postponed enrollment.

The applicant should have at least 3 years of work experience by the time of enrollment in our program. However, In case the applicant does not meet this requirement, s/he must provide relevant documents to support why s/he deserves to be identified as having equivalent work experience. Join the Information Session detailing your experience and interest in the program and we will help you decide if our program is right for you.
Admission Requirements

We do not have a written exam for admission; however, although it is not mandatory for admission, it is highly recommended that the applicant will take and submit GMAT®/GRE® scores to show their capabilities. Please refer to our website for the application process, but briefly, first, there is a screening of you application documents, followed by a formal interview. Admission is based on our assessment of your application, professional experience, academic performance, references, and interview.

To join our Global MBA (Global Business and Management Studies program), you should have:

*1 In case the applicant does not meet this requirement, s/he must provide relevant documents to support why s/he deserves to be identified as having equivalent work experience.
*2 The English proficiency test requirement is waived for candidates who are native English speakers, those who have received a bachelor's or master's degree from a university where the medium of instruction was English, or those who are recognized by Doshisha Business School as possessing an equivalent qualification.
*3 Those who can demonstrate their English language proficiency by providing an official test score dated on or after November 1, 2021, for one of the tests listed above.
*4 TOEFL-CBT®, TOEFL PBT®, TOEFL ITP®, TOEIC Bridge® test, TOEIC® IP test, ELTS™ (General Training Module), TOEFL iBT® Home Edition (TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition), and IELTS™ Online scores are NOT acceptable.
*5 Students who wish t o be considered for the “Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship [University Recommendation]” should apply with TOEFL iBT® or IELTS™.
Download the Admissions Guide
Admission Requirements
*6 Computer Delivered IELTS™ (IELTS™ on Computer) and IELTS™ for UKVI can also be accepted.

Although GMAT® or GRE® scores are not mandatory for admission, it is highly recommended that the applicant will take and submit GMAT®/GRE® scores to show their capabilities. Especially, for self-financed applicants, these scores may be taken into consideration upon decision on scholarship coverages.
No minimum GMAT®/GRE® scores upon application.

Please send your GMAT® or GRE® score report to us via the official GMAT® or GRE® website.

Designation codes:

• GMAT® Program Code: QJK-PK-35
• GRE® Designated Institution Code: 3575

If GMAT® is not offered in your country, please try taking the GRE® instead. If both GMAT® and GRE® test are not offered, please apply for the Information Session and consult the admissions team.

The average GMAT® score varies depending on application rounds or admission year. Please note that our admissions process is designed to evaluate the whole person and to establish a good ‘fit’ with our program.

The formal interview is an important part of the applications process and an opportunity for us to assess applicants’ motivation, communication skills, and suitability for our program. Applicants residing in Japan may be invited to a face-to-face interview, or have their interview scheduled using a video conferencing service such as ZOOM. All overseas applicants will be interviewed using video conferencing service such as ZOOM.

Applicants who do not receive an offer of admission may reapply in a later round within the same admissions cycle if they meet the eligibility requirements for that round*. Applicants are required to pay the application fee (15,000 yen) each time they submit a formal application.
*Please note that only those who are residents or citizens of Japan are eligible to apply in the final application round.

Please see Scholarships & Costs for a detailed breakdown of the tuition and other fees associated with the program.
You can also see an estimate for living expenses in Kyoto here:
Student Life: Living in Kyoto

All successful privately-funded international applicants to our program are eligible for Doshisha University Merit Scholarships for Self-Funded International Students. Please refer to our website for further information:
Scholarships & Costs

Scholarship allocation is discussed based on each student’s overall application and interview results and is approved by the university. Successful applicants will be contacted regarding final scholarship allocation in July.

We do not offer distance learning or online courses. All enrolled students must physically attend classes at Doshisha Business School.

Please see Careers: Internships

Individuals studying in Japan on student visas must apply for permission to work part-time at an immigration office in order to work. There are some constraints on the amount of hours and industry in which international students may work. Please make sure to contact the nearest Consulate or Embassy of Japan for the most updated information before arriving in Japan. Also, you might find the following website useful: Study Japan
There will be some in-school part-time work such as working as a teaching assistant or internship opportunities available for certain number of international students. Further information will be available for new students after enrollment. Please refer to our website below for more information:
Careers: Internships
Living in Kyoto: Part-time Work

Actual expenses will vary from student to student, but you can find an estimate here:
Student Life: Living in Kyoto

Please join the Information Session to tell us more about your career goals.