GPEM Admission
October 30, 2025
The following GPEM admission guidelines have been updated.
- for Master’s program (October 2026 intake)
- for Doctoral program (October 2026 intake)
- for Master’s program Double Degree Program Student Screening for University of Paderborn (April 2026 intake)
- for Continuation from Master’s program to Doctoral program (April 2026 intake)
2026 Academic Year Foreign Student Screening (October Entrance)
Application Guideline:
To complete the application process successfully, you must read the Application instructions carefully before application. FAQ also gives you assistance with your application.
| Opening the application Guidelines | Mid of October |
|---|---|
| Pre-application | December 1, 2025 ～ 16:00 (JST) on February 27, 2026 For those who apply for GPEM Foreign Student Screening must register on the pre application system. In the case of trouble, please contact to gpemgrp.tohoku.ac.jp Due to the university winter closure, the GPEM office will be closed starting on Saturday, December 27, 2025 through January 4, 2026. The GPEM office staff will not respond to emails, phone calls, or any requests submitted to the office during this period. Full operational services will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. |
| Result notification | After completion of the pre application, you will be notified of the result and led to the next application process by email. Those who are notified should proceed the next application process as soon as possible. |
| Online application | Once you successfully complete the pre application, you need to complete the application procedures by the online application system, the Admission Office (TAO: https://admissions-office.net/en/portal). Please refer to the application guidelines and designated format. |
| Acceptance announcement | March to May depending on the screening period |
| Preparation for enrollment | June to September Visa granting process and University Accommodation information is provided to successful students. |
| Arriving in Japan | September |
| Orientation | October |
Application Schedule for 2026 Academic Year Foreign Student Screening (October Entrance)
※日本国籍を有する方の一般選抜等はこちら
Master’s Program
| Pre application | December 1, 2025 ～ February 27, 2026, 16:00 (JST) |
|---|---|
| Result notification | Any time after confirming the application eligibility |
| Online application | Please refer to the application guidelines for details. |
| Application Period | 1st period January 16, 2026～ January 30, 2026, 16:00 (JST) 2nd period February 13, 2026～ February 27, 2026, 16:00 (JST) 3rd period March 17, 2026～ March 31, 2026, 16:00 (JST) |
| Result notification | 1st Period : Mid March, 2026 2nd Period : Mid April, 2026 3rd Period : Mid May, 2026 |
Application Guidelines (Updated October 30, 2025)
Doctoral Program
| Pre application | December 1, 2025 ～ February 27, 2026,16:00 (JST) |
|---|---|
| Result notification | Any time after confirming the application eligibility |
| Online application | Please refer to the application guidelines for details. |
| Application Period | March 2, 2026 ～ March 31, 2026, 16:00 (JST) |
| Result notification | Mid May, 2026 |
Application Guidelines (Updated October 30, 2025)
Master’s Program Double Degree Program Student Screening for University of
Paderborn (April Entrance)
Application Guidelines
Recommendation Form 1 (This form is only for this Double Degree Screening)
Recommendation Form 2 (This form is only for this Double Degree Screening)
Continuation from Master’s Program to Doctoral Program
Application Guidelines (Updated October 30, 2025)
GPEM FAQ
Do I need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score?
Yes –unless you have graduated from a university located in a country where English is the native language.
Can I apply for a scholarship?
The university provides scholarship information to successful applicants, not before, and is not guaranteed.
I want to begin study in April, can I?
No, the GPEM program begins in October every year.
I haven’t graduated yet but will before October. What should I do?
Please provided the certificate of expected graduation from your present university.
Can I send copies of my documents?
No, your documents must be original.
Is there an examination for entrance into the course?
No, your application is reviewed by Tohoku University. You do not have to come to the university for an exam.
I have a Japanese score, should I submit that?
No, it is not a requirement of application.
I want to use the MEXT scholarship. What should I do?
Please follow the guidelines set out by the Japanese embassy in your country.
If I am accepted by MEXT do I automatically gain a place in the GPEM programme?
No, you must also apply for the GPEM programme at the beginning of the year for that year’s October intake but you will travel to Japan in March to begin preparation from April for 6 months.
I don’t have a TOEFL/IELTS score but will have one after the application period has ended. Can I still apply?
No, you need all your documents in one application during the designated timeframe. We recommend you begin preparing your documents as early as possible.
I want to study a master’s degree. Do I have to find a supervising teacher before I apply?
No, only doctoral students need to find a supervisor before application.
I am in the workforce now and can’t get a recommendation letter from my university. Do you accept workplace recommendation letters?
Yes, we will accept letters of recommendation from your workplace but prefer at least one from your university.
My TOEFL/IELTS score is over 2 years old. Can I use that?
No, you must provide a valid certificate.
I don’t have an undergraduate degree in economics. Can I still apply?
Yes, the GPEM programme is open to anyone who has completed any undergraduate degree.
Do I have to submit my resident registration?
This refers to those students who are already residing in Japan and have residence.
If I apply in the first period do I have to wait until April to get my results?
No, you will be notified of your results after each application period. If you are unsuccessful in the first period your application will be reviewed again in the second period and again in the third. You will be notified of results after each period.
How much are the fees?
Please see the application guidelines.
Contact Information
gpemgrp.tohoku.ac.jp