Entrance Exam Information / Graduate Admission Requirements / Methods of Selection

Updated on Jun 30 2023

Master’s Program

Graduate School of Letters

  • General Entrance Exam (Written / Oral)
    Method of Selection Written Exams Oral Exam※3
    Major (1st Period) 9:30 to 10:30 (2nd Period) 11:00 to 13:00 From 15:00
    Shinto Studies and Religious Studies Foreign Languages※1 ・Specialized Subject (required)
    Shinto Studies or Religious Studies (must be selected prior to exam)
    ・Common Subjects
    Shinto Studies and Religious Studies
    The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.
    Method of Selection Written Exams Oral Exam※3
    Major / Course (1st Period) 9:30 to 10:30 (2nd Period) 11:00 to 12:30
    Specialized Subject (required)
    (3rd Period) 13:30 to 14:30
    Specialized Subject (required)
    15:00~
    Literature Japanese Literature Foreign Languages※1 Japanese Literature [1] Japanese Literature [2] Japanese Linguistics
    [3] Kanbun Studies [4] Folklore Studies
    [5] Japanese Education for Japanese or Foreign Nationals
    Select two subjects from [1] to [5] above (select on the day of exam)
    The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.
    Japanese Linguistics Japanese Linguistics
    Chinese Literature Chinese Literature
    Folk Literature Folk Literature
    Advanced Japanese / Japanese Education Japanese Education for Japanese or Foreign Nationals (must be selected prior to exam)
    Method of Selection Written Exams Oral Exam※3
    Major / Course (1st Period) 9:30 to 10:30 (2nd Period) 11:00 to 12:30
    Specialized Subject (required)
    From 15:00
    History Japanese History Foreign Languages※1 Japanese History or Historical Geography (select on the day of exam) The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.
    World History Eastern or Western History※2  (must be selected prior to exam)
    Archeology Archeology
    Art History Art History
    Museology Museology

    ※1 Concerning the Foreign Language Exam:
     -Candidates must choose either English or Chinese (candidates may not choose their native language).
     -Candidates may bring a dictionary (only an English-Japanese or Chinese-Japanese dictionary; you may not use an electronic dictionary).

    ※2 Concerning the Western History Exam:
    -Candidates may bring a dictionary (only an English-Japanese dictionary; candidates may not use an electronic dictionary).

    ※3 Concerning the Oral Exam:
    -All applicants for a Literature degree shall take an oral exam.
    With regard to candidates for a Shinto Studies or Religious Studies degree, or a History degree, those who will take an oral exam will be selected depending on the results of their written exam.

  • Entrance Exam for International Students (Written Exam / Oral Exam)
    Method of Selection Written Exams Oral Exam※3
    Major / Course (1st Period) 9:30 to 10:30
    Foreign Languages
    (2nd Period) 11:00 to 12:30
    Specialized Subject (required)
    From 15:00
    Shinto Studies and Religious Studies Foreign Languages※1 Shinto Studies or Religious Studies
    (must be selected prior to exam)
    The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.
    Literature Japanese Literature Japanese Literature
    Japanese Linguistics Japanese Linguistics
    Chinese Literature Chinese Literature
    Folk Literature Folk Literature
    Advanced Japanese / Japanese Education Japanese Education for Japanese or Foreign Nationals
    (must be selected prior to exam)
    History Japanese History Japanese History or Historical Geography
    (select on the day of exam)
    World History Eastern or Western History※2
    (must be selected prior to exam)
    Archeology Archeology
    Art History Art History
    Museology Museology

    ※1 Concerning the Foreign Language Exam:
    -Candidates must choose one language from English, Japanese, or Chinese (candidates may not choose their native language).
    -English/Chinese: Candidates may bring a dictionary (only an English-Japanese or Chinese-Japanese dictionary; candidates may not use an electronic dictionary).
    -Japanese: Candidates may not bring a dictionary.

    ※2 Concerning the Western History Exam:
    -Candidates may bring a dictionary (only an English-Japanese dictionary; candidates may not use an electronic dictionary).

    ※3 Concerning the Oral Exam:
    -All candidates for a Literature degree shall take an oral exam.
    With regard to candidates for a Shinto Studies or Religious Studies degree, or a History degree, those who will take an oral exam will be selected depending on the results of their written exam.

  • Working Adult Admissions (Screening of Application / Written Exam / Oral Exam)

    Candidates should fall into one of the following categories at the time of entering the university and should not be registered as an undergraduate or graduate student in the academic year when their application is submitted.

    [1]Candidates who received a bachelor’s degree two or more years ago and are currently an employee of a public institution, company or other organization.

    [2]Candidates who received a bachelor’s degree five or more years ago.

    Major Method of Selection
    Screening of Application (1st Period) 10:00 to 11:30 (2nd Period) From 14:00
    Shinto Studies and Religious Studies Research Proposal Essay on Specialized Subject Oral Exam
    Literature
    History

Graduate School of Law

There are five methods of selection used in the Graduate School admission exams. In the methods [1], [2] and [3], candidates can use the Early Entrance System and the Advanced Coursework System (up to 10 credits). The Early Entrance System allows candidates who passed the exams during their third year to immediately enter the Graduate School prior to the completion of their third year. The Advanced Coursework System allows candidates who passed the exams during their third year to hold their admission to the Graduate School for one year and at the same time to take some modules offered by the Graduate School of Law during their senior year, so that these modules already taken will be officially counted as completed units following their entrance in the following April.

  • [1] General Entrance Exam (Written Exams on two subjects, Oral Exam)

    Note: The early entrance system (to graduate school) and advanced coursework system can be used.

    [Concerning Qualifications for Third-year Students]
     Those in their third year of university as of March 2017 must have earned 76 credits or more by the end of their second year.

    Written Exams Oral Exam
    (1st Period) 9:00 to 10:00 (2nd Period) 10:30 to 11:30 From 13:00
    Specialized Subject (required) Select either a Foreign Languages Exam or a Specialized Subject Exam The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.
    Foreign Languages Exam Specialized Subject Exam (selectable)※2
    Law Candidates take an exam on the specialized subject of their choice. ※1  Refer to the subjects below※3
    Politics Refer to the subjects below※4

    ※1:Candidates must choose one subject from English, German, or French (candidates may not choose their native language).
       Candidates may use an English-Japanese, German-Japanese, or French-Japanese dictionary. Candidates may not use an electronic dictionary.

    ※2:Candidates must choose one subject excluding required subjects from the area of law or politics discipline in which they are specialized to take an exam on. Note,
    however, that it is desirable that candidates choose a selectable subject related to required subjects.

    ※3:Constitutional Law, International Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Administrative Law, International Politics, International Relations History, Criminal Policy, Code of Criminal Procedure, Commercial Law, Labor Law, Code of Civil Procedure, Legal Philosophy, Foreign Law, Japanese Legal History, Western Legal History

    ※4:Politics, Public Administration, Japanese Political History, Western Political History, History of Japanese Political Philosophy, History of Western Political Philosophy, International Politics, International Relations History

    *Candidates taking an exam on specialized subjects from the area of law will be provided with a copy of the Six Major Codes on the day of the exam.

  • [2] Admissions for candidates selected based on their performance at Kokugakuin University (Screening of Application, Oral Exam [From 13:00])

    Note: The early entrance system (to graduate school) and advanced coursework system can be used.

    Eligibility – Those in their third year at Kokugakuin University as of March 2017 or those who are expected to graduate, and meet the following performance standards.

    <Performance Standards for Third-year Students>

    Regardless of whether candidates expect to graduate, they must have earned 76 or more credits by the end of their second year.

    <Performance Standards for Fourth-year Students>

    Students must have earned 100 or more credits by the academic year previous to their graduation.

    Minimum Passing Standards– Candidates must meet the minimum standards specified below in order to pass the entrance exam:

    1. Candidates in their third year must have earned 110 credits or more by the end of the third year, and must have earned eight credits in A grade in the specialized subjects at their department (including university-wide subjects), 40 credits in B or higher for the rest of all subjects taken.
    2. Candidates in their fourth year must have earned 16 credits or more in A grade for the specialized subjects at their department (including University-wide subjects).
  • [3] Admissions based on a Thesis Submitted by a Kokugakuin University Student (Screening of Application, Oral Exam [From 13:00])

    Note: The early entrance system (to graduate school) and advanced coursework system can be used.

    Eligibility – Those in their third year at Kokugakuin University as of March 2017 or those who are expected to graduate, who have completed the following thesis by the end of the spring application period, and who meet the following performance standards.

    <Thesis>

    A thesis related to the disciplines of law, politics, or sociology (including a graduation thesis or seminar-based thesis). The thesis must be 15,000 characters (Japanese) or more in length, excluding the cover page and the table of contents.

    The thesis must contain notes. (Two copies must be submitted.) (While it is instructed as a thesis “related to the disciplines of law, politics, or sociology,” it is not limited to the thesis written based on the exact methods used in these disciplines.)

    <Performance Standards for Third-year Students>
    Candidates must have earned 76 or more credits by the end of their second year.<Performance Standards for Fourth-year Students>
    Candidates must have earned 100 or more credits by the previous academic year of their graduation.

  • [4] Entrance Exam for International Students (Written Exams on two subjects, Oral Exam)

    Written Exams

    Oral Exam

    (1st Period) 9:00 to 10:00

    (2nd Period) 10:30 to 11:30

    From 13:00

    Specialized subject (required)

    Select either a Foreign Languages Exam or a Specialized Subject (selectable) exam

    The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.

    Foreign Languages Exam

    Specialized Subject Exam (to be selected)

    Same as the general admissions

    Same as the general admissions. However, candidates may choose to take the Foreign Languages Exam in Japanese.
    (Use of a Japanese dictionary or an electronic dictionary is not allowed)

  • [5] Working Adults Admissions (Screening of Application / Short Essay / Oral Exam)

    Eligibility – Candidates must hold a university degree or be expected university graduates and meet one of the following three criteria.

    [1] Candidates must be an employee at the planned time of entry into the University (including those who have been given a job offer starting in April, or those who are full-time homemakers).

    [2] Candidates must have 10 years or more of work experience.

    [3] Candidates must have entered into an undergraduate course through the working adults admissions.

    Method of Selection

    Document Review

    Essay

    Oral Exam

    9:30 to 11:30

    From 13:00

    Research Proposal1

    An essay of 1,500 to 2,000 characters based on the research proposal submitted by each candidate at the time of application

    The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.

    1 Please take note of the following points when writing up your research proposal.
     In the “Purpose of Research” column, please clearly explain what you will reveal through your research.

     In the “Characteristics of Research” column, please clearly explain the relevance between your work experience and the research topic.

     In the “Research Overview” column, please specifically and clearly explain your current plan regarding the contents and process of as well as methods to be used in your intended research.  

Graduate School of Economics

  • General Entrance Exam / Entrance Exam for International Students (Written Exam, Oral Exam)
    • General Entrance Exam

    Written Exam

    Oral Exam

    Specialized subject 10:00 to 12:00

    From 13:00

    Two subjects selected from the following list at the time of application (closed book exams)*
    Selectable subjects: Marxist economics, modern economics, economic history, Japanese economic history, Western economic history, Japanese economic theory, theory of labor economics, theory of social policy, theory of international economics, finance, management, accounting, theory of environmental economics

    The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.

    *Candidates aiming to gain a public tax accountant qualification shall take only one exam on the subject of accounting. The exam period shall be from 10:00 to 11:00.

    • Entrance Exam for International Students

    Written Exams

    Oral Exam

    Japanese language and a specialized subject 10:00 to 12:00

    From 13:00

    [1] One subject selected from the following list at the time of your application:

    Selectable subjects: Marxist economics, modern economics, economic history, Japanese economic history, Western economic history, Japanese economic theory, theory of labor economics, theory of social policy, theory of international economics, finance, management, accounting, theory of environmental economics

    [2] Japanese (use of a dictionary will be prohibited)

    The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.

    *Use of a calculator is allowed for the exam on accounting during both the general entrance exam and the entrance exam for International Students.

    Note, however, that candidates will be allowed to use a calculator that has an arithmetic function only (√, tax rate calculations, etc. are allowed).

    *Use of a calculator with the following functions shall be prohibited.

    • Financial calculation calculators with a built-in program other than an arithmetic function, calculators with calculus functions (sin, cos, etc.), calculators with memo functions.
    • Calculators with a dictionary function (including a typing function).
    • Calculators with a melody function (which makes sounds).
    • Calculators with a communication function (calculators on mobile phones and smart phones will be treated the same as this).
    • In addition to the above, any other calculators that exam supervisors consider to have inappropriate functions.
  • Working Adults Admissions (Screening of Application, Essay, Oral Exam)

    Eligibility – Candidates must hold a university degree or be expected university graduates who meet one of the following two criteria, and who have clear awareness for conducting research in the Master’s program based on their work experience.

    [1] Candidates must have 2 years or more of work experience.

    [2] Candidates must have entered into an undergraduate course through the working adults admissions.

    Note: Work experience in society refers to working at public or private organizations (including temporary employment if it is under a continuous condition) as well as continuous housework experience or work experience in a family business.

    Method of Selection

    Document Review

    Short Essay 10:00 to 12:00

    Oral Exam
    From 13:00

    Research Proposal*

    An essay of 1,500 to 2,000 characters based on the research proposal submitted by each candidate at the time of application

    *Concerning the Research Proposal

    [1] Purpose of Research (points aimed to clarify through research)

    [2] Characteristics of Research (relevance to problem awareness gained from work experience)

    [3] Outline of Research (research process and methods)

  • Admissions based on Internal Recommendation (Screening of Application, Interview)

    Eligibility: Candidates must meet either criteria [1] or criteria [2] below, as well as criteria [3], and have received a recommendation from a prospective supervisor at Kokugakuin University.

    [1] Candidates must be fourth-year students in the Faculty of Economics at Kokugakuin University, who are certainly expected to graduate.

    [2] Candidates must have graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Kokugakuin University, within the past two years

    [3] Candidates must have a GPA of 2.2 or higher.

    • In the case of fourth year students in the Faculty of Economics at Kokugakuin University who will take an entrance exam in autumn, a GPA up to their third year.
    • In the case of fourth year students in the Faculty of Economics at Kokugakuin University who will take an entrance exam in spring, a GPA up to the first semester of their fourth year.
    • In the case of candidates who graduated from the Faculty of Economics,  Kokugakuin University, within the past two years, a GPA up to their fourth year.

    Documents required for applications:

    • A recommendation letter from an undergraduate teaching staff member
    • A copy of the candidate’s expected date of graduation
    • A copy of the candidate’s transcripts
    • A personal statement on why the applicant wants to begin graduate school (using the Kokugakuin University specified form)
    • A research proposal (using the Kokugakuin University specified form)
    • 35,000 yen for entrance examinations (proof of payment must be attached to your application)
    • A return envelope (standard-size envelope size 3) with candidate’s name and address on it

    * Foreign candidates must also submit the following in addition to the abovementioned documents:

    • An application form for international students (specified form)
    • Certificate of Registered Matters of Foreign Resident or a copy of your visa

    * The Application for Admissions based on an internal recommendation is available from the Graduate School Office.

    Examination method: Screening of application and interview

    Exam dates: Autumn – September 10 (Sat.); Spring – February 11 (Sat.), 2017

    Application period: Autumn exams – August 26 (Fri.) to September 2 (Fri.);

    Spring exams – January 13 (Fri.) to January 20 (Fri.)

    Exam fee: 35,000 yen

    Only a small number of applicants will be selected.

    Announcement of exam results: Autumn exams – September 13 (Tue.) at 14:00.

    Spring exams – February 14 (Tue.) at 14:00.

Doctoral Program

Graduate School of Letters

Graduate School of Letters (Doctoral Program) *Please note that autumn entrance exams are open only to those who have already completed (or graduated) or who are expected to complete (graduate) in September.

  • General Admissions (Written Exam, Oral Exam)

    Method of Selection

    Written Exams

    Oral Exam

    (1st Period) 10:00 to 11:30

    From 15:00

    Major

    Course (Major field)

    Specialized Subject

    Shinto Studies and Religious Studies

     

    Shinto Studies or Religious Studies (must be selected prior to exam)

    The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.

    (As part of the oral exam, an assessment of the candidate’s proficiency in foreign languages required for their research may be conducted)

    Literature

    Japanese Literature

    Japanese Literature

    Japanese Linguistics

    Japanese Linguistics

    Chinese Literature

    Chinese Literature

    Folk Literature

    Folk Literature

    Advanced Japanese / Japanese Education

    Japanese Education for Japanese or Foreign Nationals (must be selected prior to exam)

    History

    Japanese History

    Japanese History or Historical Geography (select on the day of exam)

    World History

    Eastern or Western History (must be selected prior to exam)1

    Archeology

    Archeology

    Art History

    Art History

    Museology

    Museology

    1 Concerning the Western History Exam: Candidates may bring a dictionary (only an English-Japanese dictionary. However, they may not use an electronic dictionary).

  • Entrance Exam for International Students (Written Exam, Oral Exam)

    Method of Selection

    Written Exam

    Oral Exam

    (1st Period) 10:00 to 11:30

    From 15:00

    Major

    Course (Major field)

    Specialized Subject

    Shinto Studies and Religious Studies

     

    Shinto Studies or Religious Studies (must be selected prior to exam)

    The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.

    (As part of the oral exam, an assessment of the candidate’s proficiency in foreign languages required for their research may be conducted)

    Literature    

    Japanese Literature

    Japanese Literature

    Japanese Linguistics

    Japanese Linguistics

    Chinese Literature

    Chinese Literature

    Folk Literature

    Folk Literature

    Advanced Japanese / Japanese Education

    Japanese Education for Japanese or Foreign Nationals (must be selected prior to exam)

    History    

    Japanese History

    Japanese History or Historical Geography (select on the day of exam)

    World History

    Eastern or Western History (must be selected prior to exam)1

    Archeology

    Archeology

    Art History

    Art History

    Museology

    Museology

    1 Concerning the Western History Exam: Candidates may bring a dictionary. (Only an English-Japanese dictionary. However, they may not use an electronic dictionary.)

  • Working Adults Admissions (Screening of Application, Oral Exam)

    Eligibility – Candidates who fall into either of the following conditions and who are not registered as a student with a university or graduate school during the year that they submit their application to the doctoral program.

    [1] Applying based on the highest academic degree (Bachelor’s degree):

    Candidates must have obtained their Bachelor’s degree five years ago or more, and they must be able to prove that they have academic capabilities equivalent to those who have completed a program at the graduate level (Master’s program), and also have some research achievements.

    [2] Applying based on candidate’s highest academic degree (Master’s degree):

    Candidates must have obtained their Master’s degree two years ago or more and must be working as an employee of a public institution, company or other organization.

    Method of Selection

    Method of Selection

    Document Review

    From 13:00

    Major

    Shinto Studies and Religious Studies

    ・Research Proposal
    ・List of research achievements
    (For those applying under condition [1])

    Oral Exam

    Literature

    History

Graduate School of Law

  • General Entrance Exam / Entrance Exam for International Students

     Category

    Written Exams

    Oral Exam

    (1st Period) 9:00 to 10:00

    (2nd Period) 10:30 to 11:30

    From 13:00

    Foreign Languages [1]*

    Foreign Languages [2]

    General Admissions

    Choose either German or French
    (candidates may not select their native language).
    Use of a Japanese-German or Japanese-French dictionary is permitted.

    Use of an electronic dictionary is prohibited.

    Choose one subject from English, German, or French that was not a choice in the 1st period
    (candidates may not select their native language).
    Use of a Japanese-English, Japanese-German or Japanese-French dictionary is permitted.

    Use of an electronic dictionary is prohibited.

    The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.

    International Students Admissions

    Same as above.
    Candidate can also take the exam in Japanese.

    (Use of a Japanese dictionary or an electronic dictionary is prohibited).

    Same as above.

    Same as above.

    • *Those who intend to specialize in the history of the Japanese legal system may take an exam on interpreting historical documents related to the Japanese legal system instead of the foreign languages [1] exam.
  • Entrance Exam for candidates who have completed their study at the Law School

    Eligibility – Candidates must have completed or be expected to complete their study at the Law School by March 2017.

    Note, however, that it is recommended that those who intend to apply to this course consult the instructor whom they wish to be their supervisor prior to submitting their application.

    Written Exams

    Oral Exam

    (1st Period) 9:00 to 10:00

    (2nd Period) 10:30 to 11:30

    From 13:00

    Specialized subject exam*

    Foreign Languages

     

    One specialized subject specified by the instructor in charge of the specialized subject in which candidates intend to specialize.

    Choose one subject from English, German, or French

    Use of a Japanese-English, Japanese-German or Japanese-French dictionary is permitted.

    However, use of an electronic dictionary is prohibited.

    The exam will be conducted regarding the field in which candidates wish to major.

    * With regard to candidates who have completed their study or who are expected to complete their study at the Law School of Kokugakuin University, if the instructor in charge of the subject in which they intend to specialize has specified the specialized subject exam, then they can be exempt from taking this exam by providing proof based on their performance at the end of the first semester of the final year of their study that their GPA results in both general subjects and relevant subjects specified by the above instructor are higher than the following grading standards.

    Grading Standards

    a. Candidates who have completed their study or who are expected to complete their study at the Law School must have obtained GPA results of 2.7 or higher for all subjects taken up to the time of the completion of their study or up to the time of the end of their first semester respectively.

    b. Candidates must have taken all subjects specified by the instructor in charge of the subject in which they intend to specialize and must have earned GPA results of 3.0 or higher for these subjects.

Graduate School of Economics

Contact: Public Relations Office

MENU