Admissions

Our faculty includes leading scholars in their respective fields.

Experts in law, political science, economics, and sociology are actively engaged in cutting-edge research. The program emphasizes data analysis and practice-oriented learning.


We work closely with Graduate School of Law and Politics, the University of Osaka Law School, Graduate School of Economics, and Institute of Social and Economic Research.

Courses are also taught by practitioners with extensive real-world experience, including professionals from international organizations and central government agencies, as well as diplomats, journalists, researchers at think tanks, and entrepreneurs.

Students at OSIPP (Osaka School of International Public Policy) share the following characteristics:

First, they come from diverse academic fields and have a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and research interests. Many are international students or working professionals, and the diversity they bring creates a unique kind of productive dynamism that energizes OSIPP.

Second, they have a clear sense of purpose and a high level of motivation.

Third, they are highly proactive. Many participate in internships, study abroad programs, fieldwork, and activities with NGOs and NPOs.

Study While Balancing Work and Family Life

We have designed class schedules and course delivery methods to accommodate students who work full-time or have childcare or caregiving responsibilities. Thesis supervision is also available online.

In addition, we offer a long-term study option that allows students to complete their studies over a longer period than the standard duration (two years for the master’s program and three years for the doctoral program).

A Curriculum Designed to Meet Diverse Student Needs

Students may earn credits not only at other graduate schools within University of Osaka, including the Graduate School of Law and Politics and the Graduate School of Economics, but also at partner institutions such as Kyoto University and Kobe University.

For the doctoral program, we offer October enrollment. Entrance examinations for October enrollment are held in the fall, while those for April enrollment are held in the winter.

The standard duration of study is two years for the master’s program and three years for the doctoral program. However, students who are recognized as having demonstrated outstanding academic achievement may be eligible to obtain their degree after at least one year of enrollment.

Comprehensive Support for Thesis Writing as the Culmination of Learning

In the preparation of a master’s thesis, students complete a first draft in the latter half of their second year and then give a public oral presentation before a panel of three examiners.

During the oral presentation, not only the content of the thesis but also the student’s ability to give an effective presentation is assessed.

Students then revise the thesis based on the advice they receive at the presentation and proceed to the final examination. Following approval by the faculty council, the degree is awarded.

OSIPP Was the First in Japan to Introduce Internship Courses

Since its establishment, OSIPP has placed great importance on the educational value of internships as part of its mission to train highly skilled professionals, and it has actively encouraged graduate students to participate in them. Each year, OSIPP provides many students with internship opportunities both in Japan and abroad.

Major Internship Placements to Date:

• ■ International organizations (such as the United Nations, the International Organization for Migration, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
• ■ Foreign diplomatic missions in Japan and Japanese diplomatic missions abroad
• ■ Central government ministries (such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment) and local governments
• ■ Japanese government aid agencies (such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA])
• ■ Think tanks, research institutes, and consulting firms
• ■ Offices of national and local assembly members
• ■ Law firms
• ■ Financial institutions (such as banks and life insurance companies), manufacturers, and foreign-owned companies
• ■ NPOs and NGOs
• ■ Media organizations (such as newspapers and news agencies)

Strong Commitment to Student Support

Various systems and programs are in place to support students’ research activities. In addition to scholarships from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), students are also informed on an ongoing basis of scholarship opportunities offered by local governments and private organizations.

Students who have difficulty paying tuition for financial reasons and who demonstrate strong academic performance may be eligible for full or half tuition exemption. Paid opportunities are also available as research assistants, teaching assistants, tutors for international students, and in other on-campus part-time positions.