Master of Public Policy, International Program

The University of Tokyo, Japan's oldest national university, was founded in 1877 with a stated mission of fostering globally minded graduates who can take on leading roles at home and abroad. The university operates 10 faculties and 15 graduate schools and enrolls students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. Its Master of Public Policy, International Program runs 2 years, taught entirely in English, with entry in September. A master's course in public policy generally covers economics, quantitative methods, policy analysis, and governance, alongside courses focused on specific policy areas such as international relations, development, or public management. Students typically build skills in evaluating policy options, analyzing data, and communicating recommendations to decision-makers, often through coursework combined with policy-focused research or a capstone project. Public policy programs prepare graduates to work across government, international organizations, and the private sector on questions of governance, regulation, and public administration. For students coming from outside Japan, this program offers exposure to policy questions relevant to Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region, together with the chance to study alongside classmates from a range of national and professional backgrounds. Because the course is taught in English, participation in coursework does not depend on prior Japanese-language study, though the 2 years on campus give students time to build some familiarity with the language and with Japanese policy institutions. Graduates of master's programs in public policy typically move into roles in government ministries, international organizations, think tanks, or the private sector, applying their training in policy analysis and public management to a range of governance challenges.