Program Overview
The GRIPS Indonesia Linkage Masters Program is a collaborative graduate degree offered by the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Japan and selected Indonesian partner universities. Designed for emerging policy leaders, the program blends rigorous academic research with practical, ontheground experience in Indonesias unique governance environment.
Students spend the first year at GRIPSs campus in Tokyo, mastering quantitative and qualitative policy analysis methods, while the second year is conducted at a partner university in Indonesia, where they apply their skills to realworld projects, engage with local stakeholders, and produce a policyrelevant thesis.
Key features include:
- Bilingual instruction (English and Japanese/Indonesian) to broaden international competence.
- Joint supervision by faculty from both countries.
- Access to an extensive network of policymakers, NGOs, and privatesector partners across the IndoPacific region.
Program Objectives
Through a blend of theory, research, and applied work, the Linkage Masters Program aims to:
- Equip graduates with advanced policyanalysis tools that can be used to address complex development challenges in Indonesia and the broader region.
- Foster crosscultural understanding and collaborative problemsolving between Japan and Indonesia.
- Produce evidencebased policy recommendations that support sustainable growth, good governance, and social equity.
- Prepare alumni for leadership roles in government ministries, international organizations, research institutes, and the private sector.
Curriculum Structure
The twoyear program is divided into four semesters, each incorporating core modules, electives, and a fieldbased project.
Year1 Tokyo (GRIPS Campus)
Core Modules (mandatory)
- Policy Analysis and Evaluation
- Quantitative Methods for Social Sciences
- Qualitative Research Design
- International Development Theory
- Japanese Governance and Public Policy
Electives (choose two)
- Economics of Development
- Environmental Policy and Climate Change
- Health Policy and Systems
- Urban Planning and Smart Cities
- Data Science for Public Policy
Year2 Indonesia (Partner University)
Core Modules (mandatory)
- Indonesian Public Administration
- Regional Development and Decentralization
- Field Research Methods
- Thesis Writing Seminar
Practicum / Capstone Project
Students join a host institution (government agency, NGO, thinktank, or private firm) for a 6month practicum. The practicum culminates in a policy brief and a masters thesis that addresses an identified problem.
All courses are delivered in English, with optional language support in Japanese and Bahasa Indonesia. Assessment combines written assignments, presentations, and the final thesis.
Admission Requirements
Prospective candidates must satisfy both GRIPS and the Indonesian partner university criteria.
Academic Eligibility
- Hold a bachelors degree (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
- Degree should be in economics, political science, public administration, sociology, law, or a related field.
Language Proficiency
- English: TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5.
- Japanese (optional): JLPT N3 or higher.
- Bahasa Indonesia (optional): basic proficiency is advantageous for the secondyear coursework.
Application Documents
- Completed online application form.
- Official transcripts and degree certificates.
- Two academic or professional recommendation letters.
- Statement of Purpose (500800 words) describing career goals and how the program aligns with them.
- Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience.
- Proof of language proficiency.
Application deadlines are typically in early March for the April intake. Early applications are encouraged as scholarship allocations are competitive.
Funding & Scholarships
Several scholarship schemes are available to support eligible candidates:
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel allowance.
- Indonesia-Japan Partnership Scholarship Jointly funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Indonesia and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
- GRIPS Merit Scholarship Partial tuition waiver for applicants with outstanding academic records.
- Private Sector Sponsorship Selected firms in finance, energy, and technology may sponsor students whose research aligns with their strategic priorities.
Applicants should indicate their scholarship preference on the application form and comply with any additional documentation requests.
Contact & Further Information
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a virtual information session, please reach out using the contacts below.
- GRIPS Admissions Office
Email: admissions@grips.ac.jp
Phone: +81332241000 - Indonesian Partner University Office of International Programs
Email: international@partneruniv.id
Phone: +62215551234
