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Doctoral Program in Law (JICA-LL.D.)
Please read all sections very carefully before applying for this program.
All inquiries to individual professors should be sent via the Admission Office (admission@law.kyushu-u.ac.jp). Direct inquiries to professors cannot be answered.
1 Overview
Kyushu University's LL.D. program offers students the unique opportunity of preparing a doctoral thesis on law in English whilst studying at a Japanese university. The program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to complete high-level research in law. Participants will pursue a closely supervised program of research for 3 years (6 semesters), prior to submitting a final dissertation. The thesis may be on any law-related subject agreed in consultation with the academic supervisors and approved by the LL.D. Faculty Committee.
In cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Kyushu University offers two doctoral programs in law:
The JDS LL.D. Program
This program provides scholarships for students from certain designated countries who have already completed the JICA JDS Master's Program to enroll on the LL.D. Program.
The KCCP LL.D. Program
This program provides scholarships for students from certain designated countries to enroll on the LL.D. Program.
Students on this program are permitted to live and work in their home country and are provided with financial support from JICA to make regular visits to Japan for academic consultations.
2 Program Duration
The LL.D. is taught on a full-time basis and takes at least three years for completion, beginning in October every year.
3 Program Requirements

All LL.D. students are expected to complete a 10-credit (approx. two courses per semester) coursework curriculum and write a doctoral dissertation of between 300-400 pages.
The research interests and backgrounds of faculty members involved in the LL.D. program are available here.

For extra information and advice on drafting a thesis proposal, please click here.

4 Admission Requirements
For admission to the LL.D., applicants must meet the following requirements:
The JDS LL.D. Program
- In principle, all applicants must have obtained a Master's degree within the framework of the JDS program from Kyushu University, Graduate School of Law.
  - A good command of English. A TOEFL score of 100+ (Internet-based) or equivalent is required for non-native English speakers.
  - A citizen of a selected country that is operating the JDS Doctoral Program.
  - Currently employed, in a permanent position, by a government or other public agency.
  - Under 45 years old as of April 1, 2020 (i.e., born on, or after, April 2, 1974).
  - At least two years of full-time work experience as a government employee, after obtaining a Master's degree, at the time of the application deadline.
  - A proper understanding of the purpose of the JDS program as described in Section 2 above and a willingness to contribute to the development of the home country after completion of the doctoral thesis.
  - An official letter from the applicant's organization giving permission to participate on the program (the "Official Nomination Letter").
  - Must be mentally and physically in good health.
The KCCP LL.D. Program
- All applicants are expected to have engaged in some form of legal study at graduate level.
  - A good command of English. A TOEFL score of 100+ (Internet-based) or equivalent is required for non-native English speakers.
Please note that scholarships may have additional requirements.
Please note that individuals that have already received a doctoral degree at an overseas university or receive (or will receive) financial support from other foreign funding agencies are not eligible for this program.
JDS and KCCP doctoral scholarships are offered in selected countries. For further information, please contact the local JICA office.
5 Application Materials & Procedure
Application requirements and procedures for the JICA-LL.D. vary depending on whether the applicant wishes to apply for which scholarship program
i. JDS LL.D. Scholarship
This scholarship is available from JICA and is only available for graduates of the Faculty of Law, Kyushu University who have already completed the JDS program and returned to their home country.
Application Guidelines for the JDS LL.D. Scholarship can be downloaded here_15.
Applications open from July each year for October entry of the following year.
Applications for October 2024 entry are closed.
ii. The KCCP LL.D. Scholarship
JICA provides financial support to the students on this program upon application for funding regular visits to Japan for academic consultation, travel insurance and other necessary expenses necessary for completion of the research.
The Application Guidelines are the same as for the self-financing LL.D. program and can be downloaded here_12.
When applying for the self-financing LL.D., please indicate clearly if you are interested in this program and we will contact you regarding eligibility and other matters.
Applications open from Mid-September each year for October entry of the following year.
*JICA does not open the distance-learning bases program currently.
6 Tuition, Other Fees & Living Costs
The various university fees and estimated living costs are approximately as follows. Exact amounts are available upon request:
- Kyushu University Registration Fee: 30,000 yen.
  - Kyushu University Entrance Fee: 280,000 yen (paid once on enrollment).
  - Kyushu University Tuition Fee per Semester (2x per year): 270,000 yen.
  - Monthly Living Costs: 100,000 yen (approx.).
  - Money for Arrival: Based on the experience of former students, we recommend new students to bring a minimum of 150,000 yen in cash if staying in university accommodation and 200,000 yen if staying in private accommodation.
Some additional information on fees is available here:
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/education/fees/exempt01
7 Scholarship Information
General Scholarship Information can be found through the following link:
http://www.isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/intlweb/scholarship/view/list.php?nendo=2020&lang=en
* Normally, eligibility to apply for a scholarship is after enrollment of Kyushu University. Please check the conditions and procedure very carefully.
The following information is for the self-supporting international students.
The application must be received at your Student Affairs Division. Please note that the deadline of application is different from each Student Affairs Division.
Before Kyushu University recommends the students to a foundation, we may have screening within the university.
In case you have any questions, please be sure to inquire at your Student Affairs Division.
8 FAQ
Am I entitled to a waiver of the TOEFL etc. language requirement?
Our normal practice is to require all applicants for whom English is a second language to submit a TOEFL test or equivalent, although if there are some special circumstances, we will consider a waiver.
If I have taken an English test other than TOEFL, what score is required?

A conversion chart is available here

Do I need a law degree in order to apply for the LL.D.?
A law degree is not absolutely necessary in order to be eligible to apply, however, a significant part of your undergraduate degree must have been in law.
Are there any opportunities for post-doctoral study?
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science offers a number of post-doctoral study opportunities.
9 Pamphlet
The LL.D. Pamphlet can be downloaded here
10 Contact Details & Inquiries
Inquiries regarding this program should be addressed to:
Fax: 81 [Japan] -92-802-5407
E-mail: admission@law.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Application materials should be submitted to:
Admission Office of the International Programs, Graduate School of Law, Kyushu University,
744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
11 Privacy Policy
Before applying please read carefully the relevant Privacy Policy of Kyushu University:
For international applicants:
http://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/website/privacypolicy/internationalstudents
For applicants currently enrolled at Kyushu University:
http://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/website/privacypolicy/students
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International Programs in Law, Graduate School of Law, Kyushu University
744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, 819-0395 Fukuoka Fax +81-(0)92-802-5407
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International Programs in Law,
Graduate School of Law, Kyushu University
744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, 819-0395 Fukuoka
Fax +81-(0)92-802-5407
Privacy Policy