Hitotsubashi ICS: Join Japan’s Top MBA Program with a Full Scholarship

If you’re thinking about doing an MBA in Japan, Hitotsubashi ICS is probably already on your radar.

It’s a top-ranking international business school in Japan that offers a global focused MBA program backed by a close-knit community and a strong alumni network.

Those looking to enhance their leadership skills, transition careers, expand their professional network, or dive deeper into Japanese and global business will find ICS an excellent choice.

But one thing that often comes up? COST. And that’s where scholarships can really make a difference.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of applying to Hitotsubashi ICS and show you how to go about securing the two major MEXT scholarships that can help fund your studies.

I have been fortunate to have obtained my MBA degree at Hitotsubashi ICS with a full scholarship from the Japanese government, under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

With my tuition and living expenses covered by the scholarship, I enjoyed two years of education without worrying about my finances. If you’re hoping to secure similar funding, I’ve got you covered!

I’ve broken down the steps to make it easier to understand, especially if you’re just starting your research.

Ready to take the next step toward your MBA journey? Let’s dive in!

Important Note:
While some parts are written in the context of the Philippines, most of the article applies to other prospective students in general.

Overview of Hitotsubashi ICS

Before discussing scholarships, let’s first understand what Hitotsubashi ICS is all about and take a closer look at its MBA program.

Brief History

Hitotsubashi University

Founded in 1875, Hitotsubashi University is a national university that has a long history of excellence in business education. It specializes in social sciences, particularly in the fields of business, law, economics, and commerce.

Its emphasis on “captains of industry” reflects its strong commitment to shaping leaders in the business world while staying true to its tradition of practical and real-world education.

As one of the most prestigious universities in Japan, Hitotsubashi is highly selective, often grouped with the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University for its very low acceptance rates.

Hitotsubashi ICS

Building on the legacy of Hitotsubashi University, the School of International Corporate Strategy (“Hitotsubashi ICS” or simply “ICS”) was established in 2000 by Ikujiro Nonaka and Hirotaka Takeuchi, both renowned management scholars on knowledge creation and innovation.

ICS is the first national business school in Japan with programs offered entirely in English. Today, it’s recognized for its global curriculum while staying connected to Japanese business traditions, embodying its mission to achieve the “Best of Both Worlds.”

While the main campus of Hitotsubashi University is in Kunitachi, which is on the outskirts of Tokyo, the campus of ICS is located in Chiyoda, a business hub within central Tokyo.

MBA Program

The Hitotsubashi ICS MBA program offers a premium, boutique learning experience designed as a leadership development journey. The program is fully conducted in English and can be completed in either 1 or 2 years, depending on your needs.

Located in the heart of Tokyo’s business districts, ICS provides a wide array of opportunities to engage with global business leaders and industry experts in Japan.

If you’re looking for an MBA program that goes beyond academics, with a bespoke approach to leadership and practical learning, Hitotsubashi ICS is where you’ll find it.

Program Types

One of the standout features of the Hitotsubashi ICS MBA program is the flexibility it offers through two distinct tracks: a 1-year or 2-year option. This allows you to tailor your MBA experience based on your personal goals and career trajectory.

Regardless of the program track you choose, the contents and timeline of the first year will be the SAME, which covers the core curriculum of building a comprehensive foundation in business and leadership.

For those who choose the 2-year track, the second year offers a unique opportunity to personalize your MBA experience. You’ll have the freedom to dive deeper into areas that align with your career goals and interests such as:

• Double degree program
• Exchange program
• Company internship
• Independent project or activity

The track you choose depends on your post-MBA goals:

Choose the 1-year track if you plan to return to your home country, continue working at your previous company, obtain company sponsorship, or apply via YLP.

Choose the 2-year track if you will change your career, relocate to Japan, or pursue any of the second-year activities mentioned above.

Financing

As a public and national university, Hitotsubashi ICS offers low tuition and matriculation fees—about 10% of what you’d pay at a typical U.S. business school and around half the cost of other international business schools in Japan.

Matriculation Fee	JPY 282,000
Annual Tuition Fee	JPY 642,960

Even if you do not manage to secure scholarships, ICS is still quite affordable. You can certainly maximize your return on investment in the MBA program.

Japanese Government Scholarships

One of the biggest concerns for international students considering an MBA in Japan is how to fund their studies. This is a significant hurdle for young and aspiring leaders coming from a developing country such as the Philippines.

Fortunately, there are two major Japanese government scholarships that can help ease (or even eliminate) the financial burden.

Important Note:
The following details will focus on the scholarships as they apply to Hitotsubashi ICS only.

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Young Leader’s Program (YLP)

The YLP is one of the prestigious scholarships in Japan and is part of the broader scholarship opportunities provided by the MEXT.

It aims to cultivate future leaders from various countries, primarily in Asia, while fostering a deeper understanding of Japan and strengthening cultural ties between Japan and the participants’ home countries.

There are five courses covered by the YLP, each with a designated academic institution:

• School of Government Course – National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
• School of Local Governance Course – National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
• Healthcare Administration Course – Nagoya University
• Business Administration Course – Hitotsubashi University
• Law Course – Kyushu University

Only 15 students from all the eligible countries can obtain this scholarship. Of the 15 slots, 3 to 5 are usually taken by Filipinos.

If you will take the Business Administration Course of the YLP, then you can only join the 1-year program.

The YLP is also the most common route for Filipinos applying to Hitotsubashi ICS. In fact, the YLP is so popular that applicants first discover ICS only after learning about the YLP!

Eligibility Criteria

To be qualified for selection in the YLP, you must meet the following conditions:

• Nationality – Must be a national of one of the following countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, China, Republic of Korea, Republic of Türkiye, Romania, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam.

• Age – Under 40 years old.

• Academic background – At least a college graduate with excellent results.

• English ability – Must obtain at least the following scores in one of these exams:

TOEFL-iBT: 100
TOEFL-PBT: 600
TOEFL-CBT: 250
IELTS: 7.0

Note: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are standardized tests that measure English proficiency.

• General aptitude – Must obtain at least the following scores in one of these exams:

GMAT: 600
GMAT Focus: 555
GRE: 160 in Quantitative Reasoning and 150 in Verbal Reasoning

If no GMAT or GRE score is submitted, a verbal and quantitative exam must be taken on interview day.

• Professional experience – At least 2 years of full-time work experience.

• Health – Must be medically adequate to study in Japan.

• Arrival in Japan – Must arrive in Japan at least two weeks before the program starts.

• Visa requirement – Should newly obtain a “Student” visa, regardless of whether you already have a permanent or long-term visa status.

• Return to home country after scholarship period – This is a new eligibility criterion beginning 2023 to ensure that the YLP objective of building friendly relations between Japan and other countries will be met.

Benefits and Coverage

YLP scholars are entitled to the following scholarship benefits:

• Monthly allowance of JPY 242,000 for 11 months (from October to August of the following year)
• Economy class round-trip airfare to Japan
• Education fees including matriculation and tuition fees

In addition, YLP scholars are guaranteed a slot in TIEC Residence Hall B for accommodation.

Application Requirements

To apply for the YLP, these are the specific requirements you will need to submit:

• Completed application form
• Photograph (6×4 cm)
• Recommendation letter from the recommending authority
• Degree certificate
• Official transcript
• YLP essay
• Hitotsubashi ICS essays
• Two letters of reference
• Passport copy
• Certificate of health
• GMAT/GRE score report (optional)
• TOEFL/IELTS score report (optional)

While the GMAT or GRE score reports are optional, those who do not submit them are required to take a similar aptitude test on the day of the interview.

Instead of the TOEFL or IELTS score reports, applicants may opt to submit a Certificate of English as a Medium of Instruction from their university.

Application Process Timeline

Applying through the YLP track is a lengthy and rigorous process, but the upside is that once you pass, your scholarship is guaranteed.

The process begins with the first screening, conducted by one of the recommending authorities who review your application documents. The submission period typically runs from late July to late September.

For the Business Administration track, you can apply through either the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) or Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCI), with MAP being the more common option.

Junior Chamber International Philippines	Management Association of the Philippines
#14 Don A. Roces Avenue, Quezon City E-mail: nom@philjaycees.com Tel. No. 8374-4138	Unit 608, Tower One 6F, Ayala Triangle, Ayala Avenue, Makati City E-mail: map@map.org.ph;  mapsecretariat@map.org.ph Tel. No. 7751-1152

The results of the first screening are announced in late December. If you pass, you will move on to the second screening stage, administered by Hitotsubashi ICS.

The second screening takes place in late January and involves a 30-minute video interview with two ICS faculty members. If you haven’t submitted a GMAT or GRE score when you applied, you will also need to take a 1-hour online aptitude test on the same day.

If you are successful in the second screening, you will then proceed to the final screening, which is conducted by the YLP committee of MEXT. This phase involves a detailed review and evaluation and takes several months to complete.

The final results will be announced in early May by both your recommending authority and the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC). Once selected, the JICC will send you detailed instructions for applying for your student visa.

Note: The above timeline is based on the 2024 YLP batch.

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MEXT Scholarship (Research Student Category)

The MEXT Scholarship (also called “Monbukagakusho Scholarship” or simply “MEXT”) is a prestigious scholarship sponsored by Japan’s MEXT.

It covers several categories including Teacher Training, Japanese Studies, Undergraduate Student, Research Student, Specialized Training, and College of Technology.

The Research Student category, in particular, is designed to support international students pursuing advanced research at Japanese universities in a master’s or doctor’s degree program.

Applicants can obtain this scholarship in either of two ways: (1) Embassy-recommended and (2) University-recommended.

In the Embassy-recommended track, applicants apply through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Once recommended by the embassy, the student can apply to multiple universities in Japan and, upon acceptance, is granted the scholarship.

In the University-recommended track, applicants apply directly through a Japanese university that nominates students for the scholarship. The university recommends specific candidates to MEXT based on their academic qualifications and fit with the program.

Of the two types, only the University-recommended track is accepted by Hitotsubashi ICS for the MBA program.

There are two parts to the application process for this type of scholarship: one for Hitotsubashi ICS and another one for MEXT.

Eligibility Criteria

To be qualified for selection for Hitotsubashi ICS, you must meet the following criteria:

• Academic background – At least 16 years of education and obtained a bachelor’s degree with sound academic record.

• Professional experience – At least 2 years of full-time work experience.

In addition, if you are aiming for the MEXT scholarship, you must meet the following conditions:

• Nationality – Must be a national of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.

• Age – Under 35 years old at the time of application.

• Japanese language – Willing to learn Japanese and adapt to living in Japan.

• Health – Must be medically adequate to study in Japan.

• Arrival in Japan – Must arrive in Japan at least two weeks before the program starts.

• Visa requirement – Should newly obtain a “Student” visa, regardless of whether you already have a permanent or long-term visa status.

Benefits and Coverage

MEXT scholars are entitled to the following scholarship benefits:

• Monthly allowance of JPY 147,000 (from October to August of the year of graduation)
• Economy class round-trip airfare to Japan
• Education fees including matriculation and tuition fees

MEXT scholars are also given priority in applying for a slot in any of the buildings at TIEC Residence Halls.

In the MEXT scholarship, returning to the home country is not a requirement, so scholars may decline the return flight ticket.

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• Degree certificate
• Official transcript
• Essays
• GMAT/GRE score report
• Proof of application fee payment
• Document for identity verification (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
• One or two letters of reference (optional)
• TOEFL/IELTS score report (optional)

The GMAT or GRE is mandatory for all applicants. Although there is no minimum score, applicants with low scores must demonstrate sufficient aptitude in other parts of their application such as essays or interviews.

The letters of reference used to be a requirement but have now become an optional part of the application. However, ICS still highly recommends that applicants submit one or two reference letters.

Additional documents for the MEXT scholarship application are as follows:

• Completed application form (Form 5)
• Field of study and research plan (Form 6)
• One letter of recommendation addressed to the president of Hitotsubashi University
• Summary of undergraduate or graduate thesis from your previous university
• Two photographs (4.5 x 3.5 cm)
• Signed pledge

Application Process Timeline

In the University-recommended track, there are TWO phases of the application process: one for applying to Hitotsubashi ICS and another for the MEXT scholarship itself.

First, you must apply to Hitotsubashi ICS within Round 1 of the regular admissions process, which typically runs from early August to mid-October. If you miss this deadline, you will not be granted the opportunity to apply for the MEXT scholarship.

Once your application is submitted, the results of the first screening are announced in early November. If successful, you’ll proceed to the second screening, which is a 15-minute interview by video call with two ICS faculty members, typically held in late November.

Final results are announced in early December, along with enrollment procedures. If you pass and are offered a seat in the program, you may be nominated by ICS for the MEXT scholarship. This nomination is based on merit, primarily on your GMAT or GRE score.

If you are nominated, you will receive an email about your MEXT candidacy, and you will be given one week to confirm your intention to apply for the scholarship.

By late December, the admissions office of ICS will send you the application guidelines for the MEXT scholarship. You will need to submit additional documents by mail within a tight deadline, typically by early February of the following year.

After submission, MEXT will review your application over several months. If you meet all eligibility criteria and submit complete documents, the chances of rejection at this stage are extremely low.

Finally, the results of the scholarship are announced in early July. You will receive a Certificate of Japanese Government Scholarship along with instructions for applying for your student visa from Hitotsubashi University.

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Key Differences between YLP and MEXT Scholarships

When deciding between the YLP and the MEXT scholarships, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two.

Both scholarships provide excellent opportunities, but they cater to different student needs and have distinct application processes. Let’s break it down:

Applicable Program

YLP scholars can only apply to the 1-year program and are expected to return to their home countries after graduation.

MEXT scholars can apply either to the 1- or 2-year program. Accepting the return flight ticket is optional.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria are nearly the same for both YLP and MEXT tracks, except for the age requirement.

YLP scholars must be under 40 years old, while MEXT scholars must be under 35 years old.

In addition, there are limited slots for these scholarships. The number of seats for the YLP is fixed at 15 per year, whereas MEXT slots vary, but are typically 3 to 5 slots per year.

Benefits and Coverage

There is a huge difference in terms of the monthly stipend for living expenses between YLP and MEXT.

YLP scholars receive a generous amount of JPY 242,000 every month. On the other hand, MEXT scholars receive JPY 147,000.

If you’re a MEXT scholar and plan to rely solely on the monthly stipend, it’s definitely possible to manage your living expenses within the JPY 147,000 allowance, as long as you maintain a tight budget and spend wisely (as I did!).

Still, your tuition fee and living expenses for the second year will be covered by MEXT, so that’s another JPY2.4 million total financial benefit.

Of course, with the YLP stipend, you have a lot more financial freedom to spend on travel, dining, and shopping!

Application Requirements

There are several differences in the requirements between the two scholarship tracks so let’s tackle them one by one:

Letters of reference / Recommendation letters

YLP scholars need to submit two letters of reference from their employer or their supervising professor at their university.

In addition, they also need to submit a recommendation letter from the recommending authority (JCI or MAP).

For MEXT scholars, they need to apply via the regular admissions process, where letters of reference have now become optional but highly recommended.

But for the MEXT scholarship application process itself, one letter of reference from the current or former employer or equivalent is necessary.

Essays

The YLP application document package includes a total of 6 essays:

1. YLP essay (1) which explains the applicant’s aspirations and future plans after the completion of the YLP

Hitotsubashi ICS essays (4 required, 1 optional) which should answer the following questions:

2. Describe your background, values, influences, and future professional goals.
3. Discuss a significant non-academic failure and what you learned from it.
4. Explain a situation where you led innovation or change and its impact on you and the organization.
5. Explain how you became interested in the Young Leaders’ Program at Hitotsubashi University.
6. Share any additional information that could support your application (optional).

The MEXT track includes 5 essays (all required), which are part of the regular admissions process of Hitotsubashi ICS. The essay topics include:

1. Describe yourself, your values, strengths, and weaknesses.
2. Explain your short- and long-term goals and how Hitotsubashi ICS can help you achieve them.
3. Describe a situation where you initiated or were involved in innovation or change, and explain the outcome.
4. Describe a recent workplace conflict, your actions, the result, and what you learned.
5. Outline the social impact you hope to make after graduating from Hitotsubashi ICS.

In the past, the essays for the YLP and regular admissions process were identical, with the difference being the YLP-specific essay only.

Exams

As a world-class business school, Hitotsubashi ICS requires applicants to take exams to evaluate their readiness for advanced business studies.

There are three standardized exams accepted by ICS:

• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

The GMAT is an exam used primarily for MBA and business school applications. It assesses critical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, along with the data sufficiency, logic, and analysis skills necessary for success in real-world business and management.

Although this version (10th edition) of the GMAT was available only until early 2024, GMAT scores remain valid for 5 years.

• GMAT Focus

The GMAT Focus is the new version of the GMAT, which was released in November 2023. The purpose and objective remain the same but with a more condensed test structure and shorter test length.

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

The GRE is a standardized test for various graduate programs around the world. It measures skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Many business schools accept GRE scores as an alternative to the GMAT for MBA applications.

Taking one of these exams is mandatory for those applying via the regular admissions process and thus the MEXT track. There is no minimum score, but those with higher scores would get a better chance of being nominated for MEXT scholarship.

Meanwhile, the three standardized exams are optional for those applying via the YLP track. If they choose to submit a GMAT/GRE score report, they should meet the minimum score outlined in the eligibility criteria.

However, if they opt not to any of the above-specified exams, they will take a similar but short aptitude test on the same day of their interview.

Here is a table comparison of all the exams:

Application fees

For the YLP track, applicants do not need to pay anything to the recommending authority or to Hitotsubashi ICS. They only need to pay for the cost of preparing or obtaining their documents.

For the MEXT track, applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of JPY 30,000 to Hitotsubashi ICS.

Considering that GMAT or GRE is mandatory for this track as previously explained above, simply applying to ICS would already cost around PHP26,000 (JPY 30,000 + USD 250).

Certificate of health

YLP applicants must obtain this document from the medical institution designated by the Japanese Embassy. A prescribed format is available on the YLP page on the Embassy’s website.

This document is not required in the regular admissions process nor in the MEXT scholarship application process.

Application Timeline

The application timelines for both the YLP and MEXT tracks are almost similar.

YLP applications start in late July while the regular admissions process starts at the beginning of August. From there, however, the phases and timelines significantly differ.

	YLP	MEXT
First screening Document submission	Late July to late September	Early August to mid-October (Round 1)
Second screening Interview and exam	Early January	Late November
Final screening results ICS and MEXT/YLP	Early May (ICS and YLP)	Early December (ICS); Early July (MEXT)

Other Financial Aid Options

Other than the Japanese government scholarships, YLP and MEXT, there are additional scholarships available for those looking to fund their MBA journey. Below are a few alternatives to consider:

Bai Xian Scholarship

The Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) is part of the initiative of Bai Xian Asia Institute to promote cross-cultural understanding among young leaders from Asia.

The AFSLP has also partnered with Hitotsubashi ICS, offering qualified students a total amount of USD 25,000 per year or a maximum of USD 50,000 for the study duration. This grant is paid out quarterly and may be used to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

This scholarship is available only to 2-year program students, with slots usually ranging from 5 to 7 per year.

INPEX Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by INPEX Corporation, Japan’s largest oil and natural gas exploration and production company. INPEX has had a close partnership with Hitotsubashi ICS for more than a decade.

This scholarship provides a total annual grant of JPY 2,800,000, paid out per semester. The grant could be used to pay for tuition and living expenses. The scholarship is valid only for one year and cannot be extended.

This scholarship is available to students in either the 1-year or 2-year program, with only one recipient selected each year.

External Scholarships

All previously mentioned scholarships (YLP, MEXT, Bai Xian, INPEX) are pre-matriculation scholarships. In other words, recipients are selected before the MBA program starts.

If you have not earned any of these scholarships, the Scholarship Section of the MBA Administrative Office will assist you in finding other scholarship sources when you begin your studies at ICS.

These external scholarships are provided by private foundations or government agencies. Many of these scholarships have specific eligibility criteria based on nationality, academic background, or field of study, and most of them cover partial funding only.

Some examples including their monthly grants are the following:

• Mitsubishi Corporation International Scholarship (JPY 150,000)
• Tokio Marine Kagami Memorial Foundation ASEAN Student Scholarship (JPY 180,000)
• Mizuho International Scholarship Foundation (JPY 100,000)
• Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO): Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students (JPY 48,000)

You may find other potential funding options on the Study in Japan website.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Scholarship Success

Applying to Hitotsubashi ICS and securing a scholarship requires careful planning and a well-rounded approach. Here are some tips to help you craft a strong application package:

• Start early with preparation and research – Begin your scholarship search well in advance. Familiarize yourself with the MBA program and the application process. Don’t wait for the application guidelines for the current year to be posted before you start preparations!

• Read the guidelines thoroughly – Carefully review all the application guidelines, especially for the YLP and MEXT scholarship, as not following the instructions can result in disqualification. Pay close attention to the required documents, formatting rules, and submission deadline.

• Highlight relevant experiences and achievements – Showcase academic and professional accomplishments that align with the scholarship’s goals. For MEXT and YLP, highlight how you can contribute to relationship-building between Japan and your country.

• Demonstrate leadership and impact – Provide specific examples where you’ve taken on leadership roles and made a positive impact. Explain how these experiences have shaped you and how they align with the scholarship’s focus. This is especially important for YLP.

• Be yourself and highlight your unique profile – The admissions committee values diversity and unique perspectives. Be authentic in your application, and highlight the aspects of your background and experiences that make you stand out from other candidates.

• Aim for high scores on exams – Strong GMAT or GRE scores can significantly boost your chances of being awarded a scholarship. Non-YLP students who were scholarship recipients had an average score of 670 on the GMAT.

• Prepare thoroughly for interviews – Interviews are a critical part of the selection process. Practice common interview questions and prepare clear examples of your experiences. Rehearse with a mentor or friend to gain feedback and build your confidence.

• Network with alumni and current students – Connecting with alumni or current students can provide valuable insights into the program and help you better understand what the school values in its candidates. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them by e-mail or LinkedIn!

Your Next Career Step

Pursuing an MBA at Hitotsubashi ICS is a great investment in your future, and with careful planning, you can make it happen—especially with the help of a government scholarship.

Be sure to start early, do your research, and tailor your application to both the program and the scholarships. Every step you take brings you closer to your goal.

If you have questions, about Hitotsubashi ICS or scholarships, feel free to leave a comment below.

Good luck, and remember, countless students have been in your shoes and succeeded. You can too!

Special thanks to classmates and friends from Hitotsubashi ICS Class of 2022, 2023, and 2024 who helped me compile the information for this article.