Doshisha University - Doshisha Business School

Doshisha's Global Business and Management Studies (Global MBA) is a two-year, full-time MBA program designed for those who are looking to advance their career and to have a positive impact on the world we live in. Doshisha Global MBA features include:

• After establishing a foundation in the core business subjects, build your own program in general business management or one of our focus areas: Sustainability and Green Business, Business in Asia, and Culture and Creativity (Learn more about our curriculum on our website.)
• An international student body
• An emphasis on social responsibility
• Preparation for career opportunities in Japan and abroad
• Tuition scholarship available to all international students
• A fantastic location

Entry is in September with applications accepted between December and May (June for residents of Japan).

Full details about the application process can be found on our website.

Doshisha University is located in the heart of Kyoto

Established in 1875, Doshisha University is widely recognized as one of Japan’s top comprehensive universities, with a distinguished history of education based on founder Joseph Hardy Neesima’s philosophy of “education guided by conscience.” Doshisha is one of the top four prestigious private universities in the Kansai (Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto) region, with 15 Faculties and Centers and 15 Graduate Schools.

Learn more about Doshisha University

The business school offers excellent facilities

Beyond ‘Business As Usual’

With a focus on sustainability, the Doshisha Global MBA guides students to explore and enquire beyond the established boundaries set by established theories and practices of global business and management to look beyond ‘business as usual’. As they grow into global-minded leaders, students will not only cover the breadth of standard MBA core subjects, but also develop deeper insights from the program’s three focus areas, and hone their analytical prowess through our program’s research thesis component.

Our aim is to prepare future business leaders who are willing and able to respond effectively to the emerging needs of the increasingly diverse groups of people participating in the global economy. The Doshisha Global MBA program offers a unique experiential MBA to students willing to work in partnership with professors and local and multinational business leaders when exploring - and challenging - traditions and trends in global business and management. 

Doshisha Business School is located in the beautiful and historic city of Kyoto, within Japan’s “Kansai” region (centered around Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe). Set in picturesque natural surroundings, Kyoto offers an exciting blend of traditional and modern, with 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, various artistic and spiritual pursuits, a safe and fun nightlife, and much more. The Kansai region is also the industrial heart of Japan, with a large number of manufacturers and numerous R&D centers and high-tech science parks. We encourage students to capitalize on being in this special place with its historic network of innovative and creative industries.

People Hold The Key

Since its inception, a striking feature of the Doshisha Global MBA program is the diversity of the people who make our program special. The students we work with come from a wide variety of backgrounds and during their studies can collaborate with colleagues from over 30 different countries. We welcome applications from aspiring and inspiring individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or nationality.

Visit our website to learn more.

Doshisha's Global MBA faculty is made up of active researchers with extensive experience in both business and the classroom. Visiting professors from top international business schools offer specialized courses and provide a global perspective. Small class size encourages close interaction between faculty and students, creating a unique and friendly learning environment. We also boast a capable and hard-working office staff who are dedicated to helping students smoothly deal with administrative matters.

Learn more about our faculty on our website.

To join our program, applicants should have:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university
• GMAT® or GRE® score
• Certificate of proficiency in the English language (where necessary), e.g.: TOEIC® Listening & Reading Test - 760 or above, TOEFL® - 83 or above (internet), 560 or above (paper), 220 or above (computer), IELTS™ - 6.0 or above, Cambridge Examination - FCE or above.
• Work experience (at least 2 years of full-time work experience is preferred.)

Full details are available on our website and in the Admission Guide.

Preliminary Application

If you are interested in applying for the program but would like to consult with us first, we invite you to submit an application for a preliminary interview. Our admissions team will put you in touch with one of our professors who will review your application and get back to you within five working days. Simply complete the preliminary application form and return it by e-mail to our office.

Find out how to request a preliminary interview on our website.

Formal application

Please complete the formal application in accordance with the instructions given in the admissions guide and make sure all required documentation arrives to our office by the advertised dates. Full details about the application process can be found in the 2019 applications guide available on our website.

Download the Admissions Guide here

Application fee

The non-refundable application fee is 15,000 yen.

Screening of documents

Our admissions committee will fully review your application form and supporting documentation on receipt. Applicants who successfully pass this screening stage will be called for interview.

Formal Interview

The formal interview is conducted by the faculty members of Doshisha Business School (DBS) and is an important part of the applications process and an opportunity for us to assess your motivation, communication skills, and suitability for the program. Applicants residing in Japan will be invited to a face-to-face interview in principle. Overseas applicants will be interviewed using video-call.

Admissions decision

Following the interview, a final decision will be made on your application by DBS faculty members and you will be notified of the decision shortly thereafter. 

Offer and enrollment

Successful applicants will receive an offer letter and are required to pay a non-refundable admission fee by the specified deadline. Once you have accepted your place and paid the admission fee, you can then proceed to the registration procedures including immigration procedures for overseas applicants.

Read more about the formal application process on our website.

The total fee for two years for the Global MBA is 1,631,000 yen, but Doshisha University Merit Scholarships for Self-Funded International Students are available to all self-funded international students and reduce the tuition fees by 30%-100%.

Learn about Scholarships and Costs

Scholarships are available for all international students!* (Conditions may apply to some international applicants.)

All successful privately funded international applicants for 2019 entry are eligible for tuition-reduction scholarships ranging from 30% to 100% of tuition fees.

• A 100% tuition fee reduction available to 30% of international applicants
• A 50% tuition fee reduction available to 30% of international applicants
• A 30% tuition fee reduction available to 40% of international applicants

In addition, we are pleased to be able to offer several scholarship and funding opportunities to promising Global MBA applicants.

For full details on scholarships and costs, please visit our website.
Read more: Scholarships and Costs

Live in the dynamic Kansai region

A safe, exciting, and fascinating country and one fully integrated into the dynamic Asian economy, Japan is an excellent place to study for your MBA. Doshisha Business School is located in the ancient capital of Kyoto, which lies at the heart of the broader Kansai economy.

Kyoto - ancient capital and modern city

Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kyoto is the location of choice for innovators, academics, and all those wishing to surround themselves with a fascinating balance of the past, present, and future. While traditional Kyoto draws tourists from all over the globe to its temples and gardens, modern Kyoto offers everything that the resident or visitor could desire: exciting shopping districts, a safe and fun night life, a variety of natural and spiritual pursuits and institutions, and access to Japan's international hub cities of Osaka and Kobe. The Kansai region of Japan (centered around Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe) offers a multicultural environment with China-towns, Korea-towns, and a huge range of cultural and entertainment events.

Kansai - a global business hub

With the largest number of manufacturers in the country, Kansai is regarded as the industrial heart of Japan and is deeply connected with the broader Asian economy. Many leading Japanese companies, including Nintendo, Panasonic, Kawasaki, Itochu, Sharp, Daihatsu, Daikin, Kyocera and Omron, were established or are headquartered in the region, and Doshisha Business School maintains strong relationships with local industry. With cutting-edge research institutes and dozens of universities, Kansai is a major R&D center, boasting a large number of high-tech science parks and next-generation industrial clusters. Many leading multinationals, including AstraZeneca, Bayer Healthcare, P&G, Haier, Recaro and Nestlé, have also chosen Kansai as their Japanese base.

Read more: About Us

At Doshisha, you will find that the university provides a wide range of student support to help you settle into your new life in Japan. Finding the right place to live is essential for making the most of your time studying and living in Kyoto. We will be happy to introduce you to housing agencies who can provide you with a list of accommodation options to match your budget and lifestyle.

Read more on our website: Living in Kyoto

The Global MBA student body brings together a diverse group of people from all over the world, with various academic and professional backgrounds and a broad range of life experience. See what students have to say about our program and why they chose to come to Doshisha.

Toan Thi Bich Nguyen, Vietnam
I am excited to join this program where I will be able to integrate wisdom from all over the world to create value in my future career. With unique courses that focus on innovation and creativity and dedicated professors who inspire a passion for finding solutions to new challenges, my experience here will enrich my knowledge and foster my skills to succeed in the changing world of the 21st century. I’m sure that these two years studying in the retro-modern city of Kyoto, where contemporary life is intertwined with tradition, will be an unforgettable experience.

Maha El Khamlichi, Morocco
Studying in Japan is a dream come true for me. Four years ago, I was able to do an internship in Kyoto. Staying 6 months in such a magnificent and inspiring city wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to learn further about the culture and to further experience the beauty of Japan. Therefore, I decided to continue my studies at Doshisha Business School. Apart from the ideal location, I picked DBS for its renowned MBA program with a strong emphasis on social responsibility. I hope to expand my knowledge and to acquire the necessary skills to create my own company during these 2 years.

Hitoshi Nagatani, Colombia
After three years of professional experience, I decided it was time to continue my academic development. An MBA was the perfect choice. I wanted to be based in an influential and intellectual city, and in a program with outstanding credibility. Besides ticking all the boxes, I was really drawn to DBS’s sustainability, green business, and creativity courses. I am thrilled to broaden my perspective and create new and exciting experiences.

Read more from our students: Student Life