How to apply

Before you begin

To qualify for consideration, you must have:

  • A Master’s, MBA, or higher degree from a recognized institution, or exemption from the DBA Program Committee. Applicants requesting an exemption must seek approval from the DBA Program Committee beforehand. Please inquire before the following deadline if seeking an exemption. 1st Round: August 1, 2025 2nd Round: January 23, 2026
    For specifics, see “Qualification of Applicants” in the Hitotsubashi ICS DBA Application Package
  • Sound knowledge of and interest in business scholarship, as demonstrated by the research proposal described in your application
  • Two or more years of full‐time work experience, or approval for exemption from the DBA Program Committee.
  • A good command of English, with a score above 109 in TOEFL iBT or 7.5 in IELTS Academic or equivalent.
  • GMAT score or GRE score is mandatory for all applicants.
  • GMAT 10th Edition score of 600 or higher, or GMAT Focus Edition Score of 555 or higher, or GRE score of 160 or higher on Quantitative Reasoning and 150 or higher on Verbal Reasoning.
  • GMAT scores and GRE scores are valid for up to five years after the exam date.
  • We accept score(s) of GMAT Focus Edition or GRE shorter overall test time.

For inquiries, email to: chiyoda-info@hub.hit-u.ac.jp

The application period

Our admissions process entails both an application and an interview. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible during the application period.

Applications are accepted twice a year, Round1 (from September to October) and Round2 (from March to April).

**IMPORTANT NOTICE**

[Updated on July 3, 2025]
If the number of applicants reaches the enrollment capacity in the first round, the second round will not be held.

Admissions schedule for 2026 intake is as follows:

Round 1Round 2Notes
STEP 1
Application period		 Thursday, September 11, 2025 - Wednesday, September 24, 2025 14:59 (JST) Thursday, March 12, 2026 - Wednesday, March 25, 2026 14:59 (JST)

By online application system only, with payment of application fee during application period. We do not review application received via post or email.

  1. Please download the application package containing detailed information before you begin your application process, and read it carefully.
Download the Application Package
  1. Start the application process from the button below.
Apply Now
STEP 2
Announcement of First screening result		 Friday, October 10, 2025 Friday, April 10, 2026 First screening based on written application documents.
STEP 3
Second screening (Interview)		 Friday, October 24, 2025 Friday, April 24, 2026

20-minute discussion based on written application documents if selected in the first screening.
Location: Hitotsubashi University Chiyoda Campus (National Center of Sciences) or Online The interview method and location are subject to change depending on circumstances.

Interview questions will be tailored to the content of the research plan outlined in the application document 'Essay.' Specific questions and sample answers will not be disclosed, as they involve personal information and the details of the individual applicant's research plan.
In general, the interview questions will aim to assess whether the applicant has the potential to carry out the research that meets the standards required by the program and ultimately complete and submit their doctoral thesis based on that research during their enrollment in the DBA program.
To better understand the program's expectations, it is best to refer to the Diploma Policy and the past theses submitted by graduates of the program.
STEP 4
Announcement of final result		 Friday, November 21, 2025 Thursday, May 28, 2026 By email and on the website.
Decisions will not be communicated by phone or fax.
STEP 5
Period for completion of enrollment		 Tuesday, November 25, 2025 – Monday, December 1, 2025 Monday, June 1, 2026 – Friday, June 5, 2026 Pay your matriculation fee to be officially enrolled and registered.

Notes

  • See the Hitotsubashi ICS DBA Application Package for more detailed information. We release the Application Package in July each year. Please make sure to download the latest version.
  • All documents must be written in English. For any documents or certificates written in another language, please attach an English translation.
  • Only complete applications will be considered. Incomplete applications at the time of the application deadline will not be considered.
  • The online application system’s ‘Submit’ button becomes available for selection ONLY when ALL mandatory documents above have been uploaded.
  • As the online application system can accept individual documents whenever they are ready and is also able to accept uploading of the same document multiple times, please start uploading individual documents to the online system as soon as they are available. In the case of needing to update an already-uploaded document, you may simply upload the document again. Please be sure to upload all documentation by the specified application deadline.
  • Maximum 10 files can be submitted and stored in each section.
  • Applicants who have disabilities or special needs that require accommodating in the application process and/or once they start their program of study at Hitotsubashi ICS should notify the Hitotsubashi ICS Admissions Office by email to <chiyoda-info@hub.hit-u.ac.jp> two months prior to the starting date of application period. (If you do not know the application period, please contact us as well. Although the Hitotsubashi ICS Admissions Office will accept such notifications after this date, it may not be able to make arrangements necessary to accommodate disabilities/special needs in time for the screening and/or the program starting date.) Requesting such type of accommodation in the application process does not obligate you to apply to Hitotsubashi ICS. Even if you are undecided about whether or not to apply to Hitotsubashi ICS, you may still make such requests.
    NB: Depending on the nature of the accommodation requested, it may take some time for the Hitotsubashi ICS Admissions Office to respond.