Introduction to the Young Leaders' Program (YLP) in Law

The Young Leaders' Program (YLP) was established in 2001 as a one-year Master's program by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The program aims to contribute to the fostering of future national leaders in Asian and other countries, while deepening the participants' understanding of Japan and forming a network of national leaders.

Program Overview

The Graduate School of Law, Kyushu University administers the "Young Leaders' Program in Law" (YLP in Law) under the framework of the YLP. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of law and its applications, with a focus on fostering future national leaders.

Eligible Countries

Participants for the YLP in Law are selected from the following sixteen countries:

• P. R. China
• Republic of Korea
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Laos
• Myanmar
• Cambodia
• Mongolia
• Singapore
• India
• South Africa
• Turkey

Program Duration

The YLP in Law is taught on a full-time basis and takes 12 months for completion, beginning in October every year and ending in September of the following year.

Program Requirements

YLP in Law students are expected to complete a 20-credit coursework curriculum (approximately five courses per semester) and write a Master's Thesis of at least 50 pages. The indicative list of courses includes:

• A range of law-related subjects

Admission Requirements

For admission to the YLP in Law, students must meet the following requirements:

• Nationals of a country that is participating in the YLP scheme
• Under 40 years of age at the time of enrollment at Kyushu University
• An undergraduate degree in Law from an accredited university
• A good command of English (TOEFL score of 550+ (paper-based), or 80+ (Internet-based) or equivalent is required for non-native English speakers)
• At least 4 years of work experience in the applicant's home country in a law office or in the legal section of a company or government department

Selection Process

Kyushu University will select candidates from among applicants by means of an interview and a review of the submitted documents. If it is not possible to hold an interview in the applicant's home country, an interview may be conducted by telephone or the Internet.

Scholarship

Each grantee will be provided with a monthly stipend of approximately 240,000 yen during the term of the scholarship. The amount of allowance will be subject to change depending upon the annual budget of the Japanese government for each fiscal year. Additionally, an economy class air ticket to and from Japan will be provided, and all fees will be paid for by the Japanese government.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.
• 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.

Kyushu University