2-year program students enroll at Hitotsubashi ICS in mid- or late-September and graduate in August two years later. In the first year, 2-year students undergo exactly the same academic requirements as the 1-year students. However, 2-year students can custom-build their second year curriculum.

In the Fall and Winter terms - October through February - of the second year, students can participate in the following activities:

1. attend a student exchange program abroad at UCLA Anderson School of Management, London Business School, or other top partner business school;
2. participate in a non-remunerative company internship program either in Japan or overseas;
3. develop a business plan for a new venture; or
4. conduct an individual research project, which includes writing a case or a consulting report.

In the Spring and Summer terms - April through July - of the second year, students can choose to work with professors on outside projects, continue to pursue their own interests (after consulting with their seminar advisers), and/or take elective courses offered by the International Business Strategy Program or, subject to the approval of the faculty, the evening Finance Strategy and Management Program (offered only in Japanese) at Hitotsubashi ICS. During the entire second year, non company-sponsored students can work with the Career Services Director on post-MBA career opportunities.

NOTE: Applicants who apply to the 2-year option may be able to graduate on an accelerated basis. The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology allows 2-year program students who excel in their studies and course work during the first year (GPA of 3.5 and above) to graduate early if they elect to do so. Early graduation would enable qualified students to receive their MBA in a year and a half, i.e., after Term 2 of the second year.

Students in the 1-year option or 2-year option (with the possibility of early graduation) receive exactly the same high quality education and the same level of commitment and support from our faculty and university staff.