Overview
Stabilizing and securing the fiscal foundation and achieving fair taxation are major challenges for developing countries today. To achieve these goals, the realization of efficient and effective tax administration is essential. The World Bank International Taxation Program of the Graduate School of Business and Commerce, launched in April 1996, was established with special funding from the World Bank. Its purpose was to deepen the academic knowledge and broaden the expertise of individuals engaged in tax administration in developing member countries of the World Bank, thereby cultivating human resources to lead and manage their countries' future tax administration. Since its inception, the program has been implemented in close cooperation with Japan's National Tax Agency and the National Tax College, with approximately five students studying under this program each year until fiscal year 2020. In September 2022, the program was reorganized as the Graduate School of Business and Commerce's own International Taxation Program. The program is currently operated with special funding from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
Curriculum Objectives
To cultivate the ability to understand and assess the relationship between tax administration, including tax systems, and economic development from the perspectives of economic management and public finance.
To deepen understanding of various concepts and methods related to taxation, from tax law systems to tax administration.
To acquire the key points of how to apply the aforementioned academic knowledge through practical, on-site training.
Objectives 1 and 2 are expected to be achieved primarily through coursework and research at the Graduate School of Business and Commerce, while objective 3 is expected to be achieved through training conducted concurrently at institutions such as the National Tax Agency and the National Tax College. By combining academic study at the Graduate School of Business and Commerce with practical training at the National Tax College, the program aims to foster comprehensive abilities.
All courses and instruction in this program are conducted in English. These English-taught courses are, of course, also open to students outside the International Taxation Program. They provide an excellent opportunity to study specialized fields, present research findings, and engage in discussions in English. Nearly thirty years have passed since the program's inception, and its achievements have steadily accumulated each year. It is gratifying to see and hear that many of our graduates have taken on important roles in the tax administration of their home countries. Furthermore, this type of international human resource development contributes to the globalization of Keio University.