What is JGRAD?

Japan Graduates Database (JGRAD) is collecting data about actual situations of doctoral students and the career progress of doctoral graduates. The aim of JGRAD is providing data on the education and training in their Ph.D. program as well as work experience and career development after graduation. NISTEP analyzes these data to understand the current situation of doctoral human resources in society and to identify problems to improve university’s programs and national policy.

JGRAD is managed by National Institute of Science and Technology policy (NISTEP) in cooperation with member universities. As of April 2025, 148 universities are currently members of JGRAD. Each member university can access data on doctoral students and graduates from its own university.

After initial activation, registrants can update his/her personal career information (work experience, study experience, and contact address, etc...). JGRAD collects information on a variety of career paths, not only researchers in academia, but also workers in the private sector or starting their own businesses.