Japan

Aoyama Gakuin University, Tokyo (AGU)

Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU)

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Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU) is one of the most for popular universities for Japanese high schools mostly due to its location and its atmosphere. Aoyama Gakuin University is divided in two campuses, the Aoyama Campus and the Sagamihara Campus. Aoyama Campus is the main campus and is located in the Shibuya area, one of the hubs of Tokyo. It combines the classical urban campus built of the 19th century with quiet, green park-like space in the middle of a vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Tokyo, among others with its internationally-renowned pop culture at Harajuku and Omotesando. Its second campus, Sagamihara Campus, located in the west of Tokyo, is a suburban campus offering vast open spaces and cutting edge research with state of the art equipment.
Aoyama Gakuin University offers a variety of study opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, among other Social Sciences, Humanities, Economics and Natural Sciences.
www.aoyama.ac.jp/en/
 

Key data

Semester dates:

Term 1 (Autumn): Mid-September - Mid-March
Term 2 (Spring): April - Mid-September
(The semester dates may vary, so please consult the partner university’s homepage for further and detailed information.)

Duration of stay: 1 term (1 academic year only if the number of applicants permits)

Application deadlines:

Term 1 (Autumn): 31 January
Term 2 (Spring): 31 July of the previous year
 

Study programme (Undergraduate & Graduate)

• http://web.iec.aoyama.ac.jp/foreigner/exchange/overview
• English Course offer: http://web.iec.aoyama.ac.jp/english/exchange/classes.html
• Course Catalogue (Japanese): http://syllabus.aoyama.ac.jp/

Please note:

• Participation in events / classes about the Japanese culture is mandatory.
• A minimum of 14 credit points per semester is mandatory.
   

Prerequisites

• good academic standing GPA 2.5 (corresponds to a German grade of 2.5)
• good English skills (min. B2) or Japanese skills (N5/N4) of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). If only English taught courses are attended, then Japanese skills are not required, but still welcomed.
   

Application

Application documents:

Application documents as indicated on the application page. The following language certificates are accepted:

• TOEFL iBT (72–94) and IELTS (5.5)
• Language certificates may not be older than three years at the time of application.

Please note: All application documents must be submitted in the form of a single PDF document by e-mail.

After a nomination:

• Bank financing certificate in English (about 5,400 € per semester; no liability)
• Health certificate
• Letter of reference from a university lecturer in English
• 5 passport photos (3x4 cm, white background)
   

Further information

• General information on Japanese universities, study system etc.:
  World Education Services: www.wes.org/ewenr/06aug/japan.html
  www.jasso.go.jp/en/
   

Reports from students on Aoyama Gakuin University [de]

Chuo University, Tokyo

Chuo University

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Chuo University is a state university in Tokyo that was founded in 1885 as the "English School of Law". Today, more than 26,000 students study there. It is divided into four campuses. The main campus, Tama, is located in western Tokyo (in Hachioji City, about 45 minutes by train from the centre) and houses the faculties of Law, Economics, Commerce, Languages and Political Studies. The Korakuen Campus (Faculty of Science and Engineering), the Ichigaya Campus (Chuo Law School) and the Ichigaya Tamachi Campus (Global Informatics) are all located in central Tokyo. Within these faculties, Chuo University offers Bachelor and Master students in Law, Economics, Natural Sciences and Political Science a variety of study options.
http://global.chuo-u.ac.jp/english/

Key data

Semester dates:

Semester 1 : April - June
Semester 2: September - January
(The semester dates may vary, so please consult the partner university’s homepage for further and detailed information.)

Duration of stay: 1 Semester or 1 year

Application deadlines:

Semester 1 : 31 July of the previous year
Semester 2 : 31 January
 

Study programme (Bachelor & Master)

• Law
• Economics
• Natural Sciences
• Political Sciences

Please note: Exchange Students cannot participate in classes offered in the study programmes Professional Graduate Program (Law School, Business School) and Faculty of Global Informatics!
 

Prerequisites

• good to very good academic performance (min. German average grade 2.5)
• good English skills (min. B2).
• Knowledge of Japanese

  • Graduate students need to offer proof of Japanese language proficiency (JLPT min. N2).

  • Depending on the study program, Bachelor´s students also have to provide proof of Japanese language skills (JLPT N2-N3).

  • The courses are mostly offered in Japanese.
     

Application

Law students must apply for both the winter semester and the summer semester of the following year by 15 January via the department's own application portal.

Application documents:

Application documents as indicated on the application page. The following language certificates are accepted:

• E.g. DAAD language proficiency certificate (min. B2)
• Language certificates may not be older than three years at the time of application.

Please note: All application documents must be submitted in the form of a single PDF document by e-mail.
 

Further information

• General information on Japanese universities, study system etc.:
  World Education Services: www.wes.org/ewenr/06aug/japan.html
  www.jasso.go.jp/en/
• Info Flyer of Chuo University

Dokkyo University, Saitama

Dokkyo University

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Dokkyo University is located in the city of Soka in Saitama Prefecture. Despite its proximity to the city of Tokyo, which is about 30 minutes away by train, Soka is a quiet city with a cheaper cost of living than in Tokyo. Dokkyo University is known for its wide range of language training - the German department in particular is one of the largest in Japan. Because the campus is a manageable size, it offers international students the opportunity to network easily with Japanese students.

The university has no English course offerings except in medicine and offers a very well organised programme of Japanese language courses for undergraduate as well as graduate students. A short-term internship programme is also available during the summer and spring breaks for those students who have reached Japanese Level 4 (Upper-Intermediate) or higher. In summary, Dokkyo University is the perfect university for you if you want to learn Japanese.
www.dokkyo.ac.jp/english/

Key data

Semester dates:

Term 1 (Fall): End-September - End-January
Term 2 (Spring): End-April - End-July (Attention: No language courses at the Japanese beginner level)
(The semester dates may vary, so please consult the partner university’s homepage for further and detailed information.)

Duration of stay: 1 term or 1 year

Application deadlines:

Term 1 (Fall): 31 January
Term 2 (Spring): 31 July of the previous year
 

Prerequisites

Applicants must have at least JLPT N5 Japanese language skills. In addition, English language skills of at least B2 level must be verified.

Application

Medical students apply for a place at Dokkyo Medical University through the department's own process.

Application documents:

Application documents as indicated on the application page. The following language certificates are accepted:

• E.g. DAAD language proficiency certificate (min. B2)
• Language certificates may not be older than three years at the time of application.

Please note: All application documents must be submitted in the form of a single PDF document by e-mail.

After a nomination:

• Bank financing certificate in English (80.000 Yen (approx. 615 €)/month; no liability)
• Health certificate
• Letter of reference from a university lecturer in English
• 4 passport photos (4x3cm, white background)

Application forms from the host university at: www.dokkyo.ac.jp/english/admissions/documents.html
 

Further information

• General information on Japanese universities, study system etc.:
  World Education Services: www.wes.org/ewenr/06aug/japan.html
  www.jasso.go.jp/en/
   

Reports of students on Dokkyo University [de]

Hiroshima University

Hiroshima University

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Hiroshima University is one of the most important academic centres in western Japan, attracting students from all over Japan. In addition to the 12 faculties and schools, there are 11 graduate schools offering master's and doctoral degree programs. Established in 1996, the Hiroshima University Study Abroad Program, or HUSA, is an exciting and eye-opening international exchange program. Specifically designed for students interested in Japanese culture and society, or students who wish to deepen and broaden their studies with a study abroad program, HUSA offers an unparalleled cultural experience for either 1 semester or for a full academic year.
The university is particularly suitable for Bachelor and Master students of Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Education.
www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en
 

Key data

Semester Dates:

Semester 1 (Fall): October - Mid-February
Semester 2 (Spring): April - Mid-August
(The semester dates may vary, so please consult the partner university’s homepage for further and detailed information.)

Duration of stay:

1 semester (Fall Semester) or 1 academic year (starting in Fall Semester only)

Application deadline:

Semester 1 (Fall): 31 January (1 semester)
Academic year: 31 January (2 semesters)
 

Prerequisites

• Language proficiency test for English (min. B2) OR Japanese (min. N2).
• Knowledge of Japanese is desirable but not mandatory. In order to be able to follow the courses, which are mainly offered in Japanese, it is recommended to participate in an Intensive Japanese Language Class on site. Participation in these classes requires a "Japanese Placement Test", which is offered at the beginning of the semester.
   

Application

Application documents:

Application documents as indicated on the application page. The following language certificates are accepted:

• TOEFL (iBT: above 61; CBT: above 173; PBT: above 500) or IELTS (min. 5.0)
• Language certificates may not be older than three years at the time of application.

Please note: All application documents must be submitted in the form of a single PDF document by e-mail.

After a nomination:

• Bank financing certificate in English
• Health certificate
• Letter of reference from a university lecturer in English
   

Further information

• General information on Japanese universities, study system etc.:
  World Education Services: www.wes.org/ewenr/06aug/japan.html
  www.jasso.go.jp/en/
   

Reports of students on Hirsohima University [de]

International Christian University, Mitaka (ICU)

International Christian University (ICU)

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International Christian University (ICU) is a private university in Mitaka, a city in Tokyo Prefecture. About 3,000 students are enrolled there. ICU was established as a foundation in 1953. One aim was to provide higher education on a Christian basis in two languages - Japanese and English. ICU's founding philosophy embraces a trans-regional perspective and the university therefore has a long history of international student exchange.

To improve the Japanese language skills of exchange students, ICU offers Japanese Language Programs (JLP), into which students are placed according to placement tests.
The university offers the exchange programme for Bachelor students only and is particularly recommended for students of Social Sciences, Business and Economics or Natural Sciences.
https://office.icu.ac.jp/iee/en/

Key data

Semester Dates:

Term 1 (Autumn): September - November
Term 2 (Winter): December - March
Term 3 (Spring): April - June
(The semester dates may vary, so please consult the partner university’s homepage for further and detailed information.)

Duration of stay: 1 academic year starting in the autumn term

Application deadlines:

31 January
 

Study programme

https://campus.icu.ac.jp/public/ehandbook/CourseList.aspx?lang=E (courses taught in English are labelled with an ‚E‘).
 

Prerequisites

• at least 4 semesters of study completed
• very good academic performance GPA 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale, equivalent to German grade 2.0)
• very good English skills (C1) OR very good Japanese language skills (Level 1 or 2 JLPT)

Application

Application documents:

Application documents as indicated on the application page. The following English language certificates are accepted:

• IELTS (6.5); TOEFL iBT (79)
• Language certificates may not be older than three years at the time of application.

Please note: All application documents must be submitted in the form of a single PDF document by e-mail.

After a nomination:

• Bank financing certificate in English (about 100,000 Yen/ 760 € per month; 1,000,000 Yen/ 7,600 € for the academic year; without liability)
• 4 passport photos (3x4cm, max. 50kB; digital and paper - with name on the back)
• Reference Form and Recommendation Letter in English
   

Further information

• General information on Japanese universities, study system etc.:
  World Education Services: www.wes.org/ewenr/06aug/japan.html
  www.jasso.go.jp/en/
   

Reports of students on International Christian University [de]

Kyoto University

Kyoto University

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Kyoto University was founded in 1897 and is the second oldest university in the country. It is located in Kyoto City, the former capital of Japan, a university city known for its combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional culture.

Kyoto University is an internationally renowned university with approximately 26000 students enrolled. Among them are 2700 international students. In its 10 faculties, the university offers a variety of different study programmes. English language courses are offered in the KUINEP programme for undergraduate exchange students. In addition to regular courses, Kyoto University offers exchange students Japanese language courses at all levels. Furthermore, there are events for exchange students such as language exchanges or even monthly cultural events to learn about traditional Japanese culture and get to know fellow Japanese students.
www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/
www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/education-campus/education_and_admissions/non-degree-programs/exchange-students

Key data

Semester dates:

Semester 1 (Autumn): 1 October - 31 March
Semester 2 (Spring): 1 April - September
(The semester dates may vary, so please consult the partner university’s homepage for further and detailed information.)

Duration of stay: 1 semester

Application deadlines:

Semester 1 (Autumn): 31 January
Semester 2 (Spring): 31 July of the previous year
 

Study Programme (Undergraduate only)

• Humanities & Social Science (Philosophy; History & Civilization; Arts, Literature & Linguistics; Pedagogy, Psychology & Sociology; Regions & Cultures; Jurisprudence; Politics & Economics)
• Natural Sciences (Mathematics, Data Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science)
• Informatics
• Health and Sport Science

Please note: It is mandatory to participate in at least 7 classes during your stay, of which up to two can be Japanese language classes. For more information about the current offer, please consult Kyoto University’s homepage
 

Prerequisites

• good academic standing (at least German grade 2.0)
• good English (min. B2) or Japanese skills (N1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test JLPT). If only English taught courses are attended, then Japanese skills are not required, but still recommended.
 

Application:

Application documents:

Application documents as indicated on the application page. The following English language certificates are accepted:

• TOEFL iBT (79), IELTS (6.5), DAAD language proficiency certificate (min. B2)
• Language certificates may not be older than three years at the time of application.

Please note: All application documents must be submitted in the form of a single PDF document by e-mail.

After a nomination:

For more information on the required documents in case of nomination, please visit the Kyoto University website.
 

Further information

• Insurances:
  Students who wish to spend more than 3 months at Kyoto University have to get a state-mandated health insurance via the National Health University Insurance Programm (NHI) as well as an indemnity Insurance via Kyoto University’s Gakubai Programm.
  Costs (without liability)
  • Health Insurance: 2.000 Yen (monthly)
  • Indemnity Insurance: 2.000 Yen (yearly)
  • Insurance Registration Fee: 4.000 Yen (once only upon registration)
  • Private travel insurance is also recommended.
    
    For further information about health insurance and indemnity insurance, please consult the following website.
• General information on Japanese universities, study system etc.:
  World Education Services: www.wes.org/ewenr/06aug/japan.html
  www.jasso.go.jp/en/
• Video about Kyoto University

Niigata University

Niigata University

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Niigata City, with its 800,000 inhabitants, is the capital of Niigata Prefecture. The city has a long tradition, but is still a modern city with a lot to offer. The city is surrounded by sea and mountains and therefore offers good conditions for hiking or mountain biking. In addition, Niigata is known for its food and is considered one of the best culinary destinations in Japan.
The university offers a great variety of classes for undergraduate students only! The university is particularly suitable for students of Law, Educational Sciences, Natural Sciences, Business and Economics and Medicine.
www.niigata-u.ac.jp/en
https://www.niigata-u.ac.jp/en/study/exchange/

Key data

Semester dates:

Term 1 (Spring): April - August
Term 2 (Fall): October - February
(The semester dates may vary, so please consult the partner university’s homepage for further and detailed information.)

Duration of stay: 1 term or 1 year beginning Spring Term (April)

Application deadlines:

Term 1 (Spring): 31 July of the previous year
Term 2 (Fall): 31 January

Prerequisites

• good academic performance (min. GPA 2.3; corresponds to German grade 2.7)
• good English language skills (min. B2)
• Knowledge of Japanese is recommended but not mandatory. Courses are mainly offered in Japanese.
   

Application

Students of the Faculty of Law have to apply via their own faculty application process.

Application documents:

Application documents as indicated on the application page. The following language certificates are accepted:

• e.g. DAAD language proficiency certificate (min. B2)
• Language certificates must not be older than three years at the time of application.

Please note: All application documents must be submitted in the form of a single PDF document by e-mail.
 

After a nomination:

• Bank financing certificate in English
• Health certificate
• Letter of reference from a university lecturer in English
   

Further information:

• General information on Japanese universities, study system etc.:
  World Education Services: www.wes.org/ewenr/06aug/japan.html
  www.jasso.go.jp/en/
   

Reports of students on Niigata University [de]