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Student Exchange ProgrammeGlobal
Exchange Students
Gakushuin University annually accepts about 50 students from its international partner universities under the Exchange Programme. They participate in six-month or one-year programmes at Gakushuin to take courses in Japanese language and culture as well as in their areas of specialization. Like our regular students, exchange students can use such facilities on campus as PCs, the library and gym.
Application Procedures
If you are a student of one of our partner universities and wish to study at Gakushuin as an exchange student, you must contact the international office of your university. Deadlines for application are as follows:
For April admission: October 15 of the previous year
For September admission: March 15 of the year
The latest application guidelines and application forms can be downloaded from the links below.
Procedure
|
Event |
First Semester (starting in April) |
Second Semester (starting in September) |
Notification |
|
Nomination |
End of September |
End of February |
By email |
|
Application |
October 15th |
March 15 |
By email |
|
Issuance of Offer Letter |
December |
June |
By email |
|
Sending of Certificate of Eligibility |
February |
July |
By email |
|
Orientation & Japanese Placement Test |
Early April |
Early September |
At Gakushuin University |
Gakushuin University's Strengths
１．Friendly learning environment for exchange students
With only a small number (around 50 per year) of exchange students from abroad, Gakushuin has a very friendly, family-like atmosphere, which allows them to quickly feel at home!
２．Spacious campus in central Tokyo
Right in the heart of Tokyo, students can enjoy a peaceful learning environment surrounded by lush greenery.
３．Financial support from Gakushuin
Gakushuin's adequate financial assistance helps exchange students focus on their studies, not disturbed by financial constraints.
４．A wide range of courses taught in English
A wide selection of programs taught in English broaden the opportunities for students' global learning.
Scholarships and Other Support
１．Tuition Waiver
Based on inter-university agreements, tuition fees at Gakushuin University are fully waived.
２．Exchange Student Scholarship
A lump-sum scholarship of up to 60,000 yen is provided for one-semester study, and up to 120,000 yen for one-year study.
３．Housing Subsidy
For students staying in designated housings, a monthly subsidy of up to 50,000 yen is provided.
Other Support
1. Buddy System
Two or three Japanese student buddies are assigned to each exchange student to provide overall support during their stay.
2. Student Assistant (SA) System
Student Assistants (SAs) offer one-on-one support for exchange students' Japanese language learning, under the guidance and advice of the instructors in charge. This program is administered by the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Centre.
3. Writing Support
The Learning Support Center helps exchange students improve their Japanese writing in assignments, reports, and presentation materials by working together with them.
Japanese Language Courses
English-taught Courses Offered by International Centre
The International Centre offers courses in English that help students deepen their understanding of Japan. Many exchange students take these courses every year.
| Course Name | Content |
| Japan StudiesⅠ：Politics and Public Policy | This course will examine contemporary Japanese domestic politics and foreign policy, focusing on political institutions and processes. The themes covered in class include party politics, bureaucratic power, the role of the Diet, voting behavior, the role of the state in the economy, and the domestic politics of foreign policy. No prior knowledge of Japanese politics is required. |
| Japan StudiesⅡ：Japan and the World | In this course, we will examine Japan's foreign policy since 1945. The lecture portion of the class will focus on Japan's relationship with different countries and regions. Concurrently, students will form groups that focus on different policy areas, which will meet during and outside of class to prepare for the final class debate on the future of Japan's foreign policy. |
| Japan StudiesⅢ：Contemporary Japan and Society | Through this course, students will develop a basic and comprehensive understanding of contemporary Japanese Society. This includes considering what "contemporary" society is, and what attibutes it might hold. We will approach the study of Japan's society today through multiple categories and lenses, and participants are encouraged to make connections to their own daily experiences. |
| Japan StudiesⅣ：Art, Culture and Communication | In this course, we will examine both traditional and contemporary Japanese art and culture. The class will consist of guest lectures, online visits, and field trips. Students are required to choose one project to conduct in a group, and to present in class. |
Messages from Former Exchange Students
FAQ
１．Is it okay if I don't have Japanese language skills?
As a general rule, we require that exchange students have a certain level of Japanese language proficiency. For students who have not taken any Japanese class before but strongly wish to study at Gakushuin University, we offer the Japanese Language Preparatory Course (JLPC) online before they arrive in Japan. Completing this course will fulfill the Japanese language requirement.
２．When and where will exchange students apply for financial assistance?
They will submit an application for financial assistance during the orientation session after arrival in Japan.
３．What happens if a one-year exchange student takes a half-year course?
Credits will not be awarded, but instead, the Evaluation Sheet will be issued to demonstrate the student's performance.
４．Do all faculties and graduate schools offer courses in English?
Besides the Faculty of International Social Sciences, the number of courses taught in English is limited at Gakushuin.
５．Can an exchange student take sport classes or courses offered by other faculties?
With the instructor's permission, an exchange student can take such classes/courses. In fact, many exchange students enroll in these courses every year.
６．Can an exchange student take Japanese-taught courses, regardless of his/her Japanese proficiency?
Japanese-taught courses are specialized, so an N3 or higher JLPT level of proficiency is generally required.
Information Materials for Students Interested in Exchange Programs
We have created promotional materials for students who are considering studying abroad at our university through an exchange agreement.
If you are interested, please feel free to use them as a reference.
Recommend
For Prospective Exchange Students
