SOPHIA UNIVERSITYGRADUATE PROGRAM IN GLOBAL STUDIESAPPLICATION PROCEDURE
Spring and Autumn Semester 2024

Degree (M.A., Ph.D.) / Non-Degree Students

Sophia University
Admissions Office
7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 102-8554, JAPAN
Tel: 81-3-3238-3517
Fax: 81-3-3238-3262
Email: admission-g-co@sophia.ac.jp
URL: https://dept.sophia.ac.jp/g/gs/en/

CONTENTS

I. Sophia University--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
II. Graduate Program in Global Studies Overview---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
1. Degrees------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
2. Categories of Students ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
3. Residence---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
4. Curriculum---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
III. Application and Admission Procedure-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
1. Eligibility -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
2. Maximum Number of Students Admitted-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
3. Application Procedure------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
4. Application Schedule-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
5. Application Fee----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
6. Application Documents-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
7. Screening ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
8. Notice of Results ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
9. Entrance Procedures for Successful Applicants--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
IV. Academic Information for M.A. Degree ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
1. Transfer of Credit from Other Universities----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
2. Early Graduation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
V. International Students Coming to Japan-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
VI. Scholarships----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
VII. Housing-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
VIII. Other Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
1. National Health Insurance------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
2. Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research-----------------------------------------------------------12

Published by the Admissions Office Sophia University
7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554, Japan
Tel 81-3-3238-3517
Fax 81-3-3238-3262
May, 2023
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. However, subsequent to the date of publication, unavoidable
circumstances may result in changes in this document. The University reserves the right to make all such changes, including those in the
program of study, courses of instruction, fees, and officers of administration and instruction, without notice.

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I. SOPHIA UNIVERSITY
Sophia University was founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, a Catholic order renowned for excellence in education. From the
beginning, the university founders stressed an internationally oriented curriculum and rigorous training in foreign languages.
Sophia soon established itself as a leading institution for scholarship on foreign languages and literature in Japan. Today Sophia
University is a major teaching and research university in the humanities and social sciences with 13,800 students, and teaching
staff of 1,400 encompassing dozens of nationalities. Graduate education at Sophia has been recognized for excellence by the
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology - Japan (MEXT) through Center of Excellence and Attractive
Graduate Education awards.

II. GRADUATE PROGRAM IN GLOBAL STUDIES OVERVIEWThe GPGS, founded in April 2006 (formerly the Graduate Program in Comparative Culture from 1979 to 2005), builds on
Sophia’s traditional strengths in area studies to study globalization. It emphasizes inquiry into the contemporary world and its
historical antecedents through a curriculum that combines the themes of interdisciplinary global studies, theories andmethodologies of academic disciplines, and the language training and cross-cultural understandings of Japanese and areastudies.
The approximately 30 faculty members in the GPGS have advanced degrees from leading universities around the world and are
actively engaged in research and publication in their specializations. They represent many different disciplines, nationalities andcultural backgrounds, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. A number of professors from other graduate programs in theuniversity are also affiliated with the GPGS.
Every semester up to 15 applicants are admitted to pursue the M.A. degree, as well as up to three Ph.D. candidates. The size ofthe program is kept small to encourage close student-faculty interaction. Graduate students have access to the university's
research facilities, while the location in central Tokyo provides easy access to such nearby resources as the National Diet
Library.

1. DEGREESThe GPGS offers five degrees that are accredited by the MEXT.
The M.A. in Global Studies (GS) emphasizes the study of global issues from social science perspectives, focusing on
global-local, systemic, and transnational processes. The degree prepares students for research and teaching positions inacademia and think tanks, international organizations, as well as entry into doctoral programs.
The M.A. in International Business and Development Studies (BD) emphasizes the acquisition of analytical skills to deal witha range of contemporary global business and development problems that focus on Japan and Asia. It prepares students forcareers in business firms and development organizations with and international orientation.
The M.A. in Japanese Studies (JS) enables an interdisciplinary approach to the study of both historical and contemporary
aspects of Japanese history, literature, religion, art history, society, and culture. It prepares students for further study andresearch in doctoral programs or in positions that place a premium on knowledge about Japan.
The Ph.D. in Global Studies (GS) is designed for the advanced study of specific regions and locales in the context of global
processes. It prepares students for academic posts in university, international and global studies programs, as well as research
positions in institutions requiring advanced analysis of countries and regions in a global context.
The Ph.D. in Japanese Studies (JS) is designed for the advanced study of Japan in a transnational, regional and global context.
Research and writing agendas emphasize methods and concepts from the disciplines of art history, cultural anthropology,
literature, history, and religion.

22. CATEGORIES OF STUDENTS
A. Degree Student
A degree student is one who is accepted as a candidate for a Master of Arts or Ph.D. degree from the GPGS. New students areadmitted in both spring and autumn semesters.
B. Non-degree student
Non-degree students are those who enroll for one year to take courses and obtain credits but do not intend to earn a degree fromthe GPGS. This category includes graduate students who are pursuing a graduate degree at another university and wish to cometo Japan either to do research for their thesis or undertake related course work. Any student who wishes to change from
non-degree to degree status must reapply for admission.
Requirements for Maintaining Non-Degree Status
A non-degree student must register for the equivalent of at least 10 hours of instruction per week. If the student does not register for a
sufficient number of courses or fails to meet the deadline for the payment of tuition and fees, he/she will lose student status at the university.
Note: There is a chance that those who have attended a school in Japan before with a status of “auditor” or “non-degree” might not be able toobtain the same type of visa again under the policy of the Japanese Immigration Bureau.

C. Non-matriculated student（科目等履修生自由履修コース）
Non-matriculated students are persons of any nationality who wish to take one or more courses of their choice, up to 10 credits in
one year, but do not intend to earn a degree from the GPGS. In order to be eligible for this status, the student must have alreadycompleted an undergraduate degree and hold a valid status of residence in Japan. For further information, please refer to:https://piloti.sophia.ac.jp/eng/academic/non-matriculated/non-matriculated-info/

3. RESIDENCE
According to MEXT regulations, the standard residence requirement is two full academic years for the M.A. degree, with thepossibility of early graduation and three full academic years for the Ph.D. degree. The maximum time allowed to complete all therequirements is four full academic years for the M.A. degrees and five full academic years for the Ph.D. degree, excluding timespent on leave of absence from the university.

4. CURRICULUM
The curriculum is organized by degree area. Students are also able to take courses outside their degree program. For details,
please visit the GPGS webpage:https://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/gpgs/

III. APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCEDURE
1. ELIGIBILITY
M.A.
Applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria may apply for entrance to the GPGS:(1) Those who have graduated, or are expected to graduate Japanese universities.
(2) Those who have completed, or are expected to complete, 16 years or more of formal education in foreign countries.
(3) Those who have been recognized individually by Sophia University as having qualifications equivalent to (1) or (2) and willreach the age of 22 at the time of entrance to Sophia University.
(4) Those who hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent awarded by a foreign educational institution which requires three
years or more for graduation.
(5) Those who have been recognized by Sophia University as having qualifications equivalent to (1), (2) or (3) and will reachthe age of 22 at the time of entrance to Sophia University.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent before entering the Master’s program. Those holding an undergraduate
degree other than a Bachelor's degree should inquire at the Sophia Admissions Office in advance.

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Ph.D.
Applicants must have, or be expected to obtain a Master’s degree based upon a distinguished record of academic achievement.
Applicants should also have some background in the disciplines of art history, cultural anthropology, history, literature, politicalscience, religion, and/or sociology through prior undergraduate and graduate education.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact potential dissertation supervisors before submitting their application.
Information about the disciplinary specialties and research interests of faculty members are available at the Graduate Program in
Global Studies webpage: https://dept.sophia.ac.jp/g/gs/en/
Applicants must hold a Master's degree before entering the Doctoral program.

2. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF STUDENTS ADMITTED
M.A.
Spring Semester
Degree: 15 students
Non-degree: Limited number
Autumn Semester

Ph.D.

Degree: 15 students

Spring and Autumn Semester

Non-degree: Limited number

Total: 3 students

3. APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Application is accepted through the following steps. Make sure to complete each step.
A. Prepare the following.
-Application materials (see APPLICATION DOCUMENTS)-Digital face photo (color)-PC
B. On the on-line application website, register the following to create your “MyPage.”-Email address-Face photo-Basic information
For more information about the website, refer to the guide on <<www.guide.52school.com/guidance/net-sophia-parallel/eng >>Note: Important information will be sent to the email address registered until enrollment in Sophia.
Make sure to use an email address which will always be able to access even after leaving your current school.

C. Enter all the required application information to your “MyPage” during the on-line application period.
Guide for the online application
Applicants will be required to enter “SELF ASSESSMENT OF ABILITY” (in terms of language) with the following scales of 1-5.
1. -able to engage in simple daily conversation, read, elementary language texts, write simple sentences.
2. -competence for daily conversation, read, elementary language texts, write basic sentences
3. -able to follow TV news broadcast, read daily newspaper with aid of dictionary, write personal letters.
4. -able to understand college classes, read general books for an educated audience, write university reports
5. -native fluency in reading, writing and speaking
D. Pay the application fee (see APPLICATION FEE) and submit the application online.
This step does not complete the application. Go on to the next step indicated in the following page to finalize theapplication.
E. Submit all the application documents listed on APPLICATION DOCUMENTS to the Admissions Office of Sophia University.
Note: -Make sure to follow the instructions on how to submit each document.
-Test scores and official documents issued by institutions and referees must be sent directly to Sophia University.
-Application information entered on-line can not be edited after application fee payment is complete. To change the information
provided, modified directly on the print-out forms in red before submission.
-The Admissions Office will not respond to question in regards of arrival of application materials or score result.

F. Your reference number will be available on your “MyPage” two weeks before the notice of results date.

44. APPLICATION SCHEDULEFor Spring (April) 2024 entry
Application Period (on-line)

August 23, 2023, 10:00 a.m. ~ September 13, 2023, 11:59 p.m. (JST*)

Application Materials Receipt Deadline

September 20, 2023, 11:59 p.m. (JST*) **Notice of Results

November 15, 2023, 10:00 a.m. (JST*)

Matriculation Deadline for Admitted Students

December 13, 2023

For Ph.D. applicants:
Sophia University may request some Ph.D. applicants to take an interview. In such case, the applicants will be notified by
October 27, and the interview will be conducted on one of the days of the following week.

For Autumn (September) 2024 entry
Application Period (on-line)

March 13, 2024, 10:00 a.m. ~ April 3, 2024, 11:59 p.m. (JST*)

Application Materials Receipt Deadline

April 10, 2024, 11:59 p.m. (JST*) **Notice of Results

June 12, 2024, 10:00 a.m. (JST*)

Matriculation Deadline for Admitted Students

July 10, 2024

For Ph.D. applicants:
Sophia University may request some Ph.D. applicants to take an interview. In such case, the applicants will be notified by
May 31, and the interview will be conducted on one of the days of the following week.

* Date and time are based on Japan Standard Time.
**Application materials must reach Sophia Admissions Office by the deadline. Late applications may be refused.

5. APPLICATION FEE
35,000 yen (On-line payment handling fee of 990 yen will be charged in addition to the application fee.)
Please follow the guide on STEP 3 on “MyPage” to complete the payment*.
For applicants residing in Japan, complete payment by one of the indicated methods: credit card, on-line banking, convenience
stores, bank ATM Pay-easy service. Debit card payment is not accepted. Overseas applicants who do not hold a Japanese bankaccount should complete payment by credit card only.
Payment must be completed during the application period and by 11:59 p.m. (JST) of each on-line application deadline. After thedeadline, application will not be accepted. The application fee is non-refundable once it is paid.
*In case the window shuts down during STEP 3, go to STEP 4 to continue the payment process.
*The name of the payer does not need to match the applicant’s name.
**Please note that the payment at a convenience store could take a while to complete.

6. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Electronic data of the following documents (A to J) must reach Sophia Admissions Office by the deadline of submission. Lateapplications may be refused. TOEFL®/IELTS scores must be delivered directly to Sophia University from the testing institution by
the application deadline.

5How and from Whom the Application Documents Should be Submitted
Make sure to check details of each document
1. From Applicant (submit the following materials in electronic data via email only)
A. Application Form
B. Statement of Purpose
G. A Copy of Graduation Thesis, Master's Thesis, Significant Term Paper, or Publications
H. Photocopy of Passport
I. Application Materials Checklist
2. From the Educational institution / Referee (electronic data / hard copies accepted)
C. Official University/College Transcript(s)D. Proof of Graduation
F. Three Letters of Recommendation
3. Each file must be titled:“Name of the document (write exactly as indicated in the guidelines)”_”Name of the applicant (LAST NAME, First Name)”e.g.: A. Application Forms_AAAA, Bcde
4. Send electronic data to admission-g-co@sophia.ac.jp
Title of the email must be: APPLICATION (online application registration number / 受付番号) to “Name of the program”
e.g.: APPLICATION (123456) to the M. A. in Global Studies
Note: ・ Documents printed in languages other than English or Japanese should be translated into English and certified by a school official or an
official agency, such as an embassy or consulate.
・ The application documents once submitted are not returnable.
・ In case official documents are sent via the online service where the title of the file cannot be edited, make sure to let the Admissions
Office know in the “I. Application Materials Checklist.”
・ The use of ChatGPT or any other generative AI programs/applications/websites when writing application documents is strictly forbidden.

(5.) For materials C, D and F, in case only hard copies are available, send sealed official documents to following address by
trackable express mail:102-8554 東京都千代田区紀尾井町7-1

SOPHIA UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS OFFICE
7-1 KIOI-CHO, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 102-8554 JAPANor

上智大学入学センター
グローバル社会専攻M.A. (または Ph.D.） 出願書類在中

GPGS M.A. (or Ph. D.) APPLICATION

A. Application Forms (2 pages) ---from the Applicant via e-mailApplication forms should be filled out through the on-line application website.
<< www.guide.52school.com/guidance/net-sophia-parallel/eng>>
After paying the application fee, download and save the form in PDF format. This form must be submitted via email.

B. Essay(s) ---from the Applicant via e-mailIndicate the intended degree program you’re applying for on top of the essay.

M.A.

Statement of Purpose

Please address the following in an essay (1,000 words maximum including bibliography):- why you have chosen to apply for the MA at Sophia University GPGS.
- your preparation (i.e., academic background, work experience, etc.) for the degree (GS, BD, or JS) that you are applying to.
- your plan of study / research in the GPGS.
- how obtaining the MA degree fits into to your career plans.
- your Japanese language ability (only if applying to the JS MA).

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Ph.D.

Applicants must submit 2 kinds of essays as follows:(1) Statement of Academic Background and Professional Plan
Please write an essay that addresses the following (500 words maximum):- your academic background for the PhD (GS or JS) to which you are applying.
- your competency in languages other than English, especially those you intend to use in researching and writing yourdissertation.
- why you have chosen to pursue the PhD at Sophia University.
- how the PhD from Sophia University fits into your career plans.
(2) Research Statement
Please describe the research project you wish to pursue for your dissertation (1,000 words maximum, excluding bibliography):- the question or hypothesis that you intend to explore.
- how your project will expand existing knowledge on the topic.
- the research method(s) you will use, and your competency in them.
- short bibliography.

C. Official University/College Transcript(s) ---from University/College
Official transcripts showing all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) courses taken and grades received, including the list ofcourses you are currently attending, must be submitted.
Electronic transcripts should be issued directly from the university/college to Sophia. Digital transcripts sent from applicants are
not accepted.
In the case of submission by postal mail, the transcript(s) should be certified by a school official and be officially sealed in aschool envelope. Photocopies are not accepted.

D. Proof of Graduation ---from University/College
One of the following should be submitted via email from university/college or through postal mail if certified and officially sealed
by a school official:(a) University/college issued certificate of a degree or official letter (original copy)(b) Photocopy of degree diploma certified by a school official.
(c) Transcript indicating the degree received and date of conferral
Ph.D. applicants must submit one of the above for Master’s degrees.
Note: ・ M.A. applicants who have not completed their final semester at the time of application must submit as part of their application an official
document from their school indicating their expected date of graduation. Such applicants should then submit either (a) (b), or (c) to theSophia Admissions Office by March 31 for spring enrollment or September 20 for autumn enrollment. An applicant who does not submit
this document in time could be denied enrollment.
・ Ph.D. applicants currently in their final semester of a Master’s program must submit an official document of expected graduation fromtheir school or a letter from the thesis supervisor affirming both the expected date of the thesis defense and/or completion of all
requirements for the master’s degree. Such applicants should then submit either (a), (b) or (c) to the Sophia Admissions Office byMarch 31 for spring enrollment or September 20 for autumn enrollment. An applicant who does not submit this document in time could
be denied enrollment.

E. Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL® or IELTS) ---from Testing Institution
Applicants must prove their English proficiency by taking the TOEFL ® (including Special Home Edition) or the IELTS (Academic).
The exam should be taken no more than two years before the time of application. Scores must be submitted following the
instructions below.
1. TOEFL: Applicants should request the official test score to be delivered directly to Sophia from the testing institution. Whenregistering for the tests, be sure to indicate Sophia University and ensure that your official score is sent to Sophia University. For
information about the TOEFL® and test registration, please refer to the following website.
TOEFL®: www.ets.org/toefl<code:0819>

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2. IELTS: Applicants should request the official test score to be delivered directly to Sophia from the testing institution. Whenregistering for the tests, be sure to indicate Sophia University and ensure that your official score is sent to Sophia University. For
information about the IELTS and test registration, please refer to the following website.
IELTS: www.ielts.org <Submission in paper format only>
Alternatively, only if the submission by paper format via the testing institution is not possible, the submission of IELTS results via
the Test Report Form (TRF) number will be accepted. In this case, make sure to indicate the TRF number in the Application
Materials Checklist, and to submit a copy of your test scores to the Admissions Office together with the other application
documents.
Note: ・ For TOEFL®, enter your MyBest™ score during the online application.
・ For MA applicants: This requirement is waived for non-native applicants who have obtained a Bachelor’s degree from an institution
where all their courses were taught in English (and English is the official medium of instruction), or who have completed at least 2
years of graduate education in a program taught in English and received the MA degree or the equivalent. In such cases, an official
document sent to the Admissions Office from their institution attesting to this is required.
・ For PhD applicants: This requirement is waived for non-native applicants who have completed at least two years graduate education inprogram taught in English and received MA degree or the equivalent. In such cases, an official document from their institution attesting
to this is required.
・ If the official score has not been delivered by the application deadline, the application will not be reviewed. Applicants are advised toorder the delivery of the official scores well in advance.
・ TOEFL ITP®, TOEFL® Essentials™ and IELTS Indicator are not acceptable.

F. Three Letters of Recommendation (use provided form in the admissions page) ---from Referee
Letters of recommendation in English or in Japanese from three professors and/or officials of the school(s) attended by theapplicant must be submitted. At least two letters should be from professors who have taught the applicant.
As a rule, letters should be sent via e-mail directly from the referee to Sophia University by using their official institutional email
address.
For submission via postal mail, each letter must be sealed in a separate envelope with the referee’s signature written across theseal and sent directly to Admissions Office of Sophia University (shipping fee should be arranged by each applicant).
Admissions page: https://adm.sophia.ac.jp/eng/admissions/graduate_p/english_g2/gs/

G. A Copy of Graduation Thesis, Master’s Thesis, Honors Thesis, or a Significant Term Paper*---from the Applicant (for degree applicants only)
M.A.
The copy should be in English, or other languages with an extensive English summary of around 1000 words. The subject of thewriting sample does not necessarily have to match the field of study that the applicant is planning to major at Sophia.

Ph.D.
Applicants who do not have a Master’s thesis should submit three papers that he/she wrote during their Master’s candidacy. If thethesis/papers are in a language other than English, a detailed summary(s) in English should be included. The summary(s) should
include the main argument and conclusion, research methods and analytic techniques employed, and descriptions of eachchapter/ section.
*A significant term paper or writing sample is also acceptable in case students did not write a graduation thesis.

H. Photocopy of Passport (for those who hold a nationality other than Japan) ---from the Applicant via
e-mailThis document is required to check your full name.
-Those who have dual nationalities, please submit a photocopy of passport for the nationality other than Japan.
-Those who do not have a passport, please submit a photocopy of an ID.

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I. Application Materials Checklist (use the form provided in the admissions page) ---from the Applicant
via e-mailCheck the items you enclose in your application.
Admissions page: https://adm.sophia.ac.jp/eng/admissions/graduate_p/english_g2/gs/

J. Proof of Japanese Language Proficiency (optional only for M.A. in Japanese Studies applicants)---from the Applicant via e-mailJapanese Studies applicants are encouraged to submit results of Japanese language proficiency tests (optional).
*Medical attention
Any applicants with physical conditions that might require special attention when undertaking university work should notify the Sophia Admissions
Office in writing before the application period.

7. SCREENING
Decision on acceptance or rejection will be made based on screening of the documents submitted by the applicant.
Sophia University may request some Ph.D. applicants to take an interview during the screening process.

8. NOTICE OF RESULTS
Applicants can confirm their acceptance/rejection from “Admissions Decision” on “MyPage” through the URL<<www.guide.52school.com/guidance/net-sophia-parallel/eng >>from 10:00 a.m. (JST) on the results-notice date (see APPLICATION SCHEDULE).
Note:
・Servers may be slow if too many people access the results at the same time.
・The registered email address and password will be required to log into the “MyPage.”・No physical materials will be sent to applicants from the Sophia Admissions Office. A letter of acceptance can be printed out from “MyPage.”
・Sophia University will not disclose the results of an application by telephone, fax or e-mail.
・Acceptance is valid only for the semester specified in the letter of acceptance.

9. ENTRANCE PROCEDURES FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
For details, please refer to the booklet of “Entrance Procedures” available on “My Page” through the URL<<www.guide.52school.com/guidance/net-sophia-parallel/eng >>A. Payment of Tuition Fees and Submission of Necessary Documents
To secure admission, a newly admitted student must pay the fees prior to University entrance and submit the necessary
documents to the Sophia Admissions Office by the matriculation deadline (see APPLICATION SCHEDULE).
1. Click “Entrance Procedures” on ”MyPage” to download the booklet of “Entrance Procedures.”
Please read through all the information and follow the instructions in this booklet to secure admission.
2. Choose the program to start entering the required information and upload a face photo online.
3. Print out the designated documents (payment slip for payment in Japan, Student Record/ Pledge).
4. Complete the payment of the fees and post mail the required documents by the matriculation deadline.
The exact amount of the fees will be decided in September 2023 and notified to accepted students. For reference, the fees due
prior to university entrance in the academic year 2023 were as follows:

Fees due prior to university entrance 2023- M.A. degree students
Entrance Fee

200,000 yen (once at matriculation)

Semester Enrollment Fee

30,000 yen (per semester)

Tuition Fee

240,000 yen (per semester)

Education Enhancement Fee

90,000 yen (per semester)Premium for Personal Accident Insurance for Students
Pursuing Education and Research (2-year period)

1,400 yen (once at matriculation)

Total Amount561,400 yen

9Note: The fees due prior to university entrance are not refundable. However, if a student notifies Sophia University of his/her intention not toattend by the appointed deadline, these fees, with the exception of the Entrance Fee and a handling charge, may be refunded. For details,
please refer to the “Entrance Procedures” leaflet.

Fees due prior to university entrance 2023- Ph.D. students
Entrance Fee

200,000 yen (once at matriculation)

Semester Enrollment Fee

30,000 yen (per semester)

Tuition Fee

225,500 yen (per semester)

Education Enhancement Fee

45,000 yen (per semester)Premium for Personal Accident Insurance for Students
Pursuing Education and Research (3-year period)

2,100 yen (once at matriculation)

Total Amount502,600 yen

Note: The fees due prior to university entrance are not refundable. However, if a student notifies Sophia University of his/her intention not toattend by the appointed deadline, these fees, with the exception of the Entrance Fee and a handling charge, may be refunded. For details,
please refer to the “Entrance Procedures” leaflet.

＜Notes for each item for Degree Students＞
Items

Notes

Entrance Fee

・Entrance Fee is the price to guarantee a place in admission.
・Entrance fees for the students who graduate or graduated from Sophia University (Undergraduate /Graduate Program) is
as follows:- students who graduated from Sophia University within one year: full waiver- students who graduated from Sophia University over one year after graduation: half waiver・If you graduated from Sophia Junior College (now Sophia University Junior College Division) or Seibo College, pleasecontact the Admissions Office (TEL : 81-3-3238-3517)

Semester・Semester Enrollment Fee is the basic cost of enrollment (enrollment guarantee fee and enrollment management fee).

Enrollment

・In the case of authorized interruption of study, only the enrollment fee needs to be paid.

Fee・The following services are available while you are on an authorized absence of study.
- University services (medical examination, Wellness Center (health support), Counselling Services, Certificate issuance,etc.)- ICT services (email, portal sites for students, etc.)- Facilities (library, PC rooms, etc.)

Tuition Fee

・Tuition Fee is the price paid for the educational services required to obtain a degree.
・Tuition Fee is revised annually based on the rate of inflation.

Education

Education Enhancement Fee is expenses for the maintenance and management of the education and research

Enhancement

environment, as well as for maintenance enhancement for the future.

Fee
Premium

for・”Premium for Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research” is a measure of compensation

Personal

and relief for bodily injury caused by a sudden and unexpected external accident that may occur during educational and

Accident

research activities in Japan or abroad. All Sophia University students are required to join the insurance upon enrollment.

Insurance for

Accidents during education and research activities are those that occur during regular classes, University events,

Students

extracurricular activities (of which the University should be notified in advance), while commuting to and from university,

Pursuing

and while in university facilities.

Education and・The insurance period is two years for M.A. students and three years for Ph.D. students.

Research・If a student is enrolled beyond the standard insurance period, additional fee of ¥800/year will be charged.

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Fees due prior to university entrance 2023- Non-degree students
Program Fee

270,000 yen (per semester)

Education Enhancement Fee

90,000 yen (per semester)

Total Amount

360,000 yen

Note: The fees due prior to university entrance are not refundable. However, if a student notifies Sophia University of his/her intention not toattend by the appointed deadline, these fees, with the exception of the Entrance Fee and a handling charge, may be refunded. For details,
please refer to the “Entrance Procedures” leaflet.
＜Notes for each item for Non-Degree Students＞
Items

Notes

Program Fee

・Program Fee is the price paid for the educational services

Education
Enhancement
Fee・Education Enhancement Fee is expenses for the maintenance and management of the education and research
environment, as well as for maintenance enhancement for the future.

B. Tuition/Program Fee Payment for the Subsequent Semesters
From the second semester on, tuition fee payment will be made on semester basis.

Approximate rate of tuition & fees - second semester on
M.A. students

Ph.D. students

Non-degree students

Semester Enrollment Fee

30,000 yen

30,000 yen－

Tuition Fee

240,000 yen

225,500 yen

270,000 yen

Education Enhancement Fee

90,000 yen

45,000 yen

90,000 yen

Total Amount

360,000 yen

300,500 yen

360,000 yen

IV. ACADEMIC INFORMATION FOR M.A. DEGREE
1. TRANSFER OF CREDIT FROM OTHER UNIVERSITIESThe GPGS can accept up to 10 credits transferred from a student’s previous work as a graduate student. Transfer of such credit
must be approved by the GPGS faculty.

2. EARLY GRADUATION
Students who wish to graduate early (i.e. in 2 to 3 semesters) can apply for Early Graduation if they are in good academic
standing by the judgment of the faculty and satisfy the following:
A. Submit an “Application for Early Graduation” form.
B. Complete at least 30 credits of courses from the GPGS curriculum by the time of graduation.
C. Complete all requirements for either the M.A. credit track or M.A. thesis track.
“Application for Early Graduation” forms are available in the GPGS office. They should be submitted to the office by the last dayof course adjustment period in the semester that the student intends to graduate. The faculty will review the application.

V. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS COMING TO JAPANStudents coming from abroad to study at Sophia University must have a college student status of residence or any otherappropriate status of residence such as a diplomatic, official, or dependent. A temporary visitor status is not acceptable. To
qualify for a college student status of residence, a student is required to register for at least 10 hours of class time per week.
Additional information concerning college student status of residence will be sent to each student after acceptance.

11VI. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR DEGREE STUDENTS
Various types of scholarships and financial aid are available. There are some scholarships that the applicants can apply for at thetime of admission application. Other scholarship applications must be submitted after entrance to the University. For more
information and the application forms, please refer to the following webpage.
https://piloti.sophia.ac.jp/eng/scholarships1/

VII. HOUSING
Sophia University has several off-campus dormitories and offers affiliated housing options. For more information, please refer tothe following webpage.
https://piloti.sophia.ac.jp/eng/housing/

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION
1. NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCEInternational students who will stay in Japan for more than three months are required to join this insurance system. The
procedures are carried out at the local ward/city office. The premium must be paid, but by declaring you have no income, it will be
reduced. Please ask directly about the details at the local ward/city office.
Subscribers to the National Health Insurance system have only to bear 30% of medical expenses for any treatment covered by
the insurance at clinics or hospitals (expenses for medical treatment not covered by the insurance must be paid in full).

2. PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE FOR STUDENTS PURSUING EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
All degree students must be affiliated with this insurance plan. This will cover physical injuries a student suffers during
educational and research activities at the university (during the regular curriculum, school events, extracurricular activities
reported to the university, and while the insured is within the school facilities for reasons other than the above-mentioned) andduring commuting to school.

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