Doshisha University
The Institute for the Liberal Arts
B.A. Program
Application Guide 2025
A step-by-step guide to completing your application

This Guide is available for download on the website.

https://ila.doshisha.ac.jp/ila/en/

Doshisha University

CAN I APPLY?

1. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Do you satisfy ONE of the following?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Native speaker of English
Twelve or more years of education in English
TOEFL iBT® TEST 85
IELTS (Academic Module) 6.5
Duolingo English Test 120
ACT Combined English and Writing (Writing Test Score): 22
SAT Reading Test 28 and Writing & Language Test 29
SAT Digital SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 560

NO…

NO.

Please reconsider the ILA
when your English hasreached the required level.

NO.

Please reconsider the
ILA when youreducational
background hasreached the required
level.

YES!
2. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Will you satisfy ONE of the following at enrollment?
1. Twelve years of school education outside Japan
2. Graduation Diploma from a high school accredited by theJapanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology
3. A university entrance qualification (IB, Abitur,French Baccalaureate, GCE A-levels, etc.)
4. Twelve years of education at a WASC, CIS or ACSI
accredited international school

YES,

or

you may consider
Non-traditional
Admission.

See page 5 andcontact ILA office fordetails.

NO…

YES!

you are eligible toapply as aFirst-year Applicant.

NO…

Can I apply
as a transfer
applicant?

In addition to above educational background,Do you satisfy ONE of the following?
1. Two full academic years at ONE undergraduate
degree conferring institution as a regularstudent
2. Graduation for a two-year college

YES!

This chart is forreference only.
Please see
the Application Guidefor full details.

YES,

you are eligible to apply as a Transfer
Applicant.
There are a limited number of places for transfer
students.
Please contact the ILA office to confirm availability
before applying.
All successful transfer applicants will be admitted as thirdyear students but the number of semesters to graduation
will vary depending on the number of approved transfer
credits.

Contents
Section A: Admission Process ................................................................ 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

Mission .................................................................................................................................. 2
Admission Policy................................................................................................................... 2
Concentration ....................................................................................................................... 3
Official Date of Enrollment .................................................................................................... 3
Application Requirements ..................................................................................................... 4
Deadlines and Schedule ....................................................................................................... 5
Application Method ............................................................................................................... 5
Application Documents ......................................................................................................... 6
Application Fee ..................................................................................................................... 9Document Screening and Video Interviews........................................................................ 10
Notification of Acceptance .................................................................................................. 11
Applicants with Special Needs .......................................................................................... 11
Protection of Personal Information ..................................................................................... 12

Section B: Registration Procedures ..................................................... 13
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Overview ............................................................................................................................. 13
Initial Registration Procedures (Payment Fees) ................................................................. 14
Submission of Required Documents .................................................................................. 17
School Fees ........................................................................................................................ 18
Scholarships ..................................................................................................................... 18

Contact Details ............................................................................................ 20

Application Deadlines and Screening Schedule*All dates are based on Japan time

Entry

Application Period

Video Interview
Submission deadline

Notification of
Results

Payment of
Initial School Fee

April
2025

August 1 –August 29,2024

A few days after receiving theinvitation. The final deadline is
September 5, 2024

November 6, 2024

November 25, 2024

September
2025

January 14 –February 13, 2025

A few days after receiving theinvitation. The final deadline isFebruary 20, 2025

April 23, 2025

May 22, 2025

-1-

Section A: Admission Process1.

MissionThe Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA) at Doshisha University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree taught exclusively inEnglish. The ILA aims to encourage students to develop their full intellectual and human potential within aninternational atmosphere. To do so, the ILA brings together a diverse group of faculty and students and encourages
co-operative learning across the academic disciplines. With an intake of only 50 students per year, the ILA maintains
an intimate and discussion-based learning environment while also being part of the larger Doshisha University.
Students gain in-depth local knowledge about Kyoto and the Kansai region, and at the same time, masterframeworks and methods that can be applied to the understanding of regional and global social, political andeconomic processes. The ILA hopes that academic and social skills acquired within this broad education will enable
students to make significant contributions to their local communities, countries of residence, and global society.

2.

Admission Policy

At the ILA we know that it would be simple to base our admission policy on quantifiable criteria. However, oureducational mission demands that before we admit an applicant, we discover how that person might contribute toand benefit from the lively, academic, social, and extracurricular activity at the Institute and the University. For thisreason, we ask each applicant to submit a range of documents that help us to select each incoming cohort ofstudents. Within the larger University, the ILA student body is small (approximately 200 students divided over four
years, with additional students studying in our classes from other departments and programs across the 29,000student University, including exchange students from our worldwide network of partner universities).

The ideal student
The ILA is dedicated to creating a community of students who are all committed to an interdisciplinary, liberal arts
program of undergraduate education that is unique in its global outlook and local context. To achieve this, in our
holistic application process we look for the following qualities in our applicants:
1.

linguistic skills that allow effective self-expression in both written and spoken forms;

2.

a critical literacy that enables both independent thinking and questioning of assumptions;3.

a diverse background with a multitude of educational and social experiences;4.

the maturity to take responsibility for academic learning and life in a new environment;

5.

the intellectual curiosity to reflect upon global issues through the local lens of Japan.

Successful applicants
In the past, successful applicants:
1.

tended to be able to identify specific courses on offer and to link these with their personal and/or academic
interests;

2.

demonstrated a consistent ability to link their experiences and skills to discussions on world issues that theycare about;3.

were already engaged in some kind of self-directed study, going beyond school supplied materials in building
upon their passions and interests; and4.

were able to clearly articulate a link between personal experience and passion for the Liberal Arts.

-2-

3.

Concentration

Before you apply for the Liberal Arts program, it is important that you understand the relationship between theconcentrations and the departments. All students at the ILA follow the same curriculum especially designed for the
ILA program. However, on paper, each student is also registered in one of six faculties. The placement of faculty
and department is only for administrative purposes and degree certificate issuance upon graduation (refer to thechart below). Applicants can number their first to third choice of concentration on the Application for admission, but
the final placement will be made by the University. Since each concentration has a limited number of places, all
successful applicants will be apportioned to the concentration of their choice in order of their score. If the first(second) choice has already been filled, applicants will be placed in their second (third) choice. You will be notifiedof the concentration, faculty, and department to which you are admitted in the Notification of Acceptance. Onceassigned, Doshisha University policy does not allow ILA students to change their concentrations, faculties, ordepartments.
Concentration

Faculty
Letters

Japanese Society and Global
CultureDepartment
English / Philosophy / Aesthetics and Art Theory /Cultural History / Japanese Literature
Sociology / Social Welfare / Industrial Relations

Social Studies

Media, Journalism and Communications / Education andCultureJapanese Business and theEconomics

Economics

Global Economy

Commerce

Commerce

Japanese Politics and Global

Law

Law / Political Science

Studies

Policy Studies

Policy Studies

The ILA assumes that all applicants have an excellent secondary school record. However, over and beyond a high
GPA and outstanding standardized exam scores (typically, students accepted to the ILA have an IB score of 32 orabove, a SAT score of 1300 or above, an ACT score of 25 or above, or three GCE A levels), most importantly welook for applicants who demonstrate a passion for the liberal arts program with an obvious and strong potential forcontributing to the intellectual and social life of the Institute.

4. Official Date of Enrollment
The ILA follows the semester system.
Our spring semester is from April 1 to September 20 and our fall semester is from September 21 to March 31.
Applicants applying for entry in April 2025 will officially enroll from April 1, 2025.
Applicants applying for entry in September 2025 will officially enroll from September 21, 2025.

-3-

5. Application Requirements

1.English Language Proficiency
Applicants need to provide one of the proficiency or aptitude test scores listed below to verify their English language
proficiency. Please note that submission of the test scores is exempted applicants who are native speakers ofEnglish and applicants with twelve or more years of education in English.
Proficiency Tests:
1.

TOEFL iBT® TEST 85 or above (Institution Code: D680)
TOEFL iBT ® Special Home Edition and TOEFL iBT ® Home Edition scores are no longer accepted. Only
"Test Date Scores" are applicable for admission ("MyBest™ Scores" will not be considered in the admission
process).

2.

IELTS (Academic Module) 6.5 or above
IELTS on Computer (Academic Module) and IELTS for UKVI (Academic Module) are also accepted.
IELTS online scores are not accepted.
IELTS One Skill Retake scores are not accepted.

3.

Duolingo English Test (overall score) 120 or above

Aptitude Tests:
4.

ACT Combined English/Writing (Writing Test Score): 22 or above (College Code: 9078)

5.

SAT Reading Test 28 or above, and Writing & Language Test 29 or above (College Code: 7231)
SAT Digital SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 560 or above

2.Educational Background
Applicants should satisfy one of the following requirements by the time of enrollment at Doshisha University:
1)

Applicants should have completed twelve (12) years of school education (including successful graduation froman accredited high school) outside Japan (Formal primary and secondary school education for a total of eleven(11) years is acceptable only in those countries designated by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science, and Technology).

2)

Applicants should have graduated from a high school accredited by the Japan Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and technology.

3)

Applicants should possess a university entrance qualification such as the International Baccalaureate, Abitur,

4)

Applicants should have completed twelve (12) years of education at a WASC, CIS or ACSI accredited

French Baccalaureate, or General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A Level).
international school.

Third-year transfer applicants
In addition to one of the four requirements stated above for first-year applicants, third-year transfer applicants should
satisfy one of the following requirements.
1)

Applicants should have completed or be expected to complete two full academic years at ONE undergraduate
degree-conferring institution as a regular student by the time of enrollment at Doshisha University.

2)

Applicants should have graduated from a two-year college or be expected to graduate by the time of enrollment
at Doshisha University.

There are a limited number of places for transfer students. Please see news on the ILA
website or contact the ILA office by email to confirm availability before applying.

-4-Non-traditional Admission
Admission to the ILA is also open for some candidates without an accredited high school diploma. Any applicant
who wishes to apply as a non-traditional applicant must have his/her eligibility reviewed in advance and berecognized by Doshisha University as possessing an equivalent qualification to one of those stated above. If you
feel you qualify for this option, please be sure to contact the ILA Office for details no later than three weeks before
the application deadline.

6. Deadlines and Schedule*All dates are based on Japan Time
Video Interview submission
deadline

Entry

Application Period

April
2025

August 1 –August 29, 2024

A few days after receiving theinvitation. The final deadline is
September 5, 2024

September
2025

January 14 –February 13, 2025

A few days after receiving theinvitation. The final deadline isFebruary 20, 2025

Notification of
Results

Payment of
Initial School Fee

November 6, 2024

November 25, 2024

April 23, 2025

May 22, 2025

7. Application Method
The application process is to be completed via the ILA Online Application System, and there are a number of
documents that you must prepare in advance.
Please carefully read this application guide and prepare all the required documents before the beginning of theapplication period.

apply.ila.doshisha.ac.jp
Notes:
You will first upload PDF versions of the original/certified documents and certificates following our online application
process. However, later as part of our enrollment procedures, successful applicants will be required to prove theoriginality of these documents either by 1) submitting their physical copies by post, 2) having their official versions
sent by e-mail from the issuing organization, or 3) using digital delivery or credential services. If you are unable to
do so by the designated deadline, you will be considered to have failed to meet our enrollment qualifications. Any
discrepancies may result in the denial of your admission to the ILA.

-5-

8. Application Documents
1. Motivation (Statement of Purpose) Approximately 1.200 words
Your motivation for applying to the ILA must be entered in the appropriate section of the online application.
Read the Guidelines for the Motivation (Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement) carefully.
https://ila.doshisha.ac.jp/ila/en/admissions/statement-of-purpose.html

2. Document(s) verifying your educational qualification (English or Japanese)
Prepare a PDF version of at least ONE of the following documents;
Certificate of (expected) High School Graduation

International Baccalaureate Diploma (A full IB diploma is required. An IB certificate is not acceptable.
Predicted Grades are acceptable)



A-LEVEL Results (Predicted Results are acceptable)

Abitur Certificate

French Baccalaureate Certificate

The prescribed form “Certificate of (Expected) Graduation” (if your High School does not issue an official
certificate)Other documents proving your educational background* In addition to one of the above documents, please submit a school profile and detailed assessment standards
when available.

Third-year transfer applicants
In addition to one of the certificates listed above, prepare a PDF version of ONE of the following;Certificate of University Graduation (If you have already graduated from another university or college)

Certificate of University Enrollment

3. Academic Transcripts (English or Japanese)
Prepare a PDF version of an official High School Transcript(s). Grades for each year should be indicated. If you
are currently in high school, prepare your high school transcript(s) up to the most recent semester. If you havetaken any standardized tests (such as the SAT), or have any end-of-year academic progress reports, pleasealso prepare these in addition to your high school transcript(s).

Third-year transfer applicants
In addition to an official High School Transcript(s), prepare a PDF version of official University Transcript(s) up
to the most recent semester (grades for all the courses you completed and the number of credits you earned
should be indicated).

There are a limited number of places for transfer students. Please see News on the ILA
website or contact the ILA office by email to confirm availability before applying.

-6-

4. English Proficiency Score
Prepare a PDF version of one of the test scores listed below to verify your English language proficiency. All thetest scores must be no more than two years old at the time of the deadline. Please note the submission of testscores is not necessary for applicants who are native speakers of English and applicants with twelve or more
years of education in English.
Proficiency Tests:
1) TOEFL iBT® TEST (85 or above) (Institution Code: D680)
TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition and TOEFL iBT ® Home Edition scores are no longer accepted. Only
"Test Date Scores" are applicable for admission ("MyBest™ Scores" will not be considered in theadmission process).
2)

IELTS Academic Module (6.5 or above)
IELTS on Computer (Academic Module) and IELTS for UKVI (Academic Module) are also accepted.
IELTS online scores are not accepted.
IELTS One Skill Retake scores are not accepted.

3)

Duolingo English Test: 120 or above
Please share your result directly to the ILA via the Duolingo English Test website.

Aptitude Tests:
Please share your result directly to the ILA via the ACT/SAT website.
4)

ACT Combined English/Writing (Writing Test Score) 22 or above (College Code: 9078)

5)

SAT Reading Test 28 or above, and Writing & Language Test 29 or above (College Code: 7231)

6)

SAT Digital SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 560 or above

NOTE:
Only scores verified with the testing center directly before the application deadline will be accepted.

5. Letter of Reference (Recommendation)
One completed reference (recommendation) letter is required. This should preferably be written by a faculty or
staff member of educational institution that you attended who knows you and your academic goals well. Your
referee will be notified of your request for a reference letter by email and will be prompted to access an online
evaluation sheet.

6. Identification Documents
Prepare a PDF version of your passport. If you have multiple citizenships, upload all PDF version. If you do nothave a passport, an identification document issued by a government agency in your country will be acceptedat the time of application. It must clearly show your name, nationality, date of birth in English. Please start
preparing to obtain a passport as it is required to obtain your visa upon acceptance. If you are a non-Japanese
resident of Japan, please also upload a PDF version of your Residence Card.

7. Photographs
Prepare a color photograph data (aspect ratio of 4:3) (color, full front face without hat, taken within three months,
no background). Do not use any filter or edit it. This will be used for academic and administrative purpose only
(Student ID Card, etc.) upon acceptance.

8. Evidence of Application Fee Payment
Pay the Application Fee and upload a copy of the Credit Card Results Page or the Remittance Receipt issued
by bank. For details, refer to pages 9-10.

-7-

9. For applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDC) or Low Income Countries which
are not LDCs who wish to apply for］ (September Entry only)［Scholarship for Applicants from Developing Countries］
Send us the following two documents (prescribed forms) by traceable post by the deadline (See page 19). You
cannot upload them on to the ILA Online Application System.
1). Request Form for an Application Fee Waiver, 2025 Doshisha University2). 2025 The Doshisha University Scholarship for Students from Developing Countries◆ Important Notes on Application Documents ◆1. Prescribed Forms

Please download, and print out all prescribed forms from the Institute for the Liberal Arts website:
https://ila.doshisha.ac.jp/ila/en/admissions/application.html

2. Translation of documents
If official documents such as Graduation Certificates and Academic transcripts (Transcripts of Grades) are
issued in a language other than English or Japanese, it is the applicant’s responsibility to prepare an
English or Japanese translation officially notarized by a foreign embassy in Japan or a Japanese Embassy
abroad. If such notarized translations cannot be provided, an English or Japanese translation issued by
the relevant school will be accepted, provided that it has the school’s official seal.

3. Notarized/Certified copies of original documents
All the application documents must be the PDF of the official document or the document which isnotarized/certified by the relevant school, a foreign embassy in Japan, a Japanese embassy abroad, or anotary public.

-8-

9.

Application Fee

The Application Fee is 15,000 yen (JPY).
The Application Fee of 15,000 yen (JPY) (non-refundable) must be paid before submitting the application. If the
Application Fee is not paid within the application period, we will not accept your application. We strongly
recommend that you make your payment by credit card. However, if you cannot use credit card, bank transfer isalso acceptable. If you are an applicant from a developing country, the Application Fee will be waived if you
submit a prescribed request form by post. (see page 19).
In principle, the Application Fee is not refundable once remitted. However, the University will refund the Application
Fee only in cases where:
1. the applicant paid the Application Fee but did not submit the application documents,
2. the applicant paid the Application Fee, but the application documents reached the University after the Application
Period.
3. the applicant paid the Application Fee, and the application documents reached the University within the
Application Period; however, the application was not accepted by the University for reasonable grounds, such as
incompletion of documentation or unsatisfying the requirements specified by the University.
The refund procedure will be informed after the application deadline. Applicants must complete the refund processduring the specified period. The fees to be incurred for processing the refund must be borne by the applicant.

1. Payment by credit card
The Application Fee can be paid by credit card on the Internet. (E-shiharai).
Please visit: https://www.doshisha.ac.jp/en/admission/guide/index.html and chose “Examination fee”.
Notes
1.

Please complete the payment by 5:00 p.m. (Japan time) on the final day of the application period.

2.

In addition to the Application Fee, a transaction fee will be charged.

3.

The cardholder’s name does not need to be the same as the name of the applicant. However, please fill in theapplicant’s personal details on the Basic Information page.

4.

After completing the transaction, please save the Result Page as data and upload on to the ILA Online
Application System.

5.

If you forget to save the Result page, you can access it by entering your Receipt Number and your date of birthon the Application Results page.

6.

An email confirming the transaction will be sent to the email address you registered.

- The transaction is processed in Japanese yen. The conversion rate at the time the transaction is processed by
the processing center of the international affiliate of the credit card company will apply. Please contact your credit
card company for more details. If your credit card transaction cannot be verified, please contact your credit cardcompany directly.

2. Bank Transfer (Overseas Remittance)*We strongly recommend that you make your payment by credit card.
If remitting from abroad, the 2,500 yen (JPY) transaction fee charged by Japanese financial institutions must be
paid by the applicant, making the total amount to be remitted 17,500 yen (JPY).

-9-

Transfer Type

Telegraphic Transfer

Payment

Advise and credit

Transfer Charge

Local charges borne by remitter & overseas charges by beneficiary [SHA]

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Amount17,500 yen

Beneficiary BankSUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION

BranchLavender8 Naginataboko-cho, Karasuma-higashiiru, Shijo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto,
600-8008, JAPANBank Address
SWIFT Address

SMBCJPJT

Account Type

Ordinary Account (Savings Account)

Account Number

976-0100114

Account Holder

Doshisha University

Notes- The remittance must be made at a bank teller. Remittances via Internet Banking are not acceptable.
- The remittance must be made in the name of the applicant.
- Any transaction charges from banks in the applicant’s home country must be paid by the applicant.
- For Account Holder, please do not enter anything other than “Doshisha University”.
- Please pay your transfer charge through “SHA”, not “OUR”. You will be charged an extra 2,500 yen (JPY) if you
pay by “OUR”.
- Please upload a PDF of the remittance receipt bearing the authorization of the bank at which the money was
remitted on to the ILA Online Application System.

3. Domestic Bank Transfer (only from inside Japan)
The Application Fee can be paid at a bank using the prescribed form (You can download from the ILA website) for
remittance and by telegraphic transfer. Please upload a PDF of the remittance receipt bearing the authorization of
the bank onto the form “Remittance Receipt” on to the Online Appliction and send the original receipt to the ILA
office by mail. A remittance made from the headquarters or branch of one of the designated financial institutions
listed in the prescribed remittance forms will not be charged a transaction fee. *We do not accept remittances from
ATMs or from the Japan Post Bank.

10. Document Screening and Video Interviews
Once your application is received it is screened to ensure that all documents are in order and all sections of theapplication are completed in full. Please be aware that incomplete applications may be disqualified. Once screening
is complete, your application is thoroughly evaluated and graded by faculty members. Professors carefully assessyour personal statement, evaluate your transcripts and recommendations, as well as review your background andrelevant skills and qualifications.
Immediately after receiving your application and supporting documents, you will be asked to submit a series of short,recorded videos within a period of a few days. These video interviews are a chance for you to represent yourself asa good candidate for the ILA. You will get the chance to explain your motivation for studying at Doshisha and at the
ILA.These videos will assess your motivation and commitment to our liberal arts program; familiarity with current
events and academic topics; intellectual curiosity; social aptitude and leadership; academic and scholastic capacity;and communication skills.

-10-11. Notification of Acceptance
We will release on the Internet a list of Examinee’s numbers of successful applicants. We will send the site password
by email at least 24 hours prior to the announcement. We cannot respond to any inquiries regarding internet
congestion problems. If you have trouble accessing the web page, please try again later.
URL: https://ila.doshisha.ac.jp/ila/en/results/notification.html
Notification of Acceptance will be sent to successful applicants by postal mail on the date listed below. Instructions
for the initial registration procedures will be enclosed with the Notification of Acceptance. After confirming yourConcentration, Faculty and Department, remember to pay the Initial Registration Fee by the appropriate deadline.
Refer to Section B, 2.Registration Procedures (page 13). Those who do not complete the procedures by thedeadline will be denied admission.
Entry

Notification of Results

April 2025

November 6, 2024, 10:00 a.m. (JST)September 2025

April 23, 2025, 10:00 a.m. (JST)Except for inquiries regarding delivery delays, we cannot respond to any inquiries regarding admission decisions.
* The University shall not be liable for any circumstances occurring in the course of delivery of the results including,but not limited to, lost mail and compromise of personal information.

12. Applicants with Special Needs
Doshisha University endeavors to offer reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities.
All applicants will be judged for their academic suitability to study at the ILA in separation from any discussion of
the applicant’s other needs. However, the University has a duty of care to all staff and students and so therefore
cannot always guarantee to provide for the needs of every individual.
In order for the University to better assess the needs of individual applicants with disabilities, we strongly suggestthat an applicant who may require support in the screening process, or in conducting their studies in general if
admitted, to please consult directly with the ILA Office well before submitting their application, optimally at least one
month in advance of the deadline.

-11-13. Protection of Personal Information
In compliance with the “Act on the Protection of Personal Information,” Doshisha University established “Basic
Policy on Protection of Personal Information” and “Regulations on the Protection of Personal Information,” Basedon these Act and policies for safeguarding personal information, the University will handle personal information
securely and properly, and is dedicated to preventing any leaks, divulgence or unauthorized use of personal
information collected by applicants.
We ensure that personal identifiable information, including address, name, birthdate and photo of applicants,
collected in the course of application procedure will be used only for the purpose of implementing entrance
examination, handling admission management for students to be enrolled, such as admission procedure andscholarship selection, instructing students after enrollment and any other purpose related to such matters.
Personal information will also be used for the purpose of making various statistics of entrance examination in theway where personal information cannot be identified.
The University may entrust another party with a part of the matters mentioned above. In this case, we ensure that
personal information will be handled and protected appropriately under contract, or equivalent, made between the
University and another party.

-12-Section B: Registration Procedures
1. Overview
Upon acceptance, applicants should complete the following procedures. Admission will be denied if the applicant
does not complete these procedures by the appropriate deadlines. Please refer to the instructions for initial
registration procedures enclosed in the Letter of Acceptance for further details and contact the office for queries
using the contact details on page 20.
International students enrolled at Doshisha University are required to hold a Status of Residence (a Student Visa)
as prescribed in Appendix 1 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. International students cannot
remain enrolled at the University with a Temporary Visitor Visa. Registration procedures for international students
are handled by the Office of International Students.

Will I be considered an “international student” at Doshisha University?
Do you possess Japanese nationality, including dual nationality?
YESNO

NO, see “Fornoninternational
students”

Are you currently residing in Japan on a temporary visitor visa?
YES

Will you apply for a“Student” visa?

Are you currently residing in Japan under“Permanent Resident*” status?

YES

YES, see“Forinternational
students
residing
outside Japan”

YES

NO

NO

Contact the ILA office.

(page 14).

(page 16).

NO

Are you currently residing in Japan under “Student”
status or will you change your status of residence to“Student” before enrollment?
NO

Are you currently residing in Japan?

YES

YES, see “For international students
residing in Japan” (page 16).

NO
YES

Contact the ILA office.

* “Permanent Resident” status refers to: ①Special Permanent Resident ②Permanent Resident ③Spouse or Child of a Permanent or Special
Permanent Resident (see Appendix 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act).

-13-

2. Initial Registration Procedures (Payment Fees)
Accepted applicants should complete the following steps. Further details regarding the method and amount of
payment will be enclosed with the Notification of Acceptance. Those who do not complete the initial registration
procedures by the deadline will be denied admission.

1. For international students residing outside Japan
Entry

Notification of Results

Payment Deadline

April 2025

November 6, 2024

November 25, 2024

April 23, 2025

May 22, 2025

September 2025

Accepted applicants must pay the prescribed amount of the initial registration fee by the deadline stated above.
Applicants are also required to submit all necessary documents including documents related to funding indicatedon page 15 to the Office of International Students who will then act as your proxy to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility
for a Status of Residence (Student) in Japan from the Immigration Bureau at the Ministry of Justice. Please refer tothe guide for initial registration procedures for details on required documents.
After the Office of International Students receives the Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Bureau at the
Ministry of Justice, the Certificate of Eligibility and an Admission Certificate will be sent to the applicant. Upon
receiving the Certificate of Eligibility and the Admission Certificate, the applicant must apply for a Status ofResidence (Student) by bringing these documents to the Japanese Embassy or a Japanese Consulate in his/herhome country.
[Overview]
Japanese
Embassy

Doshisha University

ApplicantMinistry ofJustice(Office of International
Students)

Remit Initial Registration Fee>

Confirm receipt of fees

Submit documents required for
application for Certificate of
Eligibility>

Apply by proxy for Certificate
of Eligibility><<

Issue a visa
(Student)<

Apply to Embassy for a visa
(Student)>

Move to Kyoto, Japan

Issue Certificate
of Eligibility

Send Certificate of Eligibility
and Admission Certificate

<

Note:
-In certain cases, this application process may need to be modified depending on changes in the Japanese
Immigration Office regulations. The University will notify successful applicants of any changes.
-If you overpay the transaction fee etc. when paying Initial Registration Fee by overseas remittance, the excess
amount will be deducted from the tuition fee of the following semester.

-14-◆ Documents Related to Funding to Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility ◆1) If the applicant supplies the funds by him/herself:- Bank Account Balance Statement (Bank Certificate) in the applicant’s name (the balance statement
should show sufficient funds to cover the School Fees for one year + a minimum of ¥100,000 x 12 months
to cover living expenses. It should be issued by a bank which is able to transfer the funds to Japanin Japanese yen).
- Certificate of Employment (or Verification of Employment) of the applicant- Certificate of Annual Income (or a Tax Certificate indicating the applicant’s total income for the previousyear) of the applicant
2) If a family member or a relative of the applicant (and any other person as a second sponsor)
supplies the funds:- Statement of Financial Support (prescribed form) filled out by the sponsor (if the form is filled out in alanguage other than Japanese or English, a Japanese or English translation must be attached).
- Bank Account Balance Statement (Bank Certificate) in the sponsor’s name (the balance statement should
show sufficient funds to cover the School Fees for one year + a minimum of ¥100,000 x 12 months tocover living expenses. It should be issued by a bank which is able to transfer the funds to Japan inJapanese yen).
- Certificate of Employment (or Verification of Employment) of the sponsor (if the sponsor is self-employed:
Certificate of Business Registration)- Certificate of Annual Income (or a Tax Certificate indicating the sponsor’s total income for the previousyear) of the sponsor- Document to prove the sponsor’s relationship with the applicant (one of the following: a copy of the Family
Register, Birth Certificate, Resident Card, or Public Certification of Kinship)3) If the applicant supplies the funds through a scholarship:- Scholarship Certificate indicating the amount, duration of the scholarship, and the name of sponsoringfoundation or institution4) If a sponsor residing in Japan supplies the funds:- Statement of Financial Support (prescribed form) filled out by the sponsor- Tax Certificate indicating the sponsor’s total income for the previous year (one of the following:
Withholding Tax Slip, (copy of) Final Income Tax Return, Residential Tax Return or Income Tax
Certificate)* Document to prove the sponsor’s relationship with the applicant
If the sponsor is a relative of the applicant, one of the following: Family Register, Birth Certificate, Resident
Card, or Public Certification of Kinship.
If the sponsor is an acquaintance or a friend, an explanatory note mentioning the relationship with theapplicant and a picture taken together, etc.
* If you have multiple sponsors, submit the required documents for all of them.
* If you have any inquiries regarding the documents related to funding, contact the Section forInternational Admissions, the Office of International Students, International Center (Imadegawa
Campus).

Please note: These regulations are subject to change by the Japanese Government.

-15-

2. For international students residing in Japan 【Two installments】】
Entry

Notification of Results[Step 1]
Payment Deadline( Registration Fee*)[Step 2]
Period of Payment

April 2025

November 6, 2024

November 25, 2024

February 6 – March 3, 2025

September 2025

April 23, 2025

May 22, 2025

August 11 – August 27, 2025

[Step 1] Applicants must pay the Registration Fee* by the deadline stated above.
[Step 2] Applicants will then be required to complete payment of the remaining amount of the initial School Fees
(Tuition and Facilities Fees of the first semester) during the period of payment.
Please note that you may have to extend or change your visa status. In this case you will require the Admission
Certificate from the Office of International Students and this can only be issued after the Initial School Fees have
beenpaid in full.
* Once the [Step 2] is completed, “Registration Fee” will be referred to as the “Admission Fee”.
[Overview]
Step

Ministry of JusticeDoshisha University(Office of International Students)

Applicant

1

Pay Registration Fee>

Confirm receipt of fees2

Pay remaining fees>

Confirm receipt of fees<

Apply for extension or change ofvisa status, if necessary<

Send Admission Certificate>

Move to Kyoto, if necessary

3

Approve extension orchange of visa status

Note:
1. International students enrolled at Doshisha University are required to hold a Status of Residence (a Student Visa)
as prescribed in Appendix 1 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. International students
cannot remain enrolled at the University with a Temporary Visitor Visa.
2. Permission for the Certificate of Eligibility is granted by the Ministry of Justice. The University can take no
responsibility if this is not granted. If and when such permission is not granted, or unexpected expenses are
incurred due to any reason, such as the delay in the issuance of COE, the University takes no responsibility. The
University reserves the right to cancel the admission of applicants who have failed to obtain a Certificate of
Eligibility. Those who have lost their Status of Residence during the period of their enrollment may not remain
enrolled at the University.

3. For non-international students 【Two installments】】
Entry

Notification of Results[Step 1]
Payment Deadline(Registration Fee* )[Step 2]
Period of Payment

April 2025

November 6, 2024

November 25, 2024

February 6 - March 3, 2025

September 2025

April 23, 2025

May 22, 2025

August 11 – August 27, 2025

[Step 1] Applicants must pay the Registration Fee* by the deadline stated above.
[Step 2] Applicants will be then required to complete payment of the remaining amount of the initial School Fees
(Tuition and Facilities Fees of the first semester) during the period of payment.
* Once the [Step 2] is completed, “Registration Fee” will be referred to as the “Admission Fee”.

-16-

【Important note】】-The Admission Fee (200,000 yen (JPY)) will not be refunded under any circumstances.
-Any cancellation of registration after completing the (initial) registration procedure is permitted only if the applicant
goes through the prescribed cancellation procedure by the date below. In that case, the remaining amount of theInitial School Fees (Tuition and Facilities Fees of the first semester) will be refunded to the applicant. Details will
be enclosed with the Notification of Acceptance.
-International Applicants for whom the University has already applied by proxy for the Certificate of Eligibility to a
Status of Residence (Student) in Japan who wish to receive the above refund need to submit a statement of reason
for cancelling their registration and return the Certificate of Eligibility and the Admission Certificate to Doshisha
University. Details will be enclosed with the Notification of Acceptance.
Entry
April 2025
September 2025

Enrollment Cancellation Deadline
March 31, 2025
September 20, 2025

3. Submission of Required Documents
Please be aware that the successful applicant is required to arrive in Kyoto by the middle of March (April 2025
Entry) or by the beginning of September (September 2025 Entry) so that you have enough time for your final
registration and settling in. The successful applicants are required to submit the original documents listed below(other than those documents already submitted as part of the application process) to the ILA office in person or bypostal mail by the deadline. We do not accept photocopies of these documents.
1)

A document supporting your educational qualification (Graduation Certificate, IB Diploma, etc.)

2)

A certificate of Items Stated in Resident Register (住民票記載事項証明書・Juminhyo Kisaijiko Shomeisho)3)【International Students】
Written Pledge/Notification of Contact Person[prescribed form, sent to successful applicants]【Non International Students】
Written Pledge (student)/Written Pledge and Guarantee (joint guarantor)[prescribed form,sent to successful applicants]
Entry

Submission Deadline

April 2025

April 2, 2025

September 2025

September 22, 2025

Please note that Doshisha University reserves the right to cancel the admission of applicants whose application or
initial registration documents are incomplete or contain false statements.

-17-

4. School Fees
The School Fees for the 2025 academic year will be announced on the website when determined.
URL: https://ila.doshisha.ac.jp/ila/en/admissions/application.html
Undergraduate First- year Students (For Reference Only: AY 2024 Entry)
Initial School Fees

(unit: Japanese yen)

School Fees (annual)
1 year

2nd year

3rd year

4th yearstAdmission Fee

200,000

200,000

---

---

---

Tuition381,500

763,000

963,000

963,000

963,000

Facilities Fee

81,500163,000

163,000

163,000

163,000

Total

663,000

1,126,000

1,126,000

1,126,000

1,126,000

Undergraduate Third- year Students (AY 2025 Entry)
Initial School Fees

(unit: Japanese yen)

School Fees (annual)
3 year

4th yearrd

Admission Fee

200,000

200,000---

Tuition476,500

953,000

953,000

Facilities Fee

81,000162,000

162,000

Total

757,500

1,315,000

1,115,000

1) The Admission Fee is charged in the initial year only.
2) One half each of the annual Tuition and Facilities Fee is charged in the Spring and Fall Semesters respectively.
3) The Initial School Fees is the total of the Admission Fee and the Tuition and Facilities Fees for the first semester.
4) In addition to the above, the Alumni Association Fee will be charged in the fourth year.

5. Scholarships

1. Doshisha Merit Scholarship
Doshisha Merit Scholarship reduce the financial burden on international students who excel academically toenhance their studies at the University. Students with a “Student” Visa may receive a tuition reduction (*Category
S, Category A, or Category C). Eligible applicants are automatically considered for this scholarship. Please refer tothe Doshisha webpage for the latest information (https://ois.doshisha.ac.jp/ois/en/scholarships/merit.html). In somecases, however, students who have a non-Japanese nationality may receive the scholarship offer, even if they do
not have a “Student” Visa. The amount of reduction, if any, will be notified with the Notification of Acceptance. Thisscholarship is offered for two years, based on the student’s admission result. In third and fourth years, the tuition
reduction is awarded based on the student’s grades during the previous years of study.
For other scholarships offered while studying at Doshisha,please refer to webpage:- International students: https://ois.doshisha.ac.jp/ois/en/scholarships/merit.html- Other students: https://www.doshisha.ac.jp/scholarships/ (Japanese language).

* Category S: Equivalent to full amount of tuition for each year of enrollment, depending on the year of entry
Category A: ¥ 460,000, Category C: ¥ 190,000-18-

2. Scholarship for Applicants from Developing Countries (September Entry only)
Eligible applicants:
Applicants who wish to be admitted to the Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA), Doshisha University as full-timedegree-seeking students, who excel academically and who fulfill all of the following conditions are eligible to apply
for this scholarship. This scholarship will only be available to applicants who wish to enroll in the Fall Semester.
- Applicants must be a privately funded international student.
- Applicants will obtain “Student” resident status after being admitted to Doshisha University..
- Applicants must reside in, and be nationals of, one of the countries classified by the OECD/DAC as Least
Developed Countries or Other Low Income Countries (please see the list of Eligible Countries below).
[Least Developed Countries]
Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Rep., Chad, Comoros,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s
Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger,
Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, TimorLeste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia[Low Income Countries which are not LDCs]
D. P. R. Korea, Syrian Arab Republic

Application Fee Waiver:
Applicants who fulfill the above conditions will be exempted from the Application Fee. When applying for thescholarship, please do not forget to enclose the original request form for the Application Fee Waiver and send bytraceable post by the deadline. If you apply for the Application Fee Waiver, you are not required to pay the
Application Fee.

Scholarship amount:-85,000-yen monthly stipend.
-Full amount of School fees (including the Admission Fee, Tuition, Facilities Fee).
(See page 18)

Number of recipients: Two students maximum.
Duration of the scholarship:
For two years after admission (The duration of scholarship may be renewed for up to the standard number ofyears required for graduation.). In principle, any leave of absence is included in the duration of scholarship.
However, this does not apply to military leave.

Notification dates:
The notification of this scholarship will be enclosed with the Notification of Acceptance.

Application forms:
https://ila.doshisha.ac.jp/ila/en/admissions/scholarship.html
The application forms will be available on the website in November 2024.
Application forms for this Scholarship and Application Fee Waiver must be physically mailed by the deadline.
Applicants cannot submit these documents via the online admission.
For further details, please refer to the webpage (https://ois.doshisha.ac.jp/ois/en/scholarships/countries.html).

-19-

Contact Details
The Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA) Office (Shikokan, Karasuma Campus)
Doshisha University
Kamidachiuri-agaru, Karasuma-doriKamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-0898, Japan
TEL: +81-75-251-3302 / FAX: +81-75-251-3304 / Email: ji-ila@mail.doshisha.ac.jp<Address in Japanese>〒602-0898
同志社大学

京都市上京区烏丸通上立売上る
国際教育インスティテュート事務室

Inquiries regarding Status of Residence, CoE and scholarships for international students
Office of International Students (Fusokan, Imadegawa Campus)
Doshisha University
Karasuma-Higashi-iru, Imadegawa-doriKamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8580, Japan
TEL: +81-75-251-3257 / FAX: +81-75-251-3123 / Email: ji-intad@mail.doshisha.ac.jp
Hours: 9:00 a.m. ~ 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday except holidays, November 29 andDecember 25)

Our offices are closed from August 13 to August 16 2024, from December 30 2024 to January 3 2025, and from
April 29 to May 5 2025. We will be unable to answer phone and email inquiries during this period.

Teranouchi St.

Karasuma Campus
ILA Office⓮: Fusokan㉛: Shikokan

www.doshisha.ac.jp/en/information/imadegawa/index.html-20-

The Institute for the Liberal Arts Office, Doshisha University.
Kamidachiuri-agaru, Karasuma-doriKamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0898 Japan
Tel: +81-75-251-3302 / Fax: +81-75-251-3304
Email: ji-ila@mail.doshisha.ac.jp

https://ila.doshisha.ac.jp/ila/en/
This guide is available for download from the above website.