Study location	Japan, Kyoto
Type	Undergraduate, full-time
Nominal duration	4 years
Study language	English
Awards	BA

Tuition fee	JP¥783,000 per year
Application fee	JP¥15,000 one-time
Registration fee	JP¥200,000 one-time
Course fee	JP¥165,000 per year

Entry qualification

Applicants should satisfy one of the following requirements by the time of enrollment at ILA: 1. Twelve years of school education outside Japan 2. Graduation Diploma from a high school accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology 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 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 their eligibility reviewed in advance and be recognized by ILA 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. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Japanese. If documents are issued in a language other than English or Japanese, it is the applicant’s responsibility to attach an English or Japanese translation officially notarized by a foreign embassy in Japan or a Japanese Embassy abroad. An English or Japanese translation issued by the relevant school will be accepted, provided that it has the school’s official seal. Later as part of our enrollment procedures, successful applicants will be required to prove their original documents either by submitting their physical copies by post, having their official versions sent by e-mail from the issuing organization, or using a digital delivery or credential service.

Language requirements

1) Native speaker of English 2) Twelve or more years of education in English 3) Please note that TOEFL iBT® TEST “85” or above (Institution Code: D680). Please note the TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition and TOEFL iBT ® Home Edition scores are no longer accepted. Only “Test Date Scores” are acceptable (“MyBest™ Scores” will not be considered in the admission process). 4) IELTS Academic Module “6.5” or above. IELTS on Computer (Academic Module) and IELTS for UKVI (Academic Module) are also accepted. IELTS online score and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted. 5) Duolingo English Test: “120” or above. 6) ACT Combined English/Writing (Writing Test Score) 22 or above (College Code: 9078). 7) SAT Reading Test 28 or above, and Writing & Language Test 29 or above. Digital SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 560 or more (College Code: 7231).

Other requirements

At least 1 reference(s) must be provided. One completed reference (recommendation) letter is required. This should preferably be written by a faculty or staff member at an educational institution that you attended who know 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. A motivation letter must be added to your application. Please write a personal statement in English describing your interest in studying at the Institute for the Liberal Arts. The essay should approximately 1200 words. Please read the Guidelines for writing your Statement of Purpose carefully before attempting to write your personal statement.

More information	ila.doshisha.ac.jp/en

Overview

The Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA) at Doshisha University, one of Japan’s oldest and top ranking universities, offers a world-class academic experience. As students study for their degrees, they gain international experience in Japan and have opportunities to acquire experience abroad, to intern, and to learn Japanese at our acclaimed Center for Japanese Language and Culture. Studying at the ILA offers the best of both worlds: a small Institute within a large university.

Our diverse international faculty are all active researchers and innovators in their own fields. The Institute’s small liberal arts college atmosphere and seminars allow students broad access to the faculty’s expertise. As students study for their degrees, faculty members challenge students to not only find interesting answers, but to formulate and ask intriguing questions.

The four-year Liberal Arts Program is conducted exclusively in English. Students concentrate in one of three specializations: Humanities and the Human Sciences (Japanese Society and Global Culture); Business and Economics (Japanese Business and the Global Economy); or Politics and Policy Studies (Japanese Politics and Global Studies), and they are encouraged to design their own curriculum of study, choosing from a wide range of courses offered throughout the Institute and the rest of the University. As members of Doshisha University, ILA students have access to classes across the University.

Our tuition fees are highly competitive and all incoming international students (college visa holders) will be considered for a reduction in tuition fees. Doshisha offers many other competitive scholarships for students.

Kyoto setting provides an exceptional cultural experience, combining the best of tradition, nightlife, and dynamic employment opportunities in modern Japan. Doshisha receives solicitations for approximately 600 job openings every year for international students and 98% of graduates successfully find jobs.

Programme structure

Curriculum Outline

Students in this four-year degree program choose one of three concentrations: Humanities and the Human Sciences, Business and Economics, or Politics and Policy Studies. All students begin by studying Foundation Courses, where they master the methodologies and research skills required for comparative analysis. They then design their own individualized curriculum by selecting courses across the disciplines based on their interests.

Students can take advanced courses in their concentration where they gain in-depth knowledge pertaining to specific fields: Humanities and the Human Sciences (Japanese Society and Global Culture), Business and Economics (Japanese Business and the Global Economy), Politics and Policy Studies (Japanese Politics and Global Studies). Students can choose to specialize within their chosen concentration or combine courses across fields, from the classes offered in English at the ILA, as well as in Japanese and English throughout the University.

Students may also have the opportunity to spend a year abroad at one of Doshisha’s many partner universities worldwide. While taking academic courses, students can study the Japanese language at any level.

E-brochure available here

Career opportunities

Career Center

To support students who pursue their career while in school, we offer information materials on employment and companies, vocational counselling, guidance and seminars.

See also Career Support Page.