Tuition fee JP¥953,000 per year
Application fee JP¥15,000 one-time
Registration fee JP¥200,000 one-time
Course fee JP¥162,000 per year
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 Outlin

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 studentsbegin 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-brocuher availalbe 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.

Apply now! Spring semester 2025/26
Application period has ended
Studies commence
1 Apr 2025
Apply now! Fall semester 2025/26
Application start
14 Jan 2025
Application deadline
13 Feb 2025, 17:00:00
Japan Standard Time
Studies commence
21 Sept 2025
Apply now! Spring semester 2025/26
Application period has ended
Studies commence
1 Apr 2025
Apply now! Fall semester 2025/26
Application start
14 Jan 2025
Application deadline
13 Feb 2025, 17:00:00
Japan Standard Time
Studies commence
21 Sept 2025
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