Admission Information for International Students
Undergraduate Programs
For MEXT students
Graduate Programs
Short-term Study Options
Scholarship, Housing, and more.
Graduate Programs
English-taught Programs
Japanese-taught Programs
Various types of scholarships and financial aid are available.
◆Scholarship applications accepted at the time of admission application
New Students Scholarship: The grant varies from one-third to the entire amount of the tuition fee. ($2,800-$13,000)
Adachi Scholarship for students from Southeast Asia and Africa: Equivalent to the full tuition and other fees for the first year. ($11,000-16,000)
Sophia Centennial Scholarship for International Students from Asia ($11,000-16,000 for the first year, $5,000-16,000 from the second year on)
◆Other financial aid programs (applications accepted after entrance)
Sophia University Tuition Support Scholarships: 1/3, 1/2, entire tuition support ($2,800-$13,000)
for all international students with “College Student” status
JASSO Honors Scholarship: 48,000 yen （≈$590) /month for undergraduate students
65,000 yen （≈$800) /month for graduate students
Sophia University Academic Excellence Awards Sophia University Benefactors’ Scholarships
Other scholarship programs more than 100 offered by public or private organizations.
◆MEXT Scholarship: for graduate students offered by the Japanese Government.
Applications are accepted and screened through the applicant’s local Japanese embassy or consulate.
More information
Sophia has several off-campus dormitories and affiliated dormitories for students in and around the Tokyo area. Though public transportation systems are well-developed, students should expect a 20 to 60 minute commuting time to the Sophia campus.
Monthly rent: 40,000 yen (≈ $480) - 70,000 yen (≈ $800)
More information
Meals 30,000 yen-50,000 yen (≈$370-600) /month
Textbooks 30,000 yen-60,000 yen (≈$370-600) /semester
Commuter pass 5,000 yen-10,000 yen(≈$60-120) /month
Other expenses 20,000 yen (≈$240)- more /month
International students coming from abroad must have a “college student” status of residence or other appropriate status. Sophia will assist the accepted students to obtain a college student status of residence after they are accepted.
International students holding “College Student” status of residence can work part-time up to 28 hours per week. Students need to have permission from the Immigration Office in advance.
International students are required to join the “National Health Insurance”, which covers 70% of medical expenses.
Hundreds of clubs and circles offer opportunities to join with other students who share a common interest in everything from sports to music, volunteer activities, cultural performances, current social issues, etc.
Because of their language skills, solid academic training, and global competency, graduates of Sophia are in great demand within both the Japanese and the international job markets. Sophia Career Center provides various programs as well as individual counseling to help international students’ job-seeking. Students readily find employment in Japanese and foreign firms in Japan, as well as admission into top graduate schools and professional training programs throughout the world
Sophia University is located in Yotsuya, literally in the heart of Tokyo. The area around the university has long been at the center of Japanese politics, economy and culture. The Imperial Palace, the Parliament, the State Guesthouse, and the National Diet Library as well as an array of offices of multinational enterprises are all within easy walking distance of the university. It is a place where you can feel the dynamism of the global city of Tokyo, experience its urban atmosphere and keep up with the trends of the times.
