Non-Degree Student

Non-degree students are students enrolled in the Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA) or the Center for Language Education and Research (CLER) who take undergraduate courses and earn credits on a full-time basis without the intention of earning a degree from Sophia University. This student status is suitable for those who wish to earn credits in English for a limited period of time at Sophia University and for international students who wish to study Japanese intensively.

Academic Calendar

Sophia University operates on a two-semester system, with the spring semester beginning in April and the fall semester beginning in September. Each semester has 15 weeks, including the final exam.

Enrollment Period

The enrollment period for non-degree students is one semester (six months) or two semesters (one year).

Conditions of Enrollment

Non-degree students are required to take a total of at least 10 hours of classes per week (6 times per week), and this requirement is fulfilled by taking one course from any of the following programs offered. If the number of registered courses does not meet the enrollment requirements, or if the registration fee is not paid by the prescribed deadline, the student will be disqualified from enrollment.

Scholarship

Sophia University does not offer scholarships for non-degree students.

For details of the application dates, procedures, and guidelines, necessary documents, entrance procedures, tuition, etc., please see the “Non-Degree Student Application Overview” page on the Admissions Information.

Programs Offered for Non-degree Students

English Track (FLA)

English Track is designed for students who wish to study in the following areas:

  • Comparative culture (art history/visual culture, literature, religion, and philosophy)
  • International management and economics
  • Social sciences (anthropology, sociology, history, and political science)
  • Japanese studies
  • Regular Japanese language courses

Students enrolled in the English Track belong to the “Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA).”

For details of the program and application procedures, please refer to the application guidelines for the “English Track / Japanese Intensive Track” on the Admissions Information.

Japanese Intensive Track A (CLER)

Japanese Intensive Track A is intended for students enrolled in the Japanese Language Intensive Program (JLIP). JLIP is a course for international students who study Japanese as a foreign language.

Classes are held every day from Monday to Friday for two periods per day (9:00–12:35). Lessons will be taught in English, if necessary. The JLIP has four levels and is designed for students who are at least at the JLPT N5 level or equivalent. All students who wish to enroll in the Japanese language program will take a placement test prior to course registration and will be placed in the appropriate level of class according to the results of the test.

Students enrolled in the JLIP will belong to the Center for Language Education and Research (CLER).

For details of the program and application procedures, please refer to the application guidelines for the English Track / Japanese Intensive Track on the Admissions Information.

Japanese Intensive Track B

The Japanese Intensive Track B program is designed for students from countries that use Chinese characters.

Classes are held every day from Monday to Friday for two periods per day (9:00–12:35). This course has three levels and is designed for students who are at least at the JLPT N3 level or equivalent. We recommend that you study Japanese at an educational institution for at least six months beforehand. Students can earn 8 credits per course. All students who wish to enroll in the Japanese language program will take a placement test prior to course registration and will be placed in the appropriate level of class according to the results of the test.

Students enrolled in the Japanese Intensive Track B will belong to the Center for Language Education and Research (CLER).

For details of the program and application procedures, please refer to the application guidelines for the English Track / Japanese Intensive Track on the Admissions Information.

Accreditation

Sophia University is accredited by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and has been certified as conforming to the standards set by the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA). Credits earned at Sophia University in any subject are recognized by major universities in the U.S. and other countries.

Status of Residence for International Students

Foreign students studying at Sophia University must have the status of residence of “College Student” or other status of residence that allows them to stay in Japan. A “Temporary Visitor” status is not acceptable for studying in Japan. International students with “College Student” status are required to take courses for a minimum of 10 hours per week (approximately six times per week). You will receive detailed information on the procedures for obtaining the status of residence of “College Student” after you have been accepted.

Housing Information

Sophia University has several off-campus dormitories.

Sophia University

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