phd program in japan for international students

Apply to PhD

The Graduate School accepts about 60 full-time graduate students per year. This ensures low numbers of students for each faculty member so that we can deliver best-in-the-world teaching to our graduate students. The basic requirement for the OIST Graduate Program is completion of a Bachelors, Masters, or equivalent degree prior to the admission date. Students may submit an application at any time. Your application will be considered at the next admissions committee meeting. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Admissions Selection , held on-campus twice a year, as part of the selection process.

OIST strives to create and maintain an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment that does not discriminate against gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, medical condition, race, ethnicity, ancestry, culture, national origin, religion, or marital status. Applications from women and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged. For more details, please refer to the OIST Graduate School Three Policies.

Selection Schedule

*The schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Number of Accepting Students

The Graduate School accepts 60 students. To conduct education and research tailored to the wishes and aptitude of each students, we accept a small number of students.

Eligibility

Those who have graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's degree or expect to complete their degree before the date of enrollment into the PhD Program at OIST are eligible to apply.

Application Procedure

We accept application documents only online. Please prepare all necessary documents written below in English and in a PDF file and upload all necessary documents at the application website .

Note: We recommend using a computer when preparing the online application. If you prefer using a mobile device, please make sure to have the latest operating system for the application to work properly.

Required Documents

Scanned copies of your current academic transcript and any other transcript from your past degree  (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format

Completed diploma (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format.

• A scan of an unofficial transcript or other record of grades may be uploaded to the application website.
• English explanation is required for transcripts that are not written in English.
• If you have not graduated and do not have a diploma yet, please upload a certificate of enrolment from your institution (which preferably indicates your expected graduation date)

This should be not more than 400 words (2500 characters) and should address the following points:

• The applicant’s scientific interests and aspirations.
• What the applicant hopes to gain from undertaking graduate studies at OIST.

The application system requires applicants to submit a passport number and upload a scan of their passport photo page. It is essential that applicants from outside Japan have a valid passport for travel to Japan. You must supply your passport details in the application process.

If you do not have a passport at the time of application, you can upload other government-issued identification documents instead. However, if you receive an offer after the Admissions Selection, OIST will need a copy of your valid passport immediately to prepare your visa application and travel arrangement to relocate to Okinawa.

Each applicant is required to have at least two and no more than five letters of recommendation from appropriate academic referees. Two is the minimum requirement, but as a rule, it is very helpful for the admissions committee to have three or more letters. In the online application system, the applicant will enter the name and email of each recommender. The system will then contact the referee directly for their letter.

• OIST strongly recommends that applicants ask academic referees in advance for permission to list them as recommenders. Recommendation letters needs to be submitted by the deadline. Referee comments are a very important part of the selection process, and it is the applicant's responsibility to first ensure that referees are willing to submit such a letter, and then that they do submit before the deadline.
• Recommender’s letters will be treated as confidential material and will not be available to applicants or parties other than OIST faculty members assessing the application. In registering a recommender the applicant acknowledges that there is no right to read the recommender’s letter.
• You can only submit your application after at least two recommendation letters are received in the application system.

An applicant who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university for which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English is required to provide a TOEFL iBT or IELTS score obtained within the last 2 years. Please upload a digital copy of your official score report to the application website.

• There is no minimum score required but the information is necessary in determining preparatory course requirements.

Optional Documents

The following documents may be submitted optionally, and will be taken into consideration by the selection committee if available:

• Additional evidence of academic ability such as GRE general or specific test scores obtained within the last 2 years.
• Additional material such as the title and abstract of publications and oral presentations, and other evidence of achievement.

Note: The OIST Graduate School reserves the right to request an external evaluation of academic qualifications from any applicant.

Application Fee

There is no application fee to apply for the OIST Graduate Program.

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Website for International Students

Graduate Admissions

UTokyo has a total of 15 Graduate Schools, all of which accept international students. Graduate Students *For details on special admission for international students, please contact the relevant graduate school. *For information on programs offered in English, please refer to this page .

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International Student Handbook

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Guide to Studying PhD in Japan for International Students

Want to study for a PhD in Japan but not sure where to start? This article introduces all you need to know about PhD in Japan, from what programs are like, admission requirements, and what English PhD programs in Japan there are. 

First Published: 2021-05-17 Updated: 2024-01-12

Table of Contents

Why should you study for a PhD in Japan?

• Program Types, Durations, and Admission Requirements

PhD in Japan for International Students

Phd programs in japan in english, what is the applicable visa to study in japan, what is the cost to study for a phd in japan, are there scholarships for phds in japan.

Japanese graduate schools are called 大学院 (Daigakuin) . They consists of Master’s courses, 修士 (Shuushi Katei), to obtain a Master’s Degree, “修士号 (Shuushigo)” and PhD courses, 博士課程 (Hakushi Katei) to obtain a PhD, 博士号 (Hakushigo) . 

In this article, we will focus on PhD Programs in Japan, what they are like, and what English PhD programs are there for international students. A person who has graduated from a PhD course is called 先生 (Sensei) or 博士 (Hakase) - Dr. in Japan. 

The reasons for why you should study for a PhD in Japan are pretty much the same reasons for choosing Japan to study abroad , whether it’s for undergraduate studies, Japanese language studies, or graduate school studies. The reasons include:

• World-Ranked Universities in Japan like University of Tokyo and Kyoto University and Nagoya University that rank among the Top 100 globally.
• Japanese universities excel at research and technology. Many universities are research-intensive which makes for a great study environment, especially for post-graduate education and post-doc. 
• There are Japanese graduate schools offering English PhD programs. Many universities offer Japanese classes (in many cases mandatory, but higher levels optional) to help international students integrate into life in Japan. 
• Scholarships for international students, including for PhD courses.
• Helpful if you are planning to continue working in Japan after completing your PhD. Also good for career prospects outside Japan.
• Endless opportunities to expose yourself to Japanese culture and tradition. There’s no better way to learn about Japan than being at the source. On weekends and holidays, take the chance to explore. 

Are you convinced to study for a PhD in Japan yet? From hereon, we will introduce in detail PhD programs in Japan. 

What are PhD Programs in Japan like? 

The doctoral program, better known as PhD, is the highest level of education to exist. A PhD is an advanced degree earned in various fields after successfully completing a research thesis. An individual can generally opt to study for a PhD after completion of a Master’s program. 

In Japan, PhD is called 博士号 (Hakushigo) . PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy”, and graduates are bestowed the title of “Doctor (Dr.)”. In Japan, Doctor (Dr.) is called 博士 (Hakase), though most people go by 先生 (Sensei) . 

Program Types, Their Durations, and Admission Requirements

The duration of a PhD program depends on your choice of subject and research thesis. Typically, a PhD program takes around 5 years to complete for those who graduated from a 4 years long undergraduate program. Specialized fields like medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental have 6 years long Bachelor’s degree programs and no Master’s program, and therefore their PhD programs are 4 years long. 

In Japan, PhD programs are commonly split into 2 phases. Depending on their highest level of education (Master’s or Bachelor’s), students have an option of starting from the first phase or skipping to the second phase. 

First Phase is called First Half of a PhD Program (2 Years)

Called 博士前期課程 (Hakushi Zenki Katei) , the first phase’s curriculum includes studies to obtain a Master’s degree , which is a prerequisite requirement for most PhD programs. The first phase is a 2 Years long program.

According to JASSO , one of the following admission requirements must be satisfied to be eligible to join this program:

• Graduates from 4 Years long university program (Japanese university)
• Graduates with Bachelor’s degree from at least 3 Years long foreign university program; 5 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Graduates of Bachelor’s degree from the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education
• Graduates from National Defense Academy of Japan, Japan Coast Guard Academy, Meteorological College, or any ministry or agency established academy or college
• Graduates from international schools in Japan that are officially recognised as being equivalent to an overseas university
• Those who have completed specialized coursework at designated vocational schools
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in their home country; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in Japan via online curriculum offered by an overseas institution; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed studies at school under Japan’s old education system
• Those aged above 22 who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Second Phase is called Second Half of a PhD Program

Master’s degree holders can skip the first phase to join the second phase. Called 博士後期課程 (Hakushi Kouki Katei) , the second phase is typically 3 Years long , but 4 Years for medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental fields. 

• Graduates with a Master’s, professional degree, or equivalent foreign degree
• Graduates with a Master’s or professional degree from an overseas institution done via online curriculum while living in Japan
• Graduates with degrees equivalent to a Master’s or professional degree from international schools in Japan recognised as being equivalent to an overseas graduate school
• Graduates with Bachelor’s or equivalent degree who have completed minimum 2 Years research at university or research facility having the same academic prowess as a Master’s degree holder
• Those with a degree equivalent to a Master’s degree from United Nations University 
• Those aged 24 or above who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Most graduate school programs in Japan are taught entirely in Japanese. For international students seeking to join these programs, demonstration of a high level of Japanese proficiency, at least N1, is required. This is to ensure that you are able to understand the curriculum in order to complete the course. 

Fortunately, with the increasing number of international students in Japan, many universities have started internationalizing their programs with English-taught courses , including for PhD. There are programs taught mostly in English with supplementary Japanese, as well as programs taught completely in English. 

For English-taught PhD programs, students may be asked to demonstrate their English language proficiency with English proficiency certifications like IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC. This requirement may be exempt for individuals whose undergraduate or Master’s degree shows high mastery in English.

Different universities offer PhD programs in different fields of study, so you will need to do a thorough search to find one that matches your interest. JASSO’s Search for Schools tool is incredibly helpful for this. You can search for educational institutions that accept international students by degree (undergraduate, Master’s, PhD), school type (public, national, private), school location, field of study, medium of instruction, etc. 

To further help you, we have curated a list of 6 PhD programs in Japan which are popular, along with the names of universities offering these programs. 

Visa, Tuition Fees and Scholarships for PhD in Japan

The applicable status of residence for international students in Japan is 留学 (Ryuugaku), aka “Study Abroad”. 

Coming from Overseas

If you are coming from overseas to study for a PhD in Japan, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your university in order to obtain a Visa to enter the country. Upon entering Japan, you will be bestowed a status of residence and a residence card, which acts as your identity card.

Read more about Japan Visa, Status of Residence, and Residence Card here .

Existing Resident in Japan

If you are an existing resident in Japan, you will not need a Visa or a Certificate of Eligibility, which are required for first entry into Japan. 

If you are already an international student in Japan, and planning to advance your studies to Master’s or PhD, then you may need to apply for “Extension of Period of Stay”, which can be done easily online now. Learn how to do it step by step here .

If you are a resident in Japan, but on a different type of status of residence, say the most common “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” or some other type of work visa, then you will need to apply for a “Change of Status of Residence”. This can also be done online now with a My Number Card and IC card reader. 

In Japan, universities and graduate schools can be divided into 3 types of institutions - national, public and private. The admission and tuition fees for each type of institution is different with national schools having the lowest cost. 

In Japan, the first year’s cost for university and graduate schools is higher than the subsequent years. This is because applicants need to pay an admission fee in addition to the year’s tuition fee. 

The first year, aka admission year, cost for PhD that consists of that year’s tuition fee and an admission fee is:

• Approx. 820,000 Yen for National Institution
• Approx. 900,000 Yen for Public Institution
• Approx. 850,000 Yen (medical studies) or 1,100,000 Yen (non-medical studies for Private Institutions

Tuition fees will vary between universities so be sure to check the particulars when applying. 

【Helpful Reading】

• For differences between national, public and private universities in Japan.
• For the cost breakdown of studying abroad in Japan, including tuition fees and living costs.

Yes, there are scholarships for PhDs in Japan. According to JASSO , there are altogether 119 PhD program scholarships for international students for 2023 - 2024. Among the 119, 12 are available to apply before coming to Japan, and the remaining 107 can only be applied for after coming to Japan. 

Read more about Japanese scholarships and how to apply for them here . 

Education plays a crucial role in personal, social, and economic development. Achieving a PhD is sure to improve your confidence, greatly enhance your knowledge, and will make some higher level jobs available to you. After obtaining a PhD, many people choose to continue their research in universities or research centers as post-doc researchers. There are also many other consultation jobs available that requires your expertise. 

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• Graduate International Research Students

International Research Students

Admission information for graduate international research students (kenkyusei) for 2024.

Last updated: June 2, 2023

A Graduate International Research Student (kenkyusei) is an international student admitted to the Graduate School of Science to study a specific subject under the supervision of a faculty member. Note that a "kenkyusei" is not entitled to receive any degree or qualification on completion of the program. If you wish to apply for admission as a candidate for a Master's or doctoral degree, see "Graduate Admissions Information" at: http://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/admission/

1. Qualifications for Applicants

One who holds foreign citizenship and who meets one of the following three qualifications listed below.

• One who has completed, or is expected to complete 16 years of education abroad before enrolling the University of Tokyo as a Graduate International Research Student.
• One who has been conferred a degree equivalent to that of a bachelor's degree or is expected to be conferred one before enrolling the University of Tokyo as a Graduate International Research Student from a foreign university or other foreign institution (limited to those whose comprehensive status of education and research activities have been assessed by the government of the said foreign country or a related organization), having completed a program with a completion period of three years or more.
• One who has been approved by the Graduate School of Science of the University of Tokyo as being academically equivalent or superior to a college graduate.

Those who apply as an Embassy Recommended Monbukagakusho Scholarship - hereinafter referred to as MEXT Applicants - for 2024 must meet one of the conditions1.-3. listed above and in addition must also have passed the preliminary selection organized by the relevant Japanese Embassy or Consulate General.

2. Application Period

* Please check the respective period carefully and prepare all the application documents listed in 3.

• From July 1 to 17:00 on August 25, 2023, by Japan Standard Time (GMT+0900) : for applicants wishing to enroll on April 1 or October 1, 2024, as Embassy Recommended Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship Students
• From October 25 to 17:00 on November 15, 2023, by Japan Standard Time (GMT+0900) : for applicants wishing to enroll on April 1, 2024, as Self-Supported Students
• From April 26 to 17:00 on May 13, 2024, by Japan Standard Time (GMT+0900) : for applicants wishing to enroll on October 1, 2024, as Self-Supported Students

Note: All application documents must arrive by the designated time and date of the application period.

3. Application Documents

Prepare all of the application documents listed below, and upload 1. in Excel format as it is and 2. through 10. in a single scanned PDF file.

Note: Before submitting an application, please contact a potential supervisor and obtain his/her consent to supervise you. The consent obtained here is the consent to be your supervisor if you are accepted and does not guarantee your acceptance.

• Application for Admission as a Graduate International Research Student
• Confirmation of degree or certificate of (expected*) graduation/completion issued by the university(ies) or college(s) attended (must state the name of the degree). * If you are expected to complete your current degree program after the application period, you must submit an official statement of expected graduation/completion issued by your university. In this case, successful applicants will be required to submit a certificate of graduation/completion officially issued by your last university attended, at the time of enrollment.
• Transcript of academic record issued by each of the university(ies) or college(s) attended.
• Recommendation letter written and signed by your current supervisor or individual who is familiar with your academic or scientific work.
• Study Program (Form provided)
• Proof of your prior consultation with the potential supervising professor at the Graduate School of Science, such as a copy of correspondence emails.
• Statement of balance of your bank account (only required for Self-Supported Students)
• Financial Plan Questionnaire (Form provided, only required for Self-Supported Students)
• Certificate of preliminary selection issued by the Japanese Embassy/Consulate General (only required for MEXT applicants for 2024)
• Payment confirmation of Examination Fee Please refer to the section below for the details of payment confirmation. Payment confirmation of the Examination Fee Submit a screen capture of the "Result" page if using the e-shiharai online payment option.
• You need to attach a Japanese or English translation issued by the university if the document is not written in either of these languages.
• To view the above required documents (PDF files), you need "Adobe Reader" which may be downloaded from the Adobe site

4. Examination Fee

NOTE : Payment is possible only during the designated application period. Make sure to select "Graduate School of Science", "Admission for Graduate International Research Students", and "Graduate International Research Students JPY9,800" in the dropdown selection boxes. Note that these choices will not appear before or after the application period, when you cannot make a payment for this application.

• Payment confirmation of the Examination Fee (Last updated in May 2015)
• How to make a Payment of Examination Fee by Credit Card (Last updated in May 2023)

5. Application Submission Method & Contact Address

6. selection result.

Applicants will be notified of the results at the following times:

• As soon as the decision has been made: for applicants (MEXT applicants for 2024) wishing to enroll on April 1 or October 1, 2024
• January, 2024: for applicants (Self-Supported Students) wishing to enroll on April 1, 2024
• July, 2024: for applicants (Self-Supported Students) wishing to enroll on October 1, 2024

7. Period of Enrollment

Normally the period of enrollment for a Graduate International Research Student is six months, but applications for an extension of this period are possible. The total period as a Graduate International Research Student cannot exceed 2 years * .

* NOTE: For the Embassy Recommended Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship period, please be sure to check the APPLICATION GUIDELINES JAPANESE GOVERNMENT (MEXT) SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2024 (RESEARCH STUDENTS) published on MEXT's official website .

8. Other Important Points

• All submitted documents and your Application Fee are non-returnable.
• Admission Fee : 84,600 yen
• Tuition Fee : 173,400 yen (for 6 months)
• Graduate International Research Students are not in general eligible to purchase discount commuter passes or receive other student discounts
• The University of Tokyo has established the "The University of Tokyo Security Export Control Regulations" in accordance with Japan's "Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act", and rigorously screens prospective international students based on these regulations.　 The University assumes no responsibility for cases in which admission cannot be granted or desired research activities are restricted, such as when the regulations apply or when a Certificate of Eligibility is not issued based on the judgment of the Immigration Services Agency.　Details can be obtained from the following website: Office of Export Control (Japanese only) https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/adm/export-control/ja/rule.html

9. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

A You can apply directly for the Master's/Doctoral course for international students without first being a "kenkyusei". You can also take the general entrance exam for Master's/Doctoral course in competition with Japanese students and foreign students who reside in Japan.

A There is a scholarship called the "Support Fund for International Students' awarded by The University of Tokyo Foundation, to which International Research Students are also eligible to apply. The stipend is 50,000 yen per month, and given for one year from April or for six months from October. Typically, one student (selected from Master's Course, Doctoral Course, and International Research Student candidates) from the Graduate School of Science receives this scholarship each year. The details can be found in the following website (Japanese): https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/adm/inbound/ja/finance-scholarships-fund.html

A There are only few scholarships research students can apply for before coming to Japan. Also, most of the scholarships are for students who are enrolled in Master's and Doctoral programs rather than for research students (kenkyusei). Even international students enrolled as degree candidates find obtaining scholarships to be quite difficult. Therefore, we recommend that if required students should obtain scholarships before leaving their own country.

A Students can obtain both the application form and detailed information at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in their own country. (The University of Tokyo does not have the application forms.) The application form and all other required supporting documents must be submitted to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate General. Further details can be found by referring to the general Application Guidelines - Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for 2024 (Research Students) published by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, which can be obtained from MEXT's official website : https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/ryugaku/06032818.htm

Distinctive Features

This program was established in 1999 in order to enable international students to continue their studies using English and to acquire a doctoral degree. Proficiency in Japanese is not generally considered in the selection process, although a high proficiency in Japanese may be required for some applicants, depending on their research topic. This is a highly competitive program and only those having excellent academic credentials and outstanding potential will be accepted.

Applicant Guidelines

• Master's Course
• Doctoral Course
• Research Students
• Research & Publications

Study Requirements and Degrees Granted

Students will be assigned an academic supervisor with whom they will work to pursue their research. All students are required to take a candidacy examination before completing their doctoral thesis. Students who have obtained the status of doctoral candidate and completed their thesis must pass a final examination and have their thesis approved by the GSICS faculty. The standard duration of study is three years. For students of exceptional capability, the duration may be shortened. Students who have successfully completed the requirements will be granted one of the following doctoral degrees: Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, Doctor of Laws, or Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science.

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In the doctoral program, students are required to take Advanced Research (8 credits) and Advanced Research Presentation (2 credits). They must also earn a total of at least 4 credits from among the following (2credits): Workshop I, Workshop II, Internship, Advanced Overseas Research, and International Organization Management. Students must also receive instruction regarding the writing of their thesis from their academic supervisor.

Associate Professor

NISHITANI Makiko

Today's global governance, especially in the areas of human rights, environment, and development, is characterized by a diversity of stakeholders, including international organizations, civil society organizations and corporations, as well as states. They create diverse norms and organizations that sometimes improve the effectiveness of international regimes through coordination and synergy, but at other times conflict with each other and hinder effective problem-solving.How can we reduce conflicts of interest and contestation of ideas and enhance the effectiveness of governance? You are more than welcome to join us in thinking about these issues!

MATSUNAMI Jun

Should the differences between your country’s politics and Japanese politics be explained by institutional designs, by the histories of the two countries or by different political cultures? Perhaps we should instead question the very existence of differences between countries themselves. As a Japanese scholar whose main research field is Japanese politics, GSICS is an intellectual wonderland because there are students who want to study about many different countries and also many international students coming from a variety of countries and backgrounds.

Graduate Student

Nurul Kartika Putri

As a part of a leading university in social science, GSICS offers an international and multidisciplinary approach to help students exercise skills of global citizenship through practical experiences and cross-learning.There are a variety of lectures conducted by professors with expertise in the field of economics, law, international studies as well as political science. The important thing is that the way they are delivered also harnesses students’ critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaborative skills. The facilities are also amazing! That cozy student room, well-equipped IT room, and first class library make a learning experience unbelievably satisfying, not to mention the cafeteria also provides meals for those with particular dietary restrictions. Furthermore, there are many opportunities for overseas internships, conferences, and trainings to globalize students. GSICS really encourages intellectual endeavors with a warm and supportive school environment while fostering what every future leader always dreams of: To embrace the world beyond borders. Those are several reasons why I choose GSICS. Please find yours!

Mizan Bustanul Fuady Bisri

In the face of more complex and interdependent global problems and challenges like unresolved poverty, climate change and disaster, urgent need for improvement of human education, and others, the world is in need of scholars and professionals who have the intellectual, skills, and attitude to make a significant contribution to shape a more sustainable and resilient future. The GSICS of Kobe University is among the leading graduate schools in Japan that produces such scholars and professionals, given its vast knowledge from all permanent and visiting professors, international environment, as well as multiple supports for students to conduct high-quality research such as international fieldwork, internship opportunities, and endorsements to receive research grants. Studying at GSICS will give you the privilege of being at the forefront of global development, as the graduates of this school make significant contributions to the world!

Doctoral Programs

The Doctoral Program in Global Studies at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies is one of Japan’s few educational programs for both discrete and comprehensive research on the languages, cultures and societies of the world and serves as an international center in these fields.

TUFS has more than a century of tradition in research and education in the languages, cultures and societies of countries and regions with which Japan has had close ties in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Over the years, TUFS has expanded its curriculum to become an international center for research and education on Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. At the same time, it has also become a center for research on Japan and education in the Japanese language. The TUFS Graduate School endeavors to train advanced professionals including researchers in all of these areas.

As modern society becomes increasingly globalized, there is a growing need for human resources with deep knowledge and advanced skills in specialized fields. The TUFS Graduate School welcomes those who seek to challenge themselves by acquiring the comprehensive ability, practical skills, and Japanese language ability needed to become globally active in both the world and Japan while also enhancing their research skills.

TUFS currently offers two doctoral programs, the Doctoral Program in Global Studies and the Doctoral Program in Japan Studies. In the spring of 2019, there will be an additional Joint Doctoral Program for Sustainability Research to bring the total to three doctoral programs.

(In fiscal 2018, the Language and Culture Studies and International Area Studies programs were reorganized into the Global Studies and Japan Studies programs.)

Doctoral Program in Global Studies

For an integrated and comprehensive worldview.

The Doctoral Program in Global Studies encompasses integrated and comprehensive research and education in global languages, cultures, and societies. The program is directed at training people with expert knowledge and research capability who can be both globally focused and flexible in their approach to multifaceted problems.

This program has four clearly delineated programs of study. Students undertake systematic studies in one of these programs under the oversight of their main academic supervisor. They will also be able to take classes in a broad area of related fields so as to acquire a cross-disciplinary perspective.

Language and Culture Studies Program

This program involves cross-disciplinary research on individual or comparative languages and cultures of the various regions of the world with an emphasis on fostering multi-lingual and multi-cultural perspectives. Details

International and Area Studies Program

This program involves cross-disciplinary research and analyses of the specific history, society and culture of various world regions to develop a foundation for tackling international problems. Details

Asian and African Field Science Research Program

This program uses field science research methods to foster researchers in Asian and African linguistics, anthropology and area studies. Details

Peace and Conflict Studies Program (October admissions)

This program accepts students from countries embroiled in conflicts to train international leaders in peacebuilding. Classes are conducted in English. Details

Doctoral Program in Global Studies Students in this program will acquire:

• A high level of skill in regional languages with the appropriate knowledge and expertise in the culture and society of those regions and the capability to take an integrated and comprehensive approach to solving the diverse problems of modern society.
• Expert knowledge in such research areas as linguistics, literature and culture, regional studies, international relations, and peace and conflict studies.
• The qualifications to become a highly skilled academic researcher at a university inside or outside Japan or professional in an international institute or equivalent organization.

Doctoral Program in Japan Studies

Studying japan from an international perspective.

The Doctoral Program in Japan Studies encompasses systematic study of the Japanese language, Japanese language education, Japanese literature and culture, and Japanese history and society for comprehensive Japan research. The program is directed at developing an objective perspective of Japan within a global context. Given the urgent need for human resources capable of conveying Japan to the world, this program is focused on training Japanese and foreign students who can meet this need.

Japan Studies Program

This program fosters specialized knowledge of Japan while also training students in the skills they will need to explain Japan to the world. Details

Doctoral Program in Japan Studies Students in this program will acquire:

• Specialized knowledge in fields related to Japan and the deep comprehensive understanding of the country required to speak of Japan within a global context. Foreign students in particular will acquire a high level of Japanese language ability and understanding of Japanese society.
• A deep and specialized knowledge of the Japanese language, Japanese education, Japanese literature and culture, Japanese historical sociology, Japanese politics and economics, etc.
• The qualifications to become a highly skilled academic researcher at a university inside or outside Japan or professional teacher of Japanese language in an international institute of higher education or equivalent organization.

Joint Doctoral Program for Sustainability Research (from April 2019)

For detailed infomation here

Creating innovation

The Joint Doctoral Program for Sustainability Research is an integrated program jointly offered by the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), the University of Electro-Communications (UEC), and TUFS, and will be launched in April 2019. 　 Details

Admission Information

• Access・Information

3 Clusters in the PhD Program

The PhD program, according to specialized research areas, consists of 3 clusters that are formulated by further developing the 3 existing Master’s programs in GSIR, i.e.,“International Relations Program,” “International Development Program”, and “Public Management and Policy Analysis Program.”

International Relations Cluster

fosters researchers with the specialized knowledge and high-level research ability in the increasingly complex field of International Relations, including security, and fosters those professionals with the above-mentioned knowledge and abilities which can be applied to relevant jobs (such as security policy formulation) and be implemented in such places as international organizations and government bodies.

Economics Cluster

fosters researchers with the specialized knowledge and high-level research ability in Economics including quantitative and statistical methods, and fosters those professionals with the above-mentioned knowledge and abilities which can be applied to relevant jobs (such as economic development or economic policy formulation) in such places as international organizations and government bodies.

Public Management Cluster

fosters researchers with specialized knowledge and high-level research ability in Public Management, and fosters those professionals with the above-mentioned knowledge and abilities which can be applied to relevant jobs (such as effective management) in such places as international organizations and government bodies.

Degree Requirements

PhD candidates must satisfy the following requirements while enrolled in the program for a minimum of 3 years and receiving necessary research guidance.

■ To obtain 6 credits (3 courses) from the “Core Required Courses” (listed below).

International Relations Cluster 　 Advanced Studies in Theories of International Relations, Advanced Studies in International Political Economy, Advanced Studies in Human Rights and Global Justice Economics Cluster 　 Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, Advanced Econometrics

Public Management Cluster 　 Advanced Public Management, Advanced Politics and  Governance, Advanced Public Policy Process

■ To obtain 9 credits from “PhD Dissertation Advanced Seminar I, II and III” (which carry 3 credits each).

■ To pass the comprehensive examination conducted at the end of 1st year. Candidates will be given a second chance during the 2nd year to take this examination if they fail the examination in the 1st year.

■ To pass the evaluation and the final examination of their PhD dissertation. The PhD dissertation is, in principle, comprised of three academic papers, one of which must be accepted by a refereed academic journal.

Curriculum and Courses

The PhD curriculum consists of Core  Required Courses and PhD Dissertation Advanced Seminars. The Courseworks are designed to give students high level specialized and scholastic knowledge and research capability required for PhD candidates. The PhD Dissertation Advanced Seminars are designed to give students guidance for writing a PhD dissertation.

Core Required Courses

Phd dissertation advanced seminars, 3-year schedule, phd faculty members, dormitories.

IUJ dormitories offer students a very special international experience. Each student occupies a private room and neighbors include men and women from all over the world. There are three single student dormitories (SD1, SD2 and SD3) and one married student dormitory (MSA). Each single room is furnished and has a private Western-style bathroom and an outlet and Wi-Fi access for connecting to the campus LAN. The dormitories also boast computer lounges, numerous meeting rooms, common kitchens, washing machines, TV lounges with satellite broadcasts, a billiards room, a tatami room, a prayer room, and storage.

Special Study Room (exclusively for PhD Students)

A special study room will be set up in the 1st floor of MLIC exclusively available for PhD students. The Study Room will be equipped with 15 lockers, 15 desks, one PC printer, cabinets and bookshelves. The Study Room will be located close to PC rooms and library which allows PhD students to easily access these facilities.

Matsushita Library and Information Center (MLIC)

The MLIC fulfills the dual roles of library and information center. Two computer rooms, offering PCs with Windows operating systems, are available. Students have unrestricted high-speed access to the entire range of resources offered on the Internet. With extensive database subscriptions and holdings on CD-ROM, the library offers free and easy access on and off campus to thousands of current journals and newspapers, many in full text, as well as to principal world economic statistics and data. MLIC also subscribes to leading financial data and market research services, which enable students to access real time information on business and market movements.

Admissions and Tuition Fees

Application and inquiries.

Office of Admissions and Career Support Graduate School of International Relations International University of Japan 777 Kokusai-cho, Minami Uonuma-shi, Niigata 949-7277 Japan TEL：+81-25-779-1200 ／ FAX：+81-25-779-1188 ／ E-MAIL： admgsir@iuj.ac.jp

Government-approved information site

• Planning to Study in Japan
• Types of Schools

Universities (Undergraduate) and Junior Colleges

Table of contents

Characteristics of Japanese Universities and Junior Colleges

Admission requirements, application materials/entrance examinations, university admissions guide for privately financed international students, what are professional and vocational universities and professional and vocational junior colleges, degree programs in english, university transfer system, find schools.

Undergraduate level university programs and junior colleges constitute the core of higher education institutions and generally take four years to complete (six years for medical, dental, veterinary, and a number of pharmaceutical programs), whereas junior college programs take two or three years to complete.

University graduates are awarded a Bachelor's degree, whereas graduates of junior colleges are awarded an Associate's degree. While many schools admit international students to degree-earning programs, there are also schools that accept short-term students such as auditing students, students taking classes without enrolling in the school or earning course credit, as well as exchange students.

The academic year starts in April, but some universities offer fall admission in September or October.

The different types of universities and junior colleges include national, public, and private.

The number of private institutions is greater, as there are currently 86 national, 101 public, and 620 private undergraduate level universities, and 14 public and 295 private junior colleges.

Including the admission and tuition fees, the total cost of the first year is approximately 820,000 yen for national universities, 930,000 yen for public universities, and 1,100,000 yen for private universities (excluding medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs).

The tuition for universities in the United States amounts to 3,600,000-4,900,000 yen (using the calculation 1 USD = 130 yen), and British universities charge approximately 1,800,000-3,600,000 yen per academic year (using the calculation 1 GBP = 150 yen), so comparatively speaking, the tuition for Japanese universities is much cheaper .

Classes at Japanese universities and junior colleges are generally held in Japanese , however, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of university (Bachelor's) degree programs taught entirely in English .

In order to be accepted into a Japanese university or junior college program that is taught in Japanese, individuals must have passed the N1 or N2 JLPT examination in addition to scoring at least 250 points on the Japanese section of the EJU.

In order to be admitted to Japanese universities or junior colleges, one the following conditions must be satisfied:

• Individuals who completed 12 years of formal school education
• Individuals who, after finishing their high school education abroad (less than 12 years of formal school education) completed the designated university preparatory course *1
• Individuals who have a foreign university admission certification, such as the International Baccalaureate, Abitur, Baccalaureat, or GCE A-Level .
• Individuals above the age of 18 who passed their region's high school equivalency exam that is equivalent to 12 years of formal education (individuals who completed less than 12 years of formal schooling must have also completed a university preparatory course or course at a training facility) *Please consult your country/region's embassy to confirm whether the high school equivalency exam you took is equivalent to 12 years of formal education.
• Individuals completing at least 11 years of coursework overseas, completing education at schools corresponding to a senior high school and otherwise satisfying the requirements.
• Individuals who completed their formal education at a foreign high school in Japan (individuals who completed less than 12 years of formal schooling must have also completed a university preparatory course or research course)
• Individuals who completed their formal education at an overseas educational institution officially recognized as equivalent to a high school
• Individuals completing 12 years of coursework at an educational institution certified by an international accreditation institution (WASC, CIS (ECIS),A CSI, NEASC).
• An individual who has passed the high school equivalency examination (individuals under the age of 18 will be considered as having passed the examination the day after they turn 18 years old)
• Individuals who completed their education at a special needs secondary education institution or College of Technology (individual must have completed 12 years of formal education)
• Individuals completing their secondary education at a designated professional training college.
• Individuals who completed their formal education at a school under Japan's old education system
• Individual who, on the basis of the university's admission requirements, qualified for the university's individual selection process

*Please consult your country/region's Japanese embassy to determine the number of years of formal education your schooling/curriculum is equivalent to.

*1 University preparatory course : In order to be admitted to a Japanese university, an applicant must have completed at least 12 years of formal education. However, in some countries or regions, education through high school lasts less than 12 years. In this case, students must complete MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)'s designated "university preparatory course for admission to university" in order to be eligible to apply for Japanese universities.

In many cases, the following application materials are required. The necessary application documents differ by school, so please check the requirements for the schools you plan to apply for. Some schools may also ask for Japanese or English translations.

• Application form (designated by the university)
• High school graduation diploma
• High school transcript
• Letter of recommendation from the principal or a teacher of the high school from which the applicant graduated
• Certificate that indicates Japanese and English proficiency

Many schools conduct entrance examinations for foreigners (international students). There are also schools that conduct an evaluation of application documents and academic knowledge, an interview, or the EJU examination.

This is a guidebook containing valuable information on university entrance examinations and the number of successful international student applicants.

Edited and published by the Asian Students Cultural Association

• Available at Study in Japan Resource Facilities.

They are universities and junior colleges where students can acquire the knowledge, theory, and practical skills necessary to enter a specific profession. The curriculum ties together academic knowledge from school with actual industries and the regional community, so in addition to attending lectures, these schools offer opportunities for hands-on learning both inside and outside of the classroom.

Graduates are awarded the either a Bachelor's degree (professional) or an Associate's degree (professional).

With the globalization of Japanese universities, universities and graduate schools have created degree programs that allow students to earn degrees solely in English, where Japanese language study is not a barrier. However, no such programs exist at technical colleges and vocational schools.

Guideline of Required English Proficiency

Please use the following Excel to check the degree programs available in English.

• Data on University Degree Programs Offered in English

* This data was collected through a survey of universities and junior colleges in May 2021. * For further inquiries and the latest information, please directly consult each school.

Comments from past student

Even if you enter a course that allows you to obtain a degree only in English, it will be easier to live in Japan and find a job if you study daily Japanese conversation and the written language. Also, some countries require previous Japanese language study to obtain a visa, so check with your school for application documents.

When a junior college graduate, etc. enrolls in a four-year university to complete their bachelor's degree (often as a second or third year student), it is called transferring.

Although many universities accept transfer students, they do not necessarily accept transfer students every year.

Furthermore, graduating from a junior college does not always mean that the credits you took will transfer over to the university.

In order to transfer to a university (bachelor's) program, individuals must satisfy one of the following conditions:

• Individuals who graduated from a junior college or technical
• Individuals who completed a specialized program at a vocational school
• Individuals who completed a program at the Japanese branch of a foreign university that was approved by the Minister of Education
• Individuals who completed a program at a secondary school approved by the Minister of Education

It is difficult to find information regarding university transfer systems, so please contact your preferred school well in advance.

• Data on Universities with Transfer Systems

* This data is as of 2020. * For further inquiries and the latest information, please directly consult each university.

Using the following search system, you can search for schools and courses with bachelor's degree transfer student programs that privately-financed international students are eligible to apply for.

What would you like to study (what would you like to major in)? What city would you like to live in? Using the search system below, you can search for schools based on your preferences, such as the field of study or location of the school.

• Search for schools (graduate schools, universities and junior colleges)
• Major Codes
• Degree Programs Taught in English

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NMSU prepares graduate students to be global citizens

New Mexico State University (NMSU) provides a wide range of opportunities for students to enhance their disciplinary knowledge and transferable skills in graduate education through graduate certificates, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees from the five academic colleges. To cater to the needs of the students, graduate programs are offered through traditional, face-to-face, hybrid, and online modalities providing accessibility and substantive regular interactions and effective mentoring.

NMSU’s rich history as an Agriculture and Mechanical institute is partly reflected in the plethora of graduate programs offered in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Science (ACES) and College of Engineering. Graduate students in ACES contribute extensively to research conducted at NMSU's Agricultural Experiment Stations.

Graduate Research Assistants are involved in projects include identifying improved strategies to optimize production of agronomic and horticultural crops, effective water management, monitoring soil health and fertilization, bioremediation, pest control, to name just a few. Likewise, in the College of Engineering, graduate students make seminal contributions in advancing new knowledge in multiple disciplines that include Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Computer Science, Environmental, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering. As a representative example, graduate students in the Mechanical Engineering Department were part of a team representing NMSU at the Invent for the Planet design competition hosted by Texas A&M University. This team invented a device that could provide a creative solution to clean the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Graduate students in the College of Health, Education, and Social Transformation (HEST) have opportunities to be trained in programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Communication Sciences and Disorder, Education, Kinesiology, Nursing, psychology, Public Health, Social Work, and Teaching. HEST graduate programs provide a pipeline of skilled individuals to meet the critical work force shortages in education, health, and social work disciplines. The HEST College is also home to a unique dual public health and social work graduate program. This dual program is only among the two along the United States-Mexico border, attracting students particularly interested in career opportunities in community outreach and international services. Such interprofessional training embedded in dual programs equip the students with disciplinary knowledge to address health disparities prevalent in NM.

The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and offers numerous programs ranging from Accountancy, Agriculture Economics and Agricultural Business, Applied Statistics, Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, and Management. The accounting and business programs meet the high standards required by AACSB, with about 6% of institutions holding this accreditation. This is a testimony to the high quality of instruction and faculty expertise available to ensure the success of students.

The College of Arts and Sciences at NMSU offers a gamut of graduate programs in humanities, natural and social sciences. Students have a wide variety of options to choose from Anthropology, Art, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Communication Studies, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English, Geography, Government, History, Language and Linguistics, Mathematics. Physics, and Psychology. As the intellectual hub of NMSU, the graduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences build upon the foundational general education and disciplinary knowledge obtained by students at the baccalaureate level by providing life-long learning skills for NMSU students to be informed and responsible global citizens.

As a representative example, graduate students in the National Research Traineeship (NRT) Program are pursuing a team science-based approach to develop and implement new technologies using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve societal challenges related to arid land agriculture. This National Science Foundation (NSF) program brings Doctoral students primarily from Animal and Range Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Molecular Biology, Plant and Environmental Sciences, and Water Science and Management to participate in joint research projects. Such interdisciplinary graduate programs create a sense of belonging and well being to graduate students by creating an inclusive environment.

With 176 graduate program offerings, outstanding faculty, and support staff, NMSU offers a breadth of graduate programs and hence rich opportunities for individuals to obtain credentials beyond the bachelor’s degree. Graduate programs provide highly specialized knowledge and prospects to obtain certifications and licensure to practice and thereby render valuable societal service.

Advanced Degree are forecast to grow the fastest per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A national survey of Hiring and Human Resources Managers indicates that 27% prefer hiring individuals with at least a master’s degree due to enhanced communication, productivity, innovation, and quality of work.

In this respect, NMSU seems to be a regional beacon, providing NM residents, domestic and international students with a plethora of choices to be competitive in a global economy.

The first week of April is traditionally celebrated as Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week in the nation. This is a week to reflect upon, acknowledge and celebrate the rich value and societal contributions of graduate students.

Ranjit T. Koodali is the Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Provost for International Affairs at New Mexico State University. He can be reached at [email protected] .

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Students and faculty participate in study, volunteer, research, service, and exchange programs while immersed in other cultures and environments.

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Start your journey down the path of success at the UH Graduate School , which oversees over 6,000 students in a broad spectrum of programs, including master’s, doctoral, advanced certificate, professional, and joint degree programs. Become part of a diverse student population and develop new ideas and technology through hands-on application and mentoring under experienced professors who will become an integral part of your professional preparation. Experience unparalleled professional development opportunities, program flexibility, and academic support.

Studying in the USA: A Guide for International Students

Industry Advice Education

If you’re an international student looking for educational opportunities in the U.S., you’re not alone. Despite the aftereffects of the pandemic, nearly one million students from more than 200 different countries joined American students at U.S.-based institutions in the 2021–2022 school year.

Yet, between student visas, the application process, and cultural differences, some may second guess their resolve to experience American university life. With our comprehensive guide on how to study in the USA, you’ll be well prepared and on your way to international student status.

Applying to an American University

Applying to universities in the U.S. can be daunting, but this process can be challenging for U.S.-based prospective students, as well. Try not to get discouraged. Here are some steps you can take to make your educational journey abroad as seamless as possible.

Start Developing Your Skills

Since U.S. universities can be competitive, it’s important to develop your skill set as you begin this process of studying abroad. In addition to relevant language skills, you should also sharpen your critical thinking, communication (written and verbal), and time and resource management skills.

Research Colleges

Searching for the right program among American colleges is all about “finding the right fit for you.” Depending on your priorities, this might mean a college:

• Offers a degree program you’re interested in
• Accepts international students with a variety of cultural backgrounds to create a global community
• Facilitates sports and other activities that interest you and permit international student participation
• Is located in an ideal climate and living environment

To ensure a good fit and continued success, it’s important to research colleges before deciding which to submit applications to. If you don’t, you run the risk of attending a school that doesn’t align with your personal and professional interests.

Connect with Institutions Before Applying

One of the most resourceful steps you can take in this process (that many applicants overlook) is reaching out to institutions before applying. Most universities have a dedicated admissions office that fields incoming queries from prospective international students. Consider reaching out and asking them about available resources, such as:

• Career counseling
• Scholarship opportunities
• Mental health counseling
• Global student services

Another way to get connected with institutions of interest is to reach out to faculty, alumni, or current students through your personal network or mutual connections. If you don’t have any, don’t fret.

Tomo Yamamoto, associate director of International Enrollment Marketing at Northeastern University, says, “reaching out to a relevant department, or even professors when possible, is a really good place to start.” Generally, universities are vying for great candidates to apply to their programs—particularly international students with interesting backgrounds—so don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for more inside perspectives.

Consider the Requirements

In your research, you’ll come across different requirements for different universities in the application and enrollment process. Many of these requirements apply to all students, international and otherwise. For example, while most universities are now test-optional as a result of the pandemic, some colleges still require scores from a standardized test (e.g., SAT, ACT, or GRE) as part of the application process.

As an international student, you’ll want to be vigilant as you look into these requirements since there will likely be additional prerequisites. For example, the TOEFL or IELTS exams, which are meant to demonstrate proficiency in English, are common application requirements for international students.

Obtain Your Student Visa

Obtaining your student visa can be a long and arduous process, but a good institution will have the resources to guide you. For example, Northeastern provides step-by-step instructions for those applying for an F-1 student visa and J-1 student visa , depending on whether you’re an incoming full-time international student or on an exchange program with a government, organization, or university sponsorship, respectively.

In general, you will need to take the proper steps to enter the U.S. and start your academic career. Look into the first steps of obtaining your student visa; usually, it will be to submit visa-supporting documents, such as Form I-20, Form DS-2019, and a valid passport.

Maintaining Your Status

Once you’ve embarked on student life in the U.S., your journey has only begun. Once abroad, it’s essential to maintain your status of full-time, on-ground enrollment at your institution to ensure your visa remains valid and you can legally remain in the country. Remember, failure to do so can result in serious consequences.

The good news is that most institutions have a dedicated department to ensure their international students meet their visa requirements and maintain valid immigration status. As an international student, it’s important to reach out to your Office of Global Services or equivalent resource to make sure you’re doing everything needed to maintain your status.

The full-time credit conditions vary slightly by institution, but generally, they require a certain amount of class hours or credits for the term, a certain level of performance in those classes, and a certain percentage of in-person course enrollment. For example, according to Northeastern’s Office of Global Services, guidelines on maintaining status for undergraduate students include a minimum of 12 credit hours per term and a maximum of one online course. However, because these requirements are different at each university, it’s critical that you reach out to your dedicated office.

Challenges of Studying in the USA

Moving to and living in a new country can be challenging, especially when studying abroad. However, with proper preparation and the right tools, you can overcome these obstacles.

Cost of Living

What may frighten prospective international students in many cases is the cost of living in the U.S. Cities like New York and San Francisco are infamous for their inflated housing prices and high cost of living. In addition to these high prices, tuition for U.S. universities in these cities also runs high. However, international students who maintain F-1 visa status may be eligible for on-campus work. If you’re interested in this option, it’s highly recommended to continually check on-campus job postings.

As Yamamoto puts it, “The tuition and other related costs are public on the university website. Cost of living can vary depending on each student’s lifestyle and preferences.” However, both of these aspects add up to a total investment in your education abroad. As such, it’s important to research future return-on-investment prospects as a part of your preparation process. Look into potential job opportunities that support work visas, offer a rewarding average salary, and project positive job market predictions to ensure you’ll have ROI-positive options when you graduate.

Applying for a Visa

There are several potential obstacles, based on students’ individual situations, to keep in mind while applying for your student visa. For instance, politics and global current events might impact how long it takes to get a visa. In extreme cases, this can even affect whether you are eligible to receive one. It’s important to apply for the relevant visa in a timely manner to prepare for any unexpected roadblocks.

Another tip is to utilize external resources that could also help. Yamamoto suggests that “international students check the U.S. embassy website to receive more up-to-date information from the U.S. government about student visas and the application process.”

Cultural Differences

Cultural differences can be difficult to adapt to. People might speak differently than you’re used to, come off as rude or loud, or expect different social norms from you. In class, it could be difficult to speak up at the right time or take a little longer than you’d like to make friends.

But as every immigrant, ex-pat, and international student will inevitably tell you, it always gets better. In fact, assimilating into and learning about a new culture is what makes living abroad so exciting and enriching. Celebrating cultural differences is an essential part of studying in a foreign country.

At Northeastern, there are many student organizations where you can connect with peers with similar interests while safely expanding your horizons and easing your transition. Similarly, the university has dedicated support services and events to help international students succeed and feel welcome on campus, including:

• Global Student Success : Provides high-quality English language, academic, and cultural support to international and non-native English-speaking students.
• Global Student Mentor Program : Support incoming international students as they transition to college life at Northeastern and to the culture of the United States, to foster engagement with the Northeastern community, and to improve resource utilization.
• OGS Events : Attend cultural events, workshops, and more, sponsored by the Office of Global Services.

Taking the Leap to Study in the USA

Preparing to study in the USA can be confusing and challenging, but with a proper guide and an institution willing to help, it can be the beginning of one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Northeastern has a dedicated team to ensure their international students are well-prepared, adjusted, and successful.

Learn more about how you can study with us today. Check out our Office of Global Studies and the support we offer for international students.

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• iSchool Connect

Get to know Kyrie Zhixuan Zhou, PhD student

PhD student Kyrie Zhixuan Zhou's goal is to make information and communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI) experiences more equitable, accessible, beneficial, and ethical for all. In his free time, he is devoted to helping junior researchers, especially those from populations not typically represented in STEM.

Why did you decide to pursue a degree in information sciences?

My bachelor's degree is in computer science, but gradually I realized my real passion is not pursuing state-of-the-art algorithms and computer systems but how they can be leveraged responsibly for human well-being.

When I was growing up, I witnessed how women's rights were overlooked, people with disabilities were invisible, and people in general were being censored and surveilled. These experiences motivated me to understand, design, and govern ICT/AI experience for social good, with a focus on vulnerable populations and from a human-centered perspective. A degree in information sciences allows me to pursue this research in collaboration with colleagues who have a similar passion.

Why did you choose the iSchool at Illinois?

Since I was young, the University of Illinois has been my dream university. Due to its reputation, the iSchool at Illinois was at the top of my list of information sciences when I was applying for graduate school.

Most importantly, I was fascinated by the interdisciplinary and exciting research conducted by iSchool faculty. Professor Stephen Downie's research on music and Assistant Professor Melissa Ocepek's research on food were refreshing to me back then. Now, working with the best advisors one can have in the world—Assistant Professor Madelyn Sanfilippo and Associate Professor Rachel Adler—I am able to explore my research interests to the fullest extent. I think I made the right choice.

What are your research interests?

My interests are broadly in technology accessibility, ethics, and education. I aspire to design, govern, and teach about ICT/AI experience for vulnerable populations. In my research, I leverage qualitative, quantitative, and design methods to gain deeper insights into the interaction between humans and technologies as well as how technologies result in societal impact. I'm also keen on proposing policy recommendations to turn research insights into practice. My ultimate goal is to make the ICT/AI experience more equitable, accessible, beneficial, and ethical for all.

What do you do outside of class?

I have been devoted to helping junior researchers thrive in their research, academic, and career development. Bridging the research divide for STEM students from rural areas, developing countries, and marginalized populations gives me the most satisfaction.

My biggest hobby is basketball. I play basketball, watch basketball games, and play basketball video games. I spend a lot of time with my dog Yinhe ("galaxy" in Chinese) and cat Mei-mei ("little sister" in Chinese).

What career plans or goals do you have?

I can see myself taking two paths. First is academia, as I love research, teaching, and mentoring. Second is industry, as I want to build technologies that really help vulnerable populations. I think some mixture of these two is likely.

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Writers' Workshop

How to apply - summer, summer application deadline:  march 3, 2024, to apply, please submit a manuscript of:.

10-12 poems for poetry 2 or 3 short stories or chapters of a novel for fiction

Applications for summer 2024 are now closed

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Tuition for summer 2024 : undergraduate students: $1,128.00 per class; all other applicants: $1,878.00 per class *

* cost per class is based on University tuition rates; because we are a graduate program, you must be enrolled for credit to attend the class **  for international students, additional fees may apply in certain circumstances, for example if taking more than one class

For Admitted Students

Once you are admitted to the summer workshop, you will need to apply for admission to the University of Iowa as a Nondegree student. This application does not require a writing sample, but does require an official transcript. We will send an email with instructions to every admitted student.

Please be aware that acceptance to the summer program does not alter your chances of being admitted to the Writers' Workshop full-time graduate program.

Questions can be directed to:  [email protected] .

The University has some level of available housing for undergraduate students. Most summer workshop students live in sublets and temporary housing (hotels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs). We will do our best to help.

Class Schedules

Typically, the 3-week poetry workshop meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Typically, the 3-week fiction workshops meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In addition to classes, the summer program hosts readings and events during the week and occasionally over the weekend. Attendance at the events is not required, but they are a nice benefit of being in Iowa City.

International Students

International students should contact Andrew Wade in International Admissions for the complete requirements, by phone, at (319) 335-1534, or by email, at  [email protected] .

Join the Summer Program Mailing List

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