Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

(Updated in September 2026)

What is “Exchange Program” (ISEPTUFS)?

ISEPTUFS is designed for international exchange students coming to TUFS under Student Exchange Agreements as agreed upon by their home universities Hence only students who belong to the partner universities to TUFS can apply for this program. Please refer to following URL which provides a list of the partner universities.
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/collaboration/intlaffairs/schools/

Can I apply to for the TUFS Student Exchange Programs if my university has not concluded a Student Exchange Agreement with TUFS?

No, you cannot apply for either of our Student Exchange Programs if your home university has not concluded a Student Exchange Agreement with TUFS. Also, we cannot consider proposals for Student Exchange Agreements from students, but only from the Student Exchange or International Students Office at foreign universities.

How can I apply for ISEPTUFS?

We announce information regarding the exchange program to staff at partner universities. Please ask your university for details, and check the following URL.

https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/admission/non-degree/exchange/application.html

Can I apply for a different field of study than my department / major at my home university?

If you are from a partner university, you can apply to the program even if the fields covered in it are different than those of your home department or major field of study.However, please check in advance the fields of study and classes available at TUFS.

Are there any language proficiency requirements?

At the time of application, students must submit language evidence proving their language ability meets either of the following requirements (a certificate from a specified test or a recommendation letter from their home university):

English: CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) B2
OR
Japanese: N2 of Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

For more details, please refer to our Factsheet:
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/admission/non-degree/exchange/overview.html

Is there an expiration date for the language proficiency certificate?

No.

What scores in TOEFL or IELTS are required for “CEFR B2 or above”?

Please see below for a comparison of qualifications and examinations with the CEFR.

Comparison of qualifications and examinations with the CEFR

I do not have any official language scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, JLPT).. What should I do?

Please submit a recommendation letter issued by your home university stating that your language proficiency meets our university's language requirements.
If your degree program is taught entirely in Japanese or English, or if you are a native speaker of Japanese or English, please submit a recommendation letter issued by your home university confirming this.

Is there any GPA requirement?

2.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) is required.

At what point in time should I use the grades to calculate my GPA for ISEP TUFS requirements?

Please use the grades of the previous semester at the time of selection.

My university does not use the 4.0-point GPA system. How do I calculate if my GPA meets the requirements for ISEP TUFS?

Please convert your GPA to 4.0-point scale. If you are unsure how to do this, please ask the coordinator at your home university to consult TUFS Student Exchange Division.

I am in the 1st grade and the academic transcript at my home university has not been released. How do I calculate the GPA for ISEP TUFS requirements?

If you cannot submit at least 1 semester’s transcript at the time of application, you are not eligible to apply for the exchange program. Please consider applying for the exchange program after completing at least 1 semester at your home university.

Can I extend the exchange period after I come to Japan?

You cannot extend the period of study after the application closed.

I would like to apply for a certificate at TUFS. How do I apply for this?

ISEPTUFS students, former ISEPTUFS students, and prospective ISEPTUFS students (only those who have received the Letter of Acceptance) can apply for a certificate by applying through the designated form. The information for the application form will be announced at the orientation. If you have no information about the application form, please contact the Student Exchange Division by email. Please note that it generally takes seven working days to issue a certificate.

I would like to know about TUFS academic calendar.

We use 4 quarter system (spring quarter: from April to early August, summer quarter (intensive classes only) : from early August to late September, fall quarter: late September to early February, winter quarter (intensive classes only) : early February to end of March).
Please note that it is not necessary to take classes during the summer and winter quarter.
For details, please refer to our Fact Sheet.
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/admission/non-degree/exchange/overview.html

When is the registration period?

International students register their classes around early to mid-April / late September to early October. We have an orientation and give an explanation on the classes and registration procedures.

Can Japanese language beginner take Japanese classes (Japanese Language Program)?

Yes. There are 7 levels of classes ranging from beginner level to advanced. Therefore, students who have not studied Japanese yet can also take the Japanese classes.
For details, please refer to following URL:
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/education/program/Japanese_Program/index.html

How will my Japanese class level be decided?

You will be required to take a Japanese Language Online Placement Test (conducted in Japanese) in March (for spring entry) or September (for fall entry). Your Japanese class level will be decided based on the results of this test. If you do not take the test, you will not be able to take Japanese classes. If you would like to take a class that is not of the level where you are placed, you must consult with the instructor of the class you wish to take and get permission.

What classes can I take as an exchange student?

You can take almost all classes (there are some exceptions). Please check the syllabus for a list of courses offered by TUFS:
https://gakumu-web1.tufs.ac.jp/portal/Public/Syllabus/SylSearchMain.aspx

Please note that undergraduate level students are not allowed to take classes for postgraduate students. Moreover, exchange students cannot take the classes for Peace and Conflict courses in Master’s program and all the classes for Doctoral program.

For other restrictions of the class registration, please refer to the following URL:
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/admission/non-degree/exchange/course_details.html

Are there any classes held in English?

Yes. For more details, please refer to the “List of Undergraduate Subjects in English” via the link below:
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/education/program/glip/

Is it obligatory to take Japanese classes?

No. It is not essential for exchange students to take Japanese classes.

How many credits should I complete?

There is no restriction on the number of credits that exchange students must complete. However, students need to take at least 7 classes (10 hours) to meet the requirements of your student visa and those of ISEPTUFS. Please make every effort to earn credits for all your classes.

How many credits can I gain?

Up to 50 credits per academic year.

When will my transcript be issued?

Transcripts will be sent by email to students who have completed the exchange program and to their home universities 1 to 1.5 months after the end of the semester.

Is a “Course Completion Certificate”　issued?

We do not issue either a “Course Completion Certificate” or a “Course Registration Certificate.” You can use a “Transcript of Records” instead.

Are all credits that I complete at TUFS as an ISEPTUFS transferable back to my home university?

Under our Academic Exchange Agreements, TUFS and its Partner Universities have agreed to honor credit transfers for credited completed courses at partnering universities. However, final decisions on specific issues related to credit transfers, such as the amount of academic level credits transferred is at the discretion of the home university.

Am I allowed to go back to my country temporarily during the program?

Yes. Please submit an overseas travel notification to Student Exchange Division at least one week before your return. Also, when departing Japan, please get the special re-entry permission at the airport in Japan.
Please refer to the following URL:
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/minashisainyukoku_00001

Are there any scholarships that exchange students can apply for?

Yes. Please refer to the URL below:
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/admission/non-degree/exchange/scholarship.html

How can I get additional information regardingscholarship of the Japanese Government?

For Japanese Government sponsored programs, you should inquire at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or on its website.

Does TUFS offer any programs for international students to solely study the Japanese language? Can I enroll at the Japanese Language Center without going through a Student Exchange or Other Non-Degree Program at TUFS?

There are no programs, similar to Preparatory Japanese Language Programs offered at other universities or private language schools, for studying the Japanese language at TUFS. If you would like more information on studying Japanese in Japan, please refer to the following websites

• MOFA Study in Japan
• JASSO

What kind of building is the TUFS International Residences?

Please check the URL below. You can check the brochures.
○Building No.1 and 2
http://www.tufs.ac.jp/intlaffairs/international_student/doc/InternationalResidence.pdf
○Building No.3
http://www.tufs.ac.jp/campuslife/doc/kokusaikouryu3goukan.pdf

What are the monthly living costs?

Current average monthly living costs totals about \110,000～\140,000 for students living in the TUFS International Residences. This breaks down as follows (estimates) :

(As of November 2023)

Rent and Common Area Fees (Subject to change) (for single room)	Dormitory No.1: \32,000/month Dormitory No.2: \31,000/month Dormitory No.3: \46,000/month (+Key money \30,000/move-in) *: Students who will live in Dormitory 3 for more than 6 months are required to pay an additional key money of 30,000 yen (including tax). It will be automatically deducted from your bank account together with dormitory fee in one time on the first debit date.
Electricity Fees	Approx. \10,000
Water Fees	Approx. \2,000
Mobile Phone Fees	Approx. \5,000
Health Insurance	Approx. \1,000
Food	Approx. \50,000 - \60,000
Books / Other School Supplies	Approx. \5,000
Daily necessities.	Approx. \10,000

Students who live in private apartments should expect to pay \50,000-\80,000 per month for rent, ￥50,000‐￥160,000 for moving-in expenses (key money, deposit, etc.) , and \200,000-\300,000 for furniture and appliances. Student residing out of walking or bicycling range of the TUFS Campus also have to cover monthly commuting fees.

Should I prepare a bedding set by myself?

No. All residents are mandatory to buy a Bedding Set which is provided by TUFS(\12,000) after they arrive at the dorimitory.

May I smoke in dormitory rooms?

No. Please smoke only in smoking areas or rent a flat which allows smoking.
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/documents/abouttufs/contactus/kitsuen.pdf

Can I benefit from student discounts as a non-degree student (e.g. exchange student, Japanese Studies Student and Research Student)?

No. We do not issue a certificate of student discount. Therefore you cannot benefit from it.

Will I need to open a bank account in Japan?

If you need a bank account to pay rent for the TUFS International Residences or receive your scholarship, you need to open one. If you do not need one, you do not necessarily have to open one. TUFS will conduct the orientation to open a bank account for those who need to open a bank account. If you need to open an account, please join the orientation.

Do I have to close my bank account when I leave Japan and return to my home country?

Yes, please close your bank account before leaving Japan. Students who are paying the fees of the TUFS International Residences by automatic debit should close their accounts after the final payment of the rent is completed. Students receiving scholarships should close their accounts after you receive the last stipend.

Can I join clubs?

Yes. However, please note that you need to confirm if they accept your request.

Do you provide homestay services?

No. We do not offer any homestay services.

Are students guaranteed a room in the on-campus dormitory? What are the application procedures?

TUFS tries to offer students a room in the on-campus dormitory. However, this cannot be guaranteed due to limited capacity. If there are no available rooms, TUFS will provide the students with the necessary information to find accommodation near TUFS.
You can apply for the dormitory via the ISEPTUFS application form.

When can I start living in the on-campus dormitory?

You can live in the dormitory from the designated check-in dates. If you arrive in Japan before these dates, you will need to arrange alternative accommodation until the check-in dates. You will receive more details when you are accepted as an exchange student at TUFS.

How can I get to the dormitory from airport?

When your arrival date is approaching, we will send you an access map from the airport (Narita or Haneda) to TUFS by email. Please come to TUFS by public transportation referring to the map. There are no pick-up services nor university staffs at the airport to guide you.

TUFS is so far from the airport that we do not recommend to use taxi from the airport.

Can I live with my friend or partner?

No. If you would like to live with your friend or partner, please look for the accommodation by yourself. However, you may be able to live in the dormitory with your family (wife/husband, children) if there is an available room for married couples or for families

How is the monthly dormitory fee paid?

Residents are required to pay the dormitory fee each month by automatic debit on a designated date each month.
　Note: Exchange students who meet certain conditions are required to use a payment method other 　than automatic debit; those students will be notified in advance.

Please complete the bank information registration procedure as soon as your Japanese bank cash card (and PIN) is ready. Any dormitory fees that are not paid until the registration procedure is completed will be added to the next month's debit. For details, please refer to the "Move-in Guide" below.
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/student/international_student/housing.html

　Note:
　・Full monthly fee for the last month will be charged regardless of your move-out date.
　・The dormitory fee does not include the cost of water and electricity. Each student is responsible for his/her own expenses.
　・Students who will live in Dormitory 3 for more than 6 months are required to pay an additional key money of 30,000 yen (including tax). It will be automatically deducted from your bank account together with dormitory fee at one time on the first debit date.

Can I choose which dormitory to live in?

No. We will assign you a room. Therefore, please make sure to prepare sufficient money for rent (Maximum 46,000 JPY / month).

What kind of furnishings are in the dormitory room?

Each room comes furnished with a single bed, desk with drawers, chair, bookshelves, shelves for food, hanging clothes, and storing shoes, a small kitchen area with stove, refrigerator, and sink, telephone connection, waste basket, several lighting fixtures and a desk lamp, an air filter, and an air conditioner/heater. Family rooms come with several other pieces of furniture.
Please refer to following URL for detail:
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/student/international_student/housing.html
More furniture is provided in for married and family rooms.
All residents are mandatory to buy a Bedding Set which is provided by TUFS after they arrive at the dormitory.
Kitchenware or Tableware should be provided by yourselves. (Dormitory No.1,2 are provided with an Electromagnetic cooker. Dormitory No.3 is provided with IH cooker.)

Is there an active internet connection in each room?

Yes, each room has an active internet connection for free. You must supply your own computer and ethernet cable to use the connection.
Also, there is Wifi connection in each room.

Is there a telephone in each room?

There is a telephone jack in each room, but no active connection. Most students opt to purchase a mobile phone and contract rather than activate the in-room telephone connection.

Can my friends or family visit my room?

No. You can only invite visitors to the common area in your dormitory.

Is there a cafeteria or food store in the dorm?

No, you need to eat either outside at the on-campus cafeterias or off-campus restaurants, or cook for yourself. Dormitory rooms have private refrigerators and kitchens, and there is a large shared kitchen on the first floor of the dormitory as well.

Do rooms come with private toilets and baths?

Each room comes equipped with a private toilet, but only one of the dormitories has private, unit baths. Our second dormitory building has shared shower rooms on each floor (separate for males and females).

Is there a curfew for residents of TUFS International Residences?

There is no curfew for when students can leave or return to the dormitories. However, all residents are asked not to make excessive amounts of noise, especially between 10PM to 7AM, so as not to disturb other residents.

What should I do when I want to leave International Residence?

Please submit a “Notice of Withdrawal” to the Student Exchange Division by one month before the date of leaving. Please read through “Move-out Guide” for details.
○ Notice of Withdrawal
○ Move-out Guide

Can international students join the National Health Insurance System?

It is obligatory to join the National Health Insurance for everyone lives in Japan. You can apply for this when you go to the city hall for resident registration.
Moreover, we require you to register for both personal accident insurance and insurance for indemnity liability.

Are students allowed to work part-time?

As an international student studying in Japan under a College Student Visa, you are allowed to work part-time, given that you first obtain a Work Permit as you arrive at the airport (either Narita or Haneda airport). We strongly recommend you apply for the Work Permission at the airport since it takes time if you do the process at the Tokyo immigration office.

Can you find me a part time job?

No. Please look for it by yourself. We, however, may ask you to do a university-offered job such as translation.

I would like to send some packages,including my own belongings, before my arrival date. May I have the TUFS address?

Students, unfortunately, cannot send packages before their date of arrival. We have no space to keep them and cannot assure the safety and integrity of the contents.

How much money should I bring when arriving?

It depends on the student, but we recommend bringing about 80,000 yen in cash. Students have to cover their living expenses, for example, rent, utility fees, food expenses and so on.

I am planning to come to Japan in April (or end of September) with a student visa to join the program at TUFS. When can I receive my Certificate of Eligibility? Is it possible to receive it earlier?

The Certificate of Eligibility for Spring entry students will be sent in late February to early March. The Certificate of Eligibility for Fall entry students will be sent in the middle to late August. As TUFS is only able to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility on behalf of you at the Immigration Bureau during the designated period and it is the Immigration Bureau that screen your application documents and issue your Certificate of Eligibility, it is not possible to speed up the issuance and delivery of the Certificate of Eligibility. As soon as the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, TUFS will promptly send it to the students.

Will I be able to stay in Japan until the expiration date of my residence card even after the end of my program?

No, you will not. You should leave Japan immediately after completing the program. In addition, you will not be able to work part-time after completing the program.