Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 the TUFS Student Exchange Programs if my university has not concluded a Student Exchange Agreement with TUFS?

No, you cannot enter 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 of the partner universities. Therefore, 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.

Is there any language proficiency requirement?

Students whose first language is not Japanese or English and whose degree program in their home university is not taught entirely in Japanese or English need to provide the Japanese or English Language Evidence as part of their application. The standard requirement is as follows:

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

Please refer to our Fact Sheet:
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/admission/non-degree/exchange/overview.html

Do students whose native language is Japanese or English or whose degree program is taught entirely in Japanese or English need to submit a certificate of language proficiency?

No, they do not submit the language proficiency certificate. They must tell the information to their coordinator at their home university and ask them to proceed the application.

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 score (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, JLPT).. What should I do?

Please ask your English or Japanese teacher to write a recommendation letter which proves your English or Japanese skill is equivalent to our language requirement.

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 adopt 4.0-point GPA system. How do I calculate if my GPA meets the requirements for ISEP TUFS?

Please calculate the GPA by converting into 4.0-point scale. If you are unsure how to do, 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 their study in principle after you arrive at Japan. If you would like to extend the exchange period after you arrive at Japan, please ask your HOME university to send an e-mail with the accountable reason of your extension to Student Exchange Division at TUFS. However, even if we receive an e-mail as such, we do not always allow the extension. Also, you cannot extend the period of stay on our on-campus dormitory.

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

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

I would like to know about TUFS academic calendar.

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

When is the registration period?

International students register their classes around mid-April or 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 classes (from beginner level to advanced level) therefore students who have not studied Japanese yet can take the classes.
For details, please refer to following URL:
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/student/international_student/Japanese_Program.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 a Japanese class. 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 a permission.

What classes can I take as an exchange student?

You can take almost all classes (there are some exceptions). Please refer to the syllabus:
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. Please refer to the following URL:
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/student/lesson_course/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 number of credits which the exchange students must complete. However, students need to take at least 7 classes (10 hours) for visa requirements, and make every effort to earn credits for all classes they take.

How many credits can I gain?

Up to 50 credits per academic year.

When will my transcript be issued?

Transcripts for the spring quarter will be issued in late August, and those for the fall quarter will be issued in the middle of March. TUFS will send transcripts to home universities by email once they are issued.

Is a “Course Completion Certificate”　issued?

We do not issue a “Course Completion Certificate.” We do not issue a “Course Registration Certificate” either. You can substitute an “Academic Transcript” for them.

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. Before you leave Japan, please come to the Student Exchange Division to submit documents regarding this. Also, you need to apply for special re-entry permission at the airport.
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 regarding scholarship 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

What kind of building is the TUFS International Residences?

A Please check the below URL. 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?

We try to offer all Exchange Students a room in one of our on-campus TUFS International Residences. However, in the rare case when there are no open rooms to accommodate a student, we will arrange a room in another international students’ dormitory in the Tokyo area.
You will receive the dorm application as you proceed with your application for exchange program.

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

You can come to the dormitory two days before Orientation for international students. If you come to Japan earlier than this, you need to find an accommodation by yourself. (This is subject to change due to the COVID-19. Please check the emails from the Student Exchange Division.)

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 fee for a room in the dormitory paid?

Residents are required to pay the dormitory fee for each month by automatic debit on a designated date every 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" distributed when you enter the dormitory.
　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 in 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 (￥12,000) 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 students 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 to apply for the Work Permission at the airports 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.

Student Exchange Programs

1 Application

2 Classes

3 Scholarship

Other Programs

Student Life and the TUFS International Residences

Other