doshisha university acceptance rate international students

Doshisha University (同志社大学, Dōshisha daigaku), also referred to as Dodai (同大, Dōdai), is a private university in Kyoto City, Japan. Doshisha University is one of the most prestigious universities in Japan today, with particularly strong influence in the Kansai region, and is considered one of the most selective private universities in Japan. The acceptance rate for the 40,924 applicants for the 2014 academic year was 35.6%, with acceptance rate in some departments under 15%. In 2013, the university was ranked fourth among Japanese private universities for “schools to which parents wish to send their child”, following Waseda University, Keio University, Meiji University and eleventh for “hidden prestigious schools that you know”, following Waseda University, Keio University, Meiji University and so on.

Established in 1875, it is one of Japan’s oldest private institutions of higher learning, and has approximately 30,000 students enrolled on four different campuses in Kyoto. It is one of the Japanese “Global 30” universities and one university belonging to “Kankandoritsu” (関関同立), a group of the four leading private universities in western Japan’s Kansai region.

Academics and admissions

Toyo Keizai NationalGeneral18
WE [ja] NationalEmployment18
NBP KansaiReputation3 (#1 private)
Shimano NationalSelectivityA1
LAW
BE Success NationalQualification11
BE Pass rate NationalQualification23
BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
CPA Success NationalQualification9
#909 of 14,160In the World
#195 of 5,829In Asia
#47 of 718In Japan
#3 of 24In Kyoto
#220 of 1,003For Acoustical Engineering
Top50%For 29 other topics

Acceptance rate & Admissions

Acceptance Rate20%
Admissions RequirementsGraduation from high school or equivalent, or foreign equivalent; entrance examination; English proficiency scores
Academic CalendarApril to March (April – September; October-March)
Enrollment28,642
Full time employee778
Student:staff ratio37:1
Engineering4,617 / 46,187
Chemistry3,424 / 45,389
Physics3,422 / 35,014
Materials Science2,639 / 26,806
Computer Science1,456 / 10,544
Medicine1,116 / 16,363
Biology885 / 17,383
Psychology753 / 7,280
Liberal Arts & Social Sciences697 / 6,961
Artificial Intelligence (AI)541 / 3,317
Optical Engineering456 / 3,961
Environmental Science446 / 7,564
Automation and Control engineering366 / 2,642
Chemical Engineering361 / 7,661
Acoustical Engineering334 / 3,911
Inorganic Chemistry324 / 6,947
Business320 / 6,334
Electronic Engineering304 / 2,991
Electrical Engineering285 / 3,575
Mathematics270 / 2,428
Metallurgical Engineering269 / 3,105
Atomic and Molecular physics251 / 1,057
Economics237 / 1,465
Computational Linguistics211 / 1,890
Computer Vision198 / 914


Doshisha has graduate degree programs in Theology, Letters, Psychology, Business, Global Studies, Law, Economics, Commerce, Policy and Management, Culture and Information Science, Science and Engineering, Life and Medical Sciences, Health and Sports Science, and Social Studies.

The libraries at the Imadegawa and Kyotanabe campuses hold more than 2.5 million volumes.

Faculty

As of 2013, Doshisha University employs 777 full-time and 1,411 part-time faculty members across its Kyoto campuses. In terms of research, Doshisha has filed the 36th-highest number of patents in the nation.

Campuses

Doshisha University has two main campuses at Imadegawa in central Kyoto and at Kyotanabe in southern Kyoto. Imadegawa is the main campus, located in the former residence of Satsuma Domain. It has been in use since the school was founded. Located in the center of Kyoto City, the campus is situated next to Shōkoku-ji, overlooking Kyoto Imperial Palace. Five buildings in the Imadegawa campus have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, including Doshisha Chapel and Clark Memorial Hall. This campus is primarily for the liberal arts, business (including a graduate school of business), theology, and law faculties. A large learning commons with over 40,000 square meters of space, the Ryoshinkan, was opened in 2012 and included the incorporation of Imadegawa Station, a station on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto Municipal Subway.

The Kyotanabe Campus was opened in 1986, in Kyōtanabe, Kyoto and is part of Kansai Science City. Over 195 acres (0.79 km2) in area, it serves primarily as the campus for the science and engineering faculties. In 2012, a new Karasuma Campus was established approximately 300 meters from the Imadegawa Campus. The Karasuma Campus houses the International Education Institute, the Graduate School of Global Studies, and the Faculty of Global and Regional Studies.

Student life

Societies

There are over 400 clubs and organizations in Doshisha University.

Festivals

  • Doshisha Eve
  • Doshisha Kyotanabe Festival
  • Sports Festival

Athletics

  • Doshisha is part of the Kansai Big Six Baseball League. The baseball team is known for their rivalry with Ritsumeikan University.
  • Doshisha’s rugby team has a long history, and had won 4 championships in All-Japan University Rugby Championship from 1980 to 1984.
  • The men’s basketball program is noted for its frequent participation in All Japan Intercollegiate Basketball Championship.

Alumni

  • Japan portal
  • Christianity portal

Doshisha is renowned for its strong connection to business in the Kansai region, and according to the 2011 university rankings by Toyo Keizai, 533 alumni served as executives in listed companies. As of 2013, around 25.5% of undergraduates were able to enter one of the top 400 companies in Japan, which ranks eighth nationwide among all private institutions in Japan and first among private universities in Kansai.

Doshisha alumni include Takako Doi, the first female Lower House Speaker in Japan (the highest position a female politician has held in the country’s history); Abe Isoo, an early pacifist and feminist and member of the Japanese Diet; Japanese statesman Uchida Kosai, who twice served as acting prime minister; Japanese-language author David Zoppetti; Korean poet Yun Dong-ju; tea master Hansō Sōshitsu; and Gunpei Yokoi, creator of the Nintendo Game Boy.

Doshisha University is ranked 1001 in QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities and has an overall score of 4.7 stars, according to student reviews on Studyportals, the best place to find out how students rate their study and living experience at universities from all over the world.

Japan is a hub of scientific and technological innovation, as well as cutting-edge research discoveries in biomedicine. This island nation places a very high emphasis on education, which is showcased by a literacy rate of almost 100%. By studying at a Japanese university, you will come in contact with a rich culture that has fascinated the Western world for centuries. International students will find various degrees taught in English, with Mathematics and Sciences among the most popular disciplines. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn Japanese, which will make you stand out on the job market if you decide to settle down here or work for an international company. To relax and unwind, students can have fun visiting attractions like the Imperial Palace, the Osaka Castle, Mount Fuji, etc.

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs [Studying in the English language]

Degree Courses offered in EnglishDoshisha University is launching new courses in which students can obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees by taking classes conducted entirely in English.

Undergraduate Program

  • The Institute for the liberal Arts (The Liberal Arts Program)

Graduate Program

  • International Science and Technology Course (at Graduate School of Science and Engineering / Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences)
  • Global MBA Course / Master’s Degree Program, Global Business and Management Studies (at Graduate School of Business)
  • Graduate School of Global Studies (American Studies Cluster, Global Society Studies Cluster)

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs [Studying in the Japanese language]

Offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in which international students can enroll and study with Japanese students

Established in 1875, Doshisha University is one of the most prestigious private universities in Japan, offering a world-class education with undergraduate programs in 14 faculties, graduate programs in 16 graduate schools (including independent professional graduate schools), and programs for international students at the Center for Japanese Language and Culture. About 29,000 students are currently studying in these institutions.
As a member university of the Japanese government’s Global 30 project for ‘establishing core universities for internationalization’, Doshisha is striving to further strengthen the educational environment for international students by, for example, setting up degree courses with all classes conducted in English, and creating innovative faculties and institutes oriented toward ‘internationalism’, which has been one of Doshisha’s educational ideals since its inception.
Drawing upon its long standing history and tradition of higher education, and taking advantage of the location of Kyoto-Japan’s ancient capital with a rich tradition of art and culture- Doshisha University offers international students an excellent learning environment in which they can achieve academic and personal growth together with fellow students from Japan and overseas. The experience as a member of the Doshisha community will be a lifelong asset for all students regardless of the path they choose to take following graduation.

Financial Support and Scholarships for International Students

Financial Support and Scholarships for International Students

Doshisha University offers various types of scholarships to 90% of international students, providing between 20 and 100 percent tuition exemption. Besides the scholarships offered by Doshisha University, there is also the Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT) and the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship, as well as scholarships offered by local governments and many other private organizations.

Doshisha University in Japan was founded in 1875 and originally named the Doshisha English School.

Located in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, on the island of Honshu, the city is considered to be one of the most important and beautiful cities in the country. It also serves as a significant economic hub, as well as a major tourist destination, and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its ancient monuments and Shinto shrines.

The university campus is located in the northern part of the city, a vibrant area in its own right, with the centre of Kyoto and the island of Honshu accessible to students via convenient transport links. It also has satellite campuses in Tokyo and Osaka and international partnerships in place with institutions around the world including Dublin City University in Ireland and the Universities of Leeds and Sheffield in the UK. It has student exchange agreements with 138 universities in 34 countries.

Doshisha is organised across 14 faculties and several graduate schools that offer a diverse range of programmes. Some courses are taught in English, along with accompanying Japanese language programmes, intended to help international students integrate. In addition, Doshisha University also has available a number of research programs for students to partake in, and over the years has produced numerous distinguished alumni.

The university plays host to a number of recreational activities, including several competitive sports teams and well over 400 student societies.

Its alumni include Takako Doi, the first woman speaker of the Japanese lower house, and the author David Zoppetti.

Admissions

Admissions Policy

At the ILA we know that it would be simple to base our admission policy on quantifiable criteria. However, our educational mission demands that before we admit an applicant we discover how that person might contribute to and benefit from the lively, academic, social, and extracurricular activity at the Institute and the University. For this reason, we ask each applicant to submit a range of documents that help us to select each incoming cohort of students. Within the larger University, the ILA student body is small (approximately 200 students divided over four years, with additional students studying in our classes from other departments and programs across the 29,000-student University including exchange students from our worldwide network of partner universities).

● The ideal student
The ILA is dedicated to creating a community of students who are all committed to an interdisciplinary, liberal arts program of undergraduate education that is unique in its global outlook and local context. To achieve this, in our holistic application process we look for the following qualities in our applicants:
1. linguistic skills that allow effective self-expression in both written and spoken forms;
2. a critical literacy that enables both independent thinking and questioning of assumptions;
3. a diverse background with a multitude of educational and social experiences;
4. the maturity to take responsibility for academic learning and life in a new environment;
5. the intellectual curiosity to reflect upon global issues through the local lens of Japan.

● Admission procedure
Once your application is received it is screened to ensure that all documents are in order and all sections of the application are completed in full. Please be aware that incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Once screening is complete, your application is thoroughly evaluated and graded by faculty members. Professors carefully assess your personal statement, evaluate your transcripts and recommendations, as well as review your background and relevant skills and qualifications.

If your application passes this first evaluation stage you are invited to an interview either in person at the ILA or over skype. The interview is a chance for you to represent yourself as a good candidate for the ILA. You will get a chance in person to explain your motivation for studying at Doshisha and within your chosen concentration at the ILA. It is a chance for the professors to get to know you and for you to have the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about life at the ILA. During the interview we evaluate your:
1. motivation and commitment to liberal arts program;
2. familiarity with current events and academic topics;
3. intellectual curiosity;
4. social aptitude and leadership; and
5. academic and scholastic capacity and communication skills.

● Successful applicants
In the past, successful applicants:
1. tended to be able to identify specific courses on offer within their chosen concentration and to link these with their personal and/or academic interests;
2. demonstrated a consistent ability to link their experiences and skills to discussion about world issues that they care about;
3. were already engaged in some kind of self-directed study, going beyond school supplied materials in building upon their passions and interests; and
4. were able to clearly articulate a link between personal experience and passion for the choice of concentration.

The ILA assumes that all applicants have an excellent secondary school record. However, over and beyond a high GPA and outstanding standardized exam scores (typically students accepted to the ILA have an IB score of 32 or above, a SAT score of about 1200 or above, an ACT score of around 25 or above, or three GCE A levels), most importantly we look for applicants who demonstrate a passion for the liberal arts program with an obvious and strong potential for contributing to the intellectual and social life of the Institute.

Students in this four-year degree program choose one of three concentrations: Humanities and the Human Sciences, Business and Economics, or Politics and Policy Studies. All students begin by studying Foundation Courses, where they master the methodologies and research skills required for comparative analysis. They then design their own individualized curriculum by selecting courses across the disciplines based on their interests.

Students can take advanced courses in their concentration where they gain in-depth knowledge pertaining to specific fields:

Humanities and the Human Sciences (Japanese Society and Global Culture)
Business and Economics (Japanese Business and the Global Economy)
Politics and Policy Studies (Japanese Politics and Global Studies)

Students can choose to specialize within their chosen concentration or combine courses across fields, from the classes offered in English at the ILA, as well as in Japanese and English throughout the University.

Students may also have the opportunity to spend a year abroad at one of Doshisha’s many partner universities worldwide. While taking academic courses, students can study the Japanese language at any level.

Program Information
Subject– Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Duration4 years
DegreeBachelor
Type of DegreeB.A. in Liberal Arts
MajorWithin the Liberal Arts Program, there are 3 following concentrations:
– Japanese Society and Global Culture
– Japanese Business and the Global Economy
– Japanese Politics and Global Studies
Classes CommenceApril and September
Entrance Fee200,000 yen
Tuition Fees870,000 yen
Other Expenses149,000 yen
LocationKamidachiuri-Agaru, Karasuma-dori Kamigyo-Ku, Kyoto 602-0898, Japan
AreaKansai Region (Osaka, Kyoto, etc.)
Program StartedApril, 2011
No. of StudentsApproximately 200
No. of Full and Part-Time Faculty MembersApproximately 60
Additional InformationEvery ILA student is considered a full member of the wider Doshisha University and has access to many classes across all of the University departments, faculties, and institutes. Also, students can choose a wide variety of Japanese language courses at any level from beginner to advanced.
Application TypeOpen to everyone
Admission Capacity50 (A Number of Fall Intake and Spring Intake)
Application Period<April 2022>
August 2, 2021 – September 9, 2021

<September 2022>
January 17, 2022 – March 10, 2022
Examination Date<April 2022>
[Abroad] November 4; November 6; or November 7, 2021
[In Japan] November 6, 2021

<September 2022>
[Abroad] May 12; May 14; or May 15, 2022
[In Japan] May 14, 2022
Results Announced<April 2022>
[Documentary screening] October 22, 2021
[Interview] November 25, 2021

<September 2022>
[Documentary screening] April 22, 2022
[Interview] May 27, 2022
Enrollment Procedure PeriodApplicants must pay the Registration Fee by the deadline as follows;
<April 2022>
December 16, 2021

<September 2022>
June 21, 2022
Eligibility<English Language Proficiency>
Applicants should satisfy one of the following:
1) Native speaker of English
2) 12 or more years of education in English
3) TOEFL(R) iBT 85
4) IELTS Academic 6.5
5) Duolingo English Test 110
6) ACT Combined English/Writing (Writing Test Score) 22
7) Old SAT Critical Reading and Writing sections 51
8) New SAT Reading Test 28, and Writing & Language Test 29
Application ProcessThere are two application methods. Please choose to apply either of the following
1) through the Common Application
2) through the ILA Office
Screening ProcessAdmission decisions are made in two stages.
1) Document screening
2) Interview
Admission Fee15,000 yen

University Fees and Funding

University Fees (2022 Entry)

(Unit: Yen)

Undergraduate First Year Students (2022 Entry)
 1st year2nd year3rd year4th year
Admission Fee200,000 –  –  – 
Tuition870,000895,000900,000905,000
Facilities Fee149,000157,000165,000173,000
Total1,219,0001,052,0001,065,0001,078,000
  1. The Admission Fee is charged in the initial year only.
  2. One half each of the annual Tuition, and the Facilities Fee is charged in the Spring and Fall Semesters respectively.
  3. In addition to the above, the Alumni Association Fee will be charged in the fourth year.

(Unit: Yen)

Undergraduate Third Year Students (2022 Entry)
 3rd year4th year
Admission Fee200,000 – 
Tuition900,000905,000
Facilities Fee165,000173,000
Total1,265,0001,078,000
  1. The Admission Fee is charged in the initial year only.
  2. One half each of the annual Tuition, and the Facilities Fee is charged in the Spring and Fall Semesters respectively.
  3. In addition to the above, the Alumni Association Fee will be charged in the fourth year.

How Do I Apply to Doshisha University Scholarships?

Doshisha University offers scholarships to international students especially, those who show commitment to learning more about the Japanese language and culture. Most of the scholarships offered by the Japanese Government and other external organizations will be available on the university’s website once the application period starts again.

Students must submit a recommendation letter from the dean of their respective department to qualify for entry at the university through the University Recommendation for Doshisha University Undergraduate Students scheme. Meanwhile, applicants for a Master’s degree must provide a Company recommendation to retain their work position while studying at the university.

The general requirements for admission at Doshisha University include an application form, graduation certificates or diplomas, academic transcripts, two Letters of recommendation, a certificate of English language proficiency, GMAT/GRE official scores, identification card, application fee receipt, photographs, and mailing labels.

Students may check here for more details on the admission application schedules and specific requirements.

Doshisha University Scholarships

1. Doshisha University Merit scholarships

  • Link to the scholarship page
  • Scholarship amount: up to 100% tuition fee reduction
  • Degrees offered: Undergraduate, Master’s, and/or Ph.D.

Doshisha University proudly offers Merit Scholarships to international students pursuing a degree in one of their available undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It aims to support students to focus on their field of study free from any financial problems. The scholarship values vary depending on their chosen degree programs, entrance examination results, and research proposals.

Students must pass the entrance examination and obtain a Student, Permanent Resident, Long-term Resident, or Dependent resident status. They must gain entry and enroll full-time in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the university.

Students for undergraduate degrees may receive a minimum of 20% up to 100% off their tuition fees. Meanwhile, students for Master’s and/or Ph.D. courses may receive a 30%-100% tuition fee reduction. The funding period of this Doshisha University scholarship is up to 2 years. Students may apply for renewal, depending on their academic performance. They are not allowed to receive other scholarships or sponsorships. Moreover, they must meet the academic requirements of their chosen degree programs to continue receiving the scholarships.

2. Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries

  • Link to the scholarship page
  • Scholarship amount: 85,000 yen per month plus 100% off of university fees
  • Degrees offered: Undergraduate

The Doshisha University proudly offers scholarships to international students from developing countries. It aims to help foster the talents and skills of students to contribute to the success of their countries. Students may benefit from 100% off university fees such as admission fees, tuition fees, facilities, and laboratory fees.

To be eligible for this Doshisha University scholarship, students must gain admission and enroll in an undergraduate degree program at the university. They must obtain student resident status and are natural-born citizens of countries classified as “Least Developed Countries” or “Low-Income Countries which are not LDCs”.

Applicants must submit their scholarship and Entrance Examination for International Undergraduate Students applications simultaneously. Consequently, they may receive an amount of up to 85,000 yen per month plus 100%-off of university fees. The funding period will cover two years of their study period.

If they obtain an overall GPA of 2.0 (or above), earning at least 50% of credits required to complete their second year, they may renew their scholarship up to the standard years until they finish their degrees. Otherwise, their respective faculties will offer them the Doshisha University Merit Scholarship for Self-Funded International Students instead.

This scholarship scheme is highly competitive and will only award 2 students per year.

3. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program

  • Link to the scholarship page
  • Scholarship amount: a tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend, travel allowances, and other additional fees
  • Degrees offered: Undergraduate

The Ministry of Education of the Japanese Government will give financial support to international students pursuing their undergraduate degrees in Japan. It aims to strengthen the international relations and cultural exchange between Japan and other countries across the globe. The scholarships are for those individuals from countries that have diplomatic relations with the Japanese government.

Students must have completed 12 years of primary and secondary education in schools outside Japan. They must also enroll in Japanese language learning and training upon their arrival before the study term. Moreover, they must apply for a Japanese student’s visa and enter the country with a student residence status.

Students may receive a tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend, travel allowances, and other additional stipends. The maximum funding period is up to 5 years which, includes the one-year Japanese language preparatory course.

More information about this Doshisha University scholarship application and the terms and conditions will be available once the application period starts again.

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