Conditions

Number of Scholarships Offered in Spring 2027
2 Undergraduate scholarships
1 Graduate scholarship

Status of Admitted Students
Undergraduate
Degree-seeking undergraduate student ("First-Year Regular Student" or "Second-Year Transfer Student")​

2 students will be admitted directly into ICU's undergraduate degree program as degree-seeking students. 
​There is no need for applicants who wish to become degree-seeking undergraduate students at ICU to apply to ICU separately.
 

Graduate
Degree-seeking master’s student, provided that the student applies to the ICU Graduate School and is admitted.

Important Note about the Graduate Scholarship:
Applicants who wish to become a graduate student at ICU must (1) apply for the Japan Education Pathways and (2) apply to the ICU Graduate School through its regular admissions process and be admitted to both. Even if an applicant is selected as a finalist for the Japan Education Pathways, if they are not admitted by the ICU Graduate School, the scholarship offer will become invalid. The scholarship cannot be deferred.

*To apply to the master’s course at the ICU Graduate School, please follow the steps outlined on this webpage between November 13 and 27, 2026, which is the application period for the AY2027 April Admission Spring Selection.

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Eligibility

• Must currently reside in Japan

• Must be a citizen of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan, Syria or Ukraine

• Age 25 or under at the time of enrollment in the university (April 1, 2027) for undergraduate students (No age limit for graduate students)

• Single with no dependents

• Japanese proficiency equivalent to JLPT N3 level or above 

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Language of Instruction
Both Japanese and English. 
Since its founding, ICU has been committed to bilingualism by making Japanese and English its official languages, and all students are required to take courses in both languages. International undergraduate students who are fluent in English must take the Japanese Language Program (JLP) in order to graduate from ICU. It is optional for international graduate students to take the JLP.　

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Majors Offered in the Degree Program

Undergraduate
ICU offers 31 majors in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences and interdisciplinary studies in the College of Liberal Arts.

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Graduate
The ICU Graduate School has four programs: Education and Psychology, Public Policy and Social Research, Comparative Culture, and Natural Sciences.
The areas of concentration in each program can be viewed here.
 

Language Requirement
Japanese: JLPT N3 equivalent and above ((Even if the applicant has not taken the N3 exam, they will be considered if they have proficiency at that level)
English: TOEFL iBT* 79+ or IELTS 6.5+ for undergraduate students. Graduate students must submit either a TOEIC, TOEFL or IELTS score (there is no cutoff score).

*TOEFL iBT taken before January 20, 2026: 79 (from a single test date)  
TOEFL iBT taken on or after January 21, 2026: 4.5 (from a single test date)

Additional Requirements for ICU
​Undergraduate
Because applicants for ICU's undergraduate program will be admitted directly into the degree program, there are additional documents that must be submitted. 
 

1. English test score (IELTS or TOEFL) that is not more than two years old (Must have been taken after Dec. 1, 2024)

2. Two recommendation letters from high school teachers (principal, guidance counselor, teaching staff)
3. Academic transcripts: Official transcripts are required as follows:
- Regular Applicants (first-year entry):
  Transcripts of secondary education covering at least the last three academic years, including the final (senior) year.
- Transfer Applicants (second-year entry):
  Transcripts of post-secondary education 
4. Personal statement (500-600 words)
You must address the following points:

• Your current situation and reason for applying for this opportunity

• Study and career plans

• Your motivation to study Japanese in the Japanese Language Program and conduct specialized studies in both English and Japanese

• Contributions you can make to realize ICU's ideals

5. Essay (400-500 words)

You must select one of the following topics and write an essay. You must add a title to the essay.

• Discuss a current issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.

• Describe a work of art (painting, literature, music, etc.), a historical episode, or a scientific achievement that has        impressed you and explain how it has affected your outlook on life.

• Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, challenge, or ethical dilemma you have accomplished /faced and its impact on you.

Notes:
- In addition to transcripts, applicants are required to submit relevant national or standardized examination results, depending on their educational background. Requirements differ by educational system. Contact for clarification before applying.

- Applicants shortlisted by JICUF will be nominated to the University (ICU) and must participate in a mandatory online interview. Ensure availability on the following dates:
  • November 16, 2026 – Mandatory connection test 
  • November 21, 2026 – Online interview
*Further details will be provided at a later stage

Graduate

You must submit an English test score (TOEIC, TOEFL or IELTS) when applying for the JEP. The test must have been taken after November 27, 2024.

If you are selected as a finalist, you must apply to the Graduate School through the regular admissions process between November 13 and 27. Please check the details in the Graduate School Admissions Handbook.  

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Accommodation

On-campus dormitory provided at no cost. 
 

Stipend
Provided (70,000 JPY/month)

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