Visa Information:

iCLA applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) at the Immigration Bureau of Japan. Once your CoE is issued, your CoE will be sent to you. Visit an Embassy or Consulate of Japan with the CoE to apply for your student visa to enter Japan.

Why should you come and study with us?

While Yamanashi Gakuin University is a smaller institution and not ranked among global research giants, its strength lies in offering a personalized, high-quality liberal arts education in English. At iCLA, you’ll benefit from:

American-style Liberal Arts Curriculum – Explore diverse subjects and develop critical thinking skills in small, interactive classes.
Global Community – Join a multicultural student body with peers from over 40 countries.
Immersive Japanese Experience – Learn Japanese language and culture while living near the iconic Mt. Fuji.
Individual Attention – Enjoy close interaction with professors and tailored academic support, something large universities often can’t provide.
Gateway to Global Opportunities – Degrees are fully accredited in Japan and recognized internationally, opening doors to graduate programs and careers worldwide.

Instead of focusing on rankings, iCLA emphasizes quality, diversity, and a transformative educational experience—perfect for students who value global perspectives and cultural immersion.

Study opportunities:

The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University offers a wide range of programs and services designed to make international students feel welcome and supported. Here’s what stands out:

English-Taught Curriculum
All courses are taught in English, leading to a Bachelor’s degree in International Liberal Arts. Majors Offered:

Global Business & Economics
Political Science
Interdisciplinary Arts
Japan Studies
Psychology
Data Science

Japanese Language Courses
Credit-bearing classes from beginner to advanced levels are available for international students.
Experiential Workshops: Unique for-credit workshops in traditional Japanese arts, music, theatre, martial arts, and more.
Small Class Sizes: Low student-to-faculty ratio (around 5:1), ensuring personalized attention and interactive learning.

On-Campus Dormitory
A multicultural residential environment that fosters community and cross-cultural exchange.

Counseling & Support Services
Confidential counseling in English and Japanese, plus a multilingual administration office for academic and non-academic assistance.

Clubs & Festivals
Active student clubs and cultural events throughout the year.

Global Environment
Over 80% international students from 55+ nationalities, and faculty educated overseas, creating a truly global campus atmosphere.

Great Location
Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, in Yamanashi Prefecture near Mt. Fuji—a safe, scenic, and culturally rich setting

Scholarship possibilities for international students:

Scholarships are offered to international degree-seeking students at the International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University.
1. Merit-Based Tuition Waiver Scholarships
Covers 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of tuition, facility, and equipment fees.
Renewable annually for up to 4 years based on GPA and performance.


2. University of Tomorrow Scholarship
Fully funded: full tuition, matriculation, facility fees, dormitory costs, and a ¥50,000 monthly stipend for 4 years.


3. Peace Bell Scholarship
Covers tuition, dormitory fees, and facility expenses for the entire 4-year program.


4.Torch Relay High Endeavor Scholarship
Partial support: covers one-third of tuition and fees for one academic year

Internships:

iCLA actively supports internships through its Career Support Program, which includes:

- Collaboration with external professional agencies specializing in recruiting and training foreign talent.
- Career seminars (7 sessions per year) covering topics like the Japanese job market, interview preparation, and networking.
- One-on-one career counseling in English for personalized guidance. [icla.ygu.ac.jp]

Students are encouraged to improve their Japanese language skills by the third year, as this significantly enhances internship and job prospects in Japan.

Application Deadline:

mid November for spring intake
mid April for fall intake

Application requirements:

You have completed at least one academic year at your home institution by the time of entry to iCLA.
You have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
You have a TOEFL score of 80 (iBT), 550 (iTP), Cambridge FCE, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.*
After reviewing your documents iCLA will invite you to a 20 minutes interview which will be conducted in English.

Orientation:

Orientation for international students at iCLA is held just before the start of each semester:

Spring Intake (April start): Orientation typically takes place in late March, about one week before classes begin.
Fall Intake (September start): Orientation is usually scheduled for late August, also about one week before the semester starts

Examperiod:

end of July and mid December

Accessibility:

iCLA emphasizes a student-first policy and offers student counseling services in English and Japanese for mental health and personal issues.

Working while studying:

Permission to Work: International students on a student visa can apply for a work permit from the Japanese Immigration Bureau.
Hours Allowed: Typically up to 28 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week during long vacations.
Types of Jobs: Common part-time jobs include language tutoring, café or restaurant work, convenience stores, and roles in tourism or hospitality.