FAQ
Questions Concerning English Track
- I have never studied Japanese before. Am I still able to apply?
- I am a student at an international school in Japan. Am I eligible to apply for the English Track?
- Is a student who is admitted for the English Track allowed to take classes that are given in Japanese?
- I am a native English speaker. Do I still have to have a TOEFL score to apply?
- When can I enter SGJS?
Questions Concerning International Students
- How many international students are there at Meiji University? What countries do they come from?
- I have heard that some universities separate Japanese students from international students for lectures. What about the School of Global Japanese Studies?
- Lectures in Japanese would be difficult for international students to follow. Are they provided with any support?
- The School of Global Japanese Studies has a study abroad program for the 2nd semester of 2nd Year; can International students also participate in this program?
- I understand that the School of Global Japanese Studies puts a lot of energy into international exchange. Are there opportunities for international students and Japanese students to be together?
- Can I receive a scholarship from my 1st year?
- Is there a tuition fee subsidy (reduction or exemption) system?
- Is there a student dormitory?
- What kinds of questions are on the Entrance Examination for Foreign Students for the School of Global Japanese Studies? Are any past papers available?
- Can I apply to other schools at the same time?
- Please tell me about my options after graduation.
Questions Concerning English Track
- I have never studied Japanese before. Am I still able to apply?
- Yes. Japanese language proficiency or previous Japanese experience is not required for the English Track.
- I am a student at an international school in Japan.
Am I eligible to apply for the English Track? - If you have a non-Japanese citizenship (or dual citizenship), you qualify as an applicant.
- Is a student who is admitted for the English Track allowed to take classes that are given in Japanese?
- Yes. You will have to take a minimum number of credits from the English Track curriculum. However, you are allowed to take any elective classes for the remaining credits.
- I am a native English speaker. Do I still have to have a TOEFL score to apply?
- No. If English is your native language, you are eligible for a waiver.
- When can I enter SGJS?
- Students are able to enter only in April.
Questions Concerning International Students
- How many international students are there at Meiji University? What countries do they come from?
- As of May 2009, there are currently 845 international students studying at Meiji University, of which 636 are undergraduate students and 209 are graduate university students. International students come from approximately 30 countries, including Taiwan and Malaysia, A large proportion of foreign students come from China and Korea.
- I have heard that some universities separate Japanese students from international students for lectures. What about the School of Global Japanese Studies?
- In the School of Global Japanese Studies, apart from a few classes such as Japanese language, international and Japanese students study together; they are not separated. As a resmet, the university is promoting exchange and mutual understanding on an everyday level, leading also to improved Japanese language skills.
- Lectures in Japanese would be difficult for international students to follow. Are they provided with any support?
- At Meiji University, regardless of whether or not they are international students, a system of support for all students has been established. Learning Support Offices have been set up all over the university and graduate school students act as TAs (teaching assistants) to provide students with support. Therefore if there is anything you don’t understand,use this service.
- The School of Global Japanese Studies has a study abroad program for the 2nd semester of 2nd Year; can International students also participate in this program?
- This system was devised on the basis that Japanese students would take part. For international students, the School of Global Japanese Studies offers a course in the 2nd semester of 2nd Year entitled Japanese Studies in Practice in which students participate in fieldwork within Japan and are able to learn first-hand about Japanese culture and society. However, it is also possible for international students to participate in short-term language programs offered by Meiji University, an addition certain conditions are met, international students may also study abroad at universities with which Meiji University has an exchange agreement. Moreover, in the Practical International Course, 3rd and 4th Year students have the opportunity to conduct joint research with students at overseas universities.
- I understand that the School of Global Japanese Studies puts a lot of energy into international exchange. Are there opportunities for international students and Japanese students to be together?
- To promote exchange between international students and Japanese students, the School of Global Japanese Studies holds an International Exchange Lunch during lunchtime once a week. These lunches are arranged independently by students.
- Can I receive a scholarship from my 1st year?
- If a scholarship has been reserved for you under the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) study grant reservation system, you can receive a scholarship from your 1st year. If not, since you have no record of academic performance at university, it would be very difficult for you to receive a scholarship from your 1st year. For details about scholarships for international students and information about scholarship funds that are currently available, please see the International Exchange Group website.Click here for details
- Is there a tuition fee subsidy (reduction or exemption) system?
- Yes, there is. Privately funded international students whose residence status is "student" may receive a tuition fee subsidy on application to the university. The subsidy rate may change.
- Is there a student dormitory?
- There is a dormitory for exchange students, but unfortunately, there is no dormitory for privately funded international students. However, the Center for International Programs introduces students to international student dormitories operated by the Association of International Education, Japan (AIEJ). This is an organization affiliated with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Click here for details
- Can I apply to other schools at the same time?
- You cannot simultaneously apply for the English Track and other admission procedures for International students of the School of Global Japanese Studies (Admission category I・II・III ). However, you may apply to different schools at the same time if the days on which the entrance examinations for each school do not conflict.
- Please tell me about my options after graduation.
- After graduation, you have a choice of what to do: continue to graduate school, seek employment, or return to your home country. With regard to seeking employment, your options are the same as those for Japanese students. The Vocational Guidance Office provides support for international students’ job-seeking activities (School of Global Japanese Studies Career-related Information).
