International Students’ Café
Tokyo, Hachioji
The energy of Tokyo.
Value Creation
With a network of more than 280 partner universities in around 70 countries and regions, Soka University provides an environment where you can learn, connect, and grow alongside students from around the world.
Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
Department of Business
Taught in Japanese
Faculty of Letters
Department of Humanities
Taught in Japanese
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Information Systems Engineering / Green Technology / Life Science and Technology
Taught in Japanesewith some support in English
Faculty of Nursing
Currently not open to international applicants
Looking for a short-term study experience?
Students from more than 60 countries and regions come together at Soka University,
making global connections part of everyday campus life.
Welcome Party
for International Students
New year Gathering
for International Students
A lush, spacious campus surrounded by the changing colors of the four seasons.
We invite you to experience the beauty of our campus through a virtual tour.
International Student Affairs Department
- Scholarships
- Visa and Residence Status
- Student Life Advice and Support
Your first stop whenever you need help.
Student Counseling Office
- Academic Support
- Personal and Relationship
Concerns - Mental Health Support
You can reach out whenever something is worrying you.
Health Center
- Health Consultations
- First Aid
- Health Checkups
We’re here to support your health and well-being.
With more than 100 clubs and societies, from sports and music to culture and research, you’re sure to find your people.
Japanese and internationalstudents live on the same floor.
Resident Assistants are thereto support you.
Shared spaces make it easy toconnect and start conversations.
Major campus facilities are withinwalking distance
AM
7:00
7:00
Everyone’s already up... I’d love five more minutes, but I can’t be late!
PM
2:00
2:00
Group-project time! SPACe is one of my favorite places on campus.
PM
7:00
7:00
Party night! Everyone gets together to talk, sing, and dance.
AM
9:00
9:00
The professors are always dedicated to guiding students with great clarity and enthusiasm.
PM
6:00
6:00
We cook dishes from our home countries, trade stories, and taste everything. It’s all so good!
PM
8:00
8:00
Time to unwind in the spacious communal bath. It quickly becomes a favorite for many international students.
Takiyama International Dormitory (Men)
Manyo International Dormitory (Women)
International Dormitories
Men’s Dormitories
- Hoyu Dormitory
- Takiyama International Dormitory
Women’s Dormitories
- Sunflower Hall
- Shuo Dormitory
- Manyo International Dormitory
- Soshun Dormitory
- Yuko Dormitory
Our Career Center team has dedicated staff for international students.
- Career Placement
Rate*Includes the intended plans of students returning to their home countries. -
Personalized, overall support to help each student achieve their goals.
- Get one-on-one career advice
- Find internship opportunities
- Get feedback on your résumé
- Practice for interviews
Where do you want your future to take you?
Build a career at a Japanese company. Work for an international organization.
Deepen your expertise in graduate school. Whatever your goal,
Soka University is here to help you take that first step.
Employers of International Graduates
- Japanese Companies & Japan-Based Organizations
- Accenture Japan (Consulting / IT), Fujitsu (IT / Electronics),IBM Japan (IT / Systems), Cybozu (IT / Software),Japan Airlines (JAL) (Aviation / Transportation),Continental Automotive (Automotive / Manufacturing),JINS Holdings (Retail / Distribution), AEON Mall (Retail),SBJ Bank (Finance / Banking),Mandarin Oriental Tokyo (Hospitality / Tourism), and more
- Overseas Companies & Local Subsidiaries
- LG Electronics (South Korea / Electronics), Golomt Bank (Mongolia / Commercial Banking), Mitsui Copper Foil (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia / Manufacturing & Metals), ASUNG HMP (South Korea / Consumer Goods & Distribution), Holland America Line (USA / Cruise & Tourism), The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Korea (South Korea / Food & Beverage), companies in China (Manufacturing & Electrical Wire), and more
Graduate School Destinations
- Japan
- The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Hitotsubashi University, Kobe University, Waseda University, Soka University, and more
- Overseas
- University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, SOAS University of London, University of Southern California (USC), and Soka University of America
Global Alumni Network
Ryuhokai: Connecting Alumni Across 100+ Countries and Regions for Life
Ryuhokai connects Soka University’s international alumni across more than 100 countries and regions. The bonds you form on campus stay with you for life, crossing borders long after graduation.
Admissions
Admission Details & Programs for International Students
Choose the admission route or program that best fits your goals.
UNDERGRADUATE
ADMISSION
Enroll in an Undergraduate Program
April Entry
September Entry
Primarily for students seeking a degree taught in English
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
PROGRAMS
Study Japanese
For eligibility, application periods, required documents, selection methods, and other details, please refer to the official application guidelines for each admission route or program.
Tuition & Financial Support
By combining the available support programs,
let’s get an idea of what the cost of studying would look like!
*Figures shown are for AY2026. Tuition fees are subject to change from the 2027 academic year onwards.
Financial Support at Soka University
Soka University Makiguchi Foundation for Education Tuition Fee Reduction Scholarship for
Undergraduate International Students (Application Required)
Eligibility
All international students entering an undergraduate program or the Preparatory Japanese Language Program
Support
50% tuition reduction for students from households with annual income below ¥8 million
For the Preparatory Japanese Language Program, household annual income must be less than ¥ 10 million.
Renewal Requirements
- Application is required each academic year.
- A GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Earn at least 15 credits each semester.
Soka University Designated-Country Grant for International Undergraduates (Application Required)
Eligibility
International undergraduate entrants from designated countries and regions
Payment Timing & Amount
| Payment Timing | Amount |
|---|---|
| Upon Enrollment | ¥200,000 (one-time payment) |
| After Enrollment (While Enrolled) |
¥300,000 per year, for up to four years (maximum 30 recipients per academic year) |
Designated Countries and Regions
- South Korea
- Brazil
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Mongolia
- Uzbekistan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Kazakhstan
- All African regions designated by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Faculty of Economics and Business Administration / Faculty of Law
| Fee | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee | ¥200,000 |
| Tuition | ¥1,017,000 |
| Total | ¥1,217,000 |
Faculty of Letters / Faculty of Education
| Fee | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee | ¥200,000 |
| Tuition | ¥1,038,000 |
| Total | ¥1,238,000 |
Faculty of Science and Engineering
| Fee | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee | ¥200,000 |
| Tuition | ¥1,370,000 |
| Practical Training Fee | ¥96,000 |
| Total | ¥1,666,000 |
Faculty of International Liberal Arts
| Fee | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee | ¥200,000 |
| Tuition | ¥1,295,000 |
| Total | ¥1,495,000 |
Preparatory Japanese Language Program
| Fee | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee | ¥ 50,000 |
| Tuition | ¥ 500,000 |
| Enrollment Fee | ¥ 55,000 |
| Total | ¥ 605,000 |
Fees are subject to change. A separate Student Association fee of ¥19,000 is charged upon undergraduate enrollment. In addition to the amounts above, dormitory entrance and residence fees must be paid by the specified deadline. The admission fee and Student Association fee are not covered by tuition reductions. From the second year onward, students pay tuition and any applicable laboratory fees; the admission fee does not apply. A fee of ¥30,000 per semester applies in case of a leave of absence.
Example: Student A
From South Korea
Admitted to the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
Household income below ¥8 million
Estimated Annual Costs
- Tuition (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration)
- ¥1,217,000
- 50% Tuition Reduction Scholarship
- −¥475,000
- Dormitory Fee (Takiyama International Dormitory)
- ¥498,000
- Living Expenses (food, transportation, etc.)
- approx. ¥1,000,000
- Estimated Total Annual Cost
- approx. ¥2,240,000
Additional Financial Support
- Soka University Designated-Country Grant for International Undergraduates¥200,000 upon enrollment + ¥300,000 in the first year
- ¥500,000
Income
- Part-Time Work (within the permitted 28 hours per week): approx. ¥60,000 per month
- ¥720,000 per year
- Total Estimated Support
- ¥1,220,000
Estimated Annual Out-of-Pocket Cost
approx. ¥1,020,000
Please note that this is intended solely as an illustrative example. Actual costs vary depending on scholarship results, exchange rates, housing choices, and individual circumstances. All figures shown are estimates. International students must obtain permission before working part-time in Japan, and work is limited to 28 hours per week while enrolled.
Soka University also offers academic-merit scholarships, financial-support programs, JASSO scholarships, and other forms of assistance.
Your Goals Shouldn’t Be Limited by Financial Circumstances.
Soka University is here to support your studies and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Find answers to the topics international students ask about most, including admissions, tuition, scholarships, and dormitory life.
Can I study at Soka University if I don’t speak Japanese?
Yes — though it depends on which faculty you choose.
Soka University has faculties that teach in Japanese and faculties that teach in English.
The Faculties of Economics and Business Administration, Law, Letters, Education, and Science and Engineering teach in Japanese, so you will need the Japanese proficiency your studies require.
Courses in the Faculty of International Liberal Arts are taught primarily in English. Students admitted through the international student entrance examination can also take Japanese language courses alongside their undergraduate classes.
If you are not confident in your Japanese ability, the one-year Preparatory Japanese Language Program is also available, where you can focus on your Japanese proficiency before entering the undergraduate program.
Are scholarships available for international students?
Yes — Soka University offers a wide range of scholarships for international students.
For example:
- Tuition Reduction Scholarship for International Undergraduates — available for students who meet the eligibility criteria
- Designated-Country Grant for International Undergraduates — available for students from eligible countries and regions
- Government-Funded Scholarship for the Department of Green Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering — available for students who meet the eligibility criteria
- Merit Scholarship — awarded on the basis of academic results after enrollment
In addition, we offer various financial assistance programs, such as scholarships eligible for application after admission, enabling students to pursue their academic goals without worry.
Can international students live in university housing?
Yes — Soka University has dormitories for international students, and many students live there during their first year after enrollment.
There are separate residences for men and women, where Japanese and international students live together and deepen their bonds through daily interaction.
Furniture and some essentials for daily living are already provided, so even if this is your first time living in Japan, you can settle into your new life with confidence.
*An application is required. Please apply through the housing survey we send you with your admission results.
Can I work part-time while studying in Japan?
Yes — you can work part-time.
With the “Permission to Engage in Activity Other than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted,” international students may work within the limits set by law (as a rule, up to 28 hours per week).
There are a variety of opportunities on campus, such as working as a facilitator at the WLC (World Language Center) teaching English and other languages, as well as jobs in the dining halls and cafeterias, the campus store and convenience store, and Student Assistant (SA) positions.
Still have questions? Our International Admissions team is here to help.
No Registration Required
Open Campus
- Dates
- March, 21 2027 (Sun/Holiday)
- In Person
- 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Global Square, 2F SPACe
- Zoom
- 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. / Meeting ID: 989 390 8862
Walk the campus and experience the atmosphere of Soka University for yourself. Join mock classes and hands-on programs, meet current students and staff, and get a real feel of both learning and student life.