ICU Online Application System (OAS)
*Online application for September 2024 Entry (1st Application Period) has started (as of January 9th, 2024).
[Updated] Changes to English Language Based Admissions (from April/September 2025 Entries)
NOTICE : Changes in Course Requirements for British Columbia (Canada) Graduates from April/September 2025 Entries
(as of September 29, 2023)
Applying to ICU in English
(English Language Based Admissions)
For those applying to ICU in English: You will undergo a documentary screening* in English (also known as "English Language Based Admissions"). Admission decisions are based on a comprehensive review of your application documents such as a personal statement, short essay, academic transcript, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, etc. Details can be found in the guide below.
Undergraduate Admissions Guide 2024 (April/September Entry)
*NOTE: Online interviews and additional essays may be required at the discretion of the University.
>> About Language Programs for "Bilingual" Liberal Arts
If you are interested in applying to ICU in Japanese, please visit the webpage below:Applying to ICU in Japanese
Language Programs for "Bilingual" Liberal Arts:
Ever since its founding, ICU has adhered to the concepts of bilingualism by making Japanese and English its official languages. That is why ICU requires students to complete the English for Liberal Arts Program (ELA) or Japanese Language Programs (JLP) in order to graduate.
These are just two examples of ICU's core commitment to bilingual education, which plays a central role in the classroom, outside the classroom, and even in student club activities. For more information, please visit the webpage linked below. Japanese-English Bilingual Education
■ Language programs after enrollment differ by the admissions route you select:
*Once enrolled, there is no distinction by admissions routes besides the ELA/JLP requirements.
Process Overview (from Application to the Results)
The process from the application to the admissions decisions is as follows.
*The application is submitted through the Online Application System (OAS).
| 1. Check your application eligibility | Visit the following webpage and find out if you are eligible to apply.
Student Categories and Their Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| 2. Know your application schedule and deadlines | You can choose to matriculate in April or September. There are two application periods for the September Entry.
Application Schedule |
| 3. Prepare the required documents and information | Start arranging documents from your school and testing institutions well in advance. Request your recommenders to fill out a designated form (as a cover sheet), write a letter of recommendation (LOR), and submit them through the LOR submission system.
Required Information and Application Documents Forms to Download Recommender's Guide |
| 4. Complete the required information once the application opens | Fill out the required information in OAS once the application period starts. ICU Online Application System (OAS) |
| 5. Pay the application fee | In addition to the application fee (30,000 yen for Regular / Transfer / One-Year-Regular students; 22,000 yen for Kenkyusei status), an 880 yen System Operation Charge is required. |
| 6. Upload all required documents | Upload the necessary documents to OAS by the Application Period Deadline. |
| 7. Notification of the admissions decisions | Admissions decisions will be notified through OAS. |
Those who do not hold Japanese nationality must have or obtain valid residence status in Japan to enroll in ICU. Even if you complete the required entrance procedure after receiving a notification of acceptance from ICU, if you fail to obtain valid residence status in Japan, you will not be allowed to enroll in ICU. Even if ICU applies to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) on your behalf, ICU assumes no responsibility for the results of the CoE application.