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Applying to ICU in English
(English Language Based Admissions)
In this admission route (also known as "English Language Based Admissions"), the entire process is conducted in English. Having sufficient English language proficiency to take university-level courses in English is a prerequisite (minimum requirements: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79).
No Japanese language proficiency is required at the time of application. Please note that you must complete the Japanese Language Program (JLP) as part of graduation requirements once admitted to ICU via this admissions route. This is a part of ICU's commitment to Japanese-English bilingual education. You cannot graduate by only taking courses offered in English or only in Japanese.
You cannot choose ELA instead of JLP if you enroll through English Language Based Admissions.
- For Regular (first-year) applicants
- For Transfer (second-year) applicants
- For Non-Degree-Seeking (OYR/Kenkyusei) applicants
Proceed to either Type A or B Application
In the English Language Based Admissions, you will proceed to either the Type A or Type B track based on your educational background. If you graduate from a US, Japanese, IB, or UK school, you should apply via Type A by submitting SAT, ACT Plus Science and Writing, IB Diploma, or GCE A Level scores. From other countries, regions, or educational systems, you should apply via Type B with an online interview in addition to documentary screening (unless you have valid SAT or ACT Plus Science and Writing scores, in which case you may apply via Type A) .
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■ Criteria for Type A and Type B Applications:
You may not apply via both types simultaneously. Choose either even if you meet both types' criteria. In either type, meeting the eligibility criteria and admissions requirements by country/region/educational system is a prerequisite for applying.
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| Type A: (Documentary screening only; no interview) *Submit SAT, ACT Plus Science and Writing, IB Diploma, or GCE A Level scores |
If you meet any of the following criteria, you must proceed via Type A. (1) You will have obtained a Japanese or US High School Diploma* from an officially accredited school by the time of enrollment to ICU or (2) You will have an IB Full Diploma or UK GCE A Level by the time of enrollment to ICU or (3) You do not meet either of the above (1) and (2) but will have completed secondary education with qualifications for university entrance in your country/region/educational system AND are able to submit SAT or ACT Plus Science and Writing test scores at the time of application. |
| Type B: (Documentary screening AND Online Interview) |
Type B is only available if you DO NOT meet the Type A conditions but have completed secondary education with qualifications for university entrance in your country/region/educational system. |
- Japanese "高等学校卒業程度認定試験 (Certificate for Students Achieving the Proficiency Level of Upper Secondary School Graduates)" test
- Japanese "大学入学資格検定 (University Entrance Qualification Examination)"
- US "GED (General Educational Development)" test
- US "HiSET (High School Equivalency Test)"
- !! Please Be Aware:
- Japanese or US high school (prospective) graduates must apply by Type A. They may not proceed to Type B even if they fail to prepare valid SAT or ACT Plus Science and Writing scores in Type A.
- IB certificate alone is not acceptable. IB Full Diploma is needed. IB Course candidates cannot apply via either type unless they have other valid credentials for admission to ICU. Similarly, IBCP Certificate is not accepted.
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Applicants from the UK system must apply via Type A and may not proceed to Type B. Without taking GCE A Level subjects, they cannot apply to ICU via the English Language Based Admissions. Additionally, at least two GCE A Level passes are required to apply. Details can be found here at
https://www.icu.ac.jp/en/admissions/undergraduate/engdoc/edcert/#uk. -
If your school has multiple accreditations and it appears your application could be via Type A or Type B, you may choose to apply via either*, according to your preference. This is the case, for example, for a Canadian school (Type B) offering a dual program with a US High School Diploma curriculum (Type A) .
*You may not apply via both types simultaneously.
Admission decisions are made holistically, and all the components are equally important, from academic transcripts, application essays, and letters of recommendation to the standardized test scores (for Type A applicants) or the online interview (for Type B applicants).
Process Overview (from Application to Results)
| 1. Check your eligibility and detailed requirements. |
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Visit the following links to see if you are eligible to apply. Details differ by country/region/educational system.
Eligibility Criteria Admissions Requirements By Country/Region/Educational System |
| 2. Know your application schedule and deadline |
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There are three application periods per year: One for April entry and two for September entry. Applicants must choose one of the three as they are not allowed to apply for more than one application period per year. Whoever wishes to reapply must wait at least one year. Type B applicants may not apply in the first application period for September entry.
Application Schedule |
| 3. Prepare required application documents |
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Start arranging documents with your school and testing institutions well in advance.
Application Documents |
| 4. Complete the online data entry once the application period starts |
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Register your information in the Online Application System (OAS) once the application period starts.
ICU Online Application System (OAS) |
| 5. Pay the application fee |
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- 30,000 yen for Regular (first-year)
*An 880 yen System Operation Fee will be charged in addition to the application fee. |
| 6. Upload all required application documents in PDF format |
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Once you complete the data entry and application fee payment, you may upload the necessary files on your application portal (OAS MyPage). Be sure to upload the required items by the application period deadline. Some documents must be uploaded by your school counselor and recommenders. To do this, it is necessary that you register the teachers in OAS in advance to send them a request for uploading the required items.
For Counselors and Recommenders Forms to Download |
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7. Have the submitted documents reviewed (Type A and Type B applicants) Have an online interview on a designated date and time (Type B applicants only) |
| Type B applicants must be interviewed online in addition to the documentary screening. Since interviews are conducted remotely via Zoom, applicants do not need to come to the campus. Prior to the online interview, a connection test must be done on a separate date between the applicant and the University. Detailed instructions about the online interview and necessary connection test (including a meeting time, ID, and passcode) will be notified through OAS. |
| 8. Notification of the admission decisions |
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Admissions results will be notified through OAS on the given notification date.
*NOTE: An additional online interview may be required at the discretion of the university; details, including an invitation to Zoom, will be provided at the time of notification.
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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 procedures after receiving 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.