Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

Q1. I'm not a Christian. Can I still apply?

Yes. ICU is not a proselytizing institution and it does not see nurturing Christians as its main goal. However, ICU holds as its mission the establishment of an academic tradition of freedom and reverence based on Christian ideals. For more information about ICU's mission, please refer to the webpage below:
/en/about/.

Q2. I don't know any Japanese. Can I still apply?

Yes. Regardless of their Japanese language proficiency, prospective students can apply to ICU in English. Students admitted through the English Language Based Admissions need to complete Japanese Language Programs (JLP) to graduate. Please be aware that, when applying in English, the applicants need to have enough English proficiency that enables them to pursue academic studies at ICU in English.

Q3. Can high school students in Japan apply to ICU through the English Language Based Admissions?

Yes. Those who have graduated or are expected to graduate from a non-IB Japanese high school are required to submit SAT, ACT Plus Writing, or GCE A Level as their Educational Certification.

Q4. Any minimum score requirement for IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/ACT/IB?

The Minimum requirement for IELTS is 6.5 and for TOEFL iBT is 79. There is no minimum requirement for other tests. For your information, the average score of those admitted to ICU through the English Language Based Admissions between 2019 and 2023 is as below:

TestsAverage Scores Between 2019 and 2023
SAT1,354
ACT Plus Writing28.9
IB Full Diploma37.1
TOEFL iBT104
IELTS7.38

Q5. What is the minimum GPA required?

We do not set a minimum GPA requirement because the GPA system is not used in some countries. Also, the screening committee will carefully examine not only your cumulative GPA but also your progress through high school and each course level of grades.

Q6. Is the application deadline a post-mark date?

No. All documents must be uploaded to the Online Application System or arrive at ICU by the application period deadline. The application fee must also be paid within the application period.

Q7. What is the difference between the First and Second Application Periods for the September Entry?

The only difference between the two periods is the application schedule. There is no advantage or disadvantage in applying to either.

Q8. Can I reapply for the September entry after receiving the result of the April entry process?

No. One-year interval is required if applicants wish to reapply. Applicants for April 2024 entry will be unable to reapply for September 2024, but able to apply for April 2025. Applicants for September 2024 entry will be unable to reapply for April 2025, but able to apply for September 2025.

Q9. Can I reapply for the Second Application Period after receiving the result of the First Application Period?

No. One-year interval is required if applicants wish to reapply regardless of their admission results.

Q10. Do you require SAT/ACT for all applicants? I am an IB diploma candidate.

No. You don't need to submit SAT scores if you are submitting IB predicted grades as your "Educational Certification." Alternatively, you may submit SAT scores instead of IB predicted grades as your "Educational Certification."

Q11. Do you offer conditional acceptance based on predicted IB grades?

Yes. Please request your school to issue your IB predicted grades using the Predicted IB Grades Form. Admission decisions will be made based on your predicted IB grades and other application documents. However, acceptance may be conditional and in such cases, your admission decision will be finalized when ICU confirms your final IB results. The detailed grade requirements will be notified when you receive the conditional offer.

Q12. Can I submit the final result of Abiture (Germany) after the Application Period Deadline?

Yes. If you are unable to obtain the result of the examination by the Second Application deadline for the September Entry, submit all other documents by the deadline and send the final result as soon as it becomes available. Note that the admission decision will not be made until we receive the final result.

Q13. Can I send a third/additional letter of recommendation to support my application?

In addition to the two letters of recommendation from those who meet the requirements, you may send up to one additional letter of recommendation if you wish.

Q14. Does a native speaker of English still need to submit a proof of English proficiency such as TOEFL?

A proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) is optional if the applicants meet the following criteria:

  • Have spent the last continuous six school years at institutions in which English is the language of instruction, OR
  • Are IB Diploma Candidates and have taken IB English A ("Literature" or "Language and Literature")

Please check the Admissions Guide for further information on the requirement.

Q15. My diploma is the only copy and cannot be reissued. What should I do?

If your certificate or diploma/results of the national exam is the only copy and cannot be reissued, please ask your school to prepare a certified copy. If this arrangement cannot be made for some reason, please consult the Admissions Center before the start of each application period.

Bilingual Education

Q16. What are the languages of instruction?

Japanese and English. About 30% of all courses offered at ICU (excluding language learning courses such as ELA and JLP) are taught in English. The rest of the courses are offered in Japanese or both.

Q17. Can I obtain a bachelor's degree by taking courses in English only?

No. At ICU, both Japanese and English are the languages of instruction, and proficiency in both languages will be needed. Degree-seeking students admitted through the English Language Based Admissions are required to take some Japanese-taught courses (besides JLPcourses) to graduate. Click here for more details about ICU's idea of bilingual education.

Q18. Can I participate in ELA? (Question from those applying in English)

No. Students admitted through the English Language Based Admissions are supposed to possess enough English language proficiency to take university-level courses in English. That means, by definition, the English for Liberal Arts Program (ELA) is not for them. However, some elective courses are available such as "English College Composition for JLP Track Students" and "Advanced English Studies" courses. Please check out the course offerings for more details.

Q19. I'm fluent in Japanese. Do I still have to go through the JLP track?

All students admitted through the English Language Based Admissions need to take a placement test for the Japanese Language Programs (JLP). The test is to place them into the most appropriate courses by their levels of Japanese proficiency. Many returnees students who regard Japanese as their first or heritage language are placed in the "Special Japanese Program" (see Japanese Language Programs) to improve the skills they are lacking.

Q20. I am supposed to be a non-degree student. Can I take the Japanese language courses: Japanese Language Programs?

The Japanese Language Programs are also open to non-degree students at ICU: One-Year-Regular Students and Kenkyusei (Special Students). Please check the respective student categories.

Academics

Q21. Are AP and IB credits transferable?

We recognize AP and IB as advanced-level courses at the time of admissions, but unfortunately, we do not give any university credits for these tests.

Q22. Can I find out how many credits can be transferred before enrollment?

Credits may be granted recognition only after students are officially enrolled at ICU. Click here for more details.

Aid

Q23. Any scholarships/financial aids applicable prior to enrollment?

Yes. Click here for the details.

Q24. Does the FAFSA Loan qualify for your university?

Unfortunately, not at this point. Please contact FAFSA directly regarding any related issues.

Housing on Campus

Q25. Are dormitory rooms guaranteed for all new students from abroad?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee dormitory rooms for all students. Click here about our dormitories. In case you did not get a room at one of our dormitories, ICU Service Co., Ltd.will support you to find off-campus housing.

About ICU

Q26. Is ICU accredited?

Yes. The academic programs of the College of Liberal Arts and the Graduate School are individually chartered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Japan. Also, ICU is a member institution of the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA). Credits earned at ICU are fully recognized by graduate schools of major universities in Japan, the United States, and elsewhere; they are also usually accepted for transfer purposes as long as they fit into the student's overall program at their home institution.

Q27. What is the student population? How many international students are there?

In total, we have about 3,000 undergrad students. Very small in comparison with other many Japanese universities, which have more than tens of thousands of students. Meanwhile, from over 50 countries, students with diverse backgrounds are coming, enriching our student diversity. Click here for more details.

Q28. Do I need to make an appointment to visit your campus?

Click hereregarding the campus visit. Also, Open Campus events are held every year in Summer (July and August) and Spring (March). The event dates are announced on the linked webpage.

Q29. Any other resources that would be helpful for me to learn more about ICU?

Visit the webpage below where you can find messages from students, faculty, and alumni of ICU:
/en/about/interviews/.

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