International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University

OVERVIEW

The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University is a four-year, American style liberal arts college in Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan. The primary language of instruction is English, with the exception of some Japanese language and cultural courses. International students study the Japanese language alongside their degree studies, starting from any level, even complete beginner. Students can choose from a wide array of courses in various disciplines, learning from an intuitive and practical curriculum that incorporates one year of studying abroad at one of iCLA 60+ partner universities in more than 30 countries around the world. The innovative courses taught at iCLA lead to a bachelor’s degree in International Liberal Arts. Over 50% of students and 60% of faculty members are from overseas, creating a truly multi-cultural environment. Located just 90 minutes west of Tokyo, Yamanashi is famed for its breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, hot springs, hiking trails, fruit orchards and vineyards, against the iconic backdrop of Mount Fuji. iCLA offers students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the very essence of Japan and its culture, whilst acquiring a contemporary and globally relevant education at the state of the art facilities.

ADVANTAGES

The unique liberal arts curriculum spans a variety of subjects like political science, business and economics, language arts, to name a few. The wide-ranging spectrum of subjects under liberal arts prepares students with the essential skills to become well-rounded individuals who think critically, creatively, independently, and globally, able to adapt in the workplace and the world.

• iCLA curriculum offers a broad foundation while also allowing students to go in-depth in their declared major.

• An interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to education that helps students comprehend multiple viewpoints.

• Small class size and close student-faculty interaction offer an environment uniquely suited to nurturing academic excellence and student growth.

• An active learning environment where you are exposed to other viewpoints and encouraged to assess your own.

• Focus on academic skills, including multi-faceted communication and teamwork skills that will help students prepare for future graduate studies and career success, including a heavy emphasis on class participation, academic writing, and development of critical thinking skills.

TUITION FEES

Application fee: ¥7,000 (ca $55)
Enrolment fee: ¥200,000 one-time ($1800)
Facility and Equipment fee: ¥380,000 per year ($3500)
Tuition fee: ¥1,216,000 per year ($11300)
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TOTAL Tuition, Equipment and Facility Fees: 1,596,000 yen/ year (~€12,500)

SCHOLARSHIPS

iCLA offers merit-based full (100%) and partial (25%, 50% or 75%) tuition-waiver scholarships to a select number of students each year. The scholarship would cover full or part of tuition, facility and equipment fees. It is renewable every year based on overall performance. Maximum of 4 years. Selection is based on students':
Academic Achievement
Extracurricular Activities Achievement
Financial Need

External Scholarships:

There is an extensive number of scholarships for international students offered in Japan, e.g. new international degree-seeking students admitted to iCLA have an opportunity to apply for the JASSO Scholarship

For a comprehensive list of scholarships in Japan, please see JASSO’s pamphlet about Scholarships for International Students in Japan

ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING EXPENSES

Room and Utilities ¥564,000/year (Water, gas, electricity, maintenance (including common area).

Meal Plan [3 meals/day (weekdays only)] ¥350,000/year (approx.)

*One-time non-refundable cleaning & repainting fee of 30,000 yen required when moving in.

*All first year students are required to live in the iCLA residence halls and enroll in the meal plan. From the second year onwards, students may choose to find private accommodation off campus or continue living in the iCLA residence halls (depending on room availability).

You can check out more information for a very specific breakdown of current prices in Kofu here

WHEN TO APPLY?

Spring 2022

Opening Date: Thurs. Apr 1, 2021
Closing Dates (applicants who need a student visa )Mon. Nov 22, 2021

Fall 2022
Opening Date: Wed. Sept 1, 2021
Closing Dates (applicants who need a student visa) Mon. Apr 18, 2022

WELCOME TO JAPAN

The International College of Liberal Arts is located in Kōfu City, the capital of Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Japan is an increasingly popular study destination because of its high standard of education, safe environment, unique cultural heritage, ongoing efforts to globalize, and welcoming support for international students. Japan’s capital Tōkyō is the most populous city in the world and consistently at the forefront of many cutting-edge developments in fashion, technology, and design. As Japan is one of the leading economies in Asia; with Japanese companies active across the world, gaining a degree from a Japanese university sets you up for a great career world-wide. International students in Japan have generous allowances for part-time work, allowing them to gain hands-on experience of Japanese corporate culture. Conveniently located just a 90-minute train ride from the center of Tōkyō, Yamanashi has many things to see and do. Yamanashi is most famous for being the home of Mount Fuji, and there is no better view of Mount Fuji than from the Fuji Five Lakes area. The abundance of nature and long hours of daylight make Yamanashi ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or running. The picturesque landscapes of Yamanashi are the perfect location to enjoy the varied beauty of Japan’s four seasons. If you prefer other leisure activities, many events like craft markets, cultural parades, and fireworks festivals are held throughout the year. Whether it is delicious food, exciting activities, or unique events that interest you, there is something for everyone in Japan. Merging the ancient and the modern, from its bustling metropolises to its serene natural spaces, the enduring allure of Japanese cuisine, art and culture continues to delight and fascinate generations of visitors to Japan’s shores. Come and experience it all for yourself at iCLA.

Working in Japan

In Japan, students can work up to 28 hours a week during the semester and up to 40 hours a week during vacation. The cost of living in Japan is cheaper outside of the major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. The minimum wage in Yamanashi is 838 yen and students working 28 hours a week could comfortably cover their living expenses.

Interested? To learn more about the university, your study options, entry requirements and application process, please contact one of our consultants in a country nearest to you.