Graduate Program in Global Studies
Graduate Program in Global Environmental Studies
Graduate Program of Science and Technology

Before contacting the Admissions Office with questions concerning the English-taught graduate programs, please make sure to check the FAQ below.

ELIGIBILITY

Q1: Who can apply to the English-taught programs?

A1: For Master’s programs, those who have obtained (or are expected to obtain) a Bachelor’s degree can apply.
For PhD Programs, those who have obtained (or are expected to obtain) a Master’s degree can apply.

Q2: Are there any special admissions for international students?

A2: We do not offer any special admissions for international students. The nationality or country where you complete your education does not matter.

Q3: I do not have any Japanese language knowledge. Can I still apply to your university?

A3: You do not need any Japanese language knowledge since all courses in our English-taught graduate programs are offered fully in English.

Q4: Is there a minimum GPA to get accepted?

A4: Having applicants coming from different regions and educational systems around the world, we do not require a minimum GPA.

Q5: Can I apply for more than one English-taught program at the same time?

A5: Yes. However, you need to register online, pay the application fee and submit the application documents for each different program.

Q6: I was not accepted. Can I still apply again?

A6: Yes. An applicant who has not been accepted in a previous application may reapply for the subsequent application periods, for the same or different programs. These applicants may reuse documents such as the certificate of graduation in their new application and must specify such documents in the Application Documents Checklist. The application form and essay cannot be reused and must be submitted again.

ENGLISH-TAUGHT UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS, CLASSES

Q1: How can I see the list of courses and the syllabi?

A1: Please refer to each program’s specific webpage or to the Syllabus inquiry (*Go to our Web Piloti website).

Q2: What are the countries that international students usually come from?

A2: Nationalities are diverse and they represent over 90 countries in the world.

Q3: Can I earn a Psychology of degree in English?

A3: Unfortunately, we do not offer a Psychology degree in English.

Q4: Can I get a Master’s/PhD degree in Computer Science?

A4: The Green Science and Engineering program offers several courses related to the computer science field, but you cannot get a Master’s/PhD degree in Computer Science specifically.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Q1: Can you tell me about the application process?

A1: Applicants have to input the necessary information on the application website and pay the application fee during the online application period. Then, send all the application documents via email electronically. For details, please read the “Application Procedure Booklet” carefully.

Q2: What if my university does not issue a transcript/certificate of graduation digitally?

A2: We can accept an original hard copy of transcripts/certificate of graduation via postal mail, if certified and officially sealed by a school official. Please note that copies (digital or paper) sent from applicants cannot be accepted.

Q3: I cannot submit a copy of my thesis because it was not required at my university.

A3: If you cannot submit the copy of the thesis, you can submit any paper you wrote at your university.

Q4: Do the recommendation letters need to be written on the provided format?

A4: No. As long as the content of the letter matches what is requested on the format provided, they can be written on separate/different sheets.

Q5: I have working experience. Can I ask my boss at work to write my recommendation letter?

A5: You can ask your work superiors/supervisors to write your recommendation letter as long as he/she can evaluate your academic performance.

Q6: Do the application documents need to reach Sophia University during the application period? What if the documents reach Sophia University prior to the application period?

A6: All documents are acceptable outside the application period and will be kept in the Admissions Office as far as they’re valid. You are advised to order the delivery of the certificates/recommendation letters well in advance. Please note that the application form, statement of purpose and some other documents must be submitted from applicants during the application period.

Q7: Can I check to see if the application documents have reached your office?

A7: Due to the high number of applications and questions our office receives, we ask applicants to refrain from making this kind of inquiry. If there are any issues, our office will contact the applicant directly.

TEST SCORES (TOEFL, IELTS, etc)

Q1: Is there a minimum requirement for TOEFL/IELTS scores to apply?

A1: There is no minimum TOEFL/IELTS score requirements for application. However, all non-native applicants have to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Other English test scores such as TOEIC and Duolingo are not accepted.

Q2: Do all applicants need to submit either TOEFL or IELTS?

A2: This requirement is waived for non-native applicants who have obtained a degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) in the past from an institution where all courses were taught in English, and English is the official medium of instruction. The applicant should have studied in English for more than 2 years to obtain the degree. In such cases, an official document sent to the Admissions Office from their institution attesting to this is required.

Q3: How can I submit the test scores such as TOEFL and IELTS?

A3: Please make arrangements with the testing institution so that the official score reports will be sent to Sophia University.

Q4: Can I submit the TOEFL ITP (Institutional Program) scores or IELTS Indicator scores for application?

A4: No. You cannot use TOEFL ITP scores or IELTS Indicator scores for the application.

Q5: Is there an expiration date for the official scores?

A5: For document screening admissions (regular admissions for English-taught programs), scores taken more than two years before the time of application are not accepted.

Q6: Do TOEFL/IELTS scores need to reach Sophia University during the application period? What if the scores reach Sophia University prior to the application period?

A6: Scores are acceptable outside the application period and will be kept in the Admissions Office as far as they’re valid. You are advised to order the delivery of the official scores well in advance as it may take long for the scores to be delivered to Sophia University.

A7: Can I use EJU to apply?

Q7: EJU scores are not accepted to apply for the Graduate Program in Global Studies/Graduate Program in Global Environmental Studies/Graduate Program of Science and Technology.

SCREENING PROCESS

Q1: Is there an on-campus written examination or interview?

A1: No. Decision on acceptance or rejection will be based on document screening only. However, PhD applicants may be asked to have an interview.

Q2: Can I ask for the application documents to be returned?

A2: All application documents cannot be returned once submitted.

TUITION

Q1: Can I use the GI Bill to pay for my studies?

A1: Students entering Sophia University from AY 2024 will not be able to make use of GI Bill benefits to pay for educational expenses.