Frequently Asked Questions

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.

ENGLISH-TAUGHT UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS, CLASSES

Q1: What is the ratio of Japanese students and foreign students?

A1: In the Faculty of Liberal Arts, approximately 70% are Japanese students and 30% are foreign nationals, while in the Faculty of Science and Technology English-taught programs, approximately 80% are foreign nationals. However, even if the students’ nationality is Japanese, they could have dual nationality or have spent most of their lives abroad. Therefore, it is not possible to know students’ background from their nationalities.

Q2: Are all the classes conducted in English? I worry about having difficulty in following the English-taught courses.

A2: All the classes are conducted in English. All students will take the English placement tests at the time of entrance to the university and on the basis of the result, they might be advised to take some complementary classes to strengthen their English.

Q3: How can I see the list of courses and the syllabi?

A3: Please refer to each program’s specific webpage or to the Syllabus inquiry (*Go to our Web Piloti website).

Q4: What are the countries that international students usually come from?

A4: Most of the international students come from the U.S., followed by China and Korea. In the Faculty of Science and Technology English-taught programs, many students come from Southeast Asia. Nationalities are diverse and they represent about 40 countries in the world.

Q5: After I join the SPSF, can I change my department?

A5: You cannot change your department after entering the SPSF. However, you can take a number of common courses shared among all the departments in the SPSF, and even classes from other departments, too.

ELIGIBILITY

Q1: I do not have any experiences living abroad. Can I still apply for the English-taught programs?

A1: Yes. Even if you do not have experiences living abroad, you can apply as long as you prepare the necessary documents.

Q2: I am a returning Japanese student from abroad. Is there a special admission just for returnee students?

A2: There is no special admission targeted just for returnee students in regards to the Faculty of Liberal Arts, the Faculty of Science and Technology English-taught programs and the SPSF. In the case of the Faculty of Liberal Arts, admission by recommendation (公募推薦) is possible for Japanese high school seniors.

Q3: Is there a minimum GPA to get accepted?

A3: Having applicants coming from different regions and educational systems around the world, we do not require a minimum GPA.

Q4: Can I apply for more than one English-taught program at the same time?

A4: Yes. However, you need to register online, pay the application fee and submit the application documents for each program.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Q1: Do all the application materials need to be original?

A1: Yes, all the application documents have to be original. If an original document cannot be reissued, a copy certified by the school official is acceptable. Also, if you bring the original application document to the Sophia University Admissions Office (Building 12, 1st floor) before the application deadline, we will make a copy and certify it.

Q2: What if my high school does not issue a certificate of expected graduation?

A2: If the transcript shows the date of expected graduation, you do not need a certificate of expected graduation. If your school does not issue a certificate of expected graduation, please ask them to write a letter indicating your expected graduation date. We also provide the form for the certificate of expected graduation here. PDF form / WORD form

Q3: What should I do if I graduated high school early/skipped a grade?

A3: Please submit an official document issued by the school indicating the fact.

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.
However, for the admission by recommendation (公募推薦), the provided form must be used.

TEST SCORES (TOEFL, SAT, etc)

Q1: Do all applicants need to submit either TOEFL or IELTS?

A1: TOEFL or IELTS can be waived if you have studied at least five years out of the last six years at an institution where English is the primary medium language of instruction.
For the admission by recommendation (公募推薦), it is necessary to submit scores that fulfill the eligibility requirements.

Q2: How can I submit the test scores such as TOEFL and SAT?

A2: Please make arrangements with the testing institution so that the official score reports (including electronic score reports) will be sent to Sophia University. Our institution code number for TOEFL and SAT is [0819] and for ACT, [5575].
For the admission by recommendation (公募推薦), applicants can submit the original test taker report or a certified copy of their score report.

Q3: Can I submit the ITP (Institutional Program) TOEFL scores or IELTS Indicator scores for application?

A3: No. You cannot use ITP TOEFL scores or IELTS Indicator scores for the application. TOEFL Home Edition is accepted. Please note that MyBest scores are not accepted from 2024 entry admissions.

Q4: Is there an expiration date of the official scores?

A4: For document screening admissions (regular admissions for English-taught programs), scores taken more than two years before (counting from the month the application period starts) are not accepted. For SAT/ACT, scores taken more than two years before would be accepted exceptionally if you have been/were enrolled in a degree-seeking program for at least two years.
For the admission by recommendation (公募推薦), please refer to the expiration dates written in the respective application guidelines (in Japanese).

Q5: Would it be OK if I send the official score reports of TOEFL, IELTS, SAT and ACT to Sophia University more than once?

A5: As for the SAT and ACT, you can select the highest individual scores, and you can send us multiple score reports. As for the TOEFL and IELTS, you can submit the highest single test dates scores.

Q6: Do SAT and ACT 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. Meanwhile, electronic reports are also accepted, which reach us in a week or so.

Q7: Can I check to see if the scores 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. We strongly recommend you confirm the delivery status yourself via the testing institution.

Q8: I am an IB Diploma candidate/holder. Do I still need to take SAT or ACT?

A8: An IB Diploma candidate/holder does not need to take SAT or ACT. Note that Faculty of Science and Technology (Green Science/Green Engineering) applicants must submit specific IB subject scores, as indicated in the Application Guidelines.

SCREENING PROCESS

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

A1: No. Decision on acceptance or rejection will be based on document screening only. However, applicants must submit the scores of English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS) and standardized tests (SAT/ACT/IB Diploma etc.) beforehand. Please refer to the application procedure for details on the waiver condition and other information (please be aware that the screening process and required documents of the admission by recommendation (公募推薦) is different).

Q2: Other than the admission by document screening, is there any other kind of admission procedure available?

A2: For Japanese high school seniors who wish to apply for the Faculty of Liberal Arts, admission by recommendation (公募制推薦入試) is possible.