International College of Liberal Arts

STUDENT
GUIDE 2026

t u
S apand y i n
J
 Contents iCLA at a Glance
1

iCLA & YGU

Academics
2

3
9:1 Student to
Faculty Ratio

+
Major Areas of Study

Electives & Workshops

4

6
55 Nationalities

88 of Full Time
Global Partners 7
%
Student Life 8 Faculty Members
Educated Overseas
Careers 10

How to Apply 12 OVER Full Time

What Happens Next? 13
80 % International
Students

+
60 Partner
Universities

90
MINUTES
from Central
Tokyo

2
Life in Japan

The International College of

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

Why study in Japan?

Here are 山梨県
our top ten
reasons!
Yamanashi
Prefecture
東京
Tokyo

3
 iCLA & YGU

iCLA Yamanashi Gakuin

The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) University
at Yamanashi Gakuin University is a four-year
Established in 1946, Yamanashi Gakuin University
liberal arts college where the primary language of
has over 70 years of history educating exceptional
instruction is English.
students. Today, it is nationally renowned for
Our students can choose from a wide array of achievements in sports and has produced numerous
courses as part of an innovative curriculum which Olympic athletes and coaches. The university
leads to a bachelor’s degree in International Liberal student body totals over 4,000 students across the
Arts. iCLA offers you a unique opportunity to undergraduate and graduate faculties. The language
immerse yourself in Japanese culture while of instruction is Japanese in all faculties except iCLA.
acquiring a contemporary and globally relevant iCLA is one of the newest undergraduate faculties of
education at our state-of-the-art facilities. Yamanashi Gakuin University, and it is one of the most
We have faculty and staff members from diverse programs in Japan, with over 60% international
around the world to support students in their faculty and a curriculum taught in English.
academic journey.
The university offers the following programs:

Liberal Arts Undergraduate:

Our unique liberal arts curriculum spans
> Main Language of Instruction: English
a variety of subjects like social sciences,
> International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA)
business and economics, language
arts, and data science, to name a few. > 
Main Language of Instruction: Japanese
The wide-ranging spectrum of subjects > Faculty of Law
under liberal arts prepares our students with > Faculty of Business Administration
the essential skills to become well-rounded > Faculty of Health and Nutrition
individuals who think critically, creatively, > Institute of Sports Science
independently and globally, and are able to
adapt in the workplace and the world. Graduate
> Main Language of Instruction: Japanese
Reasons why you should study > Graduate School of Social Science
Liberal Arts with us:
> Our curriculum offers a broad foundation
while also allowing you to go in-depth in your
declared major.
> An
 interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach
to education that helps you comprehend
multiple viewpoints.
> Small class sizes 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.
> A  focus on academic skills, including
multi-faceted communication and teamwork skills
that will help you prepare for future graduate
studies and career success, including a heavy
emphasis on class participation, academic writing,
and development of critical thinking skills.

4
Academics

There are many elements

that give the iCLA curriculum
its unique character. One
extremely important factor
is our dedication to the
interdisciplinary philosophy of
liberal arts education.
A liberal arts education contains both depth and iCLA’s
breadth, and you will take courses from a variety of faculty are
disciplines while acquiring a thorough understanding a diverse
of your chosen major. group of qualified
scholars and experts
Positive elements of a liberal arts education include
from around the world
the development of critical thinking, collaboration,
who are passionate about
communication, and creative problem-solving
providing you with a first-rate
skills, all of which provide a well-rounded college
education that will prepare you for
education. Our students’ learning experiences are
success in the global workplace.
further enhanced by the small student-to-instructor
ratios at iCLA, allowing for better quality education, The faculty are experts in their respective fields
close interaction between students and faculty, and and are active contributors to globally relevant
more acute attention to student progress. research. Our professors come from a wide range
of backgrounds and cultures, and take pride in
providing an inclusive, stimulating and enriching
learning environment for all our students.

Study Flow Chart

1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year Want to
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5 Semester 6 Semester 7 Semester 8
know more?
For full profiles of iCLA’s
Common Curriculum diverse teaching staff,
head to our Faculty page.

Major Studies

Study Abroad (Optional) Seminar & GRP*

Japanese Language Program

Electives, Workshops, Internship

*GRP: Graduation Research Project

5
 Major Areas of Study
Data Science
iCLA’s Data Science major will empower you with vital skills “I came to iCLA with a social science background
essential for success in the 21st century. We offer specialized but took data science and finance as my major
pathways in Data Science for Finance Data Science for and have been able to start from scratch in a new
Psychology, and Data Science for Political Economy. Combining direction.
data analytics techniques with domain knowledge trains
you to apply your data science skills to real-world use cases The world is presently in a rich influx of
throughout your degree, training you for the modern, data information, there being vast data reflecting
driven workplace. financial activity, consumer behavior or even
psychological activity. It is only natural then, that
Grounded in a liberal arts education, the field of Data Science the way forward to a stable, optimized society can
goes beyond mere technicalities, fostering critical thinking and come only if we better understand our own actions
problem-solving abilities. Serving as a unifying element, the as a whole. Data science gleans meaningful
study of Data Science connects various fields and provides an structures out of raw, unfiltered information, while
interdisciplinary perspective to tackle real-world challenges. the combinatory requirements of the major give
The curriculum of iCLA’s Data Science major is structured to context to the information one can interpret.
meet the increasing demand for professionals proficient in data
analytics, while placing a strong emphasis on ethical The interactive, hands-on approach at iCLA allows me to take my time
data practices. at understanding the concepts taught in class and the teachers are
endlessly supportive.”
Raghav, Data Science Major; India

Global Business and Economics

The Global Business and Economics major offers a blend “Choosing to study Global Business and Economics
of application and theory, utilizing an applied approach to at iCLA has been one of the best decisions
business to train future leaders who deeply understand the I’ve made. I really appreciated the opportunity
interplay between commerce and society. Our program hones to explore a wide range of subjects before
the knowledge and skills associated with the liberal arts and declaring my major. This gave me the time and
their importance for business, such as communication, ethics, space to confirm what I truly wanted to pursue.
teamwork, critical thinking and an understanding of social, Experiencing different fields made me realize how
cultural, and geopolitical contexts. passionate I was about understanding the global
With academic pathways leading to careers in Finance, economy and the dynamics of business.
International Business, and Economics, all courses are studied I love the diverse selection of courses available—
from a global perspective, giving you the ability to leverage entrepreneurship, marketing, Japanese business
your knowledge of Japanese business culture and prepare for and economy, and more. I’m fascinated by
a vocation either in Japan or internationally. All three pathways consumer behavior and how economics connects
are embedded in a liberal arts approach that stresses taking with human psychology. So I’ve combined my
a humane point of view, criticality, social responsibility and major with psychology courses to deepen my understanding. My academic advisor
intellectual depth. has been incredibly supportive, helping me shape my research goals and explore
new ideas. I’m genuinely happy with the freedom iCLA gives me to explore my
multiple academic passions.”
Zere, Global Business and Economics Major; Kazakhstan

Interdisciplinary Arts
Interdisciplinary Arts is an exciting major where our students “I enrolled in iCLA with an education background
gather inspiration from multiple sources including visual art strictly revolving around sciences and with the
(Fine Art and Graphic Design), music (Audio Engineering, and idea of pursuing it in the future. However, I also
Digital & Sound Art), language arts (Creative Writing, Literary always wanted to dedicate time to developing
Analysis, and Linguistics), and performing arts (Film and arts, crafts, and creative processes in general.
Theater). You will gain a rich understanding of your chosen I chose Interdisciplinary Arts as my major and now
specialization and work through the medium of a wider mainly focus on visual arts. At iCLA, I truly feel like
creative process by exploring these disciplines from practical, I found the opportunity that I needed to focus on
theoretical, and historical perspectives. an area that I was passionate about while still
If you wish, you can choose to pursue a Japan studies theme being able to study other disciplines and stay
through Interdisciplinary Arts, with courses in Japanese versatile; an approach that was not available in
theatre, film, art and crafts, manga, anime, literature, and my home country, where higher education is all
culture to help you get the most out of this extraordinary about specialization. I’ve come to believe that
country. The interdisciplinary nature of a Liberal Arts education there is no dichotomy between art and science,
guarantees that you graduate with the transferable skills and that academic journeys are sometimes non-conventional, nor carried
valued by employers and required to succeed in any role, in out in one and only one direction.”
addition to the technical knowledge gained in your artistic field. Lucile, Interdisciplinary Arts Major; France
6
Political Science
Questions concerning government policies aimed at achieving “Coming from a conflict-affected country, my
economic stability and growth, the gap between the rich and passion for Political Science has been driven
poor, the role of NGOs to affect social and political change, by a desire to understand conflict and promote
the relations between countries, crises in our democratic its resolution through diplomacy. iCLA has given
institutions, and the path to world peace are all on the me the academic freedom to explore research
research agenda of contemporary political scientists. topics in these areas while learning from diverse
student perspectives. Taking classes across other
Offering academic pathways for students interested in majors has deepened my understanding of global
International Relations, Political Economy, and Public politics in an interdisciplinary way.
Administration, iCLA’s Political Science major addresses the
fundamental problems facing human society. My recent research project: “Reforming Governance
Structures to Combat malpractices in Cameroon’s
Our students leverage the truly interdisciplinary approach that Civil Service Recruitment” is a testament to how the
political science can offer across a wide range of industries Political Science Major has challenged and inspired
and fields. By integrating data science techniques, quantitative me to pursue deeper inquiry into global issues.
analysis, and diverse research methodologies, you will
analyze complex economic policies and their social impacts. Whether you’re just curious, open-minded, or desire to be globally engaged,
This program fosters deep understanding, problem-solving Political Science at iCLA offers a rich and rewarding academic journey.”
skills, communication skills and teamwork, leading to enriching
careers in government, the NGO sector, academia, journalism, Synthia, Political Science Major; Cameroon
and consulting firms.

Psychology
Our Psychology major will equip you with a thorough “Humans have always strived to understand the
understanding of how technology influences human human mind, which is rather ironic considering
behavior across various psychological disciplines such as what drives us to pursue that understanding is
cyberpsychology, social psychology, consumer psychology, our mind itself. Psychology is a social science; and
and economic psychology. The interdisciplinary approach at by nature of it being a science, it relies heavily on
the heart of iCLA’s curriculum provides our students with the empirical research to further our understanding of
skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a diverse range of how our mind works.
professional settings. While it can seem rather odd to study a social
To ensure our students stay up to date with the latest science in a liberal arts college, I’d argue that
advancements in technology, we integrate hands-on learning it is an advantage as well. By combining the
experiences and practical applications into the curriculum. interdisciplinary approach of iCLA’s curriculum
By engaging with a variety of tools such as social media with Psychology, it opens up the possibility of
platforms, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other learning how psychology is interwoven into our
emerging technologies, you gain practical skills and develop a everyday lives, be it through marketing, economics,
deeper understanding of how technology can be harnessed to data, education, the arts, or even just simply gaining an understanding of the
improve psychological research and practice in areas such as behavior of ourselves and those around us. By majoring in Psychology at iCLA,
consumer behavior, organizational management, and economic not only will you be able to learn all that, but also learn how the study of
decision-making. Psychology works and how empirical studies allow us to make new
discoveries about the complex human mind.”
Hao En, Psychology Major; Singapore

Japan Studies
Japan Studies endeavors to investigate and deconstruct the “Japan Studies is not just about looking into a
intricacies of Japan by providing our students with an avenue specific area, like history or language, rather it’s
to explore the multifaceted nature of this country. Alongside our an immersive experience that opens the door to a
comprehensive Japanese language program, you can explore new perspective on the world. iCLA’s Japan Studies
Japan’s society, contemporary popular culture, literature, history, program goes beyond typical narratives, inviting
politics, international relations, and economics. In addition to students to explore a multifaceted Japan shaped
developing an in-depth understanding of Japan’s role in our by a deep historical context and enormous cultural
international world, the major encourages you to investigate diversity.
broadly across multiple disciplines and fields in order to develop
critical thinking and other higher-order skills. This unique perspective has enabled me to
challenge the stereotypes I used to have
In a true expression of the interdisciplinary nature of iCLA’s about Japan, while fostering in me a global
curriculum, Japan Studies also draws on courses from across understanding that goes beyond the common
our whole curriculum to provide a holistic learning experience. perceptions associated with Japan.”
Tailored study plans can lead our graduates to fluency in
Japanese language, in addition to career opportunities in mass- Camila, Japan Studies Major; Mexico
media, journalism, banking and finance, tourism, and academia.

7
 Elective Courses

Elective courses supplement

academic majors throughout
the four years at iCLA, providing
the breadth, flexibility, and
interdisciplinary nature of true liberal
arts education and expanding career
opportunities in a multitude of directions.
Electives can be chosen from any of the Sociology
majors, or from our courses in: These courses aim to develop your understanding of
social and cultural identity, and how we have evolved to
Japanese Language interact as groups and organizations within societies and
cultures. In those courses, you will examine the evidence
Our international students have the opportunity to and factors that have influenced our behavior from ancient
reach a high level of proficiency in Japanese by times through to the modern to form conclusions about
the time they graduate, even if they join iCLA with social phenomena.
little or no Japanese language ability. Courses
are divided into seven levels, from beginner to They also develop basic skills in the scientific method
advanced. Our students are able to deepen of social research and can identify sociological terms,
their understanding of Japanese culture while concepts, ideas and theories, in fields such as archeology,
discussing various cultural and social topics in linguistics, the creation of folklore and myth, modern public
Japanese. policy, social enterprise and innovation.
Taking advantage of iCLA’s proximity to Mt Fuji, our
Quantitative Reasoning & students can attend field trips to study the archeology
Natural Sciences and folklore of one of Japan’s most important cultural and
spiritual sites firsthand.
In conjunction with our Data Science courses, these
courses nurture scientific inquiry and Quantitative
Reasoning to provide the mathematical background Health & Physical Education
required for programming. Our courses in Mathematics The iCLA Courses in Health & Physical Education includes a
emphasize the development of mathematical and variety of martial arts. All our Health and Physical Education
quantitative reasoning skills. You will gain an understanding Courses are closely connected to Japanese culture and
of fundamental, numerical, and quantitative skills and their emphasize integrating the mind and body. Each course is
application to everyday life. The focus will be on applying taught by an experienced master of the discipline, all with
basic mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems, international recognition. We have a beautiful Dojo at iCLA,
and to develop skills in interpreting and working with data and access to some of the best athletic facilities in Japan
in order for you to become able to function effectively as on the Yamanashi Gakuin University Campus.
professionals and engaged citizens. The course on Earth
Science examines planet earth, its nature in terms of its
interactions and exchanges between atmosphere, land, Experiential learning
living things and physical laws. Experiential learning courses offer unique opportunities to
gain hands-on experience in a range of cultural, practical,
and creative areas of study. The Interdisciplinary Arts
and Japan Studies majors feature workshops within their
relevant disciplines. Among the variety of workshops
offered at iCLA, students can experience music, arts,
culture, and Japanese martial arts.

Want to know more?

For full details of the over 150 courses
available at iCLA head to our
Curriculum Course List

8
Study iCLA offers you the opportunity to truly expand your world perspective with our
Study Abroad Program.

Abroad You can develop leadership skills, versatility, and cultural

awareness, all of which are valuable life skills and
indispensable in a modern global workplace. We have a
All of our study abroad partnerships are based on
mutual tuition waiver agreements, so students continue
to pay iCLA tuition fees, no matter which country they
network of 60+ partner universities in 30 countries and choose for their study abroad experience.
regions, so you can find an exchange destination that
best fits your goals and interests.

Global Partners
ASIA Europe
CHINA Beijing
 Normal - Hong Kong Baptist University BELGIUM Ghent
 University, Faculty of Arts & Philosophy,
Faculty of Political & Social Sciences
HONG KONG Lingnan University
INDIA O.P.
 Jindal Global University CROATIA University
 of Rijeka
INDONESIA BINUS University DENMARK Aalborg
 University, Faculty of Humanities
Universitas
 Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta University
 of Southern Denmark, Faculty of
Business and Social Sciences
MALAYSIA Taylor’s University
Universiti Malaya FINLAND Tampere
 University of
Applied Sciences
PHILIPPINES Ateneo de Manila University
University of the Philippines FRANCE IÉSEG
 School of Management
THE Kyung Hee University Les
 Facultés de l’Université Catholique de Lille
REPUBLIC Myongji University Sciences
 Po Lille
OF KOREA
The Catholic University of Korea Université
 Catholique de l’Ouest
TAIWAN National Chi Nan University GERMANY Constructor
 University Bremen
National Taipei University Hamburg
 University of Applied Sciences
THAILAND King
 Mongkut’s Institute of Ludwigshafen
 University of Business and Society
Technology Ladkrabang University of Applied Sciences
The
 College of Music, Mahidol University Technical
 University of Applied Sciences
Würzburg-Schweinfurt
University
 of Duisburg-Essen,
Faculty of Social Sciences
Oceania ICELAND Iceland
 Academy of the Arts, Department of Music
AUSTRALIA Curtin University ITALY The
 American University of Rome
Western Sydney University LITHUANIA LCC
 International University
Mykolas
 Romeris University
North America Vilnius University
CANADA St. Francis Xavier University NETHERLANDS Amsterdam
 University of Applied Sciences,
School of Economics and Management
MEXICO Universidad Panamericana
Erasmus University College
USA Augsburg University University
 College Utrecht
College of St. Scholastica
Flagler College
NORWAY Norwegian
 University of Science and Technology
Florida
 International University UiT
 The Arctic University of Norway
Hamline University University
 of Bergen
Southern Oregon University Volda
 University College
State
 University of New York at Oswego ROMANIA Romanian-American University
The University of New Mexico West University of Timisoara
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
SPAIN University
 of Malaga
Warren Wilson College
Westminster College SWEDEN Malmö
 Academy of Music, Lund University
UNITED University of Aberdeen
EURASIA KINGDOM
University of Hertfordshire
AZERBAIJAN ADA University

9
 Student Life

Being an iCLA student means living and studying in a

place like no other. With state-of-the-art facilities, on
campus accommodation, and a vibrant campus life with
many clubs, societies and events, your time here should
be exceptional.

Accommodation Clubs and Societies

Our comfortable and affordable on-campus As you would expect from a university that counts
student accommodation is available to all 80 Olympians among its alumni, there are plenty
our Japanese and international students. of competitive sports teams you can try out for.
Living in iCLA’s residence halls means We also have a wide range of more casual sports
being a part of a true cross-cultural and arts-related student-led university clubs and
community where global friendships societies, and international students are highly
are born. Our accommodation is encouraged to join. In total, we have over 80 clubs
designed so you can find a balance and societies to choose from!
between privacy and social life that
best suits your own lifestyle. All Events
students have individual private
bedrooms, with eight rooms Many on-campus events are held throughout the
sharing a common area, a mini academic year. Special highlights of the year are
kitchen, shower rooms, and toilets. the winter and summer galas and the university-
wide school festivals. We encourage students to get
involved in events, they are a great chance for you
Campus Facilities to express your creativity and grow your leadership
iCLA also has its own spacious skills, while being a fun way to engage with the
cafeteria where students enrolled student community.
in our meal plan can enjoy nutritious
and delicious meals served three times Part-Time Work
a day on class days. In our Language
Acquisition Center (LAC) there are A part-time job in Japan can help you gain a head
computers and various digital materials to start on working experience and understanding
assist with individual language learning, and Japanese workplace culture. There are opportunities
our students also have access to an extensive off-campus if you are looking to work part-time
library of English and Japanese language books while studying. As an international student you
and multimedia materials. can work part-time, up to 28 hours a week once
you have received a permit from the Immigration
The iCLA building also includes a Student Lounge, Services Agency of Japan.
a martial arts dojo, a music studio, an art studio, a
data science laboratory, a traditional tatami room,
and numerous study spaces for individual or group Talk to our Students!
study. As a YGU student you also have access to all You can chat online with our
the student lounges, cafes and libraries on campus Student Ambassadors about life
as well as access to the fully equipped gym at no at iCLA
extra cost.

10
11
 Career
Support
Providing you with the skills and knowledge to build
your future career and preparing you for long-term
success is one of our highest priorities. Our faculty
and staff provide close support to all students looking
to explore their career prospects and expand their
professional networks.
Regular career consultations with Career Building on the critical, creative, independent and

93 %
Development Advisors and one-on-one career global mindset fostered at iCLA, you can leverage these
guidance sessions, as well as mock interviews and resources to identify what career you want to pursue,
documents review are available to our students as well as the steps to achieving that career goal.
throughout their degree. iCLA collaborates closely
iCLA also supports our students in finding internship
of our most with career support professionals in the YGU
opportunities. By participating in an internship,
recent job seeking Student Center to offer a series of ”Working in
you can gain practical experience relevant to your
Japan” seminars designed to guide you through
graduates were your career journey, starting from your first year.
interests and future career ambitions. We have
in employment strong and varied connections with companies,
These seminars will not only help you develop skills
within 6 months organizations and employment agencies, which
and knowledge needed for job hunting, but they
allows us to introduce our students to a variety of
of graduating. will also enable you to gain a deeper understanding
internship opportunities.
of your strengths, skills, and career interests.
iCLA graduates have gone on to work for such
We also hold “Hirukatsu” lunch time exchange
prestigious companies as: Accenture, Activision
meetings, where current students can learn
Blizzard, Goldman Sachs, Huawei, Societe Generale,
first-hand about the job-hunting experience both
Mizuho Bank, Thomson Reuters, Mitsubishi Fuso,
in Japan and abroad from business leaders and
Mandarin Oriental, Chateraise, Rakuten, HIS, and
YGU Alumni. In these sessions students receive
Kering. Others have found positions in NPOs, the
information on finding internship opportunities,
Military, Police, Local Government and Embassies.
and pick up valuable tips, advice and networking
Our alumni have also gone on to study master’s
opportunities from CEOs, HR personnel and our
degrees at top global universities such as the
own graduates.
University of Oxford, University of Sheffield, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam,
Hult International Business School, and ISEG
Institute of Economics and Management.
Career Support Flow Chart
1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year
Information sessions about “Job hunting in Japan” Job Hunting Support Program Job Hunting Walk-in
Mock interviews & Career Counseling & Seminar for
International Students & Q&A Sessions

Counsultation Sessions (year-around)

Career Interviews (once per semester)

“Hirukatsu” to interact with alumni and industry professionals

Joint Company Information Sessions & Career Forums

Internship Guidance & Preparations Sessions

Internship Programs (Aug. & Jan. to Mar.)

12
 “iCLA truly supported me in discovering my dream career in been invaluable. In addition to my first internship at FUSO
finance. iCLA’s curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, Academy, part of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation,
from economics to performing arts. Through exploring my second internship at Aristagora Financial Advisors really
those courses, I was able to discover my interest in my helped to shape my career path. My professors supported me
chosen career. Moreover, the professors, students (including in evaluating this opportunity and preparing for my interview.
exchange-students), and admin staff are always willing to After starting their internship program, I was quickly taught
talk and share their academic and professional experiences. plenty of useful skills and professional knowledge. Aristagora
These interactions helped me understand better the real is a boutique financial firm, so I was able to challenge myself
aspects of working life. Studying at iCLA taught me how to with many different tasks. I could see myself maturing at
find my passion, suitable jobs that fit with that and how to work every day. Moreover, the firm offered me an international
prepare to earn those jobs. My economics professors also environment, which allowed me to apply and enhance the
helped me assess the companies I wanted to apply to and social skills I had learned at iCLA.”
find out further information about them. Their advice has
Hue; Vietnam

I could not feel more fortunate to have been

able to study Political Science at iCLA. My The language proficiency and cultural
interest in it was originally ignited in the first understanding I nurtured at iCLA have been
political science debate I attended at iCLA. immensely beneficial in my workplace,
Looking back on my academic studies, I am particularly due to the diverse international
genuinely grateful to have met the fantastic composition of our staff. My fundamental
professors here, who offered valuable motivation to work in equities stemmed
insights into my academic concerns and from curiosity about finance and its impact
generous help with both my research and on the world, beyond just the political
master’s applications. aspects highlighted in newspaper columns.
Recognizing the pivotal role finance plays
Studying Political Science at iCLA enhanced in people’s lives, I became passionate
my critical thinking ability, preventing me about enhancing my financial literacy to
from giving opinions readily before doing any provide access to investment opportunities
credible analysis. Also, the comprehensive for people from all walks of life, both
program of liberal arts equipped me with the locally and internationally. This led me to
necessary skills in both academic writing pursue employment in an investment bank
and logical thinking, preparing me well for the graduate offers I’ve received operating on large scale, where I believed its influence could make a more
from both London School of Economics and Oxford University. After graduating profound impact within the market. In both Japanese and international job
from Oxford, I plan to stay in the field and proceed to doctoral studies. I hope markets for recent graduates, technical skills specific to Japan are often
one day I will be able to work again with the Professors I met at iCLA. not prerequisites. Thus, meticulous preparation, coupled with a coherent
career vision and high motivation, are the pivotal factors in securing a
Yueying; China position here.
Takaaki; Japan

After searching numerous career forums,

I work in the international product planning I found my job as a Project Engineer with
division of Chateraise, managing the rollout Endress+Hauser Yamanashi through a career
of products we bring to overseas markets. forum in Kofu. I believe that chosing subjects
Chateraise is a Yamanashi based sweets from all of iCLAs majors helps me in some
company that is growing rapidly both here ways at my work - for example taking finance
and abroad, so there’s a lot of opportunities courses, design courses and especially
and various skills to be gained working the programming courses that iCLA offers.
here. iCLA taught me to think from various Searching for a job as a foreigner in Japan
perspectives which has been helping me a can be quite challenging, however, persistence
lot, as we often need to consider things from and strong will is the key. Be proactive
the perspective of our customers, store staff, and never give up. I would advise people
factories, and the company as a whole. to study Japanese and dive deep into the
Nanaho; Japan culture because if you do that, you’ll show a very positive side to employers.
Combined with persistence and never giving up, it’ll give you good chances
into succeeding in whatever you have set as a goal for yourself.
Daniel; Bulgaria

“My time at iCLA allowed me to explore various subjects I had next to zero knowledge about data science, but I
in many different areas and helped to determine my post- quickly became fascinated by the immense potential it held.
graduation focus. I wanted to take advantage of every data science course
offered at iCLA and ended up completing them all. I use the
I majored in Global Business and Economics, and after my skills I acquired, particularly in Python programming and
third year of studies I had the opportunity to put my acquired Machine Learning, every day in my role as a data analyst
knowledge into practice during an internship at Bosch Japan specializing in wind and solar energy. Additionally, thanks
in their Software sales department. During my three months to the excellent Japanese language courses offered at iCLA,
there, I applied and strengthened the diverse range of skills I acquired a proficient level of Japanese, enabling me to
I’d learned from my professors, from conducting competitor confidently participate in meetings and deliver presentations
analysis to product development including financial modeling. to my Japanese colleagues.”
Currently, I am employed at a renewable energy company in Liina; Finland
Tokyo, as part of a newly established data intelligence team.
Before my third year of university,
13
 How to iCLA welcomes students from diverse educational backgrounds.
We have several application periods throughout the year giving
Apply students flexibility to decide when they are ready to join iCLA.

Application Procedure Screening Method

1. Register
 using the online application system: Applications are evaluated based on a comprehensive review of
[Link] all documents, including the Statement of Purpose and interview.
2. Fill out our online application form and upload all the required Please refer to iCLA’s 2026 Application Guide to learn more
documents. about the application and screening method.
3. Pay the application fee of JPY 7,000.

2026 Application Schedule

Intake Admission Category Application Period

Opening Date Closing Date

> Degree-seeking students

> Transfer Students Mon. Nov 17, 2025
SPRING *applicants who need a student visa
(APRIL) Tue. Apr 1, 2025
2026 > Degree-seeking students
> Transfer students Fri. Jan 23, 2026
*applicants who have a valid status of residence

> Degree-seeking students

> Transfer students Mon. Apr 13, 2026
FALL *applicants who need a student visa
(SEPTEMBER) Mon. Sep 1, 2025
2026 > Degree-seeking students
> Transfer students Fri. May 29 2026
*applicants who have a valid status of residence

Closing date is the final deadline for each intake. The entire admissions process (application through the notification of result) will usually be completed within a maximum of
40 days. The deadline for payment and enrollment procedures must be completed within a maximum of 1 month of receiving your offer in order to secure a place at iCLA.
Please see our online application system for a detailed schedule of notification and enrollment dates.
*Applicants who hold a valid status of residence defined as a Japanese passport, dual nationality, permanent residency, or special permanent resident certificate holder.

Tuition and Other Fees (JPY) Scholarships

Tuition and Other First Year Second Year and Type Amount of Selection Criteria
Fees Onwards Exemption*

Enrollment Fee 200,000 - I 100%

Tuition Fees 1,696,000 1,696,000 II 75% > Academic Achievement

Total 1,896,000 1,696,000 III 50% > Extracurricular Achievements

iV 25% > Financial Need

Room and Meal Plan Fees (JPY) V 10%

Room and Meal Plan Fee Renewable every year based on overall performance. Maximum of 4 years.
*Scholarship covers enrollment and tuition fees. It does not include room,
Room and Utilities* 650,000/year utilities & miscellaneous fees, meal plan and other living expenses.
Meal Plan Approx. 350,000/year
(3 meals/day)
For more details
All students are required to live in the iCLA residence halls in their first year at iCLA. visit [Link] or contact the
Meals are only served on class days. Admissions Office directly at
*Water, gas, electricity, maintenance (including common area). [Link]@[Link].

14
What Happens Next?

Announcement of Results
1 Applicants will be contacted through the email address indicated on their
online application form. Scholarship offers will also be sent out.

Offer Acceptance and Payment of Fees

2 Log in to the online application system and accept your offer.
Pay the enrollment, tuition, and other fees by the indicated deadline.
Fill out and send all required enrollment documents to the Admissions Office.
The documents must arrive by the specified deadline.

Student Visa Application

3 iCLA applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) at the Immigration Bureau of
Japan. Once your CoE is issued, your CoE will be sent to you. Visit an Embassy or
Consulate of Japan with the CoE to apply for your student visa to enter Japan.

Accommodation Arrangement
4 Fill out the Pre-Departure Forms and after your application details are
confirmed by our Student Affairs Team, the invoice for room and meal plan fees
will be sent to you. These fees need to be paid before your arrival in Japan.

Departure Preparation
5 Receive your student visa from the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan
and begin your preparation to come to iCLA.

Arrival at iCLA & Check-in

6 This is the start of your iCLA adventure! Staff and students will help you move
into student accommodation and show you around the Yamanashi Gakuin
University campus.

Orientation
7 Orientation Week will be held to help new students settle into iCLA and meet
the rest of the academic community.

15
Connect with us
iCLA (International College of Liberal Arts)
icla-ygu
[Link]
icla_ ygu
iclajapan

International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA)

Yamanashi Gakuin University
Address: 2-4-5 Sakaori, Kofu,
Yamanashi 400-8575 Japan

TEL: +81-55-224-1350

General Inquiries: [Link]@[Link]

Admission Inquiries: [Link]@[Link]
[Link]
*The information in this brochure is accurate as of June 2025
and is subject to change.