Research Students
Those who wish to study a specific subject of research at either undergraduate or graduate level may be admitted as a research student (Kenkyusei). A research student is not entitled to a Degree even upon completion of his/her research work. At Japanese universities, many applicants get admission as a research student first and prepare for an entrance examination to the graduate school.
Admission Requirements
1. Admission to Faculties or School (Bachelor's Programs)
(1) Those who have completed a 16-year course of school education overseas.
(2) Those who have graduated from a university/college in Japan after having completed 12 years of school education overseas.
(3) Those who have completed a 16-year course of school education overseas from correspondence education which is offered by a foreign institution in Japan.
2. Admission to Graduate Schools (Mater's Programs)
(1) Those who have obtained a master's degree in Japan.
(2) Those who have been awarded a degree equivalent to a master's degree by an overseas educational institution.
(3) Those who have been recognized by the graduate school concerned as being of academic ability equivalent or superior to those who have a master's degree.
3. Admission to Graduate Schools (Doctoral Programs)
(1) Those who have obtained a doctoral degree in Japan.
(2) Those who have been awarded a degree equivalent to a doctoral degree by an overseas educational institution.
(3) Those who have been evaluated by the graduate school as having academic capability equivalent or superior to a doctoral degree.
4. Admission to Educational and Research Institutes
For details, please contact the office of each educational and research institute. The admission requirements vary with the educational and research institute.
Application Procedures
A student wishing to study as a research student, must submit the following documents to the faculty or department office concerned, after having been approved for admission by an prospective academic advisor usually, one of the professors whose academic research area completely or partially covers your academic interest.
The deadline for application may differ according to the faculty, school, graduate school or educational and research institute. For details, please ask the relevant faculty or department office.
It is necessary to complete the admission procedures well in advance, about 6 months before the starting day at Gifu University, because processing for entry into Japan requires a considerable amount of time.
Documents Required
(1) Application Form (prescribed form)
(2) Personal History (prescribed form)
(3) Certified academic records of each academic year of the last university/college attended
(4) Diploma or degree certificate of the last university/college attended
(5) Approval for applying to Gifu University from the present employer (if employed)
(6) Copy of Certificate of Residence obtained from the Japanese government local administrative office (only residents of Japan)
※Besides the documents above, you may need additional papers that your faculty/graduate school/research facility asks you to submit, thus please contact the administrative office of your faculty/graduate school/research facility.
Selection
For details about the method of selection, please contact the relevant faculty or department office.
Time of Admission
Time of admission for research students is normally the beginning of each academic year or semester, which is in April and October.
Period of Registration
A research student is basically admitted for the period from six months to one year (one or two semesters). The student may apply for an extension if it is necessary for the purpose of his/her study.
Inquiries
Please see the list of contact e-mail addresses (Faculty and Graduate Schools).
Exchange Students
International students, whose home institutions have a student exchange agreement with Gifu University, may be admitted as exchange students. Exchange students study at a faculty, school, graduate school, or the Center for Japanese Language and Culture of Gifu University, remaining enrolled at their home institution.
For details on how to apply for an exchange student program, please contact the outbound exchange coordinator at your university.
Overseas Partner Universities
Please refer to Partner Universities of Gifu University.
Period of Study
Six months or one year starting in April or October.
Types of Student Exchange Programs
There are three programs to study at Gifu University as an exchange student: Special Auditor, Special Research Student, and Japanese Language and Culture Studies Student.
1. Special Auditor
Both undergraduate and graduate students can become Special Auditors. Based on the Japanese language proficiency, students fall into two main categories:
● Special Auditor (JLPT N2 or higher)
Students are affiliated with one of the faculties and study one academic field. Since they attend regular classes with Japanese students, they are required to possess the Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N2 or higher of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. In addition to regular classes, they can take Japanese language classes offered by the Center for Japanese Language and Culture.
● Special Auditor (lower than JLPT N2)
Students are affiliated with the Center for Japanese Language and Culture and study mainly Japanese language and culture. Students are placed in the most appropriate class according to their Japanese ability. However, in some cases, students with JLPT N2 level or higher can apply for the Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course, described below.
Period of Study: six months or one year (starts in April or October).
2. Special Research Student
Only graduate students can choose this program. You can research your topics at the graduate school under the academic supervision of your professor.
Period of Study: six months or one year (starts in April or October)
3. Japanese Language and Culture Studies Students (JLPT N2 or higher)
This course offered by the Center for Japanese Language and Culture is aimed to help students better understand the Japanese language and culture. Applicants for this program are required to satisfy all the following qualifications and conditions:
1) be a regular undergraduate student;
2) major or double-major in Japanese language and culture studies;
3) be in the second year or above;
4) possess the Japanese language proficiency equivalent to the N2 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.
Period of Study: one year (starts in October)
Application Procedures for Exchange Students
a) Special Auditors and Special Research Students
You can download the application forms from here.
The deadlines for application to Gifu University are as follows:
● April enrollment: beginning of November
● October enrollment: beginning of April
Please note that the application should be submitted through the relevant department of your home institution.
b) Japanese Language and Culture Studies Students
At the end of January, we send the application guidelines and forms to the specific partner institutions that have an academic course with a major in Japanese language and culture studies, based on the student exchange agreement and the actual exchange.
The deadline for the application is early April.
Please note that the application should be submitted through the relevant department of your home institution.
Please refer to the website of the Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course, Center for Japanese Language and Culture for details.
