Doshisha University Admission Guide for International Students

Doshisha University at a glance

Doshisha University is one of Japan's oldest private universities. Its official profile states the university originated from Doshisha Eigakko (Academy), established in Kyoto in 1875 and founded by Jo Niijima — institutional history, noted here as background only. Doshisha describes itself today as a university of 14 faculties and 16 graduate schools, with its Imadegawa campus in Kamigyo-ku, central Kyoto, close to the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds, and a second main campus at Kyotanabe.

Kyoto is a historic city and a major student hub in the Kansai region. For international students who want an English-medium degree in Kansai, Doshisha's Institute for the Liberal Arts is the main gateway.

The Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA)

The Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA) offers a Bachelor of Arts taught in English within a deliberately small, discussion-focused community. Doshisha describes the ILA student body as small — approximately 200 students across four years — within a university of around 25,000 undergraduates, with additional students joining ILA classes from other departments and from partner-university exchanges.

Students begin with foundation courses covering methodologies and research skills for comparative analysis, then design an individualized curriculum and focus through one of the program's concentrations: Humanities and the Human Sciences, Business and Economics, or Politics and Policy Studies. Doshisha frames these around Japanese Society and Global Culture, Japanese Business and the Global Economy, and Japanese Politics and Global Studies. Concentration names and structures can change, so confirm the current options on the official ILA pages.

• BA taught in English in a small cohort (about 200 students across four years)
• Concentrations: Humanities and the Human Sciences; Business and Economics; Politics and Policy Studies
• Foundation courses first, then an individualized curriculum

How ILA admission works — recorded video interviews

ILA's process is distinctive and worth understanding precisely. Doshisha states that once your application is received it is screened to ensure all documents are in order and complete, and that after submitting your application and supporting documents you will be asked to submit a series of short, recorded videos, with an invitation link sent via the application system. These are not live interviews scheduled only for a shortlist — they are recorded video responses that form part of your application.

Doshisha states the videos assess your motivation and commitment to the liberal arts program, familiarity with current events and academic topics, intellectual curiosity, social aptitude and leadership, academic and scholastic capacity, and communication skills. Faculty then evaluate your personal statement, transcripts, recommendation letters and video interviews together. Doshisha also states that the video interview deadline cannot be extended under any circumstances, and that if it determines an applicant has committed a fraudulent act during screening — including plagiarism or the use of AI-generated content — the applicant will be rejected and the application fee will not be refunded. Write your own materials. Treat the official application guide as authoritative, since details can change each cycle.

• Document screening for completeness, then short recorded video interviews
• Faculty assess statement, transcripts, recommendation letters and videos together
• Plagiarism or AI-generated content in the application leads to rejection

English proficiency and entrance qualifications

Doshisha separates two requirements: English language proficiency and educational background. For English proficiency, ILA lists proficiency tests — TOEFL iBT, IELTS (Academic Module) and the Duolingo English Test — plus aptitude tests, ACT English and the Digital SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing). Notably, the Duolingo English Test is accepted here, which is not the case at every Japanese university, so check each institution separately rather than assuming.

Doshisha states that submission of test scores is exempted for native speakers of English and for applicants with twelve or more years of education in English. On educational background, ILA lists routes including twelve years of school education, or a university entrance qualification such as the International Baccalaureate, Abitur, French Baccalaureate, GCE A Level, International A-levels or the European Baccalaureate, or twelve years at an accredited international school. Doshisha also excludes certain test versions (for example TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS Online and superscores). Required scores and accepted versions change — verify them for your cycle.

• Proficiency tests: TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test
• Aptitude tests: ACT English, Digital SAT (EBRW)
• Score submission exempted for native English speakers and those with 12+ years of education in English

Fees, scholarships and the student visa

Tuition, application fees, scholarships and deadlines are set by Doshisha and vary by year, so no figures are listed here — verify them on the official Doshisha and ILA pages, which publish fees and scholarship information together. Confirm current scholarship rules officially rather than relying on third-party summaries, and be wary of anyone who offers a guaranteed place or guaranteed funding for a fee.

Admitted degree students normally study in Japan on the "Student" status of residence, arranged via a Certificate of Eligibility. This is general information, not immigration advice — confirm current procedures on the official Immigration Services Agency of Japan and Study in Japan portals.