

Do you already have strong Japanese language skills and an interest in immersing yourself deeply into Japanese university life? Imagine spending up to a year on the picturesque campus of a prestigious university in Japan, fully engaging in academic and cultural experiences alongside your Japanese peers. If this sounds appealing, this non-degree-seeking program could be an excellent opportunity for you.
Note: If you are instead searching for our popular study abroad exchange program centered on intensive Japanese language study, please see our Year in Japan Program page
The Konan International Exchange Center provides comprehensive support both prior to and following arrival in Japan. This includes promptly responding to email questions from students as they prepare to come to Japan for the program, as well as with conducting campus tours after arrival.
Non-degree-seeking students admitted into an academic department at Konan University enroll in mainstream academic courses instructed in the Japanese language. The academic year begins in April and ends in February the following year and is divided into two semesters (April to late July or early August; late September to late January). Each semester consists of 15 weeks of instruction. Students may be able to transfer credits earned for successfully completed courses at Konan University to their home university.
Students enrolled at partner universities may apply through their home institution for one academic year or one semester term depending on the agreement with their university. Interested students must meet Japanese language ability requirements specified by their home university to participate in exchange programs that begin in April and September. For further information about studying at Konan University, students should contact the study abroad office at their home university or the Konan International Exchange Center at Konan University.
Fall Semester Intake (tentative) | Spring Semester Intake (tentative) | |
---|---|---|
Nomination and Application Period | Early May | End of October |
Screening at KONAN | May – June | November – December |
Admission Notice | July | January |
Sending Certificate of Eligibility | Late July/early August | Late January/early February |
Arrival Information Due | Mid-August | Early March |
Arrival Date |
Early to mid-September *Depending on the accommodation |
Mid to late March *Depending on the accommodation |
Orientation Week (mandatory) | Until mid-September | Until early April |
Step 1: Konan University sends the necessary information to the home university/sending institution when the application period begins.
Step 2: The student submit the necessary information through the home university/sending institution to Konan University.
1) Receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Konan University.
2) Visit the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence to apply for a Student Visa.
3) Verify with the embassy or consulate if any additional documents are required.
4) Carefully read the cover letter that accompanies your COE for detailed instructions on how to complete the visa application form.
Upon your arrival in Japan with a Student Visa and successful passage through immigration, you will be granted a Student Residence Status, which authorizes your stay in Japan as a student.
It is highly recommended that you enter Japan via Kansai International Airport, as you will receive your Residence Card upon arrival. Should you arrive at any other airport, you will receive your Residence Card at a later date, which may cause complications during orientation.
The Konan International Exchange Center assists with finding and securing housing accommodation for the duration of the program. Administrative assistance as well as on-campus student support to assist in the transition to university life at Konan University is also provided.
Students accepted to the exchange program are eligible to apply for the Konan scholarship, an internal scholarship that is awarded to those who exemplify a strong commitment of service to the Konan University community. Each scholarship has its own application procedure, requirements, and limit for the number of accepted applicants.
More information about scholarship opportunities will be provided after arrival in Japan.