STEPS exchange programme at Saitama University in Japan

Why it fits you

Who can apply

Three different things not to mix up: the country where you study, your nationality and the country where you live when you apply.

Country of study

Japan

Target level

Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate

Fields of study

All fields

Languages

• English: level B2RequiredAccepted certificates: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 65, TOEFL ITP 530
• Japanese: level not specifiedRequiredAccepted certificates: JLPT N2

Minimum grade

Cumulative GPA of 2.4 or above on a 4.0 scale

Other conditions

• Be a full-time undergraduate student (second year or above) or a graduate student at one of our partner universities at the start of the exchange program.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Be a full-time undergraduate student (second year or above) or a graduate student at one of our partner universities at the start of the exchange program.

The real funding

What the opportunity pays, what is left for you to pay and the money to plan before leaving.

Money to plan before leaving

• Financial statement: the total amount must have at least 500,000 JPY for two terms or 1,000,000 JPY for four terms.

Application steps

In the order set by the programme. Open a step to see the details.

1. 1
   Step 1: Ask your home university to nominate you to Saitama University and consult the department in charge

   With whom

   You and your home university

2. 2
   Step 2: Your home university coordinator submits the nomination to the Office of International Affairs, Saitama University

   With whom

   The coordinator at your home university

3. 3
   Step 3: Submit your application documents

   With whom

   You (nominated student)

   Documents to provide

   • Application form signed by the applicant, the advisor/coordinator and the guarantor (handwritten signature only)
   • Financial statement (bank balance certificate, scholarship award letters or other financial documents)
   • Reason for studying in Japan, written by you in English or Japanese
   • Copy of the ID page of your passport (PDF, no redaction)
   • Digital colour photo 40mm x 30mm, JPEG only, taken within 3 months
   • Academic reference from your academic advisor on official letterhead, in Japanese or English
   • Health certificate dated within 3 months (any tuberculosis test accepted)
   • Medical history, typed only (handwritten not accepted)

4. 4
   Step 4: Saitama University applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE); it is issued by email, usually after 2 months

   With whom

   Saitama University

5. 5
   Step 5: Apply for your Student Visa at your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate

   With whom

   You

   Documents to provide

   • Acceptance letter from Saitama University
   • Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

6. 6
   Step 6: Answer the Student Life Pre-Application Questionnaire (roommate preferences, dormitory and tutor arrangements, pre-arrival preparation)

   With whom

   You

Where to apply