Sophia University : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details

About Sophia University

Sophia University (“Jochi Daigaku” in Japanese) was founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, a Catholic order renowned for excellence in education. From the beginning, the university founders stressed an internationally oriented curriculum and rigorous training in foreign languages. Sophia soon established itself as a leading institution for scholarship on foreign languages and literature in Japan. Today Sophia University is a major teaching and research university in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with 13,800 students and teaching staff of 1,400 members, embracing over 1,500 international students studying on one campus from 85 countries. This approach yields significant benefits for the University’s programs by deepening educational mobility, collaboration, and specialization. Students can study business and economics, science and technology, and environmental studies, all strengths of Japan, in English as well as Japanese studies that Sophia boasts a long tradition. Variety of disciplines are available in English while the main language of instruction is Japanese (please see “undergraduate” and “graduate” for the medium language of instruction).

Sophia University has been selected as one of 37 universities to receive funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for internationalization effort called the "Top Global University Project."

For more details, please visit the official website: https://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/.
Up to date pictures of campus are also available on facebook and instagram.

About Sophia University

Sophia University (“Jochi Daigaku” in Japanese) was founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, a Catholic order renowned for excellence in education. From the beginning, the university founders stressed an internationally oriented curriculum and rigorous training in foreign languages. Sophia soon established itself as a leading institution for scholarship on foreign languages and literature in Japan. Today Sophia University is a major teaching and research university in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with 13,800 students and teaching staff of 1,400 members, embracing over 1,500 international students studying on one campus from 85 countries. This approach yields significant benefits for the University’s programs by deepening educational mobility, collaboration, and specialization. Students can study business and economics, science and technology, and environmental studies, all strengths of Japan, in English as well as Japanese studies that Sophia boasts a long tradition. Variety of disciplines are available in English while the main language of instruction is Japanese (please see “undergraduate” and “graduate” for the medium language of instruction).

Sophia University has been selected as one of 37 universities to receive funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for internationalization effort called the "Top Global University Project."

For more details, please visit the official website: https://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/.
Up to date pictures of campus are also available on facebook and instagram.

Available programs

Department Of Economics (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)

Department Of Education (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)

Department Of Global Studies (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)

Department Of Journalism (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)

Department Of Sociology (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)

Utilizing its accumulated knowledge of a broad range of subjects, the University supports the studies of its students at Yotsuya Campus in the heart of Tokyo. Sophia University comprises 9 faculties for undergraduate students.

Faculty of Theology: The only Catholic-oriented theology faculty in Japan, the faculty holds a special place at Sophia, as the university itself was founded on the ideals of Christian education
Faculty of Humanities: 7 departments in philosophy, history, literature, and journalism are offered under this faculty
Faculty of Human Sciences: Faculty focuses on the core idea of "the dignity of individuals," offering programs to cover theoletical as well as practical approaches to policy management, human care, and human science.
Faculty of Law: 3 departments under this faculty look at law from different perspectives; application of law in Japan, application of law in international contexts, and in the specialized studies in environmental law
Faculty of Economics: Department of Economics and the Department of Management cover large areas of studies in economic, commerce, and marketing, preparing students for the today's business world.
Faculty of Foreign Studies: The Faculty takes a multi-dimentional approach to the rich and diversified world, aiming not only to produce students strong in languages, but the individuals who can use the languages as tools for better understanding of the world
Faculty of Global Studies: The faculty aims to foster competent individuals well equipped with knowledge and skills as "global professionals" who can contribute to the globalized world.
Faculty of Liberal Arts : Formerly known as Faculty of Comparative Culture, the faculty offers American-style liberal arts education with programs in social sciences, humanities, international business, and the Japanese language and studies taught in English.
Faculty of Science and Technology : Science and technology programs at Sophia aims to prepare students to tackle the complex problems facing us today, not only through the studies of science, but also by integrating the studies of the humanities and science.

Faculty of Economics (9)

Department Of Economics (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)

Department Of Management (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)

Department of Economics (taught in Japanese)

Department of Management (taught in Japanese)

Faculty of Foreign Studies (9)

Department of English Studies

Department of French Studies

Department of German Studies

Department of Hispanic Studies

Department of Luso-Brazilian Studies

Department of Russian Studies

Faculty of Global Studies (9)

Department Of Global Studies (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)

Department of Global Studies (taught in Japanese)

Faculty of Human Sciences (9)

Department Of Education (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)

Department Of Sociology (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)

Department of Education (taught in Japanese)

Department of Nursing

Department of Psychology

Department of Social Services

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Faculty of Humanities (9)

Department Of Journalism (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)

Department of English Literature

Department of French Literature

Department of German Literature

Department of History

Department of Japanese Literature

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Faculty of Law (9)

Department of International Legal Studies

Department of Law

Department of Legal Studies of the Global Environment

Faculty of Liberal Arts (9)

Faculty of Liberal Arts (Courses are taught in English)

Faculty of Science and Technology (9)

Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences Bachelor's Program in Green Engineering (Courses are taught in English)

Department of Information and Communication Sciences

Department of Materials and Life Sciences

Department of Materials and Life Sciences Bachelor's Program in Green Science (Courses are taught in English)

Faculty of Theology (9)

Department of Theology

Master's Program in Theology
Doctoral Program in Systematic Theology
Master's Program in Death and Life Studies
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Philosophy
Master's (Doctoral) Program in History
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Japanese Literature
Master's (Doctoral) Program in English and American Literature
Master's (Doctoral) Program in German Literature
Master's (Doctoral) Program in French Literature
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Journalism
Master’s(Doctoral) Program in Cultural Interaction
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Education (Program in English is available)
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Psychology
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Sociology
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Social Services
Master’s Program in Nursing
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Law
Juris Doctor Program (Law School)
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Economics
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Management
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Linguistics (TESOL program is available in English)
Master's (Doctoral) Program in International Relations
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Area Studies
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Global Studies (Courses are taught in English)　
Master's (Doctoral) Program in Science and Technology

---Mechanical Engineering

---Electrical and Electronics Engineering

---Applied Chemistry

---Chemistry

---Mathematics

---Physics

---Biological Science

---Information Science

---Green Science and Engineering (Courses are taught in English)

Master's (Doctoral) Program in Global Environmental Studies (Program in English is available)

Graduate School of Applied Religious Studies (10)

Graduate Program, MA, Death and Life Studies

Graduate Program, PhD Death and Life Studies

Graduate School of Economics (10)

Graduate Program, MA, Economics

Graduate Program, MA, Management

Graduate Program, PhD Management

Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies (10)

Graduate Program, MA, Global Environmental Studies (Courses are taught in English)

Graduate Program, PhD, Global Environmental Studies (Courses are taught in English)

Graduate School of Global Studies (10)

Graduate Program, MA, Area Studies

Graduate Program, MA, Global Studies (Courses are taught in English)

Graduate Program, MA, International Cooperation Studies

Graduate Program, MA, International Relations

Graduate School of Human Sciences (10)

Graduate Program, MA, Education

Graduate Program, MA, Nursing

Graduate Program, MA, Psychology

Graduate Program, MA, Social Services

Graduate Program, MA, Sociology

Graduate Program, PhD Education

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Graduate School of Humanities (10)

Graduate Program, MA, Cultural Interaction

Graduate Program, MA, English and American Literature

Graduate Program, MA, French Literature

Graduate Program, MA, German Literature

Graduate Program, MA, History

Graduate Program, MA, Japanese Literature

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Graduate School of Languages and Linguistics (10)

Graduate Program, MA, Linguistics (TESOL program)

Graduate Program, PhD Linguistics

Graduate School of Law (10)

Graduate Program, MA, Law

Graduate Program, PhD Law

Graduate School of Science and Technology (10)

Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology_Applied Chemistry

Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology_Biological Science

Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology_Chemistry

Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology_Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology_Green Science and Engineering (Courses are taught in English)

Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology_Information Science (Courses are taught in English)

View All

Graduate School of Theology (10)

Graduate Program, MA, Theology

Faculty of Economics (7)

Graduate Program, PhD Economics

Faculty of Global Studies (7)

Graduate Program, PhD Area Studies

Graduate Program, PhD International Relations

Graduate Program, PhD, Global Studies (Courses are taught in English)

Faculty of Human Sciences (7)

Graduate Program, PhD Psychology

Faculty of Humanities (7)

Graduate Program, PhD Cultural Interaction

Graduate Program, PhD French Literature

Graduate Program, PhD German Literature

Graduate Program, PhD History

Graduate Program, PhD Japanese Literature

Graduate Program, PhD Journalism

Faculty of Law (7)

Juris Doctor Program (Law School)

Faculty of Science and Technology (7)

Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology_Applied Chemistry

Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology_Biological Science

Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology_Chemistry

Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology_Green Science and Engineering (Courses are taught in English)

Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology_Mathematics

Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology_Mechanical Engineering

View All

Faculty of Theology (7)

Graduate Program, PhD, Systematic Theology

University information

There are various admissions to apply for Sophia University.

In general, the admission decision is made based on document screening for English-taught programs. No written exam or interview is required.

We offer bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, non-degree (taking credits for a semester or two), and exchange programs. The application schedule and materials to be submitted vary depending on each program. Please refer to our website for the details.

For the English-taught programs, no Japanese skill is needed to apply, enrol, and graduate with all support in English whereas students have chances to learn the Japanese language while focusing on your major studies.

Sophia University’s scholarships are all grants with various types for international students. Please refer to our website for the details.

Master

GPA

3+

International Baccalaureate

37+

TOEFL

79+

IELTS

6+

The Campus (YOTSUYA Campus) is located in the heart of Tokyo a megacity, yet surrounded by nature and greenery. Students can enjoy all the benefits of its state-of-the-art technology, facilities, and infrastructure.

The university library is a core facility for academic learning, education and research. It offers a multifaceted collection of information and data from various database, books, periodicals, audio-visual material and major newspapers in and outside Japan.

Book volumes ；1,083,388(Books), 11,842(Journal Titles)

With 17 floors in the 75m tall building, Sophia Tower serves as a new symbol for Sophia University. It has a large classroom for 733 seats that can also be used as a Hall. And the Center for Language Education and Research, responsible for　language education programs for the whole university are located in this building;

Language Learning Commons (LLC)

Language Learning Commons (LLC) is located on the first floor of Building 6. We invite you to　participate in the following program to maximize your learning and develop your Japanese language proficiency and accuracy.

Campus dining hall and cafeterias are all self-service;

Bldg. 2 Student Dining Hall

Bldg. 2 Lounge (SUBWAY)

S-CAFÉ

Bldg.11 Lounge

Halal Deli and Café

Swimming Pool (B1F, Gymnasium)

At the basement of the Gymnasium, there is a heated pool open throughout the year.

Library

Total students

12,929

UG students

90%

PG students

10%

International students

1,245

UG students

56%

PG students

44%

Total faculty staff

1,082

Domestic staff

83%

Int'l staff

17%

Student life

By offering an environment on a single campus that brings together students and faculty members from different cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, the campus functions as a microcosm of global society.

Various student supports are available at Sophia.

Health Center : It offers physical and mental health consultation, health and nutrition guidance, and emergency treatment for injuries and sudden illnesses.
Counseling Center: It is a place where students can talk to or seek advice from professional counselors about their concerns or the problems that trouble them during their daily life.
Extracurricular Activities: Sophia has over 300 student organizations and clubs covering variety of t sports, purposes, and cultural interests.
SSIC (Sophia Student Integration Commons): This space offers 1)exchanges among students 2) Peer consulting and opening 3) A rest station for students with disabilities. In the future, SSIC aims at becoming an exchange hub where student can come at all times and meet different kind of people. As of May 2018, SSIC is holding events only but we are looking forward to different ideas from students.
Sophia Nursery: Partnered with an expert cooperation, Sophia established this nursery to meet students’ needs and assist students with taking care of your children while pursuing studies and research at Sophia.
Prayer room: Muslim students, faculty and staff or those who need to pray based on background of cultures and religions can use this room at their convenience.
Support for Students with Special Needs: Sophia would provide students with special needs with reasonable accommodation based on "Basic Principles for Academic Support for Students with Special Needs at Sophia University".
Housing：Since Sophia is located right in front of the station, in the center of Tokyo, the campus does not hold a housing, however, students have a couple of options for housings where many of international students live and join events inside the dormitory. For more information, please visit: https://piloti.sophia.ac.jp/eng/housing/sophiadormitories/

Handbook for International students

Extracurricular Activities

Overview: Of the humanities and social sciences graduates (about 2500), 84% went to work and 6% went on to graduate school. Of the science and technology graduates (about 400), 43% went to work and 54% went to graduate school.

Among undergraduates, the employment rate for applicants is 97.7%. There is a lot of support for current students utilizing the network of alumni, such as seminars by company. Support

Career Center: The Sophia Career Center supports students' job-seeking activities and gives them tips to find career opportunities.

Students have access to the following programs offered by the Career Center.

- Individual counseling service

- Job fair

- Job search workshops

- Sophia University Job Search Guide for International Students

Where Students Go (from English-taught programs):

- Public Services (Japanese governmental ministries)

- Trade and Industry

- Banking and Finance

- Media and Arts

- Communications and Technology

- Graduate School

Sophia University Alumni Association (SUAA) : Sophia University has approximately 140,000 alumni; 3,000 students graduate every year. The Sophia University Alumni Association (SUAA or "Sophia-kai" in Japanese) promotes friendship among Sophia's alumni and contributes to Sophia University's developing, setting and accomplishing further goals.

Domestic Students

Tuition Fee/year

-

Tuition Fee (Out of State)

-

International Students

Tuition Fee/year

8,500 USD

Other Expenses

-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.