FAQ
Where is Showa Women’s University?
By train:
From Shibuya station, take the Tokyo Denentoshi line 2 stops to Sangenjaya (If you catch the express train it’s just one stop.). From Sangenjaya station it’s a 7 minute walk to the University.
By bus:
From Shibuya Station West Exit Bus terminal, there is a bus passing through Sangenjaya that will reach the ‘Showajoshidai’ bus stop in approx. 10 minutes. This bus stop is outside the main gate of the University.
What kind of university is Showa Women’s University?
Showa Women’s University is a women’s university founded in 1920, based on Tolstoy’s education philosophy of “Love, Understanding and Harmony”. Also with the motto: ‘Be a Light to the World’ SWU educates women to become self-reliant and to take a significant role in society. More than 100 graduate students and 6,000 undergraduate students study annually.
SWU is a middle-sized private university, with small-size classes and professors who are close and easy to consult with. SWU also offers special guest lectures, presentations and performances as part of the curriculum, and a training trip to a retreat center to spend quality time with professors and friends from the same department.
How many students study at Showa Women’s University?
Showa Women’s University welcomes both degree seeking students, and international students currently studying at universities abroad who wish to spend a semester or two in Japan.
The diverse values that foreign students bring are a valuable asset for the globalization of the university.
International Student:
(As of May 1, 2021）
| Number of international students by status | ||
|---|---|---|
| Status | Number of students | |
| Graduate degree | 20 | |
| Undergraduate degree | 41 | |
| Non-degree | 24 | |
| Total | 85 | |
| Number of international students by country | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country | Number of students | |
| China | 52 | |
| Hong Kong | 6 | |
| Taiwan | 1 | |
| Korea | 15 | |
| Italy | 2 | |
| Cambodia | 5 | |
| Vietnam | 1 | |
| Myanmar | 1 | |
| Malaysia | 1 | |
| Japan | 1 | |
| Total | 85 | |
How can I apply to Showa Women’s University?
To study as a degree-seeking student, it is necessary to take the ‘Entrance Examination for International Students.’ For further details on requirements and admission schedule, please refer to the following page.
https://cie.swu.ac.jp/english/prospective/exam/
There is also a choice of studying at SWU as a non-degree student. If you are currently studying at a university abroad, please refer to the following page for non-degree programs offered to international students.
https://cie.swu.ac.jp/english/prospective/exchange/
What is the Japanese language proficiency/level of international students?
To study and attain a degree at SWU, it is essential to have the ability to understand and participate in classes conducted in Japanese. Thus it would be desirable to have passes N1 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). However, the acquisition of N2 level of the above test is deemed as the minimum requirement.
For those planning to study mainly Japanese language at SWU as a non-degree student, the minimum requirement is to have studied at least 1 year of Japanese language before arrival (N3 level recommended).
Is it possible to take the examination in English?
Entrance examination for degree students are all conducted in Japanese. Examination contents differ by departments, but there are both paper based test and interview in Japanese.
To study for 1 or 2 semesters, unless the student is an exchange student, there is an interview either in Japanese or English. This test can be taken through Skype.
When do I have to pay the tuition?
First year students entering the university must pay the entrance fee and the first semester school expenses (including tuition, facilities and equipment expenses) at the time of enrollment. Second semester school expenses must be paid by October 15th.
Is there any system for tuition exemptions or scholarship for international students?
For degree-seeking international students with the visa status of ‘student’, there is a tuition exemption system where tuition may be reduced by up to 30%. There is also several scholarship available for international students.
For further details, please refer to the following page.
https://cie.swu.ac.jp/english/prospective/support/
For non-degree students coming from SWU partner institution, there is a 50% discount on the program fee. (For students who participate as an “exchange student”, the program fee is waived)
Are there any Japanese language classes?
There are several Japanese language classes specially designed for international students. First year degree-seeking undergraduate students will take a placement test during the orientation period, and will receive advise on which classes meet their Japanese language level. The classes will review student’s Japanese level and work on any weaknesses the students may have. Some classes make use of media in order to enhance Japanese language skills useful in everyday life.
