Sophia University

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Image Sophia University
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Image Sophia University

Available places: 4 (for the academic year 2021/2022)

Established: 1913
Number of students: 14,000-15,000
Campus: The campus is centrally located within walking distance of the National Diet, Imperial Palace and the State Guest House. Shinjuku, the world's busiest transport hub is just 5 minutes' train ride away from Yotsuya, the closest station from Sophia University.
Student life: At Sophia University, more than 270 groups are active as authorized circles. All exchange students are welcome to participate in Sophia's Extracurricular Activities. For more information including the list of student clubs and circles, please visit the page Studentlife and Support

Exchange students can sign up for student supporter program before arriving at Sophia. The supporter student is usually the first Sophia student exchange student meet before class starts.

Sophia University is a private Jesuit university located in the heart of Tokyo and is one of the top private universities in Japan.

About Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the largest cities in Asia, with a population of 9 million in the city and 35 million in the metropolitan area. That makes Tokyo one of the most populous areas. The city has many skyscrapers, more than New York. There are also several parks where it's possible to see the blooms of the cherry trees in the spring. Tokyo Sky Tree, which was opened to the public in 2012, is the city's tallest and the world's second tallest building. The tower has a lookout deck and is a popular tourist destination.

Information from Sophia University

General restrictions

Only students studying a programme taught in English at Umeå University can apply to Sophia University, or if you can provide an Official Language Proficiency Score certificate within the expiration date (for example TOEFL or IELTS).

Please note that you need to be aware of the language of instruction in the programmes offered. More information, closed programmes and programmes with limited access please see specific qualification for each program on Course Information

Course restrictions

FLA core programs, FST laboratory classes, GPGS compulsory courses, the foreign language courses (except Japanese language), Seminar, Wellness, the Body and Culture, and Studies in Christian Humanism courses are NOT open to exchange students.

Please note that exchange students should choose most courses from the departments/graduate program that he/she enrolled in.

Bulletin for spring and autumn semester will be published in March. Course offer and syllabi may vary each year. Please refer to the latest information available online.

For more information regarding restrictions, please see: Course Registration and Obligations

Full time studies (corresponding to 30 hp):

16 credits per semester (3-4 courses).

Exchange students must register for the equivalent of at least 10 hours of instruction per week.

Course types:

Lecture course: 2 or 4 credits per course. One credit=675 minutes class successfully completed
Language course: 2-8 credits, depending on the course. One credit=1,350 minutes class successfully completed.

Course levels: TBA

Academic year:

Autumn term: September– January/February
Spring term: April–August

Student grants and loans for studies outside of Sweden

You may be entitled to student grants and loans from CSN when studying abroad.

As the cost of living and accommodation may be higher abroad, you can apply for an extra loan known as an additional loan for studies abroad.

You can also apply for an additional loan to cover additional costs, i.e. travel and insurance costs.

Sophia University

About Tokyo

Information from Sophia University

Read more at

Student grants and loans for studies outside of Sweden