International College of Liberal Arts

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Key facts

  • Type
    Private
  • International students
    2797
  • Nationalities
    55
  • Total programs
    6

Study abroad at International College of Liberal Arts

The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) is part of Yamanashi Gakuin University, located in Kōfu, Japan. It’s a 4-year, residential, American-style liberal arts college, and all programs are offered in English.

Studies at iCLA lead to a bachelor’s degree in International Liberal Arts. Students can choose from a wide variety of programs in various disciplines. After a foundation year, students can choose from four majors that iCLA currently offers: Global Business and Economics, Political Science, Interdisciplinary Arts and Japan Studies.

iCLA is located in the YGU Sakaori campus, which sits at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The College is only 90 minutes west of Tokyo, which gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

On-campus student accommodation is available to all students, and as both international students and Japanese students reside together, there are plenty of opportunities for building friendships.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at International College of Liberal Arts

  • Student staff ratio

    the student-faculty ratio at the International College of Liberal Arts is 7:1

  • Great location

    iCLA is just 90 minutes from Tokyo, one of the world’s best student cities

  • International environment

    Over half of students and 65% of faculty members are from overseas

Location

International College of Liberal Arts

Sakaori 2-4-5, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8575

Yamanashi has plenty of things to eat, see, and do. The plentiful nature and long hours of sun in Yamanashi are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or running.

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Fees and funding

The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) offers merit-based full and partial tuition-waiver scholarships to a select number of students each year. Yamanashi Gakuin University financial aid may be combined with outside funding sources.

Funding

Performance-Based Scholarships The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) offers merit-based full and partial tuition-waiver scholarships to a select number of students each year.

  • Amount

    Covering from 10% to 100% of tuition and fees

  • Requirements

    Based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities achievement and/or financial need. Renewable every year based on overall performance. Maximum of 4 years Scholarship recipients are chosen based on the quality of their application materials and interview results. The announcement of your scholarship application result will be included with the announcement of admission results.

  • Performance Based Full Scholarship

    100% tuition, facility and equipment fees

  • Performance Based 3/4 Scholarship

    75% tuition, facility and equipment fees

  • Performance Based Half Scholarship

    50% tuition, facility and equipment fees

  • Performance Based 1/4 Scholarship

    25% tuition, facility and equipment fees

  • Performance Based 1/10 Scholarship

    10% tuition, facility and equipment fees

JASSO Scholarship The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides support to international students in Japan through various scholarships. New international degree-seeking students admitted to iCLA have an opportunity to apply for the JASSO Scholarship (formally known as: Reservation Program for Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students by Pre-Arrival Admission (University Recommenders)) through iCLA.

  • Amount

    48,000 yen per month The amount may change from one academic year to another. The monthly stipend specified for the academic year for which the candidate is to receive the scholarship.

  • Requirements

    Students with excellent academic and character records, who have received pre-arrival admission to a university in Japan and are facing financial difficulties

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    ¥1,796,000 per year

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Visa requirements for International College of Liberal Arts

Many international students will require a visa to study in Japan, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

Japan student visa requirements

Life at International College of Liberal Arts

The International College of Liberal Arts has a strong international student population representing 85% of the student body, and 55 different nationalities.

All students, whether from Japan or another country, take residence in the student dormitories. These help to create a global environment that promotes international exchange, and provides plenty of opportunities to practice foreign language skills, whether Japanese or English.

The iCLA Admin Office is available to support you during your time at the College. The office has bilingual and multilingual staff to help with any inquiry you have, whether it be about course registration, fee payments, visa-related matters, or other administrative procedures. They also organize orientations and events to help you familiarize yourself with the student community.

There are many student clubs at iCLA, both sports and arts-related. Joining a club is a great opportunity for domestic students and international students to get to know one another.

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Facilities

  • All Weather Sports Pitches
    • Tennis Courts
    • Basketball Courts
    • Diving Pools
    • volleyball courts
    • Badminton Courts
    • Baseball Pitches
    • Swimming pools
  • Sports Facilities
    • Natural Turf Soccer Pitches
    • Sport facilities
  • Library
    • Quiet Areas
    • Computer labs
    • Individual Study Rooms
    • Group Study Rooms
  • Fitness Centre
    • Free Weights
    • Dance Studio
    • Machines
    • Treatment Rooms
    • Fitness Center Physiotherapist
  • Healthcare & Medical
    • Physiotherapy
  • Tutoring Support
    • Academic Tutoring & Support
    • Student Tutoring & Support
    • Peer & Buddy Program
  • Clubs & Organisations
    • 90 Clubs & Organizations
  • Praying Rooms
    • Language Center
  • Transport
    • Campus parking
    • Car Rental
  • IT Support
    • Campus Wireless Connectivity
  • Food & Restaurants
    • Restaurants
    • Cafe’s

Student reviews for International College of Liberal Arts

Overall rating

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What International College of Liberal Arts says

  • Headshot of Daniel Guise
    Daniel Guise
    Daniel Guise says:

    iCLA's student body comprises 80%+ international students coming from over 50 different countries. As living in our on-site dorm is mandatory for all first-year students, including those from Japan, our students can make friends from all over the world from day 1 of their university life.

    This highly diverse and supportive environment is a great place to not just learn about Japanese culture but also develop yourself as a truly cross-cultural, globally-minded individual.

    While more Japanese universities are offering degrees taught in English, and many offer Japanese language instruction as part of the degree, iCLA remains unique in offering our students hands-on instruction in Japanese culture and art forms through our series of experiential workshops.

    Among the huge variety of workshops offered at iCLA students can experience traditional Japanese music, arts, and culture such as traditional Japanese theatre, Koto (Japanese harp), Shodo (calligraphy), and various Japanese martial arts to name but a few.

    As students of Yamanashi Gakuin University, iCLA students also have full access to YGU's libraries, gym, sporting facilities, and cafes. In addition, iCLA offers a full range of English language student support and counseling services to its students.

    iCLA's students have found success in a variety of careers both here in Japan and abroad. With Japan's population aging and shrinking, there is increasing competition amongst companies for bi-lingual staff. Japanese companies continue to internationalize and are increasingly open to hiring foreign graduates of Japanese universities. In addition to this, Japan is very welcoming of skilled migrants, and so upon finding a job students can easily transition to a working visa which they can renew indefinitely. Further, Japan has instituted a points-based path to permanent residency which now only requires 5 years of working history to apply.