Cookie policy

By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to allow us to collect information on and off Studee as outlined in our cookie policy.

Apply to International College of Liberal Arts

: Accredited university partner

We maximize your chance of getting admitted to your chosen universities. Reduced application fees, a free assessment and access to a dedicated advisor.

Ready to apply?
Why apply via Studee?
Boost your admission chances
Discover more on the official university website

Uni facts

Kofu, Japan
  • Type
    Private
  • International students
    2797
  • Nationalities
    55
  • Total programs
    6

Why use Studee?

We maximize your chance of being admitted with our free, 48 hour fast-track assessment (worth $185*)
  1. Find your ideal program

    Filter 10,000s of programs down to a shortlist perfect for you, where you have a strong chance of getting admitted

  2. Apply online via Studee

    Complete our application form and enjoy reduced application fees and access to unique Studee scholarships for many universities

  3. We assess within 48hrs

    We complete an 85-point assessment within 2 business days, help you with improvements then submit to your university

  4. University offer in 2-4 weeks

    We chase the university for your admission decision and keep you updated. We all celebrate your admission!

Carbon compensation - We'll plant trees in your name to compensate for the carbon generated by all your flights to and from university.

All our services are 100% free as we're funded by universities. You pay deposits and tuition fees directly to the university.

* Price based on similar application assessment services from other providers

Study abroad at the 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.

Find & apply to programs at International College of Liberal Arts

Find programs you love that match your needs & aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

Why study at iCLA?

  • 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

Life as an international student

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.

What International College of Liberal Arts says

  • Daniel Guise

    Daniel Guise

    International College of Liberals Arts at Yamanashi Gakuin University International Marketing Officer
    Daniel Guise says

    iCLA's student body comprises 60% international students coming from over 40 different countries. As living in our on-site dorm is actually 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 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 artforms 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 Noh Theatre, Shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and Koto (Japanese harp), Shodo (calligraphy), Sado (tea ceremony), Kado (flower arranging), 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.

Student life & facilities

Group of students planning a presentation in a living room
  • No. of All Weather Sports Pitches
    • No. of Swimming pools
    • No. of Baseball Pitches
    • No. of Badminton Courts
    • No. of volleyball courts
    • No. of Basketball Courts
    • No. of Tennis Courts
    • No. of Diving Pools
  • Library
    • Quiet Areas
    • Group Study Rooms
    • Individual Study Rooms
    • Computer labs
  • Food & Restaurants
    • Cafe’s
    • Restaurants
  • Tutoring Support
    • Peer & Buddy Program
    • Student Tutoring & Support
    • Academic Tutoring & Support
  • IT Support
    • Campus Wireless Connectivity
  • Fitness Centre
    • Dance Studio
    • Fitness Center Physiotherapist
    • Treatment Rooms
    • Machines
    • Free Weights
  • Praying Rooms
    • Language Center
  • Clubs & Organisations
    • No. of Clubs & Organizations 90
  • Sports Facilities
    • Sport facilities
    • No. of Natural Turf Soccer Pitches
  • Transport
    • Campus parking
    • Car Rental
  • Healthcare & Medical
    • Physiotherapy

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.

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition: ¥1,596,000 per year

Funding

Performance-Based Scholarships

  • Duration: Renewable every year based on overall performance. Maximum of 4 years.
  • Selection Criteria: Based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities achievement and/or financial need
  • Selection Process: Scholarship recipients are chosen based on the quality of their application materials and interview 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

JASSO Scholarship

Amount: The monthly stipend specified for the academic year for which the candidate is to receive the scholarship.

Requirements:

  • Excellent academic and character records
  • Students who have received pre-arrival admission to a university in Japan
  • Facing financial difficulties

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.

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.