International Christian University

Quick Facts about International Christian University

• Founded: 1949
• Type: Private Non-Profit
• Tuition: $15,000 – $20,000/year
• Intakes: Spring, Fall

About International Christian University

Academics

ICU offers 31 undergraduate majors and a graduate school, emphasizing a liberal arts approach. The university is known for its fully bilingual campus, with classes conducted in either English or Japanese, and all faculty members are required to be proficient in both languages. Around 30% of all courses are offered in English, allowing prospective students without prior Japanese language knowledge to apply through a documentary screening process. Students are encouraged to explore various academic areas before declaring a major, typically before their third year.

International Students

ICU provides a welcoming environment for international students, with a diverse student body representing 53 countries and regions. The university offers support services including assistance with on-campus housing in its dormitories, which house approximately one-fifth of the student body, and help with finding off-campus accommodation. International undergraduate students fluent in English are required to take the Japanese Language Program (JLP) to achieve bilingualism, while it is optional for graduate students. Over 50 officially recognized clubs and various independent groups provide ample opportunities for cultural integration and student engagement.

Campus & Location

Located in Mitaka, a suburban area of Tokyo, ICU offers a peaceful, wooded campus spanning 153 acres. This provides a serene academic environment while still being accessible to the vibrant city life of Tokyo, with central Tokyo approximately 30 minutes away by train. The campus features modern facilities and is known for its spaciousness and greenery, including a famous cherry blossom avenue. Nearby attractions and areas like Kichijoji offer cultural experiences and amenities for students.

Career Outcomes

ICU boasts a high employment rate, with 95.3% of undergraduate alumni seeking employment finding jobs right after graduation as of 2016. A significant portion of graduates, over 20%, pursue further education both in Japan and overseas at prestigious institutions. The university's Career Support Office provides comprehensive services, including individual career advising, resume review, and mock interviews, with staff experienced in the Japanese job search process. ICU also facilitates connections with alumni who can offer industry insights and career advice.

Information for International Students at International Christian University

International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan welcomes international students.

• No visa support offered
• No on-campus work
• Student housing available

Admissions Requirements for International Christian University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to International Christian University:

• Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)

Programs at International Christian University (28 programs)

International Christian University offers 28 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (12)

• Liberal Arts (BA) — 48 months · English · STEM
  ICU's undergraduate program is a liberal arts curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and an appreciation for diverse subjects across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Students explore a wide range of disciplines before specializing in a major.
  Field: Liberal Arts
  Career outcomes: Wide range of careers due to critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Global Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,400,000/yr
  This program offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding global issues, including politics, economics, culture, and environmental challenges. Students develop a global perspective and critical analytical skills.
  Field: Global Studies
  Career outcomes: International Development Worker, Diplomat, Journalist, NGO Worker, Business Consultant
• Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,400,000/yr
  This program explores human behavior and mental processes through scientific inquiry. Students learn about cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology, and develop research skills.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Counselor, Human Resources Specialist, Researcher, Marketing Analyst, Social Worker
• Arts and Sciences (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,400,000/yr
  This program offers a broad liberal arts education, allowing students to explore various disciplines before specializing in a major. It emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary study, and global perspectives.
  Field: Liberal Arts
  Career outcomes: International Relations Specialist, Journalist, Educator, Business Analyst, Researcher
• Linguistics (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,400,000/yr
  This program investigates the structure, evolution, and use of language. Students study phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, often with a focus on multiple languages.
  Field: Linguistics
  Career outcomes: Translator, Interpreter, Language Teacher, Speech Pathologist, Computational Linguist
• Business and Economics (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,400,000/yr
  This program provides a strong foundation in business principles, economic theories, and quantitative analysis. Students learn to analyze markets, manage organizations, and understand global economic trends.
  Field: Business and Economics
  Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Business Consultant, Entrepreneur, Economist
• Liberal Arts (BA) — 48 months · English · STEM
  ICU's undergraduate program is a liberal arts curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and an appreciation for diverse subjects across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Students explore a wide range of disciplines before specializing in a major.
  Field: Liberal Arts
  Career outcomes: Wide range of careers due to critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Global Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,400,000/yr
  This program offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding global issues, including politics, economics, culture, and environmental challenges. Students develop a global perspective and critical analytical skills.
  Field: Global Studies
  Career outcomes: International Development Worker, Diplomat, Journalist, NGO Worker, Business Consultant
• Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,400,000/yr
  This program explores human behavior and mental processes through scientific inquiry. Students learn about cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology, and develop research skills.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Counselor, Human Resources Specialist, Researcher, Marketing Analyst, Social Worker
• Arts and Sciences (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,400,000/yr
  This program offers a broad liberal arts education, allowing students to explore various disciplines before specializing in a major. It emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary study, and global perspectives.
  Field: Liberal Arts
  Career outcomes: International Relations Specialist, Journalist, Educator, Business Analyst, Researcher
• Linguistics (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,400,000/yr
  This program investigates the structure, evolution, and use of language. Students study phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, often with a focus on multiple languages.
  Field: Linguistics
  Career outcomes: Translator, Interpreter, Language Teacher, Speech Pathologist, Computational Linguist
• Business and Economics (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,400,000/yr
  This program provides a strong foundation in business principles, economic theories, and quantitative analysis. Students learn to analyze markets, manage organizations, and understand global economic trends.
  Field: Business and Economics
  Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Business Consultant, Entrepreneur, Economist

Master Programs (12)

• Public Policy and International Relations (MA) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr
  This program prepares students for careers in public service and international organizations, focusing on policy analysis, global governance, and conflict resolution. Students develop advanced research and analytical skills.
  Field: Public Policy
  Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Diplomat, International Organization Staff, NGO Worker, Researcher
• Peace Studies (MA) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr
  This interdisciplinary program examines the causes of conflict and violence, and explores strategies for peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and social justice. Students engage with theoretical frameworks and practical approaches.
  Field: Peace Studies
  Career outcomes: Peacebuilder, Humanitarian Worker, Advocacy Specialist, Policy Advisor, Researcher
• Natural Sciences (MSc) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr · STEM
  This program offers advanced study and research opportunities in various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Students engage in cutting-edge research and develop specialized scientific expertise.
  Field: Natural Sciences
  Career outcomes: Researcher, Scientist, Educator, Environmental Consultant, Biotechnologist
• Education (MA) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr
  This program focuses on advanced studies in educational theory, practice, and research, preparing students for leadership roles in education. Specializations may include curriculum development, educational psychology, or language education.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: Educator, Educational Administrator, Curriculum Developer, Educational Researcher, School Counselor
• Media, Communication and Culture (MA) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr
  This program explores the complex relationship between media, communication, and cultural phenomena in a globalized world. Students analyze media theories, production, and their societal impacts.
  Field: Media Studies
  Career outcomes: Media Strategist, Communications Specialist, Journalist, Content Creator, Researcher
• Comparative Culture (MA) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr
  This program offers an in-depth study of diverse cultures, focusing on comparative analysis of literature, history, religion, and art. Students develop a nuanced understanding of cultural interactions and global diversity.
  Field: Cultural Studies
  Career outcomes: Cultural Analyst, Museum Curator, Archivist, Researcher, Journalist
• Public Policy and International Relations (MA) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr
  This program prepares students for careers in public service and international organizations, focusing on policy analysis, global governance, and conflict resolution. Students develop advanced research and analytical skills.
  Field: Public Policy
  Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Diplomat, International Organization Staff, NGO Worker, Researcher
• Peace Studies (MA) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr
  This interdisciplinary program examines the causes of conflict and violence, and explores strategies for peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and social justice. Students engage with theoretical frameworks and practical approaches.
  Field: Peace Studies
  Career outcomes: Peacebuilder, Humanitarian Worker, Advocacy Specialist, Policy Advisor, Researcher
• Natural Sciences (MSc) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr · STEM
  This program offers advanced study and research opportunities in various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Students engage in cutting-edge research and develop specialized scientific expertise.
  Field: Natural Sciences
  Career outcomes: Researcher, Scientist, Educator, Environmental Consultant, Biotechnologist
• Education (MA) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr
  This program focuses on advanced studies in educational theory, practice, and research, preparing students for leadership roles in education. Specializations may include curriculum development, educational psychology, or language education.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: Educator, Educational Administrator, Curriculum Developer, Educational Researcher, School Counselor
• Media, Communication and Culture (MA) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr
  This program explores the complex relationship between media, communication, and cultural phenomena in a globalized world. Students analyze media theories, production, and their societal impacts.
  Field: Media Studies
  Career outcomes: Media Strategist, Communications Specialist, Journalist, Content Creator, Researcher
• Comparative Culture (MA) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr
  This program offers an in-depth study of diverse cultures, focusing on comparative analysis of literature, history, religion, and art. Students develop a nuanced understanding of cultural interactions and global diversity.
  Field: Cultural Studies
  Career outcomes: Cultural Analyst, Museum Curator, Archivist, Researcher, Journalist

PhD Programs (4)

• Graduate School of Arts and Science — English · STEM · Scholarship available
  The Graduate School of Arts & Science focuses on educating and training innovative scholars, teachers, and professionals. It aims to recruit diverse students, develop high-quality academic programs, and facilitate original research.
  Field: Arts and Sciences
  Career outcomes: Researchers, Scholars, University teachers, Professionals
• Doctoral Program in Arts and Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · English · $900,000/yr
  This program provides advanced research training across various disciplines within the liberal arts, culminating in a doctoral dissertation. Students conduct original research under expert supervision.
  Field: Liberal Arts
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Advisor, Consultant, Think Tank Analyst
• Graduate School of Arts and Science — English · STEM · Scholarship available
  The Graduate School of Arts & Science focuses on educating and training innovative scholars, teachers, and professionals. It aims to recruit diverse students, develop high-quality academic programs, and facilitate original research.
  Field: Arts and Sciences
  Career outcomes: Researchers, Scholars, University teachers, Professionals
• Doctoral Program in Arts and Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · English · $900,000/yr
  This program provides advanced research training across various disciplines within the liberal arts, culminating in a doctoral dissertation. Students conduct original research under expert supervision.
  Field: Liberal Arts
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Advisor, Consultant, Think Tank Analyst

Scholarships & Tuition at International Christian University

Annual tuition for international students: $15,000 – $20,000/year

Visit the university's financial aid page for the latest scholarship information.

Rankings of International Christian University

• National Ranking: #11 in Japan
• QS World University Ranking: #1201
• Times Higher Education (THE): #11
• Ranking tier: Unranked
• Research output: Medium

Campus & Facilities at International Christian University

• Student housing available
• No sports facilities
• No disability support info

Key Highlights

• First liberal arts college
• Bilingual English/Japanese education
• Diverse international student body
• Commitment to global peace
• Serene Tokyo suburban campus

Fields of Study at International Christian University

• Liberal Arts
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences

Notable Alumni

• Kazuo Hirai
• Princess Kako of Akishino
• Mako Komuro
• Kunio Mikuriya
• Taro Nakayama

Frequently Asked Questions about International Christian University

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