International Exchange

1. Partner Universities for Exchange Program

2. International Student Exchange Program

How to Apply

Applicants must be enrolled currently as undergraduate or graduate students at USP's partner university and should be recommended by the home university.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the required documents below.

1. Application form for exchange student
   *Sample_Application form for Exchange Student
   For details about the "Study Area at USP," please see here.
   ※All departments other than the School of Human Cultures, Department of Intercultural Communications are taught in Japanese. For "Study Area at USP", we strongly recommend that you write School of Human Cultures, Department of Intercultural Communications unless you are a JLPT N1 holder!
2. Application for Certificate of Eligibiity（for applying for visa）
   *Sample_Application form for Exchange Student
3. Housing Request
   *Sample_Housing Request
4. Written Oath
   *Sample_Written Oath
5. Medical Certificate
6. Medical History
7. Certificate of Enrollment
   *Sample_Certificate of Enrollment
8. Digital date of your ID photo（for making student ID card and applying for CoE）
9. Official Transcript（in English or Japanese）
10. Recommendation letter（in English or Japanese）
11. A copy of your passport

Application Deadline
Fall Semester: End of April
Spring Semester: October 15th

Please submit your application documents by e-mail to:
The Office of International Programs and Development
The University of Shiga Prefecture
E-mail: iec-staff＠office.usp.ac.jp

3. Costs and Calendar

Academic Calendar at USP

Monthly Living Cost

Although the cost of living varies depending on factors such as housing expenditure and food budget, the model living expenses for international students are below.

4. Insurance

All international students are required to purchase the following insurance.

1. National Health Insurance (Approximately 20,000 yen/year ( following reduction ))
   International students are fundamentally required to join the National Health Insurance System upon their arrival in Japan. This insurance covers about 70% of the medical charges in principle.
2. Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research (Gakkensai)
   Please read this pamphlet of Gakkensai carefully.
   This is an accident compensation insurance covering unforeseen disasters and accidents during regular curricular activities, school events, extracurricular (club) activities, and while on the university premises.
   (Insurance fee: 1,000 yen/year)
3. Comprehensive Insurance for Students Lives Coupled with PAS For International Students
   Please read this pamphlet about Comprehensive Insurance carefully.
   This insurance offers comprehensive support in the case of unexpected incidents occurring during student life.
   • Personal Liability Insurance Payment (When the student injures others or damages the possessions of others.)
   • Death, Residual Disability Insurance Payment (When the student suffers death or incurs residual disability as a result of a sudden and unexpected external incident.)
   • Medical Expense Insurance Payment (When the student is hospitalized or visits the hospital as a result of injury or illness.)
   • Insurance for Rescuer Expenses, etc. (When the parent or the guardian of the student comes to the hospital following student hospitalization)
   • Hospitalization Insurance, Surgery Insurance, Hospital Visit Insurance (When the student is hospitalized or visits the hospital as a result of injury)
     (Insurance fee: 8,060 yen/6 months, 11,500 yen/year)

5. Once you are accepted - Next Step -

USP will send you the "Acceptance Letter" and the "Certificate of Eligibility." After your admission is approved, we will apply for a Certificate of Eligibility(CoE) to the Immigration Bureau. Once it is issued, we will send it to your school so that you can go to the embassy and apply for a visa.

6. Upon Approval

Student VISA

Apply for a student VISA to an overseas Japanese embassy or consulate.

Airport Pick-up

USP offers airport pick-up or student escort service to Hikone. We will inform you a detailed schedule after your admission is approved.
Pre-Arrival Guide 2024(Spring)