Sophia University is one of the top-performing private universities in Japan. The university has built a solid reputation for its wide variety of English programs that attracts many international students. If you are someone trying to find a university for pursuing higher education in Japan, Sophia University just might be for you.
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Sophia University in Japan
Higher education institutions in Japan were a mixture of diverging backgrounds. Some originated within the country itself, and some were brought by foreigners. The crossroads by which these institutions met made a lasting impact on the country in its forming years, notably during the 20th century. Among the institutions that were established during this flourishing period in Japan is Sophia University.
Sophia University traces its roots from 16th century Japan, when its founders, the Jesuits, were engaged with various missionary activities in Japan. Christianity was banned as a religion by the Japanese shogunate for more than 200 years until 1873 when the Meiji government lifted the ban. In 1913, Sophia University was established. Founded on an ideal by Saint Francis Xavier, a notable missionary in 6th century Japan, the university’s fundamental goal was to refine the interest of the Japanese in their pursuit of knowledge. It heightened the spirit of internationalism and neighborhood in Japan, which prompted engagement with other countries and served the purpose of scholarly activities for the interest of the many. Sophia University until now has been a source of proliferating global involvement through education.
※ Sophia University, "Sophia University's founding philosophy" ※ Eiko Gakuen, “Founding and History”
After World War 2, the university underwent a rigid top-down development through the participation of its administration as well as international support. This development eventually became the backdrop for establishing Sophia University as one of the leading private universities in Japan. The post-war development plan expanded the faculties and departments of the university and added numerous buildings where learning would continue.
Aside from its exquisite history, another interesting facet of Sophia University would be the alumni roster it produced over the course of time. Ranging from entertainment to politics, the university has been a second home to some notable individuals in Japan as well as to the world. Morihiro Hosokawa, the 79th Prime Minister of Japan; George Takei, an actor who portrayed Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek; Shawn Layden, former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America; and Agnes Chan, Hong Kong-born singer and UNICEF ambassador are some of the notable alumni produced by Sophia University.
There is a program called the “Company Alumni List” wherein fresh graduates of the school can easily land an employment or career in their fields through connections with other alumni acting as a support system to the ever-growing alumni roster of the university.
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Education
The university has 8 undergraduate faculties and 10 graduate faculties. This is separate from the 4 highly specialized departments that include the Global Education Center, Language Education, and Research Center, Sophia University Junior College, and Sophia College of Social Welfare. One of the distinct features of higher education at Sophia University would include its Faculty of Theology for both undergraduate and graduate schools. Sophia University’s Faculty of Theology is the one and only in Japan that provides an in-depth Catholic education. This unique feature is globally renowned because of its partnership with other Catholic universities around the world.
※ Sophia University, "Undergraduate / Graduate"
The opportunity for students of Sophia University to study in other countries isn’t limited to the Faculty of Theology. Through the Global Education Center, students from different departments within faculties have an opportunity to participate with the university’s network of exchange programs. Up to this date, there are more than 1000 Sophians who are studying across 300 institutions in 60 countries around the world.
Moreover, the extensive language development program of the university through the Language Education and Research Center prepares the students to acquire a certain level of proficiency with 22 languages of the world. These two major programs definitely manifest the life-long pledge of the institution towards internationalization.
※ Sophia University, "About Global Education Center" ※ Sophia University - Center for Language Education & Research,"Other languages"
Courses in the university are either taught in Japanese or English, except for some language degrees such as German or Russian. Furthermore, there are courses that are instructed using English as its primary medium. The Faculty of Liberal Arts and Faculty of Science and Technology offers degree programs that can cater to international students. Sophia’s Program for Sustainable Futures (SPSF) coordinates with six departments that offer courses, all available in English, on relevant matters of the present society.
Admissions of international students are greatly fostered by Sophia University. In fact, in the Yotsuya Campus (known as the Global Campus) there are almost 2,000 international students from 88 countries around the world. 1 of 6 faculty members are foreigners and print media from around the world are placed in the library. The figures show just how much programs for international students in the undergraduate, graduate and even short term programs are supported in Sophia University. On the undergraduate level, there are 10 degree programs spread in 3 faculties that are designed exclusively for international students; 3 on graduate level; and 9 in short term programs (excluding 2 summer sessions).
※ Sophia University, "Admissions Information for International Students" ※ Sophia University, "University Information"
Campus Life, Location and Tuition
Students of Sophia University are given the chance to spend a worthwhile academic career. Upon admission to one of the university’s programs, students are guaranteed of free, or if not free, a hefty discount and privilege to Japan’s national museums and theaters that are located in Tokyo. Moreover, Sophia University supports and tolerates student organizations on and off campus. There are more than 100 student organizations in Sophia University including 23 organizations that cater specifically the interests of international students.
International students are also supported in the campus through the Sophia Student Integration Commons or SSIC. SSIC aims to enhance student interaction through cultural activities and lectures that invite the participation of both foreign and Japanese students. Also, extracurricular activities are also held regularly within and outside the campus that proactively engage students. One of the highlights of their program of extracurricular activities would be the Sophia University-Nanjan University Competitive Athletic Meet.
※ Sophia University, "Athletic Activities"
Chiyoda Ward Location
Sophia University is located in the Chiyoda Ward in Central Tokyo. Chiyoda Ward is known for its notable cultural and historical spots and is considered the center of Tokyo. Aside from the residence of the Prime Minister, Chiyoda has Kanda Shrine which features the unique historical experience of urban Tokyo while maintaining their sense of culture. On the other hand, you can also find the renowned Akihabara district in Chiyoda Ward, heaven for anime fans around the world. And just next to the school, you can find the Akasaka Imperial Residence, which includes the State Guest House, which is open to visitors.
Sophia University Campus
The expanse of the campus is a place made up of more than 20 buildings in various sizes and architecture. One of the notable buildings inside the campus would be Building 6 or the Sophia Tower. Standing more than 70 meters in height, it is the tallest structure in the university. It houses the Language Education and Research Center and other commercial spaces. Another significant structure would be the University Library that has a directory of more than 1 million books on different disciplines.
※ Sophia University, "Yotsuya Campus Plan Sophia Tower completed" ※ Sophia University, "Campus Life"
Tuition and Scholarships
As a private institution, Sophia University’s tuition fees are relatively higher as compared to national universities in Japan. For undergraduate courses, the average cost of tuition fees may range from ¥1,000,000 to ¥1,800,000 per one academic year. Meanwhile, tuition fees in graduate courses range from ¥900,000 to ¥1,500,000 per academic year. Although the tuition fee is obviously higher as compared to some of the public universities in the country, there are scholarship programs that can be helpful in alleviating the costs.
※ Sophia University, "Tuition and Fees for the Academic Year 2020" ※ Sophia University, "Tuition and Fees for the Academic Year 2019"
There are more than 50 scholarship programs that international students may opt to apply for. Some of which are recognized already such as the Japanese Government or MEXT scholarship program and Japanese Student Services Organization or JASSO scholarship program. Most of the scholarship programs in Sophia University are either institutional based, which can reduce the cost of student fees through annual selection or external organization-funded that may provide monthly stipends as well as tuition fee packages to the students.
※ Sophia University, "2020 Scholarship Information"
Summary
Founded upon a secular belief towards international education, Japan’s Sophia University remains a topnotch higher education institution in the country. Understanding its established academic inclinations, commitment to internationalization and the extensive connections with organizations and outside networks, solidify the position of the university in the global scale. Every Sophian assures a brilliant contribution not only to the Japanese community, but also to the world in general.
