Student Exchange Program (for Partner Universities)

Take your chance to study in Japan!

Japan is full of charm with traditional culture. The environment is extremely comfortable to live in with low-cost of living, safety, highly advanced infrastructure, and people with a gentle heart.

Quick Look at OIT Student Exchange Program

Key Features

Our Student Exchange Program is open for students of all partnership universities (including UMAP member institutions). There are two programs offered; (1) Research / Internship and (2) Coursework. Combination of (1) and (2) is also possible.
A distinctive feature of OIT’s exchange program is that every exchange student is assigned an academic supervisor. Through this system, OIT students from the same laboratory act as buddies and support exchange students in both their academic work and daily life in Japan.
In the Research/Internship, Japanese language proficiency is not required because academic supervisors support research activities in English. With permission, exchange students may be able to attend selected classes as auditors.
The exchange students are exempt from tuition related fees at OIT.
The exchange students will enjoy in a clean and comfortable off-campus dormitory at the discount price of ¥35,000 yen per month.
OIT International Center offers Japanese language courses for beginner and lower-intermediate exchange students. These courses follow a curriculum equivalent to regular academic classes and consist of either 28 or 14 sessions (100 minutes each), through which students learn basic everyday Japanese and aspects of Japanese culture.

Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet is the summary of OIT Student Exchange Program provided in PDF to download.

Fact Sheet for Year 2026

Videos

FYI

Exchange Students Accepted in the Past

Program Outline

1. Research / Internship

Research

Also known as “Research Stay.” Exchange students conduct their research work in a laboratory or a research center of their choice. Research students can work on their own research for thesis or a related research topic conducted there to complement their thesis.

Internship

Exchange students will gain valuable research experience participating in a research project conducted in a laboratory or a research center of their choice. Exchange students are not paid for internship work.

**Research / Internship**
Term	Regular semester term (up to 2 semesters) or Customized (up to 6 months or one year)
Credit	Unavailable
Student Card	Available (only for those who stay for more than 3 months after April 2025)
Eligibility	Only students satisfying all of the following requirements may apply: Students who are at an undergraduate (3rd year or above) or a graduate level when starting the exchange program. * Master or Doctoral students are highly recommended. The applicants are expected to demonstrate eligible academic/research competence to participate and contribute in the laboratory they apply for. Students who are enrolled as a full-time student at a partner university during their entire period of study at OIT. Students who demonstrate excellent academic performance. Students who have a clear intention to study at OIT.
Language Requirement	Japanese proficiency (at least JLPT N2 level or equivalent) or English proficiency (at least CEFR B1 level or equivalent) required.
Additional Information	Faculties and Graduate Schools of OIT Researchers Lab Navigation

2. Coursework

Exchange students can enroll in equivalent courses at OIT in subjects that are related to their faculties and study background in their home university for credits for 1 or 2 semesters.

JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) Level N2 or equivalent is at least required because most of the courses are taught in Japanese.

**Coursework**
Term	Regular semester term (1 or 2 semesters) 1st (Spring) Semester: April - August (5 months) 2nd (Fall) Semester: Mid-September - Mid-February (5 months)
Credit	Available (Students must consult their home universities for procedures regarding credit transfers.)
Student Card	Available (Your status will be "Special Auditor.")
Eligibility	Only students satisfying all of the following requirements may apply: Students who are at an undergraduate (3rd year or above) or a graduate level when starting the exchange program. Students who are enrolled as a full-time student at a partner university during their entire period of study at OIT. Students who demonstrate excellent academic performance. Students who have a clear intention to study at OIT.
Language Requirement	Japanese proficiency (at least JLPT N2 level or equivalent) required. *
Additional Information	Faculties and Graduate Schools of OIT Researchers Lab Navigation Course Catalogue (Syllabuses)

Japanese Language Course

Beginner and Lower-Intermediate Japanese courses for exchange students in Academic Year 2026 will be offered according to the schedule below. Please refer to the syllabus in the table below for details.

・1st (Spring) Semester: April 8 to July 27, 2026

・2nd (Fall) Semester：September 25, 2026 to February 1, 2027

・Location: Language Learning Center (2nd Floor, CHAST Building, Omiya Campus)

1^st (Spring) Semester		2^nd (Fall) Semester
Course Title / Level	Days of the Week	Course Title / Level	Days of the Week
Japanese I (Beginner / Level 1)	Monday 11:00-12:40 Thursday 9:10-10:50	Japanese II (Beginner / Level 1)	Monday 9:10-10:50 Thursday 11:00-12:40
Japanese I (Lower-Intermediate / Level 2)	Tuesday 9:10-10:50 Friday 11:00-12:40	Japanese II (Lower-Intermediate / Level 2)	Tuesday 11:00-12:40 Friday 9:10-10:50
Japanese Culture and Society I (Beginner)	Wednesday 11:00-12:40	Japanese Culture and Society II (Beginner)	Wednesday 11:00-12:40

Application for Exchange Programs

Application Instructions

Note: Application instructions provided here are for exchange students from partner universities with which OIT has a Memorandum of Understanding or an Agreement concerning student exchange.

Students of UMAP member institutions must apply through UMAP web site.

Selection and Nominations

If you are student of one of our partner universities, please consult with an international exchange coordinator of your university first.
The home university must select applicant(s) with valid eligibility for OIT Student Exchange Program. Please read the eligibilities noted in "Program Outline" above.
The number of nominees should not exceed two (2) per semester or a specific number designated in the student exchange agreement.
It's not necessary to report us the result of selection unless there is any concern about acceptance to the program.
For Research / Internship, if a student needs assistance to find a specific laboratory or research center, please submit his/her purpose of study and CV to OIT International Center. We will assist matching with a suitable supervisor. For coursework, choose your prospective academic supervisor whose expertise is closest to your field of study. If you have difficulty finding a suitable academic supervisor, a coordinator in OIT International Center will arrange you the academic supervisor based on your academic background and study interests.

Application

The nominees prepare the application package shown below and submit to the home university by the deadline set by the home university.
Application package(s) must be submitted by the international exchange coordinator of home university to OIT International Center by email.
All documents must be typed in English or Japanese. Otherwise, a copy of translation should be attached.

**Application Package:**
1. Application Form (PDF) Application Form	Download the application form and fill out using MS Word and covert to a PDF. Mac users for example, if you have a difficulty filling in using MS Word, download the PDF version and directory input information. (no hand writing)
2. Proof(s) of Language Proficiency [scanned data (PDF)]	A copy of Score Report (JLPT, IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, etc.)
3. Recommendation Letter [scanned data (PDF)]	Signed by a supervisor of the home university.
4. Official Certificate of Enrollment [scanned data (PDF)]	Issued by the home university and must include: Name of the university Name of the faculty/school you are enrolled in Current degree level (undergraduate/master/doctoral) Expected date of graduation * *This date must be after the official end of your study at OIT.
5. Official Transcript of Academic Records [scanned data (PDF)]	Issued by the home university and must include the grading system notes.
6. Photocopy of Passport (identification page)	Must be valid through the end of your exchange period.
7. Additional Documents for Student Visa	Only if you are required. Read below.

**Additional Documents for Student Visa**
A1. COE Application	If you will require a student visa to study in Japan, you will need to have a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). For those who are required, download the application form and fill out. Read more about visa here Application form is available from here Sample form is available from here 【Notice】 Submission of a TB Clearance Certificate became mandatory when applicants from the Philippines, Vietnam and Nepal are applying for a COE. If you are subject, please ensure to prepare all required documents in advance. Additional Information: https://jpets.mhlw.go.jp/jp/
A2. ID Photo Data	Please read carefully the photo requirements here Taken within the last 6 months. 40mm×30mm (560 x 420 pixels or larger) File size: Less than 2 MB
A3. Proof of Financial Support	For the COE application, you will be required to submit documents demonstrating you have the financial means to support yourself during your exchange program. Certificate of Balance indicating required amount in liquid asset form (cash deposits, certificates of deposit, savings accounts) Scholarship Letter(s) Required minimum amount: 85,000JPY per month or equivalent
A4. Course Enrollment Form	For coursework student, please also submit this form. Download the form here You are required to enroll in a minimum of 4 courses per semester if you are doing coursework only.

How to Submit

The application package must be submitted by the exchange program coordinator of home university to OIT International Center by email to OIT.Kokusai@josho.ac.jp by the deadline shown below.

* We don’t accept application packages sent directly from students or faculty members.

Application Schedule

Exchange Study for	1st (Spring) Semester 2026 (April 2026 - August 2026)	2nd (Fall) Semester 2026 (Mid-September 2026 - Mid-February 2027)
Application Deadline	October 31, 2025	March 31, 2026

* For those who are applying for the Research/Internship program, if you are starting in the middle of semester, the application deadline is normally 5 months before the start of program.

Further Steps (Acceptance, Preparation of Departure, etc.)

The detailed information for the following contents is available at “Pre-departure Guide for Exchange Students”.

Pre-departure Guide for Exchange Students

1. Acceptance

After receiving a student’s application package, we will forward it to a concerned department where they decide acceptance and appoint a supervising professor(s). Then, after the approval of OIT president, OIT International Center will issue the official letter of acceptance and send it via e-mail.

2. Visa Application

If you need to obtain a student visa, we will apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on behalf of the exchange students themselves. It normally takes up to 2 months for issuance of the COE. With COE with other required documents, you can apply for the visa at the embassy or consulate-general of Japan in your country. For details, please refer to “Pre-departure Guide for Exchange Students”.

Pre-departure Guide for Exchange Students

3. Housing

Unless you prefer other accommodation, International Center will arrange all exchange students to live in our off-campus dormitory, "International House" provided by Josho Gakuen Educational Foundation. Each room is private and fully furnished with a bathroom, an air conditioner, a gas stove, a sink, a bed, a desk, and a refrigerator. The rent is exceptionally affordable. It's located 3 km from Omiya Campus and in the quiet residential neighborhood close to Downtown.

NOTE:

Monthly Rent for International Students: 35,000 yen without utility
Available to check-in from 3 days prior to the starting date of your program at OIT and check-out by 3 days after the last day of your program at OIT
After you book your flights to Osaka, please send a copy of flight information (e.g. e-ticket) to OIT International Center. We will inform the dormitory your check-in date and time.

4. Living Cost

It depends on the individual, but in general more than 85,000 yen is required per month. More details shown in "Pre-departure Guide for Exchange Students"

Check the latest currency exchange rates here: https://www.google.com/finance/markets/currencies

Pre-departure Guide for Exchange Students

5. Insurances

International Travel Insurance

OIT requires all exchange students to be covered by an international travel insurance for the entire period of your study abroad. Read here about coverage requirements.

In addition to the International Travel Insurance, you must be covered by the following two insurances after your arrival in Japan.

National Health Insurance (NHI)

Exchange students who will stay in Japan more than 3 months must join the National Health Insurance (NHI) regardless of the kind of insurance they may already have.

Personal Accident Insurance for Student Pursuing Education and Research (Gakkensai)Comprehensive Insurance for Students Lives Coupled with "Gakkensai"

All OIT students are required to be covered by "Gakkensai" that provides necessary support in the case of accident or injury suffered during activities related to research or education.

Comprehensive Insurance for Students Lives Coupled with "Gakkensai"

In addition to the Gakkensai, this insurance premium offers comprehensive support in the case of unexpected incidents occurring during student life such as riding a bicycle. It covers personal compensation responsibility (liability) up to 100,000,000 yen. and also death and physical impediment up to 1,000,000 yen.

6. After your Arrival (Orientation)

On your first day of commute to the campus, OIT staff or student volunteer will pick you up at the dormitory. At the campus, you will attend an orientation held by the International Center.

If you will stay in Japan for more than 3 months, OIT staff or student volunteer will also take you to the local ward office/city hall to complete the resident registration and other procedures.

Inquiries

You can contact the OIT International Center by e-mail. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

International Center
Address	5-16-1 Omiya, Asahi-ku, Osaka, 535-8585 Japan
E-mail	OIT.Kokusai@josho.ac.jp
Tel	+81-6-6954-4935
Fax	+81-6-6954-4485
Office hours	Monday to Friday: 9:00 - 17:00 Saturday: Available by appointment or email Sunday and Holidays: Closed
Location & Access	Omiya Campus Chast 1F

Omiya Campus

Notification

For overseas partners Student Exchange Program (for Partner Universities)

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