Fact Sheet for

Short-Term Exchange Programs at Saitama University

(STEPS)
CONTACTS
Name of University
Director
Mailing Address
Phone
Fax
E-mail

Saitama University Office of International Affairs

Prof. Shinichi Nakamoto
255 Shimo-okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 338-8570 JAPAN
+81-48-858-9061
+81-48-858-5310
ryugaku@gr.saitama-u.ac.jp

INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION

Faculties/ Graduate Schools

Website for Exchange Program
Course Information
Access Information

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Faculties:
Liberal Arts, Education, Economics, Science, Engineering
Graduate Schools:
Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, Science and Engineering
http://en.saitama-u.ac.jp/exchangeprograms/index/
http://syllabus.saitama-u.ac.jp/portal/public/syllabus/SearchMain.aspx
Saitama University is located just north of Tokyo. Saitama is one of the most popular residential areas in East
Japan where you can enjoy Japan's major attractions including the metropolitan Tokyo area, and surrounded by
the World Heritages: Mt. Fuji, Nikko, Tomioka Silk Mill and many more.
More information can be found on our website: http://en.saitama-u.ac.jp/about/mapsaccess/

Our academic year starts in April. Exchange students may commence either from Spring or Fall semester and stay for one or two semesters
depending on their own plans.

Spring Semester

International House Check-In

Orientation
Classes begin
Examination period
International House Check-Out

Late March
Late March - Early April
First week of April
Late July - Early August
Mid September

Fall Semester

International House Check-In

Orientation
Classes begin
Examination period
International House Check-Out

Late September
Late September - Early October
Late September
End of January - Middle of February
Mid March

APPLICATION
Application Deadlines
Language Requirements

Spring Semester: December 1st of preceding year

Fall Semester: June 1st
There are no set requirements for language exams, but the students must have skills in Japanese or English to
follow classes and fulfill the course requirements.
Application Form

Application Documents

Statement of Purpose
Academic Reference

*Sent to Int'l Office

Official Academic Transcript

SCHOLARSHIPS
1. JASSO (Japan Student
Services Organization) Student
Exchange Support Program

A Passport Copy
4 x Color Photo (3cm X 4cm)
Language Proficiency

Attach official bank statements or other financial documents.

Attach Tuberculosis (TB) clearance
Either in Japanese or English
To be filled out by a professor/instructor from home university
Transcript(s) from previous institution(s) required in case of a transfer
student
Photo identification page
Please print your name and citizenship on the back of each photo
If applicable, e.g., JLPT(Japanese-Language Proficiency Test), TOEFL

This scholarship from the Japanese government is awaded to students with outstanding academic
performance. Scholarship amount: 80,000 JPY /month

2. Saitama University Honors

This scholarship is awarded from Saitama University.

Scholarships

Scholarship amount: 60,000 JPY /month

ACCOMMODATION
Housing available for exchange

Every exchange student will live in our on-campus dormitory; International House (I-House). Each room is

students

equipped with kitchen, bath/shower, restroom and air conditioner.

Costs (I-House single room)

*subject to change

Weekend options

Deposit
Monthly Rate
Cleaning Fee

JPY 60,000 (12,000 5 installments) *Refundable

JPY 13,840 + Utilities (gas, electricity and water: averageJPY10,000)
JPY 23,600/one-semester student JPY 27,700/two-semester student

*pay upon check-out

Free Wi-Fi on campus, free LAN connection in I-House
Internet
Students may apply for a one-day Home Visit program or a one-night Home Stay program to spend time with a
local Japanese family.

FEES & COSTS

Waived for Exchange Students
Regular courses
Waived for Exchange Students
Intensive Japanese Program
Estimated living costs are 500,000 JPY for one semester and 1,000,000 JPY for two semesters.
Japan National Health Insurance Approx. 1,000 JPY /month
Insurance
5,180 JPY /two semesters
*Mandatory for all exchange
University CO-OP Student
4,320 JPY /one semester
students
Insurance (Liability Insurance)
Deposit : 2,000 JPY (one time) Refundable
5,000 - 10,000 JPY /per semester
Books
Textbook
2,800 JPY (Narita - Saitama)
Airport Shuttle
1,540 JPY (Haneda - Saitama)
Transportation
180 - 200 JPY (Saitama City area)
Local Bus
150 - 200 JPY (Saitama City Area)
Local Train
350 - 500 JPY (To Metropolitan Tokyo area)
Tuition and fees

Food

VISA

Lunch at cafeteria
Monthly average

350 - 500 JPY

25,000 - 30,000 JPY

After processing applications, we will send our official documentation with the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) by
Visa Application Procedure

courier. With those documents, each student is required to apply for a "College Student (Ryugaku)" visa at the
Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country prior to travelling to Japan. Please contact the local
Japanese Embassy or Consulate for details of visa application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. When do I choose my courses?
A. Course listings are finalized before the start of each semester. You will be guided through the course registration process shortly after arriving in
Saitama. Course listings from previous semesters are available on our website for your reference.
Q. In what language will the courses be conducted?
A. Most courses are conducted in Japanese, but the university offers a wide variety of courses taught in English. Our academic advisor will help
you choose your courses according to your language proficiency.
Q. Can I take Japanese language classes?
A. Yes, students take a placement test at the start of semester and are assigned to classes suitable to their proficiency level. Japanese classes
are not mandatory but it will help you adjust to your daily life in Japan, and make friends from all over the world!
Q. What is the cost of living in Saitama?
A. We recommend that you budget around JPY 500,000 for a one-semester exchange and 1,000,000 JPY for a two-semester exchange.
Q. Will I have internet access?
A. Yes! Wireless network is available throughout the campus.
Updated: October 2015

International Student Exchange Student Application

STEPS (Short-Term Exchange Program of Saitama University)
APPLICATION CHECK LIST

Application Form
- Attach official bank statements, scholarship award letters, or other financial documents
- Attach Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance

Statement of Purpose *On a separate printed page

Academic Reference *Provide one letter of reference from your academic advisor or faculty member

Official Transcript

1 Passport Copy

4 Color Passport Photos (3cm X 4cm)

Official Language Proficiency Score Report Copy *If applicable : TOEFL, IELTS, JLPT, etc.

HOW TO APPLY
1. To be eligible for admission to Saitama as an exchange student, you must have been nominated by your home
university.
2. Your application must be sent through the international or exchange office at your university.

SEMESTER

DEADLINES

Spring Semester (April End of August)

December 1

Fall Semester (End of September - Middle of February )

June 1

CONTACT:
Office of International Affairs
Saitama University
255 Shimo-okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City
338-8570 Japan
Tel: +81(48)858-9061/Fax: +81(48)858-9675
e-mail:ryugaku@gr.saitama-u.ac.jp

Revised October 2015

APPLICANT INFORMATION
Full Name
*As it appears on passport

Date of Birth

Last
Date

Month

First

Middle

Place of Birth

Year

Country of Citizenship

Gender

City

Country

Male

Female

Mailing Address
Telephone

E-mail Address

ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Home Institution
Current Standing

Degree Level : Undergraduate Graduate

If other, specify

Major(s)

Year: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

y

Minor(s)

Date of First
Enrollment

Expected
Graduation Date

EMERGNECY CONTACT INFORMATION

Relationship to
the Applicant

Name
Address
Telephone

Home :

Mobile :

E-mail
Parent or GuardianIf under 21
Relationship to
the Applicant

Name
Address
Telephone

Home :

Mobile :

E-mail

DATES OF ATTENDANCE AT SAITAMA UNIVERSITY

Commencing
Semester/ year

Spring / Year

Number of Semester(s)

One semester

Fall / Year

Two semesters

Revised October 2015

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY SELF-ASSESSMENT

To attend the exchange program at Saitama University, you should be able to understand lectures either in English or
Japanese. Complete the section below to evaluate your language proficiency.
Your Native Language
Proficiency of Japanese Language : Please indicate your level of the language
Language Skills

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Speaking
Listening
Reading
Writing
Where have you studied Japanese?

At university / college

Self-study

How long have you studied Japanese?

Proficiency of English Language (Non-native speakers only) : Please indicate your level of the language
Language Skills

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Speaking
Listening
Reading
Writing

ON CAMPUS HOUSING (INTERNATIONAL HOUSE) APPLICATION

Yes
No

Do you want to apply for International House during your stay in Saitama?
* No application for I-House is necessary if you check yes.

EXCHANGE REFERENCE

(to be completed by your exchange advisor/coordinator)

Name of Advisor/Coordinator
Department

Title

Telephone

E-mail
Students Name

I certify that

has been approved to participate in the exchange

program at Saitama University.

Advisor/Coordinators Signature

Date

Revised October 2015

AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT
You are required to submit valid supporting financial documents certifying that you have sufficient funds available to
cover expenses for your stay at Saitama University. This information and financial documents will be filed to the
immigration office to issue you a Certificate of Eligibility.
Statement of Guarantor (To be completed by the guarantor)
Name of Applicant
Relationship to
the Applicant

Name of Guarantor
Occupation

Name of Employer

Title

Annual Income

Address (Home)
Address (Workplace)
Telephone (Workplace)

Telephone(Mobile)

I,
, hereby state I am willing to guarantee the financial support for
during the entire stay at Saitama University. Evidence of my financial resources in the form of a bank statement
accompanies this affidavit of support.

Signature of Guarantor

Date

Financial Support Information (To be completed by the applicant)

Please state the source of funds and the total amount available from each financial resource. Total amount should be
at least; 500,000 yen for one-semester students and 1,000,000 yen for two-semester students.
Attach official bank statements or scholarship award letters. Documents must be either in English or Japanese.
Funding Source
Local Currency

Personal Funds

Japanese Yen
Local Currency

Family Funds / Relationship to the applicant:

..

Scholarship / Specify type and source :

Japanese Yen
Local Currency
Japanese Yen
Local Currency

Other/ Specify type and source :

Japanese Yen

TOTAL AMOUNT

Local Currency

(must equal: 500,000 yen for one-semester student and 1,000,000 yen for two-semester student)

Japanese Yen

I certify that the information I have given is accurate to the best of my knowledge. What I have given is a correct
statement of my arrangements for financing my studies at Saitama University.

Signature of Applicant

Date

Revised October 2015

CONFIDENTIAL HEALTH INFORMATION FORM

Please note that this will not affect the evaluation of your application, but will allow us to make the appropriate
arrangement for you.
1. Health History
Please indicate below if you have any health problems.
Yes

No

Chicken Pox
Hepatitis
Infectious Mononucleosis
Tuberculosis or contact with Tuberculosis
Malaria
Heart Problems
High Blood Pressure
Irregular or Rapid Heart Beat
Pain or pressure in the Chest
Asthma
Significant Allergic Reaction(s)
Chronic or Recurrent Gastrointestinal Problems
Kidney Problems
Hernia
Are you currently taking any medications for above problems?

Yes

No

Chronic Skin Problems

Epilepsy
Fainting Spells
Migraine Headaches
Endocrine Disorder(s)
Diabetes Mellitus
Anemia
Anxiety Reactions
Allergies to Medications
Operation(s)
Serious Accident(s)
Physical Handicap(s)
Depression
Other

Give details or those items checked Yes using the space below or additional sheets. Indicate problem, diagnosis if
known, and whether recovery has been complete or if still under treatment.
2. Current Condition
Are there any special needs, physical or mental, of which Saitama University needs to be aware?
describe in detail.

If yes, please

3. Tuberculosis Clearance
All students coming to Saitama University must submit a certification of tuberculosis (TB) clearance issued by a
physician. Any form of certification (TB skin test, a chest x-ray, etc.) is accepted.

Revised October 2015