For both Degree-seeking and Exchange students

What can I study at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering?

Our Master’s Program consists of four core programs: Industrial Science and Technology, Public Infrastructure, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Natural Science, and two special programs: the Special Graduate Program on Disaster Mitigation Study for Asian Students and the Regional Engineer Development Program. Our Doctoral Program consists of one core program and the Special Graduate Program on Disaster Mitigation Study for Asian Students, and it covers almost the same fields as the Master’s Program except for Regional Engineer Development. Please click here for details.

Do I need to speak Japanese?

In many graduate programs, it is usually okay, even if you do not understand Japanese, because English will be used to a certain extent in classes, seminars, and research guidance for international students. Also, it is possible to get by in daily life in Japan, even if you do not speak Japanese. However, since circumstances differ depending on your field of interest, we recommend that you consult us before applying for our program. We also recommend that you study Japanese after you arrive in Japan (ideally before you come if you have time) to enhance your study and life.

Are there any Japanese language classes?

Ehime University offers Japanese language classes at a variety of levels. Please click here for details.

How many international students are enrolled at Ehime University?

Although it changes from year to year, Ehime University has about 300 international students every year. The latest statistics on the number of international students can be found here.

When does the academic year begin?

Japanese academic year begins in April and ends in March. For more details, click here.

When do the semesters begin?

Each academic year is divided into two semesters. The first semester (spring semester) begins in April, and the second semester (fall semester) begins at the end of September. Each semester is again divided into two quarters. For more details, click here.

When do I have to arrive in Ehime at the latest to attend classes from April/September?

There is an orientation for new international students just before the semester starts. You will be notified of the exact date of the orientation if you are admitted to the university. Please plan your itinerary so that you arrive in Ehime in time for that orientation.

How can I get a visa?

Before applying for a visa, you must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by the Immigration Bureau of Japan, which verifies that you will study at Ehime University. Ehime University will apply to the Immigration Bureau for this process upon receipt of the documents from you. You will be notified of specific procedures and required documents after you are admitted to the university. After receiving the COE via Ehime University, you must submit a visa application at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate office where you reside.

How long does it take to get a COE?

It depends on the situation. Usually, it takes one to three months. Please submit the required documents to Ehime University as soon as possible so that you can obtain a COE in time.

Is student housing available? Is family housing available?

Yes. We provide housing, including family rooms, for both degree-seeking and exchange students. But the number of rooms we can provide is limited. If no rooms are vacant, we will help you find a private apartment. More details are available here.

How and when do I apply for student housing?

If you are admitted to Ehime University, you will be notified of the application process and deadlines for student housing. The application period varies from year to year but usually runs from December to January for the first semester (spring semester) and from June to July for the second semester (fall semester). General instructions can be found here.

For Degree-seeking Students

Do you offer degree programs taught in English?

In many graduate programs, English will be used to a certain extent in classes, seminars, and research guidance for international students. In that sense, you can obtain a master’s or doctoral degree even if you do not speak Japanese. However, since circumstances differ depending on your field of interest, we recommend that you consult us before applying for the entrance examination.

How long does it take to complete a degree program?

Usually, it takes two years to earn a master's degree and three years to earn a doctoral degree. However, there is no guarantee that a degree can be obtained in that time frame. In particular, there is a good possibility that a doctoral degree will take longer to obtain.

How many credits are required for a master's/doctoral degree?

A minimum of 30 credits are required for a master's degree and 12 credits for a doctoral degree. For more details, click here.

Am I eligible to apply for a master’s/doctoral program?

Please refer to the application guidelines available here.

How do I apply for a master’s/doctoral program?

Applications are accepted through the web application system. For details, please refer to the application guidelines available here.

When is the application deadline?

Please refer to the application guidelines available here.

How much is the tuition?

Information on the tuition is available here.

What types of financial aid are available?

EU (Ehime University) Advanced Research Fellowship is available for doctoral students. The fellowship provides financial support to the selected doctoral students while offering programs to enhance their research skills and secure their postdoctoral career path. For more details, please click here. Information on other types of financial aid is available here.

For Exchange Students

How can I apply for an exchange program?

Applications for exchange study are made through your home university, so please consult with the person in charge of international exchange at your home university.

My home university has nominated me as an exchange student. What do I do next?

Information on the procedures, schedule, and required documents are available here.

How many courses should I take per semester?

Generally, international students are required by law to attend classes for at least 10 hours per week to obtain a student visa (residence status of “College Student”). 2 credit hours per semester corresponds to 1.5 hours of classes per week. Therefore, attending 14 credit hours of classes (for example, seven 2-credit courses) per semester meets this requirement.

What courses can I take?

Please refer to the online syllabi available here. If the linked site is displayed in Japanese, Click the “日本語 <-> English” icon in the upper left to change the language to English. Please note that not all courses are offered in English. For specific information about the language of instruction, please ask your host faculty member or contact us at

I am enrolled in an undergraduate program at my home university. Can I take graduate courses while on exchange?

Unfortunately, graduate courses are not, in principle, available to undergraduate students. It may be possible to attend a graduate course informally without earning credits if the course instructor permits.

I am enrolled in a graduate program at my home university. Can I take undergraduate courses while on exchange?

You may be enrolled as an undergraduate student at Ehime University if your home university allows it. However, in this case, you cannot take graduate courses at Ehime University. If you are enrolled as a graduate student at Ehime University, you are supposed to take graduate courses in principle. However, you may take some undergraduate courses with the permission of the course instructors and your host faculty member.

I am interested in economics in addition to science and engineering. Can I also take courses from the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences while on exchange at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering?

Although you are supposed to take courses offered by the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, you may take several courses offered by other graduate schools with the permission of the course instructors and your host faculty member. However, it is not always possible to take courses as you wish due to the class schedule, prior knowledge, and difficulty level.

How can I transfer my credits earned at Ehime University to my home university?

Usually, your home university is responsible for the transfer of your credits. Therefore, please consult with the person in charge at your home university. If you need any assistance from Ehime University after you return to your home country, please e-mail us at:


General Questions

Why do international students choose Ehime University?

The reasons for choosing Ehime as a place to study abroad vary from person to person. Some international students have decided to study in Ehime because they have heard from others who have studied there that the people there are very kind. The size of the city is neither too small nor too large, making it a calm and comfortable place to live. Almost all the facilities necessary for daily life are located within biking (and even walking) distance from the campus. Abundant nature and delicious, fresh food are also attractive features of the city. Of course, Ehime University also has its own advantages, such as its advanced research centers and extensive career support for international students.

What is the difference between “Ehime” and “Matsuyama”? Are they the same city?

Japan consists of 47 prefectures, and “Ehime” is the name of one of them. On the other hand, “Matsuyama” is the name of a city in Ehime Prefecture and is the prefectural capital. Ehime University is located in Matsuyama City.

What is the weather like in Ehime?

The weather in Ehime is mild and comfortable. Specific data on temperature and precipitation can be found here. The linked site is a government-approved information site operated by the Japan Student Services Organization.

What is the cost of living in Ehime?

The cost of living in Ehime is lower compared to large cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Specific data on the cost of living can be found here. See the “Cost of Living in Matsuyama” section at the bottom of the page.

How long does it take from Ehime to Tokyo/Osaka?

Standard flight time from Matsuyama Airport in Ehime to Haneda Airport in Tokyo is 1 hour and 35 minutes, and to Itami Airport in Osaka is 55 minutes. There are many daily flights to both airports, so you can travel easily.

Whom do I contact if I have more questions?

If you have a question that is not listed here, please contact us at: Graduate School of Science and Engineering Team, Education Support Division, Ehime University

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