About the ILA

The Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA) at Doshisha University, one of Japan’s oldest and top ranking universities, offers a world-class academic experience. As students study for their degrees, they gain international experience in Japan and have opportunities to acquire experience abroad, to intern, and to learn Japanese at our acclaimed Center for Japanese Language and Culture. Studying at the ILA offers the best of both worlds: a small Institute within a large university.

Our diverse international faculty are all active researchers and innovators in their own fields. The Institute's small liberal arts college atmosphere and seminars allow students broad access to the faculty’s expertise. As students study for their degrees, faculty members challenge students to not only find interesting answers, but to formulate and ask intriguing questions.

The four-year Liberal Arts Program is conducted exclusively in English. Students concentrate in one of three specializations: Humanities and the Human Sciences (Japanese Society and Global Culture); Business and Economics (Japanese Business and the Global Economy); or Politics and Policy Studies (Japanese Politics and Global Studies), and they are encouraged to design their own curriculum of study, choosing from a wide range of courses offered throughout the Institute and the rest of the University. As members of Doshisha University, ILA students have access to classes across the University.

Our tuition fees are highly competitive and all incoming international students (college visa holders) will be considered for a reduction in tuition fees. Doshisha offers many other competitive scholarships for students.

Kyoto setting provides an exceptional cultural experience, combining the best of tradition, nightlife, and dynamic employment opportunities in modern Japan. Doshisha receives solicitations for approximately 600 job openings every year for international students and 98% of graduates successfully find jobs.