Q: What does this scholarship cover?
A: It covers the academic fee (tuition plus facilities fee) at the International Christian University for four years.
Q: Does this scholarship cover living costs?
A: No, the scholarship only covers the academic fee (tuition plus facilities fee). You will be responsible for housing, various fees and living costs. You can find a list of fees and estimated living cost here. Information on financial aid options are also found on that same page.
Q: I have dual citizenship (Japanese and American) – am I eligible?
A: Yes, you can apply for the scholarship. However, please note that we prioritize students who do not have Japanese citizenship as there are more financial aid and scholarship options available to those with Japanese citizenship.
Q: How will our level of Japanese language be assessed?
A: Japanese language abilities are unnecessary to apply for either USSI or to ICU. Japanese language assessment will take place after matriculation to ICU.
Q: What happens if I decide to transfer to other schools?
A: The scholarship is meant for students with a strong interest and desire in completing their undergraduate education at ICU in four years. We strongly discourage those who wish to transfer to other schools from applying. In case the scholarship recipient does transfer to another school, the scholarship will be terminated.
Q: Are green card holders considered eligible?
A: Green card holders (permanent residents) are not eligible to apply at this time. We will notify all applicants if this policy changes.
Q: Do I need to travel to Tokyo for the second round interview?
A: No, you don’t. We will arrange an interview via Zoom.
Q: Can I live in the ICU dorms or do I have to live off-campus?
A: International (non-domestic) students are given priority when dormitory assignments are made. You may live in student dormitories at ICU but don’t have to. You may choose to live off-campus. ICU’s Student Affairs Group will assist students with finding housing.
Q: Can I use the same materials submitted for the USSI when I apply to ICU?
A: Yes, you may. In fact, we have tried to use the same application requirements as ICU whenever possible. JICUF staff will work closely with finalists to prepare their application to ICU.
Q: Do we need to submit both the SAT and ACT?
A: No, you are only required to submit one, but can choose to submit both. Please note that ACT test takers must take the essay/writing portion.
Q: What is the difference between the personal statement and the essay?
A: The personal statement is more biographical and should reflect the applicant’s personality and interest in Japan and ICU. The personal The essay should demonstrate your writing ability on one of the topics provided or a topic of your choosing.
Q: Are we able to send the standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc) via the tests’ respective websites?
A: You may send your official scores directly to ICU for their records using the following institution codes.
- SAT Institution Code Number: 0860
- ACT Institution Code Number: 5279
You must, however, submit a copy of your scores to us via the application portal. Unofficial scores are acceptable for this scholarship.
Q: Will ICU transfer community college credits earned during high school?
A: ICU will determine what gets transferred on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Are there part-time jobs that international students can have while they are on this scholarship?
A: There are part-time jobs available to international students. However, ICU discourages students from taking any part-time work for at least the first trimester at ICU, as the first-year students adjust to live in Japan and at ICU.
Q: Are there mandatory Christian classes taught at ICU that I must take?
A: All ICU undergraduate students, including those from Japan, must take the “Introduction to Christianity” course at some point. The course, however, is not meant to proselytize and teaches Christianity from an academic point of view.
Q: Do you have to major in Japanese studies or can I major in another subject? Do I have to know my major before applying?
A: You do not have to know your major when you apply to ICU. Students don’t choose their major until the end of their second year. During those first two years, you are welcome to explore and take classes in departments that interest you.
Q: Is a degree from ICU recognized by colleges and universities in the United States?
A: Yes. ICU is a member institution of the Japanese University Accreditation Association. As such, credits earned at ICU are fully recognized by graduate schools of major universities in Japan, the United States and elsewhere and are also normally accepted for transfer provided they fit into the student’s overall program at his or her home institution.
