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Exchange program with partner universities in Japan

Frankfurt students of Goethe University have the opportunity to study at its partner institutions Doshisha University in Kyoto and Osaka University, Japan, as exchange students for one or two semesters.
Both universities offer a wide range of English-taught classes. 

When to apply? 
Wed, 1 February 2023 (for a stay abroad during the acadamic year 2023/24)

Please read the application manual! 

Partner universities and number of possible exchange students:

  • Doshisha University: 
    • max. 2 exchange students per semester (fall / spring) - tuition fee waiver 
    • 2-3 students in the "fee-based program" (tuition fee approx. €2.700 / semester); students who apply for the exchange but do not get nominated will have the opportunity to apply for the fee-based program
  • Osaka University: 5 exchange students for 1 or 2 semesters
For more information on application, visa application, costs, arrival and course selection, please see former exchange students' testimonials (in German).

Doshisha University (Kyoto)

Doshisha University, one of the oldest private institutions of higher learning in Japan, is said to be one of the most prestigious universities in Japan today. Students of Goethe University can apply to study at Doshisha University for one or two semesters:

Students of Japanese Studies and other majors related to Japan with good knowledge of Japanese may apply to study at the Center for Japanese Language and Culture. The CJLC offers a variety of attractive subjects for international students studying at Doshisha University, including Japanese language classes, lecture courses in Japanese Studies and International Studies as well as classes on economy, world history and journalism. Classes are held in Japanese and English. The CJLC offers only undergraduate classes (may also be taken by graduate students; transfer of credits must be confirmed by home institute/department).
Exchange students enrolled at the CJLC may also take classes at the CGE (see below).

Students of other majors interested in Japan with no or little knowledge of Japanese may apply for studies at the Center for Global Education. The CGE offers liberal arts courses taught solely in English to international students and Japanese students to study together and foster a better understanding of Japan in a global context. The Center's curriculum is designed to provide in-depth learning opportunities in a wide range of academic fields ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural and human sciences with all assignments and discussions. Additionally, exchange students may take Japanese language classes.
Exchange students enrolled at the CJLC may also take classes at the Institute of the Liberal Arts.

Osaka University

Osaka University offers international exchange students a variety of study abroad options:

iExPO (Immersion Exchange Program Osaka): Undergraduate and graduate exchange students can choose classes from various courses and departments at Osaka University or conduct research under the guidance of teachers. In this program, international students are required to have a high level of fluency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or N2) or English (Toefl 80; if applicable) depeding on the classes they would like to take. JLPT N1 or N2 is required with application; Toefl can be submitted after successful application.  
Language proficiency: Toefl 80 / JLPT N1 or N2
More information about the program, available classes and corresponding required language proficiency here

OUSSEP (Osaka University Short-Term Student Exchange Program), is a full- or half-year program designed for students in the 3rd or 4th year of an overseas university. In this program, exchange students whose Japanese language skill is not high and those who have never learned Japanese take special academic lectures taught in English called "International Exchange Subjects."  Credits earned at Osaka University may be transferred to the home institution.
Language proficiency: equivalent to Toefl 80 or IELTS 6.0*
More information about the program here

The Maple Program (two semesters) is designed to help students from overseas improve their Japanese language skills, enhance their knowledge of Japanese culture and society, and assist them in advancing towards their respective academic goals. Applicants should be Japanese Studies majors or have an explicit academic connection to Japan.
Language proficiency: equivalent to JLPT-N4*
More information about the program here

FrontierLab@OsakaU accepts international students into their laboratories of sciences; participants study mainly research themes provided by the laboratory. They can also take international exchange subjects and Japanese language courses and other related subjects if they wish. This program was created for international students to conduct advanced thematic studies and achieve results under the guidance of teachers and acquire skills necessary for continuing research. Undergraduate students may apply for one or two semesters, graduate students may apply for three to twelve months (starting date in April or September).
Language proficiency: equivalent to Toefl 80 / IELTS 6.0 (English) or  JLPT-N2 (Japanese)*
More information about the program here und here (pdf).


 *It is NOT necessary to take the official language tests (Toefl / IELTS / JLPT), the given language requirements only serve as an orientation (except for iExpo: JLPT N1/N2 is required); Summary of Linguistic Competence for JLPT levels

general application requirements (for all our Direktaustauschprogramme):

  • applicants must be enrolled at Goethe University
  • applicants must be at least in their 2nd semester (BA), MA students may apply during their 1st semester
  • All majors may apply, there may be some restrictions regarding the available courses: students of medicine and law may apply but will not be able to take classes from their major at the host institution; restrictions regarding courses see first tab "host institution(s)"
  • Good academic standing 
  • Good language proficiency (at least B1, if not stated otherwise) - language certificates are valid for 2 years only!
  • good knowledge of  current and historic political and cultural affairs of host country and Germany
  • good knowledge of the host institution, available classes and a detailed study plan specific to the respective host institution(s)
  • It is expected of exchange students to return to Goethe-University after their study abroad period and continue and finish their studies here. 
  • Students who do not have a German Abitur or other German Hochschulzugangsberechtigung and who are enrolled in an English degree have to submit proof of German proficiency (preferably at least B1)
  • Applicants are expected to be able to take on an ambassador role for Goethe University and Frankfurt

additional application requirements for Doshisha University:

  • CJLC: students of Japanese Studies or students of other disciplines with a major academic focus on Japan;
    CGE: students of all majors with an interest in Japan and detailed motivation7reasons to study in Japan 
  • CJLC: good language proficiency of Japanese (proficiency certificate to be received after a group assessment at the Institute of Japanese Studies - please see the information above);
  • CGE: good language proficiency of English (at least B2; language certificate of a lecturer of English of Goethe University OR   Toefl/IELTS - Doshisha University does NOT accept Duolingo English Test!)
  • graduate students may apply - enrollment on a graduate level at Doshisha University is not guaranteed 

additional application requirements for Osaka University:

  • Good academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 // average grade 2,0 on the German grading scale)
  • Language requirements: English or Japanese 
    • English: language certificate issued by a lecturer of Goethe University or DuoLingo English Test; see details on the right
    • Japanese: 
      • students with a Japanese major: please talk to your Japanese instructor at the department
      • students with a different major: are obliged to take the group language test; details will be made available above 
      • iExpo: JLPT 
  • It is NOT necessary to take the official language tests (Toefl / IELTS / JLPT), the given language requirements only serve as an orientation (except for iExpo: JLPT N1/N2 is required); Summary of Linguistic Competence for JLPT levels; Infos zu den JLPT-Sprachniveaustufen; iExpo: JLPT or Toefl
  • Detailed description of planned studies or research at Osaka University (to be presented in the letter of motivation)
  • FrontierLab: a first email contact with the preferred research lab at Osaka University or even an unofficial acceptance of a lab is a definite plus for the application (but not obligatory) 
Program benefits
  • Tuition fee waiver (other fees may apply)
  • Administrative support with application at host institution
  • on-campus housing is available to exchange students
    Costs before and during the stay abroad
    Tuition fees get waived for exchange students. However, costs of studying abroad should not be underestimated. All other costs will have to be paid by the exchange students themselves:
    • room and board 
    • travel costs
    • insurances 
    • other fees at the host institution may apply, e.g. administrative fees   

    At the time of application to the host institution, proof  of approx. 100,000 JPY / month will have to be submitted (e.g. bank balance) for the visa documents to be issued. 

    When to apply?      Wed, 1 February 2023

    Application documents:
    • Application form - will be generated from online application (will open approx. 4 weeks prior to application deadline)
    • additional application documents
      please see       application manual
    • You will need a letter of reference and a language proficiency certificate. Please see about these well in advance (the sooner the better): talk to a professor/lecturer about the letter of reference and make an appointment for the language test. No late submissions!
    Group assessment - Japanese language

    Thurs, 9 February 2023, afternoon;
    Please register here to find out exact time and place. 

    Interviews    :
    • Tues, 14 Feb 2023 in person (may be subject to change) - no alternative dates possible
    • there might be a preselection based on written applications so that not all applicants will be invited
    Selection of exchange students: 
    • Depending on the number of applicants there may be a preselection based on the application documents.
    • all applicants will receive an email:
      • invitation to an interview OR  
      • rejection on the basis of submitted application    
    • interview will:
      • be in Englisch (and, if different, language of host country; only expected of applicants who stated in their application that they have knowledge of that language) 
      • be about personal and academic motivation of applicant 
      • include possible other subjects such current and historic political and cultural affairs of host country as well as Germany 
    • final selection of exchange students by Goethe University's selection committee
    • final approval of the participation in the program is given by host institutions after applications have been submitted to them

    How to finance your stay abroad: 
    Students participating in our exchange programs may apply for financial aid and/or scholarships at other institutions:

    • DAAD-PROMOS (in April/Mai for fall; in November/December for spring)
    • DAAD-Jahresstipendium (for studying abroad for two semesters; please check the deadlines which are different for different countries and may be several months before the stay abroad) 
    • Auslands-BAföG (apply 6 months before studying abroad)
    • Bildungskredit
    • other scholarships 

    More information on our website: Finanzierung und Stipendien. 

    Please check carefully whether you are eligible to apply: Some financial aid programs and scholarships might only be for German citizens or students who have graduated from German high school and/or have their permant residency in Germany. 

    Austauschstudierende in Japan können sich für ein JASSO-Stipendium bewerben (Info Doshisha, Info Osaka), an der Osaka University können sich Teilnehmende an einem Studierendenaustausch außerdem für finanzielle Unterstützung durch die Gastuniversität bewerben. 

    You will find a data base of testimonials of former exchange students here (in German).

    Hier können Sie die Aufzeichnung eines Vortrags sehen, der im Rahmen der International Week 2020 aufgezeichnet wurde:
    Studium an der Osaka University (Japanologie) 

    Weitere Informationen und Berichte von Studierenden der Ôsaka University und der Dôshisha University, zusammengetragen vom Institut für Japanologie am FB 09, sowie Informationen zum institutseigenen Austausch mit der Rikkyô University finden Studierende der Goethe-Universität unter https://olat.server.uni-frankfurt.de/olat/url/RepositoryEntry/1936556044. (Die Plattform ist für BesitzerInnen eines HRZ-Accounts nach Selbstregistrierung frei zugänglich.)

    Partner universities and number of possible exchange students:

    • Doshisha University: 
      • max. 2 exchange students per semester (fall / spring) - tuition fee waiver 
      • 2-3 students in the "fee-based program" (tuition fee approx. €2.700 / semester); students who apply for the exchange but do not get nominated will have the opportunity to apply for the fee-based program
    • Osaka University: 5 exchange students for 1 or 2 semesters
    For more information on application, visa application, costs, arrival and course selection, please see former exchange students' testimonials (in German).

    Doshisha University (Kyoto)

    Doshisha University, one of the oldest private institutions of higher learning in Japan, is said to be one of the most prestigious universities in Japan today. Students of Goethe University can apply to study at Doshisha University for one or two semesters:

    Students of Japanese Studies and other majors related to Japan with good knowledge of Japanese may apply to study at the Center for Japanese Language and Culture. The CJLC offers a variety of attractive subjects for international students studying at Doshisha University, including Japanese language classes, lecture courses in Japanese Studies and International Studies as well as classes on economy, world history and journalism. Classes are held in Japanese and English. The CJLC offers only undergraduate classes (may also be taken by graduate students; transfer of credits must be confirmed by home institute/department).
    Exchange students enrolled at the CJLC may also take classes at the CGE (see below).

    Students of other majors interested in Japan with no or little knowledge of Japanese may apply for studies at the Center for Global Education. The CGE offers liberal arts courses taught solely in English to international students and Japanese students to study together and foster a better understanding of Japan in a global context. The Center's curriculum is designed to provide in-depth learning opportunities in a wide range of academic fields ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural and human sciences with all assignments and discussions. Additionally, exchange students may take Japanese language classes.
    Exchange students enrolled at the CJLC may also take classes at the Institute of the Liberal Arts.

    Osaka University

    Osaka University offers international exchange students a variety of study abroad options:

    iExPO (Immersion Exchange Program Osaka): Undergraduate and graduate exchange students can choose classes from various courses and departments at Osaka University or conduct research under the guidance of teachers. In this program, international students are required to have a high level of fluency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or N2) or English (Toefl 80; if applicable) depeding on the classes they would like to take. JLPT N1 or N2 is required with application; Toefl can be submitted after successful application.  
    Language proficiency: Toefl 80 / JLPT N1 or N2
    More information about the program, available classes and corresponding required language proficiency here

    OUSSEP (Osaka University Short-Term Student Exchange Program), is a full- or half-year program designed for students in the 3rd or 4th year of an overseas university. In this program, exchange students whose Japanese language skill is not high and those who have never learned Japanese take special academic lectures taught in English called "International Exchange Subjects."  Credits earned at Osaka University may be transferred to the home institution.
    Language proficiency: equivalent to Toefl 80 or IELTS 6.0*
    More information about the program here

    The Maple Program (two semesters) is designed to help students from overseas improve their Japanese language skills, enhance their knowledge of Japanese culture and society, and assist them in advancing towards their respective academic goals. Applicants should be Japanese Studies majors or have an explicit academic connection to Japan.
    Language proficiency: equivalent to JLPT-N4*
    More information about the program here

    FrontierLab@OsakaU accepts international students into their laboratories of sciences; participants study mainly research themes provided by the laboratory. They can also take international exchange subjects and Japanese language courses and other related subjects if they wish. This program was created for international students to conduct advanced thematic studies and achieve results under the guidance of teachers and acquire skills necessary for continuing research. Undergraduate students may apply for one or two semesters, graduate students may apply for three to twelve months (starting date in April or September).
    Language proficiency: equivalent to Toefl 80 / IELTS 6.0 (English) or  JLPT-N2 (Japanese)*
    More information about the program here und here (pdf).


     *It is NOT necessary to take the official language tests (Toefl / IELTS / JLPT), the given language requirements only serve as an orientation (except for iExpo: JLPT N1/N2 is required); Summary of Linguistic Competence for JLPT levels

    general application requirements (for all our Direktaustauschprogramme):

    • applicants must be enrolled at Goethe University
    • applicants must be at least in their 2nd semester (BA), MA students may apply during their 1st semester
    • All majors may apply, there may be some restrictions regarding the available courses: students of medicine and law may apply but will not be able to take classes from their major at the host institution; restrictions regarding courses see first tab "host institution(s)"
    • Good academic standing 
    • Good language proficiency (at least B1, if not stated otherwise) - language certificates are valid for 2 years only!
    • good knowledge of  current and historic political and cultural affairs of host country and Germany
    • good knowledge of the host institution, available classes and a detailed study plan specific to the respective host institution(s)
    • It is expected of exchange students to return to Goethe-University after their study abroad period and continue and finish their studies here. 
    • Students who do not have a German Abitur or other German Hochschulzugangsberechtigung and who are enrolled in an English degree have to submit proof of German proficiency (preferably at least B1)
    • Applicants are expected to be able to take on an ambassador role for Goethe University and Frankfurt

    additional application requirements for Doshisha University:

    • CJLC: students of Japanese Studies or students of other disciplines with a major academic focus on Japan;
      CGE: students of all majors with an interest in Japan and detailed motivation7reasons to study in Japan 
    • CJLC: good language proficiency of Japanese (proficiency certificate to be received after a group assessment at the Institute of Japanese Studies - please see the information above);
    • CGE: good language proficiency of English (at least B2; language certificate of a lecturer of English of Goethe University OR   Toefl/IELTS - Doshisha University does NOT accept Duolingo English Test!)
    • graduate students may apply - enrollment on a graduate level at Doshisha University is not guaranteed 

    additional application requirements for Osaka University:

    • Good academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 // average grade 2,0 on the German grading scale)
    • Language requirements: English or Japanese 
      • English: language certificate issued by a lecturer of Goethe University or DuoLingo English Test; see details on the right
      • Japanese: 
        • students with a Japanese major: please talk to your Japanese instructor at the department
        • students with a different major: are obliged to take the group language test; details will be made available above 
        • iExpo: JLPT 
    • It is NOT necessary to take the official language tests (Toefl / IELTS / JLPT), the given language requirements only serve as an orientation (except for iExpo: JLPT N1/N2 is required); Summary of Linguistic Competence for JLPT levels; Infos zu den JLPT-Sprachniveaustufen; iExpo: JLPT or Toefl
    • Detailed description of planned studies or research at Osaka University (to be presented in the letter of motivation)
    • FrontierLab: a first email contact with the preferred research lab at Osaka University or even an unofficial acceptance of a lab is a definite plus for the application (but not obligatory) 
    Program benefits
    • Tuition fee waiver (other fees may apply)
    • Administrative support with application at host institution
    • on-campus housing is available to exchange students
      Costs before and during the stay abroad
      Tuition fees get waived for exchange students. However, costs of studying abroad should not be underestimated. All other costs will have to be paid by the exchange students themselves:
      • room and board 
      • travel costs
      • insurances 
      • other fees at the host institution may apply, e.g. administrative fees   

      At the time of application to the host institution, proof  of approx. 100,000 JPY / month will have to be submitted (e.g. bank balance) for the visa documents to be issued. 

      When to apply?      Wed, 1 February 2023

      Application documents:
      • Application form - will be generated from online application (will open approx. 4 weeks prior to application deadline)
      • additional application documents
        please see         application manual
      • You will need a letter of reference and a language proficiency certificate. Please see about these well in advance (the sooner the better): talk to a professor/lecturer about the letter of reference and make an appointment for the language test. No late submissions!
      Group assessment - Japanese language

      Thurs, 9 February 2023, afternoon;
      Please register here to find out exact time and place. 

      Interviews      :
      • Tues, 14 Feb 2023 in person (may be subject to change) - no alternative dates possible
      • there might be a preselection based on written applications so that not all applicants will be invited
      Selection of exchange students: 
      • Depending on the number of applicants there may be a preselection based on the application documents.
      • all applicants will receive an email:
        • invitation to an interview OR  
        • rejection on the basis of submitted application    
      • interview will:
        • be in Englisch (and, if different, language of host country; only expected of applicants who stated in their application that they have knowledge of that language) 
        • be about personal and academic motivation of applicant 
        • include possible other subjects such current and historic political and cultural affairs of host country as well as Germany 
      • final selection of exchange students by Goethe University's selection committee
      • final approval of the participation in the program is given by host institutions after applications have been submitted to them

      How to finance your stay abroad: 
      Students participating in our exchange programs may apply for financial aid and/or scholarships at other institutions:

      • DAAD-PROMOS (in April/Mai for fall; in November/December for spring)
      • DAAD-Jahresstipendium (for studying abroad for two semesters; please check the deadlines which are different for different countries and may be several months before the stay abroad) 
      • Auslands-BAföG (apply 6 months before studying abroad)
      • Bildungskredit
      • other scholarships 

      More information on our website: Finanzierung und Stipendien. 

      Please check carefully whether you are eligible to apply: Some financial aid programs and scholarships might only be for German citizens or students who have graduated from German high school and/or have their permant residency in Germany. 

      Austauschstudierende in Japan können sich für ein JASSO-Stipendium bewerben (Info Doshisha, Info Osaka), an der Osaka University können sich Teilnehmende an einem Studierendenaustausch außerdem für finanzielle Unterstützung durch die Gastuniversität bewerben. 

      You will find a data base of testimonials of former exchange students here (in German).

      Hier können Sie die Aufzeichnung eines Vortrags sehen, der im Rahmen der International Week 2020 aufgezeichnet wurde:
      Studium an der Osaka University (Japanologie) 

      Weitere Informationen und Berichte von Studierenden der Ôsaka University und der Dôshisha University, zusammengetragen vom Institut für Japanologie am FB 09, sowie Informationen zum institutseigenen Austausch mit der Rikkyô University finden Studierende der Goethe-Universität unter https://olat.server.uni-frankfurt.de/olat/url/RepositoryEntry/1936556044. (Die Plattform ist für BesitzerInnen eines HRZ-Accounts nach Selbstregistrierung frei zugänglich.)

      Kontakt

      Goethe-Universität Frankfurt
      Global Office
      Eschersheimer Landstraße 155
      c/o House of Labor
      3rd floor
      60323 Frankfurt am Main

      Mrs. Jule Türke

      INTERNATIONAL WEEK 

      Missed the International Week 2022? 

      Please find here recordings of our sessions about:

      • Studying abroad 
      • Internships abroad
      • ERASMUS+
        (Studying and internships)
      • Exchange programs worldwide (Direktaustauschprogramme)
      • DAAD scholarships
      • PROMOS
      • testimonials of former exchange students

      general infos

      general information about:

      • required documents 
      • language certificates
      • transfer of credits 
      • leave of absence (Urlaubssemester)
      • FAQs and much more... 

      Language Certificate English:

      Please make an appointment for a language certificate English issued by a lecturer of Goethe University (for those programs where this is sufficient) with "Zimmer 17" at the Institut für England- und Amerikastudien well in advance (only 6 appointments per week). Alternative: see below.

      Duolingo English Test 

      For some exchange programs you may submit the DuoLingo English Test (at least 105) instead of the Language Certificate issued by a lecturer of Goethe University (NOT instead of Toefl, where necessary).  

      EXCEPTION: Doshisha University only accepts TOEFL.