Language Requirement: 1 year recommended
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophmore or Above
Location: Asia, Japan
GPA: 2.75

Program Overview

In this program, you will directly enroll in courses at Hitotsubashi University in western Tokyo. Hitotsubashi University is the only university in Japan to specialize exclusively in the humanities and social sciences. Since its foundation in 1875, Hitotsubashi has been at the forefront of Japan’s innovation. It has been a powerhouse for generations of Japan’s globally active business leaders as well as a research hub producing cutting-edge research in the global academic network of the social sciences. Currently, Hitotsubashi has approximately 4,400 undergraduate students, of which more than 700 are international students. 

Learn more about Hitotsubashi University here.
The most populous city in the world, Tokyo has a global influence on par with cities such as New York, London, and Paris. Despite being a modern metropolis, Tokyo remains rich in culture; one is just as likely to see temples and shrines throughout the city as major skyscrapers. 

Scholarship opportunity: JASSO scholarship funds may be available through the Japanese government. The JASSO scholarship is typically around $550/month (80,000 JPY). If this funding is available, GEO will rank and nominate eligible JASSO applicants. Please note that this scholarship is competitive. Recipients are typically notified around one month before the start of their program.

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall/Winter Semester 2026-27 12/15/2025 Early September Late January
Academic Year 2026-27 12/15/2025 Early September Late July
Spring Quarter 2027 06/15/2026 Late March Late July
Japanese Academic Year 2027-28 06/15/2026 Late March Late January

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

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Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

Studying at Hitotsubashi University offers the opportunity to improve your Japanese language skills while taking content courses on a variety of subjects in English. Students with an advanced level in Japanese language may be able to directly enroll in classes at Hitotsubashi on social sciences, business, or economics that are taught in Japanese. Please speak with your GEO advisor for more information. The Hitotsubashi academic calendar is made up of two six-month semesters each year, which are each comprised of two quarters. Students may take a combination of classes that run for the full semester and classes that run for only one quarter, allowing for more flexibility in your schedule.
 
Students will enroll in a minimum of 12 semester credits per semseter (which is usually 6 classes). One semester credit at Hitotsubashi is equal to 1.5 UO quarter credits.

Japanese language classes:
Hitotsubashi offers a variety of Japanese language classes, from the very beginning level and survival Japanese, up to the advanced level. They also offer advanced level Japanese courses to prepare you for specific disciplines, such as Japanese for Economics, Japanese for Social Sciences, or Legal Japanese. These advanced classes will not only strengthen your language skills, but will also improve your knowledge of specific vocabulary and writing norms relevant for your discipline. Exchange students will take a language placement test, which determines the level of Japanese language you are placed into.

Learn more and find information on Japanese language classes available.

Hitotsubashi Global Education Program (HGP)
Most of the English-taught courses at Hitotsubashi are through their Global Education Program, which offers more than 130 courses taught in English. HGP offers interdisciplinary courses in English, designed for both international and Japanese students, so you will have the opportunity to learn alongside local Japanese students. Students can choose from a variety of courses in the social sciences. The classes provide in-depth learning opportunities in the fields of international relations, sociology, business, economics, and more. The HGP also includes courses specifically designed for exchange students ranging from Japanese language, Japanese Affairs, and seminars, which are small courses with a limited number of students.

Find more information on the Global Education Program.

Other departments:

Hitotsubashi University has a variety of other departments (called faculties), including the Faculty of Commerce and Management, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Law, and more. Most of the classes in these departments are taught in Japanese, but there are some classes in each department taught in English. To search for classes, visit the Syllabus Search and click English. After you search for classes, the Language column indicates whether the class is taught in English (E) or Japanese (J).

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

Hitotsubashi does not have a language pre-requisite, however it is recommended to have some previous language study to help facilitate daily life in Japan. 

Housing Description

Exchange students have priority for Residence Hall Ikkyo-Ryo on Kodaira campus. Your dormitory will either be on campus or a short commute away via the subway. Single and shared rooms are available. Even though exchange students have priority, please note that housing in the residence halls is not guaranteed.

Japanese and international resident assistants live in the dormitory and can help you with adjusting to campus life. A basic kitchen is available so that you can cook your own meals. There is also a variety of restaurants nearby if you prefer not to cook – just plan to budget a little extra for meals. 

Learn about the residence hall here:
Residence Hall Ikkyo-Ryo

Budget and Price

Hitotsubashi University Exchange

Exchange programs have a fixed program fee that is calculated based on your Oregon residency status and the number of semesters that you spend abroad. Please note that the terms available for each exchange vary based on the university's academic calendar.

Please only include the relevant program fee when determining your estimated total cost of attendance.

2025-26 Fall/Winter Semester

Program Fees Paid to GEO
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident $4,885
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident $11,550
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $500
Estimated UO Insurance* $425
Other Estimated Expenses
Estimated housing** $1,375
Estimated meals $2,250
Estimated airfare from Eugene $1,800
Estimated books & course supplies $200
Estimated cost of acquiring passport $150
Estimated cell phone expenses $225
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated local transportation $400
Estimated compulsory Japan health insurance $125
Estimated visa expenses $60
Estimated additional living expenses*** $1,775
Total
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident $14,220
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident $20,885

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

*Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($2.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account.

**Paid directly to host university or housing company. Housing costs vary depending on the residence hall. This estimate is based on Residence Hall Ikkyo-Ryo, which exchange students have priority for. However, accommodation is not guaranteed and other housing options are generally more expensive.

***This is a rough estimate for other living expenses such as doing laundry, buying toiletries, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits and does not include personal travel.

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

2025-26 Academic Year

Program Fees Paid to GEO
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident $9,770
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident $23,100
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $1,000
Estimated UO Insurance* $820
Other Estimated Expenses
Estimated housing** $3,025
Estimated meals $4,950
Estimated airfare from Eugene $1,800
Estimated books & course supplies $400
Estimated cost of acquiring passport $150
Estimated cell phone expenses $495
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated local transportation $880
Estimated compulsory Japan health insurance $275
Estimated visa expenses $60
Estimated additional living expenses*** $3,505
Total
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident $27,180
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident $40,510

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

*Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($2.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account.

**Paid directly to host university or housing company. Housing costs vary depending on the residence hall. This estimate is based on Residence Hall Ikkyo-Ryo, which exchange students have priority for. However, accommodation is not guaranteed and other housing options are generally more expensive.

***This is a rough estimate for other living expenses such as doing laundry, buying toiletries, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits and does not include personal travel.

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

2026 Spring Quarter

Program Fees Paid to GEO
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident $4,885
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident $11,550
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $500
Estimated UO Insurance* $425
Other Estimated Expenses
Estimated housing** $1,375
Estimated meals $2,250
Estimated airfare from Eugene $1,800
Estimated books & course supplies $200
Estimated cost of acquiring passport $150
Estimated cell phone expenses $225
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated local transportation $400
Estimated compulsory Japan health insurance $125
Estimated visa expenses $60
Estimated additional living expenses*** $1,775
Total
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident $14,220
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident $20,885

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

*Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($2.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account.

**Paid directly to host university or housing company. Housing costs vary depending on the residence hall. This estimate is based on Residence Hall Ikkyo-Ryo, which exchange students have priority for. However, accommodation is not guaranteed and other housing options are generally more expensive.

***This is a rough estimate for other living expenses such as doing laundry, buying toiletries, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits and does not include personal travel.

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

2026-27 Japanese Academic Year

Program Fees Paid to GEO
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident $9,770
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident $23,100
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $1,000
Estimated UO Insurance* $820
Other Estimated Expenses
Estimated housing** $3,025
Estimated meals $4,950
Estimated airfare from Eugene $1,800
Estimated books & course supplies $400
Estimated cost of acquiring passport $150
Estimated cell phone expenses $495
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated local transportation $880
Estimated compulsory Japan health insurance $275
Estimated visa expenses $60
Estimated additional living expenses*** $3,505
Total
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident $27,180
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident $40,510

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

*Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($2.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account.

**Paid directly to host university or housing company. Housing costs vary depending on the residence hall. This estimate is based on Residence Hall Ikkyo-Ryo, which exchange students have priority for. However, accommodation is not guaranteed and other housing options are generally more expensive.

***This is a rough estimate for other living expenses such as doing laundry, buying toiletries, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits and does not include personal travel.

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

IMPORTANT: The GEO Cancellation Policy is effective from the time a student agrees to pay their non-refundable program deposit or electronically signs the program commitment form, regardless of application or acceptance status. It is essential to read this policy before a potential cancellation takes place, to fully understand the withdrawal and cancellation penalties, and to understand what it means financially to commit to a study abroad program.

Students who cancel their participation must notify GEO in writing. Email is acceptable (geoinfo@uoregon.edu). Verbal notification to GEO or notification given to a non-UO campus study abroad office is not sufficient.

For full details, see the complete GEO Cancellation Policy.

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