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

 
TermYearDeadlineArrival DateDeparture Date 
Fall/Winter Semester2025-2612/15/2024Early SeptemberLate January 
Academic Year2025-2612/15/2024Early SeptemberMid-late July 
Spring Quarter20266/15/2025Late MarchMid-late July 
Japanese Academic Year2026-276/15/2025Late MarchLate 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.

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