Doshisha University: Programs, Campus Life, and Career Opportunities for International Students

Thinking about studying in Japan but not sure where to start? Doshisha University—founded in 1875 in the heart of Kyoto—offers a blend of liberal arts tradition, cutting‑edge research, and a welcoming community for international students. With two distinct campuses, English‑medium degree options, and robust career support, Doshisha is a practical choice for undergraduates and postgraduates alike. This guide walks you through fast facts, programs taught in English, student life, exchange pathways, climate and lifestyle in Kyoto, and what careers look like after graduation—so you can decide if Doshisha fits your goals.

Quick Facts — Doshisha University

Use this at‑a‑glance table to check the essentials.

Type (National/Public/Private)	Private comprehensive university About Doshisha
Total Students	29,104 (as of May 1, 2025: UG 26,853; Grad 1,600 + 364; Integrated Doctoral 27; Professional 260) Official stats
Campuses (main campus noted)	Imadegawa (main, central Kyoto); Kyotanabe (southern Kyoto Prefecture) Imadegawa / Kyotanabe
Faculties/Schools	School of Theology; Faculty of Letters; Social Studies; Law; Economics; Commerce; Policy Studies; Culture & Information Science; Science & Engineering; Life & Medical Sciences; Health & Sports Science; Psychology; Global Communications; Global & Regional Studies List of faculties
Tuition Fees (Undergraduate)	Typical first‑year totals (incl. admission & facilities fees): Humanities ¥832,000; Culture & Information Science ¥925,000; Health & Sports Science ¥952,000; Psychology ¥981,000; Science/Engineering & Life/Medical ¥1,210,000. Admission fee ¥200,000. School fees (2025)
Gender Ratio	42 : 58 (F : M) THE key stats
Intl‑Student %	4% THE key stats
Students per Staff	≈18 : 1 THE key stats

Sources for the quick facts above: official “Number of Students & Faculty,” campus pages, fee tables, and Times Higher Education statistics. Students & Faculty / Imadegawa Campus / Kyotanabe Campus / Fees / THE profile.

Campus Maps

Imadegawa Campus (Main, Central Kyoto)

Address: Karasuma-Imadegawa, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8580, Japan

Kyotanabe Campus (Southern Kyoto Prefecture)

Address: 1-3 Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe-shi, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

“Education of Conscience” in Kyoto

Doshisha University traces its roots to 1875, when Joseph Hardy Neesima (Jo Niijima) founded the Doshisha English School in Kyoto after returning from studies in the United States. His vision was not just to teach knowledge, but to cultivate people who would “use their abilities as conscience dictates.” That founding spirit—often summarized as education of conscience—still guides the university’s approach to teaching, research, and community engagement today. Purpose of the Foundation / About Doshisha

From a small academy, Doshisha grew into a comprehensive private university with 14 undergraduate faculties and extensive graduate schools. The main Imadegawa Campus sits beside the Kyoto Imperial Palace in the city’s cultural heart, while the Kyotanabe Campus—home to science and engineering—offers modern facilities and room to expand. This dual‑campus model gives students the heritage and urban energy of central Kyoto alongside the space and laboratories needed for STEM disciplines. Imadegawa overview / Kyotanabe overview

Doshisha’s mission combines liberal learning, professional preparation, and global citizenship. Courses and co‑curricular programs draw on Christian principles that shaped the university’s early development, while remaining open to students of all backgrounds. As one of Kyoto’s long‑standing institutions, Doshisha collaborates with local communities and international partners to keep its education outward‑facing and relevant. International Top Page.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

English‑Medium Degrees You Can Complete

If you plan to study in English, Doshisha offers full degree paths without Japanese as the language of instruction. At the undergraduate level, the Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA) delivers a flexible liberal‑arts BA taught entirely in English, with concentrations spanning social sciences, humanities, and global studies. On the graduate side, options include the International Science and Technology Course (selected STEM fields in English) and the Global MBA at Doshisha Business School, which emphasizes sustainability, business in Asia, and culture & creativity. English‑based degree programs / ILA admissions / International Science & Technology Course / Global MBA

Two‑Campus Advantage: Urban heritage + modern STEM base

Imadegawa Campus places you in central Kyoto’s academic corridor—near the Imperial Palace and cultural institutions—ideal for humanities, law, economics, and global studies. Kyotanabe Campus hosts science & engineering, life & medical sciences, health & sports science, and more, with newer teaching and research facilities. Many students split time between campuses through electives and joint activities, gaining the best of both environments. Imadegawa / Kyotanabe

Research Hubs across Humanities and STEM

Doshisha sustains interdisciplinary research through institutes such as the Institute for Study of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Harris Science Research Institute. These hubs connect faculty and graduate researchers with society’s questions—from policy and culture to materials and biomedical engineering—while training students in lab methods, fieldwork, and collaborative research. Humanities & Social Sciences Institute / Harris Science Research Institute

Global Networks, Exchanges, and the EU Campus

Beyond traditional study‑abroad, Doshisha runs a web of partnerships and special programs. The university maintains exchange agreements worldwide and operates the Doshisha EU Campus at Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen in Germany for joint teaching and mobility. Independent consortia based at Doshisha, including the Associated Kyoto Program (AKP) and the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS), add further paths for North American liberal‑arts students to experience Kyoto. EU Campus (Tübingen) / Student Exchange Program / AKP / KCJS

Career Support with Results

Doshisha’s Career Center provides counseling, job‑search seminars, company information sessions, and international‑student guidance. For the Class of 2025, the university reports a 99.7% employment rate at graduation—helped by a large alumni base (about 380,000 worldwide) and long relationships with employers in Kansai and beyond. Career support for international students / Data Book (English)

Student Life for International Students

Clubs & Circles. Doshisha lists roughly 170 officially recognized groups and about 240 registered circles—around 400 in total—plus 50+ varsity sports teams (from aikido to yacht). International students are welcome to join, making clubs a great way to meet friends across language backgrounds. Clubs & Circles

Support Offices. The Office of International Students (OIS) centralizes practical help—resident‑status guidance, housing information, scholarships, and campus life tips. The university also runs an International Peer Support Program and a tutor system at graduate level. OIS website / Support Systems

Language-exchange & social spaces. The International Community Lounge provides dedicated spaces for cross-cultural communication—located on Fusokan 2F at Imadegawa Campus and Shigyokan 1F at Kyotanabe Campus. International students studying Japanese and Japanese students practicing English can drop by to meet each other and improve language skills. International Community Lounge (official page)

Part‑time work (資格外活動). Students may apply for permission to engage in part‑time work and can browse listings via the “Student Part‑time Job Information Network.” Be sure any work remains secondary to your studies. Part‑time job guidance (OIS) / Student Life: Part‑time Work

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

Doshisha maintains a broad exchange network and short-term study paths. Degree students can apply for semester/year exchanges, and visiting students can join Japanese-language or culture programs. Browse partners by region and check eligibility, language requirements, and scholarship options on the official pages. Student Exchange Program / Overseas Partner Institutions (Asia–Oceania / Europe / North, Central & South America / Africa & Middle East) / EU Campus (Tübingen)

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Kyoto)

Weather & seasons. Kyoto has four distinct seasons. Summers (June–September) are hot and humid with occasional downpours; winters (December–February) are cold but dry with rare snow accumulation. The city’s tourism office provides month‑by‑month temperature charts (sourced from the Japan Meteorological Agency) and practical clothing tips. Kyoto Weather & Clothing

Culture & heritage. Kyoto contains 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites—temples, shrines, and a castle—offering centuries of art and architecture within easy reach of campus. UNESCO: Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto / Kyoto City Official Guide

Cost of living & everyday life. Kyoto’s cost of living is generally lower than Tokyo’s, with student‑friendly neighborhoods near both campuses and reliable public transport. For current price comparisons (rent, groceries, transit passes), consult crowd‑sourced dashboards like Numbeo. Numbeo: Kyoto cost of living

International Student Statistics

According to Times Higher Education, international students make up about 4% of total enrollment, with a student‑to‑staff ratio of roughly 18:1. The university’s English Data Book provides detailed tables of international enrollments by region and nationality (as of May 1, 2025), spanning Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa—plus separate columns for programs like ILA, the International Science & Technology Course, and the Global MBA. THE profile / Doshisha Data Book (EN)

Career & Graduate Prospects

For employment in Japan, Doshisha’s Career Center runs workshops (履歴書/ES, interview prep), company info sessions, and recruiting fairs, with tailored guidance for non‑Japanese speakers on visas, job categories, and job‑hunting timelines. The university reports a 99.7% employment rate for 2025 graduates at graduation. With roughly 380,000 alumni and overseas branches in 36 cities (24 countries/regions), students tap into extensive mentoring and networking. Career support for international students / Data Book (EN)

Tip: If you plan to work part‑time during studies, apply early for the “Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted by the Status of Residence.” OIS explains the rules and shares job‑search links. Part‑time work (OIS)