Tokyo Woman's Christian University (TWCU) —Guide for International Applicants: Admissions, Tuition, Scholarships & Student Life

Thinking about studying in Tokyo at a women’s liberal-arts university with a close-knit campus and deep international links? Tokyo Woman’s Christian University (TWCU) in Suginami, west Tokyo, has been shaping globally minded graduates since 1918. This guide gives overseas applicants an approachable overview—quick facts, strengths, student life, climate, exchange options, and career outcomes—so you can decide whether TWCU fits your goals. We cite official sources, and all links open in a new tab for easy comparison.

Quick Facts Table

Type	Private women’s university Fast Facts (TWCU)
Total Students	3,924 (Undergrad: 3,845 / Graduate: 79) Source
Campus	Main campus: Zempukuji, Suginami (Tokyo) Location & Access
Faculties/Schools	School of Arts & Sciences (Departments): International English; Humanities; International Society; Psychology & Communication; Mathematical Sciences Fast Facts
Biaya Pendidikan	Sarjana (Year 1 incl. admission): approx. ¥1,449,000; Years 2–4: approx. ¥1,249,000. Graduate (Year 1): approx. ¥1,018,000; (Year 2): approx. ¥818,000. Official Fees (JP)
Gender Ratio	Women-only undergraduate admissions Admissions (EN)
Intl‑Student %	International students: 59 (approx. 1–2%) Fast Facts
Students per Staff	~33.8 : 1 (3,924 ÷ 116 full‑time faculty) Fast Facts
Academic Calendar	See the Academic Calendar (PDF) 2025 Academic Calendar

Numbers above follow TWCU’s latest English “Fast Facts” and official fee tables. Currency shown in Japanese yen (¥).

Campus Maps

Main Campus (Suginami, Tokyo)

Address: 2-6-1 Zempukuji, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-8585, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Founded in 1918, Tokyo Woman’s Christian University was established on Christian principles to educate “cultivated people with professional expertise.” The university’s distinctive mission—liberal arts rooted in ethical leadership and service—runs through core coursework, chapel traditions, and student engagement. For an overview of values and data (enrollment, departments, facilities), start with TWCU’s Fast Facts page and the President’s message Message from the President.

Historically, TWCU’s campus in Zempukuji (Suginami, western Tokyo) grew alongside Japan’s modernization. If you’re into campus architecture and heritage, check the Campus Information page and the illustrated Campus Guide (PDF). For a location overview and transit guidance, see Location & Access. TWCU’s English page “Since 1918” summarizes the school’s founding spirit and milestones.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Global Liberal‑Arts Core

TWCU’s single‑faculty structure (School of Arts & Sciences) offers breadth with depth. Departments include International English; Humanities; International Society; Psychology & Communication; and Mathematical Sciences—encouraging cross‑disciplinary study with seminars central to learning. See the department lineup on Fast Facts.

Flagship Focus: International English & International Society

International English builds academic English, critical thinking, and presentation skills through content‑based learning and small‑group seminars—an attractive path for students eyeing global careers. International Society dives into international relations, economics, sociology, and community planning. For Japanese‑language detail on majors and seminar work, browse the department pages (JP): International Society and related specializations (e.g., International Relations, Economics, Sociology).

Scholarships, Advising & Buddy Program for Internationals

TWCU’s International Exchange Center and Student Support provide one‑to‑one advising, health and counseling services, and scholarships specifically for international students, plus a Buddy Program to help newcomers settle in. See Student Support (EN) for details on tuition reduction and named scholarships. The semester rhythm is outlined in the Academic Calendar (PDF).

Global Mobility & Partner Universities

TWCU connects students to partner institutions worldwide and supports study‑abroad programs one or two semesters long. Explore partners on the English list here: Partner Universities and the programs overview: International Programs.

Compact Green Campus & Community Feel

With nearly all undergraduates studying on one campus, it’s easy to build friendships across departments. The campus guide shows historic buildings, chapel, library, and dorms Campus Guide (PDF), and the campus info hub lists facilities from the International Exchange Center to dormitories Campus Information.

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

TWCU hosts dozens of academic and athletic clubs under the Students’ Association; international students often join music, culture, language, and volunteering circles. (See “Student Activities” inside Student Support.)

Dedicated Support Offices

International Exchange Center (visas, exchange, dorm info), Counseling Service (mental health), Health Service (checkups), and Advisor System (academic guidance). All are summarized on Student Support (EN).

Language‑Exchange & Buddy Programs

TWCU pairs new international students with “Buddies” who help with campus orientation, local paperwork, and language exchange—especially useful in the first 6 months. Details are inside Student Support.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

TWCU emphasizes outbound mobility. You can research destinations and eligibility on the official pages: Partner Universities dan Programs. The International Exchange Center provides advising and scholarship information.

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Suginami, West Tokyo)

Weather Patterns (Recent Years)

Tokyo has warm, humid summers and mild winters with limited snowfall. For recent monthly data—mean, daily maximum, and daily minimum temperatures—consult the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Tokyo station data (WMO 47662); see detailed tables for 2024 here (JP): JMA Monthly (2024). Sunshine/precipitation series (EN) are listed here: JMA Monthly (EN).

Neighborhood Vibe & Access

Suginami balances calm residential streets with lively areas like Koenji and Ogikubo, and has abundant parks (Zenpukuji, Wadabori). For an English snapshot by the official local tourism association, see “Suginami Through the Seasons”. TWCU’s own Location & Access page shows routes from central hubs (e.g., Shinjuku).

Tokyo continues to attract students and workers nationwide. For recent population movement context, see this 2025 report: Kyodo News: Net population influx to Tokyo (2024).

Cost of Living (Guide)

Government‑approved guidance puts typical student housing around ¥57,000/month in Tokyo, with total monthly living costs varying by lifestyle. See JASSO’s Study in Japan resources: Living Costs & Expenses dan Accommodation.

International Student Statistics

TWCU lists 59 international students in its English Fast Facts; the student body is primarily domestic, which supports immersive Japanese campus life with targeted support for internationals. See Fast Facts.

Career & Graduate Prospects

TWCU reports consistently high job placement outcomes, supported by required senior projects and a proactive Career Center. Review the university’s career data (JP) here: Career & Placement Statistics. In 2024, TWCU ranked among the top private women’s universities in a national “Famous 400 Companies” employment index; see the official news release (JP): University News (2024). Government “University Portrait” pages also compile outcomes (JP): UP-J (TWCU Career/Outcomes).