Research Student (Kenkyusei) Application Process
In addition to our
undergrad and graduate school programs, KSU invites applications
for enrollment as a Research Student (kenkyusei) at two levels:
1) Gakubu-kenkyusei (for graduates from a Bachelor’s
program), and
2) Daigakuin-kenkyusei (for graduates from a Master’s
program).
Research students at both levels may take selected classes
in their chosen department and
Faculty, mostly working semi-independently on their own
research themes, with guidance from an academic supervisor. Enrollment
is generally for one year, but may be approved for just one
semester, or up to two years, by the department concerned.
Access to other departments is restricted, even within the
same
Faculty.
Admission is by a screening process requiring full Faculty
meeting approval. Applications are assessed on a “case by case” basis,
as KSU cannot guarantee the availability of space (in the case of studio
subjects) or suitably-qualified academic supervisors. (Each
professor is allowed to supervise a maximum of two exchange or research
students).
Applicants are required to document suitable background with specialized
knowledge and practical skills in their field of study (e.g.
someone applying to become a kenkyusei in Comic Art needs
to have graduated in a closely-related major, and to show
a strong portfolio).
Language
Requirements
Japanese language proficiency is essential to gain
full benefit from research.
All classes are taught in Japanese, and source material is likewise
in Japanese. Many teachers
speak no English, or very little.
The minimum language requirement is equivalent
to the level of standard Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level III,
although an actual test score is not required.
Application Deadlines
Please
contact the International Office at least two months before
the application deadline, to ensure availability of a suitable course
and
academic
advisor.
The
application
deadline for
Spring semester admission (for
applications from overseas) is November
30th of the preceding year.
(Spring
semester runs from early April through late July).
For Fall
admission, apply by May
31st,
(Fall semester is from
early September through late January).
Applicants already living in Japan (those who don't need to apply
for a Certificate of Visa Eligibility) can apply later: by February
28th
for Spring semester, and July 31st, for Fall.
[Applicants for Monbukagakusho scholarships who are certain that
they want to enroll at KSU are advised to formally apply as a kenkyusei at
the same time as making their Monkasho application (usually in May),
to make it possible for KSU to confirm
acceptance within
the
Monkasho’s
summer deadline.]
Documents Required for Application:
1) KSU's Research Student Application
Form
The Gakubu-kenkyusei form and Daigakuin-kenkyusei forms
are slightly different. Both require filling your research theme
and research plan.
If possible, you
need to provide
the name and personal details of a sponsor (guarantor) during your
time in Japan (employed resident of Japan preferred).
2) KSU’s Research Student Personal History Form
[These forms are available on KSU’s website, from the
Downloads page:
www.kyoto-seika.ac.jp/eng/6_admissions/downloads.htm]
3) A brief self-introduction
4) A certified transcript of academic record from the last academic
institution you attended, and a copy of your graduation diploma.
5 A portfolio (slides accepted) in the case of Faculty of Art/Design/Manga
applicants, or paper/article, to show previous work/study
(Please send copies only – nothing will be returned to you
unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope).
6) Certification of financial resources during your study period
in Japan (bank statement, scholarship or grant notification etc.).
7) A screening fee of 12,000 yen (not refundable).
This payment needs to be made after your application is accepted
by the department,
and
before confirmation by a full Faculty Meeting. We will inform you
of the necessary bank details.If applying from overseas, please
send 14,500 yen by bank transfer (account details available on
Downloads page). The additional 2,500
yen is required to cover bank handling charges at this end.
8) Additional documents to be submitted by non-Japanese applicants
already residing in Japan include a copy of your current visa and
personal information pages of your current passport, and a copy
of your application
for entry into Japan.
Flow of Application Process
1) Ask KSU International Office about
availability of suitable academic supervisor and practicality of proposed
research at KSU, two months before deadline.
2) Download application forms, prepare and mail out all necessary
application material to International Office before deadline.
3) KSU Department screens
applications. If approved, study supervisor is designated
4) Results of screening emailed to applicant. If successful, transfer screening
fee to be to KSU’s bank
5) KSU Academic Affairs Office notifies screening
result to full Faculty Meeting; formal approval.
6) International Office mails out letter of acceptance, and
Certificate of Visa Eligibility application forms
7) Return
CVE application and associated documents 2 months before
the beginning of semester, if possible.
8) KSU
International Office submits CVE
application forms to
Immigration Office, Kyoto.
9) Student
makes travel reservations
10) CVE issued by Immigration Office, picked up by KSU International
Office staff, express-mailed to student.
11) Take or mail CVE and passport to
Japanese embassy or consulate, to receive actual visa (processing
may take several days)
before departure from home country
12) Arrival in Kyoto; temporary stay in KSU dorm (if room is available)
while finding own long-term accommodation (with assistance by International
Office). Orientation, introduction to supervisor; discussion of study
plan and selection of classes.
