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International Christian University

Mitaka-shi, Japan Founded 1949 World Rank #3604

Overview

English Name: International Christian University
Local Name: 国際基督教大学
Acronyms: ICU
Founded: 1949
Control Type: Private
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Nondenominational
World Rank: #3604
Rank in Japan: #160
Motto: Expanding Potential
International Christian University central facility
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Established in 1953, the International Christian University (Kokusai Kirisutokyo Daigaku) is a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Mitaka (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Tokyo.

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, International Christian University (ICU) is a small-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Nondenominational religion. International Christian University (ICU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 71-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this Japanese higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

ICU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

The geographic and contact details below cover where International Christian University is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.

Address: 3-10-2 Osawa
Postal Code: 181-8585
Other Sites: Also summer courses in Japanese language. Study abroad programme in : USA; Canada; Chile; China; Taiwan; South Korea; Philippines; Thailand; Vietnam; UK; Italy; Spain; Netherlands; Belgium; France; Germany; Austria; Russia; Lithuania; Hungary; Czech Republic; Denmark; Sweden; Finland; Iceland, Ghana, South Africa; New Zealand and Australia
Map:
Phone: +81 (422) 33 3131
Fax: +81 (422) 33-9887
Social Media:

Academic Details

International Christian University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are summarised below. Use this section to gauge institutional weight before drilling into specific programmes.

Academic Year: April to March (April-June; September-November; December-March)
Accrediting Agency: Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA)
Admission Requirements: Graduation from high school and entrance examination; admittance in April. Foreign students: graduation from high school (completion of 12 yrs of education) and documentary screening; admittance in September. TOEFL and SAT required
Student Enrollment: 2
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA) Open Education Consortium (OEC)

Academic Structures

To understand where programmes live within International Christian University, the academic structure is mapped below. Some institutions run joint faculties with external bodies — credentialing in those cases is shared.

Unit 2 items
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • School of Arts and Sciences

Degrees

Also 1-year Postgraduate Programme in Education

Other 8 programs
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Cultural Studies
  • Education
  • Natural Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Social Policy
  • Social Studies

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

Gender Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Gender Studies
Religious (Centre) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Religious Studies
Rotary Peace (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Sacred Music (Centre) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Religious Music
Liberal Arts (College) 46 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • American Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Asian Studies
  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Chinese
  • Communication Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Education
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • French
  • Gender Studies
  • German
  • Health Sciences
  • Heritage Preservation
  • History
  • Information Sciences
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • International Studies
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Media Studies
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Natural Sciences
  • Peace and Disarmament
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Religious Studies
  • Russian
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
Education (Course/Programme) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Arts and Sciences (Graduate School) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Cultural Studies
  • Education
  • Natural Sciences
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Social Policy
  • Social Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Advanced Studies of Clinical Psychology (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Clinical Psychology

Common Career Paths

  • Psychologist
  • Counsellor
  • Clinical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Asian Cultural Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Studies
Educational Research and Service (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Educational Research

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Japanese Language Education (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Japanese
  • Native Language Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Study of Christianity and Culture (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Christian Religious Studies
Peace (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Peace and Disarmament
Social Science (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Social Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

International Christian University's catalogue, with name search and level grouping. Capstone or dissertation requirements vary across programmes — confirm what you'll be assessed on before applying.

Bachelor's Degree

31 programmes

International Christian University runs 31 programmes at bachelor's level — undergraduate programmes that usually span three to four years and serve as the standard entry route into a profession or further study.

Gender and Sexuality Studies ジェンダー・セクシュアリティ研究
Language Education 言語教育 Education & Teaching
Education 教育学 Education & Teaching
Linguistics 言語学 Linguistics & Language Studies
Psychology 心理学 Psychology
American Studies アメリカ研究
Asian Studies アジア研究 Politics & International Relations
Development Studies 開発研究 Politics & International Relations
Environmental Studies 環境研究 Environmental Sciences
Information Science 情報科学 Information Systems & Technology
Global Studies グローバル研究 Politics & International Relations
Japan Studies 日本研究 Politics & International Relations
Peace Studies 平和研究
Politics 政治学
Music 音楽 Music
Literature 文学 Literature
Philosophy and Religion 哲学・宗教学 Philosophy & Ethics
Economics 経済学 Economics
Business 経営学 Business & Management
History 歴史学 History
Law 法学 Law
Public Policy 公共政策 Public Policy
Art and Cultural Heritage 美術・文化財研究 Archaeology
International Relations 国際関係学 Politics & International Relations
Sociology 社会学 Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology 文化人類学
Media, Communication and Culture メディア・コミュニケーション・文化 Communication Studies
Biology 生物学 Biological Sciences
Physics 物理学 Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry 化学 Chemistry
Mathematics 数学 Mathematics

Master's Degree

4 programmes

There are 4 programmes to choose from at International Christian University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.

Education and Psychology 心理・教育学専攻 Psychology
Public Policy and Social Research 公共政策・社会研究専攻 Public Policy
Comparative Culture 比較文化専攻
Natural Sciences 理学専攻 Natural Sciences

Doctorate

1 programme

These 1 programme make up International Christian University's doctoral catalogue, where candidates work closely with supervisors to produce publishable, original research.

Doctor of Philosophy (Arts and Sciences) 博士後期課程 Philosophy & Ethics

How to apply to International Christian University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to International Christian University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Use the programme finder to browse International Christian University's 36 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Programme-level requirements at International Christian University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    International Christian University processes applications through www.icu.ac.jp. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (422) 33 3131. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about International Christian University

Quick reference for International Christian University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.

When did International Christian University open?

International Christian University traces its founding to 1949 (approximately 77 years ago).

Where is International Christian University located?

International Christian University is located in Mitaka-shi, Japan.

Is International Christian University a public or private institution?

International Christian University is a private institution.

What is the student enrolment at International Christian University?

Student enrolment at International Christian University is around 2,000-2,999.

What is International Christian University's ranking?

It ranks #3604 globally and #160 in Japan.

Is International Christian University affiliated with a religion?

International Christian University is associated with Christian-Nondenominational.

How many faculties does International Christian University have?

International Christian University has 2 academic units.

Is International Christian University officially recognised?

International Christian University is accredited by Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).

How do I find International Christian University online?

You can find International Christian University online at www.icu.ac.jp.

Top-Ranked Universities in Japan

Selectivity at the top Japan universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to International Christian University. The selectivity gap between International Christian University and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.

Members of Open Education Consortium (OEC)

Member institutions of Open Education Consortium (OEC) often have reciprocity arrangements on accreditation — degrees from one member institution typically face fewer credential-recognition issues at others.

Other Japanese Universities Affiliated with Christian-Nondenominational

Beyond International Christian University, several other universities affiliated with Christian-Nondenominational operate with similar values, campus life, and pastoral support — useful comparisons if faith identity is part of your decision. Pastoral support varies meaningfully between affiliated institutions.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

The universities below sit close to International Christian University geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.

Where Else to Study Politics & International Relations

For students considering Politics & International Relations, these Japan institutions deliver the discipline alongside International Christian University. Look beyond programme names to compare module content, assessment methods, and stated graduate outcomes.

Universities Often Compared with International Christian University

When students choose International Christian University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.

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