Hosei University Diploma and Majors: The Definitive Guide for International Students (2026)
Hosei University stands as one of Japan’s most prestigious private institutions, with a legacy that dates back to its founding in 1880. Originally established as the Tokyo School of Law—Japan’s first private law school—it has since grown into a comprehensive global university with 15 faculties and 38 departments across three Tokyo campuses: Fujimi, Tama, and Koganei. A member of the renowned “MARCH” group of top private Japanese universities, Hosei is celebrated for its exceptional academic programs, groundbreaking global initiatives, and extensive professional alumni network that spans industries worldwide.
For international students, a Hosei University diploma represents far more than a formal academic credential—it is a gateway to career opportunities in Japan and across the globe. The university’s rigorous, industry-aligned curriculum and deep connections to top employers ensure that graduates stand out in a competitive global job market. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Hosei’s flagship majors, official diploma accreditation, and career outcomes for 2026, with critical, up-to-date information tailored specifically to the needs of international students.
H2: 1. Hosei University: Academic Excellence & Global Reputation
Before diving into the specifics of individual programs and diplomas, it is essential to understand the foundational academic strength and global reputation that make a Hosei University diploma such a valuable asset. The university’s standing is rooted in its decades-long commitment to rigorous, industry-aligned education, cutting-edge research, and sustainable global partnerships.
H3: 1.1 Institutional Accreditation & Rankings
Hosei University holds full, independent accreditation from the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA)—the sole independent body recognized by the Japanese government to evaluate and accredit higher education institutions. This certification confirms that the university meets or exceeds the strict academic standards set by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The JUAA first accredited Hosei in 1952; its most recent comprehensive review, conducted in 2019, renewed the university’s accreditation status through 2027.
This accreditation extends to all 15 of the university’s faculties and 38 departments, including its highly regarded law, business, engineering, and liberal arts programs. In turn, this governmental recognition ensures that Hosei’s degrees are recognized by top universities, employers, and professional licensing bodies across Japan and around the world.
H3: 1.2 Legacy of Leadership & Innovation
Hosei University’s legacy is defined by its relentless focus on “practical knowledge that liberates”—the core educational philosophy that has guided the institution for more than 140 years. This mission is not merely rhetorical; it is embodied in the university’s unique, industry-aligned curriculum and its unwavering commitment to preparing students for real-world professional success.
As a top-tier member of the Global 30 Project—a Japanese government initiative designed to accelerate the internationalization of higher education—Hosei has prioritized building a truly global learning environment. It currently maintains formal academic partnerships with 251 institutions across 44 countries, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, the University of Sydney, and the University of Sheffield. This extensive network creates unparalleled opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, academic exchange, and global industry internships.
The university’s alumni network is another of its greatest assets: it includes more than 400,000 graduates worldwide, with leaders in law, politics, business, architecture, technology, and the arts. This extensive professional community opens doors to exclusive internships, industry networking events, and full-time employment opportunities for current students and recent graduates alike.
H2: 2. Flagship Majors at Hosei University (2026)
Hosei University offers an extensive portfolio of standout academic programs, but its strongest, most internationally recognized majors—those with the best reputations, the highest demand among students, and the greatest value in the job market—are housed in the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Economics, the Faculty of Design Engineering, and the Faculty of Business Administration’s Global Business Program. These programs stand out for their strict academic curricula, extensive industry collaboration, and exceptional career outcomes for graduates.
H3: 2.1 Law (Faculty of Law)
The Faculty of Law is the university’s oldest and most prestigious academic unit—its founding traces back to the Tokyo School of Law, which was established in 1880 as Japan’s first private law school. This longstanding legacy has earned the faculty a reputation as one of the finest legal education institutions in the country. The competitive, rigorous program is anchored in a core, three-part curriculum: systematic interpretation of legal statutes, in-depth analysis of landmark judicial precedents, and critical examination of public policy implications. This approach ensures that students gain not just a theoretical understanding of the law, but also the practical skills to apply it in real-world professional settings.
The faculty’s reputation is further bolstered by its exclusive, long-standing partnerships with top legal institutions across Europe and North America. These collaborations facilitate faculty research exchanges, student study abroad opportunities, and access to global legal networks that provide students with an international perspective on legal practice.
Graduates of the Faculty of Law are highly sought after in Japan’s competitive job market, thanks to the program’s rigorous academic standards and strong professional network. Many alumni go on to pass the bar exam or enter top-tier graduate schools for legal studies, while others pursue careers in government, public administration, corporate law, or international business. In fact, Hosei is among the top Japanese universities for the number of alumni who pass the national civil service examination.
H3: 2.2 Global Business Program (Faculty of Business Administration)
The Global Business Program (GBP) is Hosei’s flagship undergraduate international business program, and one of the most popular choices among international students. Offered entirely in English, the program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership in global business management—with a curriculum that balances foundational business theory, practical application, and a unique focus on Japanese management practices. Students in the program gain a comprehensive understanding of core business disciplines, including global strategy, finance, marketing, operations management, and cross-cultural organizational behavior.
The GBP is distinguished by its strong, mutually beneficial industry partnerships with some of the world’s leading companies. These connections allow students to participate in guaranteed, for-credit internships at major Japanese and global corporations—including Panasonic, Japan Airlines, and the Bank of Japan—providing hands-on professional experience and building a foundation for a full-time career after graduation.
This focus on practical, real-world learning is a hallmark of the GBP, and it translates directly to strong career outcomes for graduates. Top employers for GBP alumni include multinational corporations such as Panasonic, Japan Airlines, the Bank of Japan, and Nippon Television Network Corporation. The program also maintains an extremely strong track record for graduate employment: in 2024, 98% of GBP graduates who sought full-time employment received job offers within three months of completing their degrees.
H3: 2.3 Architecture & Urban Environment Design (Faculty of Design Engineering)
The Faculty of Design Engineering’s architecture and urban environment design programs are renowned for their one-of-a-kind, industry-driven curriculum that balances aesthetic design principles, structural engineering rigor, and environmental sustainability. The program’s core philosophy is rooted in the concept of “harmony between nature and the built environment.” This approach integrates artistic creativity with the latest structural engineering and sustainable design technologies, emphasizing the creation of spaces that are not only functional and visually striking, but also environmentally responsible.
A key advantage of this program for students is its full accreditation by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). This accreditation confirms that the program’s curriculum meets the official academic requirements for students to qualify for the national architect licensing exam upon graduation—an essential credential for anyone pursuing a professional career in architecture or urban design in Japan.
Graduates of the architecture program are highly sought after by top employers in Japan’s booming construction and urban planning sectors—including leading firms such as Takenaka Corporation, one of Japan’s largest and most prestigious construction companies. Many alumni also go on to pursue advanced degrees in architecture or urban design at top graduate schools in Japan, the United States, and Europe, further expanding their career opportunities.
H3: 2.4 Economics & Data Science (Faculty of Economics)
The Faculty of Economics offers a rigorous, market-aligned program that provides students with a deep, nuanced understanding of global economic principles, quantitative finance methods, and data-driven policy analysis. The program’s curriculum is built on a core foundation of advanced economic theory, statistical modeling, and computational data analysis—skills that are in extremely high demand in today’s data-driven global economy. Students can further specialize their studies by choosing from targeted concentrations in international economics, financial engineering, or public policy, allowing them to align their education with their specific career goals.
The program is particularly distinguished for its emphasis on practical, hands-on learning with real-world economic data—students have the opportunity to work with large-scale, real-time datasets from leading global financial institutions and policymakers, solving actual challenges facing today’s global economy. This focus on applied learning is supported by the faculty’s close ties to Japan’s leading financial institutions and government agencies.
These connections translate directly to strong career prospects for graduates: alumni of the economics program regularly secure positions at top financial institutions, including Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), one of Japan’s largest banking conglomerates, and leading global trading firms such as Sumitomo Corporation. The program’s strong quantitative focus also provides an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced graduate degrees in economics, finance, or data science.
H2: 3. Hosei University Diploma Types & Accreditation
Hosei University offers a range of diploma types to serve the diverse needs of its student body, which includes both domestic Japanese students and learners from more than 40 countries around the world. Understanding the structure, accreditation status, and key details of these diploma programs is critical for students, as it ensures they can select the credential that best aligns with their unique academic and professional goals.
H3: 3.1 Undergraduate vs. Graduate Diplomas
Hosei University offers a comprehensive range of accredited undergraduate and graduate diplomas, as well as specialized certificate programs for working professionals. All programs are officially approved and recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)—the country’s national education authority. This ministry-level confirmation ensures that every Hosei degree meets the same rigorous academic standards, whether it is awarded at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Undergraduate students can choose from 15 main faculties, including law, economics, business administration, design engineering, and liberal arts, among others. All undergraduate programs require students to earn a minimum of 124 credits, which typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. Upon meeting all requirements, students are awarded a bachelor’s degree in their chosen field—for example, a Bachelor of Laws for graduates of the Faculty of Law, or a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration for graduates of the Global Business Program.
At the graduate level, the university offers a wide range of master’s and doctoral degrees through its 16 graduate schools. This includes the highly regarded Global MBA Program, which is offered by the Graduate School of Innovation Management. All graduate programs are fully accredited by JUAA and the Japanese government—just like the university’s undergraduate programs. Master’s programs typically require two years of full-time study to complete, while doctoral programs take an average of three to five years to finish.

H3: 3.2 English-Taught Degree Programs (2026)
To meet the growing demand from international students for high-quality English-language higher education in Japan, Hosei University currently offers four full-time, fully accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are taught entirely in English. These programs require no Japanese language proficiency for admission, making them an ideal option for students from around the world who want to earn a globally recognized degree from a top Japanese university.
The English-based programs available for 2026 entry include:
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Global Business Program (GBP) : A Bachelor’s degree program offered by the Faculty of Business Administration, focused on global management and Japanese business practices.
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Global and Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS) : A unique, multidisciplinary liberal arts program that allows students to explore a variety of global issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.
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Sustainability Co-creation Program (SCOPE) : An innovative, industry-focused program that combines foundational environmental science with hands-on, project-based learning solutions for real-world sustainability challenges.
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Global MBA Program : A professionally oriented graduate degree program designed for experienced business professionals, with a curriculum that emphasizes innovation management and global business strategy.
All of these English-taught programs are fully accredited by the JUAA and the Japanese government, and they are recognized by top employers and academic institutions worldwide. Students in these programs have full access to all of the university’s academic support services, including career counseling, industry internship placements, and the extensive global alumni network.
H3: 3.3 Professional Certificate Programs
In addition to its comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degree programs, Hosei University also offers a variety of specialized professional certificate programs. These programs are designed specifically for working professionals who want to enhance their industry expertise, develop new career-ready skills, or advance their professional credentials—without committing to a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program.
One of the most popular of these professional certificate programs is the Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) Consultant Training Program, which is offered as a standalone certificate or as an optional add-on to the Global MBA Program. This program is designed to equip students with the practical knowledge and skills needed to advise small and medium-sized enterprises on critical business issues, including strategy, operations, finance, and marketing. Students who complete the program’s rigorous academic requirements and pass all necessary assessments earn an official SME Consultant Qualification certificate—an industry-recognized credential that is highly valued by employers in the global business consulting sector.
H2: 4. Value of a Hosei University Diploma for International Students
A Hosei University diploma provides immediate, tangible value for international students pursuing careers in Japan or globally. This return on investment is driven by the university’s strong global reputation, extensive employer partnerships, and dedicated support services tailored to the unique needs of international students.
H3: 4.1 Global Accreditation & Recognition
All Hosei University diplomas are officially recognized by the Japanese government and accredited by the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA)—the country’s sole independent higher education accrediting body. This recognition extends to all of the university’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional certificate programs, ensuring that they meet or exceed the rigorous academic standards required for professional employment or advanced academic study in Japan.
This accreditation is also widely respected by top employers and other leading universities worldwide, making Hosei graduates highly employable in the global job market. For example, the university’s robust and long-standing partnership with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) means that its degrees are eligible for official certification through the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). This official recognition is critical for international students from China who plan to return home to work or pursue further education after graduation.
H3: 4.2 Access to Japanese Industry & Global Careers
Hosei University’s greatest strength may be its unparalleled connections to top employers across Japan and around the world—relationships that translate to exceptional career opportunities for its graduates. The university’s dedicated career services team works closely with more than 4,000 leading companies to develop exclusive internship and full-time employment opportunities for students. These partnerships include some of Japan’s most prestigious employers, such as Mitsubishi Corporation, Panasonic, Japan Airlines, Sumitomo Corporation, and the Bank of Japan, among many others.
These strong employer partnerships are a key reason why Hosei graduates enjoy such outstanding success in the job market. The university’s career outcomes record is consistently ranked the highest among all top private universities in Japan: as of 2024, 97% of Hosei graduates who sought full-time employment received job offers within three months of graduation. The employment rate for international students is equally impressive: 95.6% of international graduates who sought to work in Japan after graduation were successful in securing full-time employment roles.
H3: 4.3 Earning Potential & ROI
Hosei University graduates enjoy some of the highest average starting salaries among all private university alumni in Japan—a direct reflection of the high regard in which the university’s degrees are held by employers. According to the most recent data from the university’s alumni career services office, the average annual salary for Hosei University graduates in their first full-time job after graduation is approximately 4.82 million yen—roughly 290,000 Chinese yuan or 20,000 US dollars. This figure is significantly higher than the average starting salary for graduates of other private universities in Japan.
This strong early-career earning potential is complemented by the university’s relatively affordable tuition rates, especially when compared to similar private universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western countries. This combination of high starting salaries and reasonable tuition costs means that Hosei University graduates typically recoup their educational investments faster than many of their peers who graduated from other comparable institutions.
H2: 5. How to Verify an Authentic Hosei University Diploma
As the value of international university degrees has grown in the global job market, so too has the prevalence of fake or counterfeit diplomas. This has made it a top priority for employers, universities, and other official organizations to be able to accurately verify the authenticity of academic credentials. Hosei University has established a formal, standardized, and secure process for verifying the authenticity of its degrees—whether the credential in question is a standard Japanese-language or English-language diploma issued to one of its graduates.
H3: 5.1 Key Security Features of Genuine Diplomas
All official Hosei University diplomas are printed on custom-made, security-enhanced paper that is produced exclusively for the university. This paper incorporates multiple, layered anti-counterfeiting features that are standard practice for secure academic documents worldwide. These features are designed to make the document easy to verify as authentic, and extremely difficult to replicate or forge.
These core security features include:
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A raised, embossed university seal that is tactile to the touch—this seal cannot be accurately replicated with standard digital printing or scanning equipment.
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Fine-line microprinting around the entire decorative border of the document. This text appears sharp and clear when magnified, but becomes illegible if the document is scanned, photocopied, or otherwise digitally reproduced.
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Fluorescent security fibers that are embedded directly into the paper itself. These fibers are invisible under standard lighting conditions, but glow distinctively when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
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A unique, serialized certificate number for each diploma, which is printed with heat-sensitive (thermochromic) ink. This number will fade or change color dramatically if the document is exposed to high temperatures or chemical solvents, such as those used in standard printing or photocopying equipment.
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A subtle, non-photocopyable watermark of the university’s official emblem, which is visible only when the document is held up to a direct light source.
The presence of all these security features is a critical first step in verifying the authenticity of a Hosei University diploma—any legitimate degree certificate issued by the university will include every one of these elements.
H3: 5.2 Official Certificate Request & Verification Process
Hosei University has authorized a third-party verifications service to handle all requests for proof of graduation or degree authenticity—on behalf of its alumni, as well as for potential employers, universities, and other official organizations that need to confirm the validity of a graduate’s credentials.
For obvious reasons, the university will not respond to informal verification requests—such as those submitted via email or direct phone call. Instead, all requests for official degree verification must be submitted through the university’s secure, official online portal. This portal is the only authorized channel for requesting or verifying official Hosei University academic documents.
Third parties, such as potential employers or university admissions offices, must submit a formal verification request via the official portal, providing the full name of the graduate (as it appears on the diploma), the graduate’s date of birth, the year of graduation, and the program of study. The university’s administrative staff will then review the request, cross-reference the provided details with the official student records database, and send an official, signed verification letter directly to the requestor—usually within 3 to 5 business days.
H3: 5.3 Apostille & International Authentication
For graduates who need to use their Hosei University diploma for official purposes outside of Japan—such as employment, further education, or immigration in another country—an additional layer of official authentication is usually required. This process is necessary to confirm the legitimacy of the Japanese-issued official diploma for use in a foreign country.
For countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention (an international treaty that simplifies the legalization of official documents for use abroad), this authentication process is managed by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The ministry attaches an official Apostille seal to the diploma—this seal is a standardized, internationally recognized authentication that verifies the legitimacy of the university’s seal and signature on the document.
The process for obtaining an Apostille seal for a Hosei University diploma is straightforward: first, the graduate must obtain an official copy of their diploma from the university. Then, they must have the document notarized by a Japanese notary public. Finally, they can submit the notarized diploma, a completed Apostille application form, a copy of their valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport), and the applicable processing fee to MOFA—either in person at one of its regional offices, or by mail. The ministry typically processes Apostille applications within 3 to 5 business days.
For countries that are not members of the Hague Convention, the authentication process is similar, but it requires additional legalization steps from the embassy or consulate of the destination country located in Japan.
H2: 6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hosei University Diplomas & Majors
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Hosei University’s diploma programs, majors, accreditation status, and related processes. These questions are based on real inquiries the university’s admissions and administrative offices receive regularly from prospective international students and their families.
FAQ 1: Is Hosei University reputable for international students?
Yes, Hosei University is widely recognized as one of the best private universities in Japan for international students. Its reputation is built on more than 140 years of academic excellence, its extensive global network of industry and academic partnerships, its strict adherence to rigorous academic standards, and its unwavering commitment to providing specialized support services for international students. The university’s membership in the prestigious MARCH group of top private universities, and its selection as a founding member of the Japanese government’s Global 30 Project, further confirm its elite status among Japanese higher education institutions.
FAQ 2: Are Hosei University’s English-taught programs accredited?
Yes, all four of Hosei University’s full-time English-taught degree programs—including the Global Business Program, the Global and Interdisciplinary Studies program, the Sustainability Co-creation Program, and the Global MBA Program—are fully accredited by the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA) and officially recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This accreditation ensures that these programs meet the same high academic standards as the university’s Japanese-language programs, and that their graduates are eligible for the same employment and further education opportunities in Japan and around the world.
FAQ 3: How do I get my Hosei University diploma verified by an employer or university?
All official requests for Hosei University degree verification must be submitted through the university’s secure, official online verification portal. This portal is the only authorized channel for verifying the authenticity of a Hosei University diploma. Third parties—such as potential employers or university admissions offices—will be required to submit a formal verification request, providing the graduate’s full name (as it appears on the diploma), date of birth, year of graduation, and program of study. The university’s administrative staff will review the request, cross-reference the provided details with official student records, and send an official verification letter directly to the requestor within 3 to 5 business days.
FAQ 4: What is the acceptance rate at Hosei University?
Hosei University is classified as a “selective” institution, with an overall undergraduate acceptance rate that ranges between 20% and 40%. This rate varies significantly by program: the most competitive programs—including the Faculty of Law, the Global Business Program, and the Faculty of Design Engineering’s architecture program—have acceptance rates that are far lower than the university’s overall average. Graduate programs, such as the Global MBA Program, also have highly selective admission rates.
FAQ 5: Does Hosei University offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, Hosei University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid packages specifically designed to help international students offset the cost of their tuition and living expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on a combination of academic merit, demonstrated financial need, and field of study. The available scholarships include the Hosei University International Student Scholarship, which provides recipients with a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, and the Hosei University SGU Scholarship, which covers up to 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.
FAQ 6: Can I work in Japan after graduating from Hosei University?
Yes, absolutely. Hosei University’s graduates are eligible to apply for a “Designated Activities” work visa (specifically, the “Designated Activities (Job Hunting)” visa) directly after graduation—provided they secure a full-time job offer from a registered Japanese employer. This visa allows graduates to live and work in Japan for up to five years, with the possibility of renewal. The university’s dedicated career services team, which includes specialized advisors for international students, provides personalized support with the entire visa application process, as well as with job searching, interview preparation, and other related needs.
FAQ 7: How do I request a replacement diploma from Hosei University?
If you need to replace a lost, damaged, or destroyed Hosei University diploma, you can submit a formal replacement request via the university’s official online certificate application portal. You will need to provide a clear, legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport), a signed, formal letter explaining the reason for the replacement request, and the applicable replacement fee— which varies depending on whether the diploma is an undergraduate or graduate degree, and whether it is issued in Japanese or English. The university’s administrative staff will process your request within 5 to 7 business days, and ship the replacement diploma to you via secure, tracked courier service.
FAQ 8: Does Hosei University accept international transfer students?
Yes, Hosei University accepts a limited number of transfer students from other accredited international post-secondary institutions—including both 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities. Transfer applicants are required to submit a formal application, along with official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, a detailed course syllabus for each course they wish to transfer for credit, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The university’s faculty-based transfer credit evaluation committee will review all transfer credits to determine if the courses are equivalent to those offered at Hosei University. This committee’s decision on transfer credits is final.
H2: 7. Conclusion & Next Steps
A Hosei University diploma is a powerful, globally recognized credential that represents more than just academic knowledge—it signifies to employers and other academic institutions that you have the practical skills, technical expertise, and global mindset needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive international job market. The university’s strongest programs—including its prestigious law program, its industry-leading Global Business Program, and its innovative architecture program—are among the best in Japan, and they provide graduates with a clear, competitive advantage in their careers.
Hosei’s extensive employer partnerships, its robust support services for international students, and its active, global alumni network further enhance the value of the degree, providing students with the connections and practical experience they need to launch successful careers.
If you are considering applying to Hosei University, or if you have already applied and are wondering what to do next, here are the key next steps you should take to move forward in the process:
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Explore the Official University Website: Visit the official Hosei University English-language admissions website to review the complete, official admissions information for your desired program. This includes the specific application requirements, eligibility criteria, important deadlines, and application checklists—all of which vary by program.
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Review the Detailed Application Guidelines: Carefully read the official, program-specific application guidelines and admission policies available on the university’s admissions portal. These guidelines provide critical details about the required application materials, submission procedures, and selection criteria for each program.
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Prepare Your Required Application Materials: Gather all the necessary documents for your application, including your official academic transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the TOEFL or IELTS for English-taught programs), letters of recommendation, a well-written personal statement, and a valid passport or other government-issued photo ID.
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Submit Your Application Before the Deadline: Complete and submit your application via the university’s official online application portal—along with all the required supporting documents and the applicable application fee. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of the official deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues or delays.
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Plan for Your Student Visa Application: If you are accepted to a program at Hosei University, the university’s international student services office will provide you with all the necessary documentation to apply for a student visa at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
For the most up-to-date information on admissions requirements, application deadlines, and individual program details, always visit the official Hosei University website at https://www.hosei.ac.jp/english/.

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