Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program. Application Guideline October 2015 Enrollment

Transcription

1 Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program Application Guideline October 2015 Enrollment

2 Contents Brief Overview of the Program 1 Duration of Program (2015 cohort). 2 Student Intake. 2 Checking Eligibility to Apply. 2 Application Timetable and Instructions... 5 Application Materials. 6 1)Application form 2)Documents certifying eligibility to apply 3)Certification of English language proficiency 4)Recommendations 5)Result of standardized test for university admission 6)Application fee The Screening Process 11 Expenses Involved in Enrollment and Study.. 12 Economic Support. 12 Accommodation Support.. 12 Handling of Personal Information.. 12 Appendix: International and National Qualifications and Test Scores for University Admission 13

3 Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program Application Guideline Brief Overview of the Program The Human Sciences Undergraduate Degree Program aims to cultivate self-motivated, reflective students who have a sophisticated knowledge base and the necessary practical skills to meet the challenges that they will face in our fast-changing, globalized world. At the same time, it aims to nurture students who have a well-defined area of expertise and who are able to bring workable solutions to a variety of problems and issues in their field. This exciting and innovative program was launched in October 2011 by the School of Human Sciences in collaboration with other schools, graduate schools, and research centers at Osaka University. In addition to providing an English language-based program that develops critical thinking and human science research skills (both qualitative and quantitative), it is also expected that students will develop a high-level proficiency in Japanese. After taking shared foundation courses in the first three semesters, from the fourth semester, students will begin to take advanced courses that will help them build a profile for either the Global Citizenship or Contemporary Japan major. The Global Citizenship Major provides a learning environment in which students can acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude for reflecting critically on and engaging positively with global issues. The Contemporary Japan Major provides students with a Japanese studies curriculum that encourages the development of informed, critical and multicultural perspectives on Japan, Japanese culture and its international relations in the world. Japanese language study will be compulsory in the freshman and sophomore years for both majors and optional thereafter. These two majors are not separate, but will be effectively integrated in order to nurture Glocal actors who can think and act 1

4 both locally and globally. Students do not have to choose a major until the fifth semester. Regardless of major, the degree awarded at the end is a Bachelor of Human Sciences. Duration of Program (2015 cohort) October 1 st, 2015 to September 30 th, 2019 (4 years)* *For students who meet required academic criteria, accelerated graduation after three and half years is possible. Student Intake This program currently enrolls only a small number of students. This allows for intensive study and supervision. Checking Eligibility to Apply Due to Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) requirements, to be eligible to apply for this program you must be one of the following types of student by September 30 th, criteria 1: An International applicant (defined here as a student applying from outside of Japan) who has completed a standard 12-year school education curriculum (primary, lower and upper secondary) in a country other than Japan. criteria 2: An international applicant who is at least 18 years of age and who, while not completing all twelve years of their education in that particular country, has passed upper secondary school level examinations and therefore is considered to have reached the same academic level as a student who has completed the standard 12-year school education curriculum of that country and therefore is eligible to apply for university in that country. 2

5 criteria 3: An international applicant who is at least 18 years of age, who has completed primary and secondary school education in line with the stipulations of that country or passed upper secondary school level examinations and therefore considered to have reached the same academic level as a student who has completed the standard primary and secondary school education curriculum of that country. However, because the qualification is not considered equivalent to a full 12 years in the Japanese system, applicants need to have completed a pre-university preparatory education course required for admission to Japanese universities as designated by MEXT. criteria 4: A Japan-based applicant who is at least 18 years of age and who has completed a program of study in Japan at an educational institution offering the national curriculum of a foreign country and this curriculum would be considered to be equivalent to completion of a standard 12-year school curriculum under rules of that country s school education system. In other words, they would be eligible to apply to a university in that country as a result of completing said curriculum. criteria 5: A Japan-based applicant who is at least 18 years of age and who has completed a program of study at an educational institution offering the national curriculum of a foreign country and who would be considered to have reached the same academic level as a student who has completed the standard 12-year school education curriculum of that country and therefore eligible to apply for university in that country and, in addition to this, has completed a pre-university preparatory education course required for admission to Japanese universities as designated by MEXT. criteria 6: An applicant who is at least 18 years of age and who has obtained the International Baccalaureate Diploma awarded by the International Baccalaureate Organization. criteria 7: An applicant who is at least 18 years of age and who has obtained the Abitur issued by the Federal Republic of Germany for college entrance. criteria 8: An applicant who is at least 18 years of age and who has obtained the Baccalaureate Diploma issued by the French Republic for college entrance. criteria 9: An applicant who is at least 18 years of age and who has completed the standard 12-year school curriculum at an accredited international school in Japan designated by MEXT. Recognized international accrediting agencies include WASC, ACSI, and CIS. 3

6 NB: If you have completed your studies at a non-accredited international school in Japan or you are unsure whether you are eligible to apply, please contact the International College Office as early as possible before applying. The eligibility requirements described above reflect Ministry of Education minimum requirements for submitting an application. You should bear in mind that Osaka University is one of the leading teaching and research universities in Japan and the selection process for the G30 Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Programme is highly competitive. Successful applicants will be those who are among the most academically talented in their respective school systems. However, we do not only screen applicants on the basis of academic ability. We consider each applicant holistically using all the information that is submitted to us and then performance at the interview for those who make it through the first round of screening. We look for evidence of three things: a high level of academic ability and potential a high level of motivation for and fit with our G30 programme relevant non-cognitive skills such as good time management skills, self-discipline, ability to ask for help when needed etc. If your application fails in any of these areas you will not make it through the screening so please consider carefully whether we are the right university and right programme for you. 4

7 Application Timetable and Instructions Applications will be accepted from October 1 st, 2014 through January 20 th, Download and complete the application form from Human Sciences International Undergraduate Programs website. The file is a pdf. with a write function so please fill it in electronically. See 2. Submit the completed application form to the International College Office electronically. 3. Print out a copy of the application form, add your photograph, and the required signature(s). Send it to Osaka University International College Office by post with supporting application documents, including essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores as indicated on the check list. Please note that application documents must reach Osaka University International College Office by January 20 th, Over the New Year s Holiday, December 27 th to January 3 rd, the university is closed. We will not be able to respond to any inquiries during this period. Send completed documentation to: International College Office Osaka University 1-30 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka JAPAN Fax: intcollege-ina@ml.office.osaka-u.ac.jp Additional Notes: The application may be rejected if significant errors are found in the application materials. We do not normally allow changes to application materials after submission. Submitted documents will not be returned. 5

8 Should an applicant provide false information the application will be automatically rejected. Should such falsification come to light after the student has enrolled, disciplinary action will be taken, including possible expulsion from the program. All communication from the university to the applicant, including the screening results, will be sent to the address provided in the application form. Please update us if your address changes for any reason. Any changes in the application process will be announced on this website. Application Materials 1) Application form 2) Personal statement Explain your reasons for applying to our program and tell us what you think we ought to know about you to make an informed decision about your application. 3) Additional essay Reflect on what you learned during your high school/upper secondary experience, paying special attention to people who influenced you and specifying their role in your development. Also offer a critique of your experience: how could your high school/upper secondary experience have been improved? 4) Documents certifying eligibility to apply Please note that for those who are not graduating until after the January 20th deadline should send or have sent, where possible, predicted grades and a grade transcript for all completed upper secondary school level courses (the equivalent of high school in Japan) to date. Pending graduation certificates and final academic transcripts should be sent on once they become available. Applicants eligible under criteria 1 (see Checking Eligibility to Apply section above): 1. Certificate of graduation from the last school attended (upper secondary level) or a corresponding letter showing expected date of graduation. In the case that the last school attended was an institution of higher education (university), then please also include the upper secondary level certificate of graduation. 6

9 2. Academic transcript from the last school attended (upper secondary level). In the case that the last school attended was an institution of higher education (university), then please also include your secondary level academic transcripts (corresponding to high school level in Japan). In the case of having passed a standardized examination for university entrance (corresponding to an exam taken at high school level in Japan), please include certificates of your examination results (for example, the Gao Kao, A levels or IB Diploma). Applicants eligible under criteria 2: 1. Certification showing that you have passed the relevant examination(s). 2. Academic transcript showing results of the relevant examinations. Applicants eligible under criteria 3 or 5: 1. Academic transcript and certificate of graduation from a school corresponding to Japanese high school, i.e. upper secondary (Applicants who have passed the certified exams should present their results certificate and academic transcript) 2. Certificate of completion of a pre-university preparatory course of education or certificate of scheduled completion. Applicants eligible under criteria 4: Academic transcript and certificate of graduation from a school corresponding to a Japanese high school (upper secondary level). Applicants eligible under criteria 6: 1. Copy of your International Baccalaureate Diploma 2. Certificate of examination results from the International Baccalaureate Examination (six subjects, TOK and EE). Applicants eligible under criteria 7: Copy of your General Qualification Form for University Entrance (Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife) Applicants eligible under criteria 8: 1. Copy of your French Baccalaureate Diploma. 2. Certificate of examination results from the French Baccalaureate Examination. 7

10 Applicants eligible under criteria 9: 1. Certificate of graduation or certificate of scheduled graduation. Additional Notes: All certificates and other application documents in languages other than English and Japanese must have an English translation attached. A full list of documentation required depending on the nine eligibility status categories is given below. 5) Certification of English language proficiency Applicants need to provide proof of English proficiency either through school transcripts or one of the following exams or tests. English Proficiency Tests l TOEFL ibt (Internet-based TOEFL) A minimum score of 85 is required (generally no less than 21 listening, 22 reading, 20 speaking and 21 writing) If submitting a TOEFL score, you need to send the following reports (the score should be obtained before January 20 th, 2015 and be within the two-year validity period): Official score report sent directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to Osaka University by the submission deadline of January 20 th, The Name of Institution is Osaka University International College (7895). A copy of the examinee s score record (the document sent to the examinee) Note: When submitting your TOEFL score: It takes a month or more for the official score report to reach Osaka University after issuing a request to ETS. Take the exam no later than a month before the submission deadline (January 20 th, 2015). Score from TOEFL-ITP (Institutional Testing Program) are not valid. l IELTS Academic Module A minimum score of 6.5 is required (generally no component score below 6.0). 8

11 If submitting an IELTS score, you need to send one of the reports noted below (both of them should be obtained before January 20 th, 2015 and be within the two-year validity period): 1. Test Report Form (sent directly from IELTS to Osaka University) 2. A copy of the examinee s test score report (the document sent to the examinee) Note: When submitting your score, please note the following: Please make sure that the official score report is sent to Osaka University International College Office via IELTS by the January 20 th, 2015 submission deadline. Name of University/ Department: Osaka University International College Office Address: 1-10 Machikayama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka JAPAN l l Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) grade C or above Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade C or above National and International Academic qualifications recognized for English Proficiency l GCSE English language grade C or above l IGCSE English language grade C or above l GCE AS level in English Language or A Level in an arts or humanities subject (for example English, history, psychology, geography, economics) grade C or above. l Scottish Certificate of Education Standard or High Grade English, grade C or above. l Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level or High Level, grade C or above. l HKALE AS Level in Use of English at D or above; A level in an arts or humanities subject (for example English, history, psychology, geography, economics) l HKDSE English language Level 4 or above. l International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) with English A1 at either standard or higher level at grade 4 or above. English B will be accepted if at higher level and at grade 4 or above. l European Baccalaureate (EB Diploma) English at 6.5 or above. Some other international and national qualifications are also recognized as proof English language proficiency. If in doubt, please check with us. 9

12 Alternatively, applicants can prove English proficiency through demonstrable academic experience in an English-speaking environment. We take the following as proof of English proficiency although additional documentation may be required: 1. Applicant has recently undertaken upper secondary (high school) study at the in which a wide range of courses have been undertaken and assessed in English and the student has received at least passing grades. 2. Applicant has recently undertaken undergraduate level study at a university in which core courses have been undertaken and assessed in English and the student has received at least passing grades. 3. Applicant has recently undertaken employment that has required English speaking, reading and writing for a period of not less than 24 months. 6) Recommendations Get two sealed letters of recommendation from teachers, careers counselor, or the head teacher as described in the application form. Send these recommendations unopened with other application documents. 7) Results of standardized tests for university admission Submit official scores of any standardized academic test for university entrance that you have taken. See the Appendix for information about tests in your country. 8) Application fee Application Fee: 17,000 yen (JPY) Those applicants who do not pass the first round of screening will receive a refund of 13,000 yen minus a small administration cost. The application fee must be paid before submitting the application. We are currently upgrading our payment system. Please look for further details about how to pay on our website in the near future. 10

13 The Screening Process There will be three stages to the screening process and applicants will be notified at each stage as to outcome. Stage 1 Documentary Screening Evaluation of application materials (application form, essays, English proficiency, recommendations and academic qualifications and test scores). Results announced in mid-february. Stage 2 Interviews Applicants who pass the documentary screening will be required to make themselves available for an interview sometime in February or March 2015 either at Osaka University, a limited number of overseas locations or via TV conferencing technology. Applicants will be informed of interview venues and dates by by the middle of February, Results will be announced by late March. Stage 3 Final Check of Academic Qualifications and Graduation Requirements This stage only involves those applicants who have not graduated from upper secondary (high school) at the time of application and/or have academic qualification in progress. Before sending a final, unconditional offer we will check that you have fulfilled all requirements for enrolment as laid out in any conditional offer given at the end of stage 2. We will check your documentation as it becomes available and then finalize any offer. 11

14 Expenses Involved in Enrollment and Study In most cases, successful applicants will need to bear the following expenses relating to enrollment and study: enrollment fee, tuition, travel costs, accommodation (rent and utilities), daily living expenses, national health insurance costs and miscellaneous expenses. See the Human Science International Program website for further details. Economic Support We expect a number of scholarship opportunities to become available for international students after enrollment. These are usually offered on the basis of academic performance to date. Students can also apply for tuition waivers. Students may become eligible for additional sources of support after enrolling in the program. Accommodation Support Students on this program are given priority for places in the university dormitory for the first year. These accommodation expenses, while heavily subsidized, have to be covered by the student. Handling of Personal Information Personal information, such as names and addresses, provided in the application form and submission documents will only be used in the selection process or for evaluation of this process. 12

15 Appendix: International and National Qualifications and Test Scores for University Admission Instructions for students who will be taking international or national academic qualification that will not be available until after the January 20 th, 2015 application deadline: Where predicted scores are available (these are official predictions of subject and final scores put together by your school) these should be sent on to us in a sealed envelope. Where possible, arrange for final results to be sent through from the examination centre. Alternatively, submit a transcript of your score(s) when it (they) become(s) available. Important: If the final result transcript is in a language other than English or Japanese, please ensure that an officially validated translation is provided. Validation can be from a school official (senior management level), embassy staff or from a lawyer. The following specific recommendations should be followed (organized at national level roughly by region): 1) International Baccalaureate Diploma Arrange to have a copy of your International Baccalaureate Diploma and your IB final examination performance evaluation certificate sent to us. 2) German Educational System Submit the results of your Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. 3) French Educational System Submit the results of your Diplome du Baccalaure at de l Enseignement du Second Degre and your Releve des Notes. 13

16 4) U.K. Educational System Submit your GCE results (both AS and A levels a minimum of three subjects at Advanced level are required) and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. If at the time of application you have not sat your A levels or the results have not yet been released, send the AS level results and then send on the A level results once they are announced. We will use the AS level results in lieu of predicted scores for A levels at this stage. 5) Chinese Educational System Submit the results of your National Higher Education Entrance Examination or those of the Standardized Test for University Admission administered by the Shanghai Municipal Educational Examination Authority or the Beijing Municipal Educational Examination Authority. Submit any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. 6) Hong Kong Educational System Submit the results of your HKALE (Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination) or the HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. * If you require results of the U.K. GCE to be considered in the University s screening process, follow the instructions below described in section 13 for the U.K. Educational System. 7) Taiwanese Educational System Submit the results of your General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT) and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results.. 8) Korean Educational System Submit the results of your College Scholastic Ability Test and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. 14

17 9) Indonesian Educational System Submit the results of your SPMB (Seleksi Penerimaan Mahasiswa Baru) examination and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results.. 10) Malaysian Educational System Submit the result of your STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) examination and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. * If you require results of the U.K. GCE system to be considered in the University s screening process, follow the instructions below described in section 13 for the U.K Educational System. 11) Vietnamese Educational System Submit the result of the Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Bang Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc) and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. 12) Singaporean Educational System Submit the results of your Singapore GCE A Levels and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. * If you require results of the U.K. GCE system to be considered in the University s screening process, follow the instructions below described in section 13 for the U.K.Educational System. * If you require result of the Malaysian STPM to be considered in the University s screening process, follow the instructions above described in section 7 for the Malaysian Educational System. 13) Thai Educational System Submit the results of your National University Joint Entrance Examination and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. 15

18 14) Egyptian Educational System Submit the results of your Thanawiya Amma examination and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. 15) U.S. Educational System Submit your official scores for any of the following tests: SAT (SAT I) and SAT Subject Tests (SAT II) * Recommended SAT Subject Tests are: Literature, World History, Mathematics l or 2, Japanese. ACT Advanced Placement Tests 16) Canadian Educational System Submit your results for the national standardized test administered by your province as a pre-requisite to study at university and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. 17) Australian Educational System Submit your results for the relevant national standardized test administered by your country or state as a pre-requisite to study at university and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. 18) New Zealand Educational System Submit your record of learning for the NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) Level 3 or your record of learning for the University Entrance, Bursaries and Scholarships Examination, and any performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. 19) Other Educational Systems Submit the relevant academic qualifications and test results recognised for university entrance in your country and a performance evaluation certificate explaining the results. 16

19 Important Notes for all Applicants when Preparing Documentation Copies of original documentation are acceptable, but we reserve the right to review the original prior to or at the time of enrollment. If in a language other than English or Japanese, and official English translation must be attached. 17

20 [Contact Information] Osaka University International College Office 1-10 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka JAPAN Tel: Fax: Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program URL. 18