How to Apply
Please apply through My Study Abroad website and create your application. Then, you will be contacted by the Year in Japan Program coordinator. If you are applying for Summer Intensive Language Program, please go to Summer Program (UIUC Students).
Application Process
This program has a two-step application process: 1) University of Illinois application, 2) Host University application.
- Eligibility
Minimum Eligibility for ALL Terms: Cumulative GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with the possibility of exception depending on circumstances
- Dates and Deadlines
Spring Semester Program:
Deadline for University of Illinois application: September 14 (decisions will be made within 1 week of this deadline)
Fall Semester Program:
Deadline for University of Illinois application:
Academic Year Program:
Deadline for University of Illinois application:
Step 1 (University of Illinois application): you need to submit/complete following materials.
Application Materials:
- (Pre-decision) Online materials and questionnaires on My study Abroad
- Personal essay
- Two Letters of Recommendation
(Note: Students who have taken Japanese language classes need 2 recommendation letters, one from your faculty member or your academic advisor or TA, and one from your Japanese language teacher. Students who have not taken any Japanese language classes need only one letter from either a faculty member or an academic advisor.)
Please make sure to send the letters to: year-in-japan@illinois.edu by the deadline.
Japanese Language Proficiency Evaluation (To be completed by a Japanese Language Instructor)
Recommendation ( To be completed by an academic faculty member) - Student information form
Step 2 (Host University application):
The Host University Application, TO BE COMPLETED AFTER YOU ARE NOMINATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EAST ASIAN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES (EALC) IN STEP ONE.
If you are nominated by EALC, you will need to submit/complete following materials.
Application Materials:
Konan Application Procedure Guidelines AY2021-2022
- Konan Online questionnaires (you will be directed to their system via email)
- Konan University Participant Agreement
- Health report
- Course Approval Form
- Scholarship through Konan
(Note: Read first the instruction "How to Calculate the JASSO GPA") - Your latest transcript
Go to "How to Order a Transcript". An electronic version can be sent directly to year-in-japan@illinois.edu by the deadline. Physical ones should be sent to the address below by the deadline. - Photocopy of your passport (if any)
The application materials above are for AY 2021-2022 (Academic Year/Semester Only).