FAQ by category
Exchange Program in general
Eligibility
Even if you are not from a partner university, you are still able to participate in the program as long as your home university agrees to send you to our institute.
However, you can ask the international office or other relatived section at your home university first.
Please note that the Admission fee and Tuition will be charged for non-partner university students.
The partner university list can be found on the following website.
We update this website once in a year, so please note it may not be the latest partner university list.
However, you can ask the international office or other relatived section at your home university first.
Please note that the Admission fee and Tuition will be charged for non-partner university students.
The partner university list can be found on the following website.
We update this website once in a year, so please note it may not be the latest partner university list.
Both mobility programs are English-taught, which is why we only require students to have English language proficiency. While knowledge of Japanese may offer opportunities to take certain specialized courses, it is not required for our program.
* CEFR B2 is equivalent to TOEIC 785-940, IELTS 5.5-6.5, TOEFL iBT 72-94, TOEFL ITP Level 1 & 2 543-626, Cambridge English FCE 160-179, Cambridge English CAE 160-179, and Cambridge English (CPE) 162-179. (These scores may change from time to time, please search it by yourself.)
* Native English speakers and English-based degree students do not need to submit an English proficiency score.
* If you haven't taken the English proficiency test, you may ask your home university provide a letter certifying your English proficiency. (Only for Course-taking Sandwich Program)
* CEFR B2 is equivalent to TOEIC 785-940, IELTS 5.5-6.5, TOEFL iBT 72-94, TOEFL ITP Level 1 & 2 543-626, Cambridge English FCE 160-179, Cambridge English CAE 160-179, and Cambridge English (CPE) 162-179. (These scores may change from time to time, please search it by yourself.)
* Native English speakers and English-based degree students do not need to submit an English proficiency score.
* If you haven't taken the English proficiency test, you may ask your home university provide a letter certifying your English proficiency. (Only for Course-taking Sandwich Program)
VISA
- Course-taking Sandwich Program
If you have Japan Passport, Permanent VISA, you may consider enter to Japan with your Japan Passport or the VISA you already have.
Otherwise, you will be asked to apply for [Student VISA]
- Research Exchange Program / Laboratory Internship Program
1️⃣If you have Japan Passport, Permanent VISA, you may consider enter to Japan with your Japan Passport or the VISA you already have.
2️⃣If your porgram length is less than 80 days, you can come to Japan with your passport (Countries and Regions for Visa Exemptions) or [Single Entry VISA]
3️⃣If your porgram lengjth is more than 80 daysmm you will be asked to apply for [Student VISA].
If you have Japan Passport, Permanent VISA, you may consider enter to Japan with your Japan Passport or the VISA you already have.
Otherwise, you will be asked to apply for [Student VISA]
- Research Exchange Program / Laboratory Internship Program
1️⃣If you have Japan Passport, Permanent VISA, you may consider enter to Japan with your Japan Passport or the VISA you already have.
2️⃣If your porgram length is less than 80 days, you can come to Japan with your passport (Countries and Regions for Visa Exemptions) or [Single Entry VISA]
3️⃣If your porgram lengjth is more than 80 daysmm you will be asked to apply for [Student VISA].
We generally start an application process for your COE immediately after the program application preiod is closed.
We will submit your COE applications to the Immigration Bureau 3 months before your program start, it apploximately takes 1.5 ~ 2 months to be issued.
The digital (NO PAPER VISION ANYMORE) COE will be sent to your EMAIL address you registered and CC your home university (nominators).
📢Please check the website of your local Japanese embassy to prepare the necessary documents for visa application in advance, and go to the embassy to apply for the visa after receiving the COE.
📢Please travel to Japan with a valid visa and valid COE.
We will submit your COE applications to the Immigration Bureau 3 months before your program start, it apploximately takes 1.5 ~ 2 months to be issued.
The digital (NO PAPER VISION ANYMORE) COE will be sent to your EMAIL address you registered and CC your home university (nominators).
📢Please check the website of your local Japanese embassy to prepare the necessary documents for visa application in advance, and go to the embassy to apply for the visa after receiving the COE.
📢Please travel to Japan with a valid visa and valid COE.
As part of your stay at Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), it is crucial to inform the International Office if you plan to leave Japan temporarily for any purpose during your program period.
This helps SIT maintain accurate records of your whereabouts for both safety and administrative purposes. Please submit the following form at least one week before your departure:
👉 https://forms.office.com/r/ACac4h4qPt
-For Visa Holders (Student)
Please read the information carefully and complete the form to report your travel details.
You must apply a Embarkation Card for Re-entrant at the airport.👉 https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930002122.pdf
The “Embarkation Card for Re-entrant” can be obtained at the immigration counter before departure.
This procedure is mandatory to ensure a smooth and safe return to Japan.
-For Visa Waiver Students
If you are staying in Japan under a visa waiver, you only need to complete the online form — no further action is required.
Important !!
We recommend that you plan your travel during periods without classes (university vacation periods).
However, if you must leave Japan during the semester when classes are in session, please follow these steps:
1.Inform your course instructors in advance for each class to avoid any confusion about your absence.
2.Be aware that absences may affect your final grade — attendance policies differ by course.
3.Exchange program students: a leave of absence will only be officially accepted with a doctor’s note etc.. Absences due to personal reasons will be considered unexcused.
4.For online courses, if you can participate while you are away, there is no issue. Otherwise, please inform your professor in advance.
- Extension
If you are considering extending to the next semester, please discuss this with your university first.
Students are asked to return to their home university at least one month prior to graduation, please check first that the extension will not have any effect on your graduation.
After receiving notification that your program has been successfully extended, you can update your student ID and VISA by referring to the links below.
- Shorten
If you need to suspend the program before the end of the program for personal reasons, please confirm this with your home university and have your nominator contact us.
❗Please note that your visa will expire with the end of your program, continuing to stay in Japan on this student visa after the program ends is not permitted.
If you are considering extending to the next semester, please discuss this with your university first.
Students are asked to return to their home university at least one month prior to graduation, please check first that the extension will not have any effect on your graduation.
After receiving notification that your program has been successfully extended, you can update your student ID and VISA by referring to the links below.
- Shorten
If you need to suspend the program before the end of the program for personal reasons, please confirm this with your home university and have your nominator contact us.
❗Please note that your visa will expire with the end of your program, continuing to stay in Japan on this student visa after the program ends is not permitted.
You can obtain a permit from the airport after your arrival or from the Japanese immigration bureau later.
❗The rules of doing a part-time job
- During regular semesters: You must not exceed 28 hours per week.
- During official school breaks (e.g., summer or spring break): You may work up to 8 hours per day, with a maximum of 40 hours per week.
- Industry restrictions: You are not allowed to work in certain industries, including bars, pubs, pachinko parlors, and other similar establishments.
❗The rules of doing a part-time job
- During regular semesters: You must not exceed 28 hours per week.
- During official school breaks (e.g., summer or spring break): You may work up to 8 hours per day, with a maximum of 40 hours per week.
- Industry restrictions: You are not allowed to work in certain industries, including bars, pubs, pachinko parlors, and other similar establishments.
Accommodation
Once your application are officially accepted, we will distribute a “ Before Arrival Check List “, which contains a accommodation agency list,
However, you can look for an accommodation by yourself.
However, you can look for an accommodation by yourself.
SIT Global Dormitory will receive applications twice a year for April Entry and Septemeber Entry.
Please refer to the SIT Global Dormitory page for more detail.
Due to the large number of applicants every year, we conduct screenings for all applicants for the SIT Dormitory.
So we recommend you to develop your own backup plan for in case you are not select.
Please refer to the SIT Global Dormitory page for more detail.
Due to the large number of applicants every year, we conduct screenings for all applicants for the SIT Dormitory.
So we recommend you to develop your own backup plan for in case you are not select.
Tokyo International Exchange Center (TIEC) is a international dormitory owned by the Japanese governmental organization, JASSO, in the Odaiba district which is very close to the Toyosu campus.
The application must be submitted via SIT, so we could help you to apply for TIEC after you accepted by SIT officially.
[ Eligibility ]
- You must be a Master or higher-level student at your home university.
- You must stay in Japan for more than 90 days(with student VISA).
❗[NOTE about the TIEC application form]
- Guidance Professor
If you are under the Sandwich Program, you can leave this box blank.
If you are under the Research Exchange Program, put the name of your SIT professor.
- Residence Type
You can only choose either A or B at one application.
The application must be submitted via SIT, so we could help you to apply for TIEC after you accepted by SIT officially.
[ Eligibility ]
- You must be a Master or higher-level student at your home university.
- You must stay in Japan for more than 90 days(with student VISA).
❗[NOTE about the TIEC application form]
- Guidance Professor
If you are under the Sandwich Program, you can leave this box blank.
If you are under the Research Exchange Program, put the name of your SIT professor.
- Residence Type
You can only choose either A or B at one application.
We are unable to provide you with a guarantor for renting an accommodation in Japan, please check with your housing agent to see if there may be other options available
Flight
We DO NOT recommend you to purchase your flight tickets before your VISA is issued, in case your VISA is not approved.
However some Embassies will need you to have your flight ticket when you apply for the VISA, so please check with your nearest Japanese Embassy.
However some Embassies will need you to have your flight ticket when you apply for the VISA, so please check with your nearest Japanese Embassy.
You are allowed to arrive in Japan 2 weeks prior to the orientation day.
We will inform you the orienation date with the “ Before Arrival Check List “.
We will inform you the orienation date with the “ Before Arrival Check List “.
Insurance
- Off-campus
All international students who hold a Resident Card (student VISA) must register for the National Health Insurance (NHI) at the municipal office.
Please carry your NHI card with you at all times. (It will be delivered to your home a few weeks after your application)
When receiving treatment for injuries or illnesses in Japan, you have to present your insurance card to be eligible for the discounted payment.Since 70% of the total medical cost is covered by the NHI, you will need to pay 30% of the total medical bill.
However, all medical expenses not covered by insurance are to be paid in full.
- On-campus
SIT provides the nsurance called "Gakkensai（学研災）" and "Gakkenbai（学研賠）". these insurances covers your activity inside the campus.
We will help you register for this insurance, so there is nothing you need to do.
Even if your home univeristy provide some international insurance for your studies at SIT, you will need to join both of these insurances.
All international students who hold a Resident Card (student VISA) must register for the National Health Insurance (NHI) at the municipal office.
Please carry your NHI card with you at all times. (It will be delivered to your home a few weeks after your application)
When receiving treatment for injuries or illnesses in Japan, you have to present your insurance card to be eligible for the discounted payment.Since 70% of the total medical cost is covered by the NHI, you will need to pay 30% of the total medical bill.
However, all medical expenses not covered by insurance are to be paid in full.
- On-campus
SIT provides the nsurance called "Gakkensai（学研災）" and "Gakkenbai（学研賠）". these insurances covers your activity inside the campus.
We will help you register for this insurance, so there is nothing you need to do.
Even if your home univeristy provide some international insurance for your studies at SIT, you will need to join both of these insurances.
Purpose of Travel Insurance:
To protect you from unexpected risks during your journey.
Coverage:
Insurance coverage can differ among providers. We don’t have specific coverage requirements, so choose a plan that meets your personal needs. If you believe your chosen plan is sufficient, we can accept it.
Recommendations:
While we don’t mandate specific coverage, we suggest including protection for flight cancellations, denied visas, and illnesses. For flight cancellation policies, please check directly with your insurance provider.
To protect you from unexpected risks during your journey.
Coverage:
Insurance coverage can differ among providers. We don’t have specific coverage requirements, so choose a plan that meets your personal needs. If you believe your chosen plan is sufficient, we can accept it.
Recommendations:
While we don’t mandate specific coverage, we suggest including protection for flight cancellations, denied visas, and illnesses. For flight cancellation policies, please check directly with your insurance provider.
Health Suppot
We will ask you to submit the Health Certificate after you get the Acceptance Letter.
You may find more detail on the guidebook named "Before Arrival Guidebook".
Please note if you plan to study at SIT for more than 90 days, you will need to complete everything on the health certificate, including a chest X-ray.
You may find more detail on the guidebook named "Before Arrival Guidebook".
Please note if you plan to study at SIT for more than 90 days, you will need to complete everything on the health certificate, including a chest X-ray.
Yes, it is mandatory for all students at SIT those who continue a new academic year.
Please make sure to have a health check up even if you have submitted a valid health certificate previously.
Please make sure to have a health check up even if you have submitted a valid health certificate previously.
You do not have to take the vaccine, just check "NO" on the record.
If you want to take with someone from the univeristy:
International Office could be one of the choice for you, we will make an appointment with you either onlin or offline as you wish.
If you prefer some professional help:
You may make an appointment throught the webisth with our consulting staff.
International Office could be one of the choice for you, we will make an appointment with you either onlin or offline as you wish.
If you prefer some professional help:
You may make an appointment throught the webisth with our consulting staff.
➡️ Students with minor health issues just need to take a rest :
We understand the new environment will cause physical issues, so take a moment to relax. If you know the issue (e.g., a fever due to dressing lightly), visit a nearby pharmacy for over-the-counter medication without a doctor's prescription.
This process will be easy to follow and not cost too much even if you do not have Japanese Health Insurance (NHI).
➡️ Students who need to have a doctor:
- If You DO NOT Have NHI
Seeking medical care in Japan without can NHI incur significant costs.
If you have insurance from your home country, it's vital to confirm coverage. Please contact your insurance company to understand what is covered and how you can manage costs or seek reimbursement.
This step is crucial for future document submissions to your home country's insurance provider.
1. Confirm with Your Insurance Company:
Reach out to your insurance company to verify coverage in Japan.
Understand the procedures for handling costs or seeking reimbursement.
2. Visit the Health Care Room on Campuses:
Once you've confirmed with your insurance company, visit the campus Health Care Room. They provide swift assessments and guidance, including advice on clinics and appointment procedures.
This support is especially valuable if you're not familiar with the Japanese language or lack a Japanese phone number.
Location:
OMIYA Campus: 1F, No.2 Building
TOYOSU Campus: 2F, Classroom Building Toyosu campus
Email: nurse-staff@ow.shibaura-it.ac.jp
- If you have NHI
If you have Japanese health insurance (NHI), you have the flexibility to choose any clinic in your vicinity. While you can visit any clinic, keep in mind that some may require appointments.
Please call “Inbound Medical Assistance Service” to get help finding the nearby clinic.
(The number will be shown in the After Arrival Guidebook.)
This service is a 24 hours/365 days open service for all SIT International Students during their study in SIT. They can provide recommendations on clinics suitable for your needs, whether you need an appointment or can walk in. They also help in English-translating or finding clinics where English is spoken, ensuring effective communication during your visit .
▶️ Checklist before you go visit the clinic or hospital:
- Student ID Card
- Residence Card
- NHI Card ** If avaliable
- Healthy records ** if available
・Allergy information
・Medical history
・Medication details
・Pre-existing medical conditions, etc.
- Necessary documentation for reimbursement from your own insurance company **if required.
We understand the new environment will cause physical issues, so take a moment to relax. If you know the issue (e.g., a fever due to dressing lightly), visit a nearby pharmacy for over-the-counter medication without a doctor's prescription.
This process will be easy to follow and not cost too much even if you do not have Japanese Health Insurance (NHI).
➡️ Students who need to have a doctor:
- If You DO NOT Have NHI
Seeking medical care in Japan without can NHI incur significant costs.
If you have insurance from your home country, it's vital to confirm coverage. Please contact your insurance company to understand what is covered and how you can manage costs or seek reimbursement.
This step is crucial for future document submissions to your home country's insurance provider.
1. Confirm with Your Insurance Company:
Reach out to your insurance company to verify coverage in Japan.
Understand the procedures for handling costs or seeking reimbursement.
2. Visit the Health Care Room on Campuses:
Once you've confirmed with your insurance company, visit the campus Health Care Room. They provide swift assessments and guidance, including advice on clinics and appointment procedures.
This support is especially valuable if you're not familiar with the Japanese language or lack a Japanese phone number.
Location:
OMIYA Campus: 1F, No.2 Building
TOYOSU Campus: 2F, Classroom Building Toyosu campus
Email: nurse-staff@ow.shibaura-it.ac.jp
- If you have NHI
If you have Japanese health insurance (NHI), you have the flexibility to choose any clinic in your vicinity. While you can visit any clinic, keep in mind that some may require appointments.
Please call “Inbound Medical Assistance Service” to get help finding the nearby clinic.
(The number will be shown in the After Arrival Guidebook.)
This service is a 24 hours/365 days open service for all SIT International Students during their study in SIT. They can provide recommendations on clinics suitable for your needs, whether you need an appointment or can walk in. They also help in English-translating or finding clinics where English is spoken, ensuring effective communication during your visit .
▶️ Checklist before you go visit the clinic or hospital:
- Student ID Card
- Residence Card
- NHI Card ** If avaliable
- Healthy records ** if available
・Allergy information
・Medical history
・Medication details
・Pre-existing medical conditions, etc.
- Necessary documentation for reimbursement from your own insurance company **if required.
Course-taking Sandwich Program
Course and Course Registraion
All the schedule of the course will be updated on the webpage named "Timetable".
You find the current academic year's course schedule under "SIT Mobility Program Participants".
** About Timetable**
You can check the days, periods, locations (campuses), and professor's name of each course.
The courses listed under "Other" category are usually short-term intensive courses or one-day courses, the schedule, offering campus will be provided after you successfully register for this course.
** About Syllabus**
Make sure to check the syllabus before choosing a course, which will help you understand the course more effectively.
You can check the syllabus by clicking this icon on the Timetable.
"English acceptable" on the syllabus means the course will be taught in English, but there might be instances where Japanese is used, with English support.
You find the current academic year's course schedule under "SIT Mobility Program Participants".
** About Timetable**
You can check the days, periods, locations (campuses), and professor's name of each course.
The courses listed under "Other" category are usually short-term intensive courses or one-day courses, the schedule, offering campus will be provided after you successfully register for this course.
** About Syllabus**
Make sure to check the syllabus before choosing a course, which will help you understand the course more effectively.
You can check the syllabus by clicking this icon on the Timetable."English acceptable" on the syllabus means the course will be taught in English, but there might be instances where Japanese is used, with English support.
Yes, you can.
If you plan to take courses at both campuses on the same day, please make sure you can arrive on time for your classes.
It will take around 1h 30 ~ 40 mins to reach out from one campus to another one.
If you plan to take courses at both campuses on the same day, please make sure you can arrive on time for your classes.
It will take around 1h 30 ~ 40 mins to reach out from one campus to another one.
SIT's Japanese Language courses are not divided on JLPT level.- If you have never studied Japanese before, you will belong to "Level 1".
- If you have taken a SIT Japanese language course before, you can consider the next level.
- If you have studied Japanese at a place other than SIT, we will ask you to have a level test.
If I already passed JLPT N2 (N1), can I choose level 4?
Yes, you will be allow to take level 3 or level 4!
Students need to confirm the desired courses in advance and register through the course registration system during the course registration period at SIT.
There is the course mortification period at the first week of the semester, you can actually take it and then decide to keep it or not.
❗Changing you timetable is not allowed after the modification period.
There is the course mortification period at the first week of the semester, you can actually take it and then decide to keep it or not.
❗Changing you timetable is not allowed after the modification period.
- Minimum
All the exchange students are required to take at least 10 hours (600 mins) courses per week for the entire semester in order to maintain the [student] status.
- Maximum
Each students can take as any courses as you wish up to 24 SIT credits.
All the exchange students are required to take at least 10 hours (600 mins) courses per week for the entire semester in order to maintain the [student] status.
- Maximum
Each students can take as any courses as you wish up to 24 SIT credits.
We do NOT convert SIT credits with ECTS. Please refer to the SIT Credit Hour Explanation and confirm with your home university.
Please note that the conversion standards vary from university to university
SIT Credit Hours Explanation (295.5KB)
Please note that the conversion standards vary from university to university
SIT Credit Hours Explanation (295.5KB)
Transcripts and other Certification
The transcripts will be issued by digital version around 1 month after the end of your program.
You will be able to receive it through a degital certificate sharing system, you can sign up for it by following the order indicated on the manual.
(Make sure to use your SIT Gmail Address, Not your personal e-mail address.
You will no longer be able to log in to ScombZ, SIT VPN and S*sgot after the end date of your program (Shown on your Letter of Acceptance).
You will be able to receive it through a degital certificate sharing system, you can sign up for it by following the order indicated on the manual.
(Make sure to use your SIT Gmail Address, Not your personal e-mail address.
You will no longer be able to log in to ScombZ, SIT VPN and S*sgot after the end date of your program (Shown on your Letter of Acceptance).
The enrollment certificate will be issued after you officially started your program (the official start date is shown on your Letter of Acceptance).
You could apply through Digital System.
You could apply through Digital System.
Please follow the PDF below to prepare and send your documents to International Office.
Please be advised that the process is expected to take a few days.
Please be aware that contacting us just before the submission deadline to your home university will not allow enough time to meet the deadline.
Please be advised that the process is expected to take a few days.
Please be aware that contacting us just before the submission deadline to your home university will not allow enough time to meet the deadline.
Joining Laboratory
You can join a laboratory if you have the basic knowledge and research skills and want to do some work with our professor (students must be higher than Bachelor 3rd year).
In this case, you will need to find a professor who can accept you and there will also be an internal screening.
In this case, you will need to find a professor who can accept you and there will also be an internal screening.
To participate in a laboratory, you need to prepare for the following steps.
1️⃣Find a professor who can accept you
You can either ask the professors about the courses you are taking or look for Designated Research Project / SIT Laboratory List, where you can look for our professors' current research theme and laboratory information.
* Most of our professors are very busy, so please ask nicely.
2️⃣Complete the Objective setting sheet
Objective Setting Sheet (38.1KB)
This sheet needs to be signed by the professor who will accept you, yourself and your home university.
3️⃣Send your CV and Objective setting sheet to the international office
4️⃣Wait for the result
Based on your documents, we will discuss your application, the result may take up to 1 month.
*Since the research program will not show on your transcripts as a course, we will prepare the certificate of completion for you at the end of your research program.
1️⃣Find a professor who can accept you
You can either ask the professors about the courses you are taking or look for Designated Research Project / SIT Laboratory List, where you can look for our professors' current research theme and laboratory information.
* Most of our professors are very busy, so please ask nicely.
2️⃣Complete the Objective setting sheet
Objective Setting Sheet (38.1KB)
This sheet needs to be signed by the professor who will accept you, yourself and your home university.
3️⃣Send your CV and Objective setting sheet to the international office
4️⃣Wait for the result
Based on your documents, we will discuss your application, the result may take up to 1 month.
*Since the research program will not show on your transcripts as a course, we will prepare the certificate of completion for you at the end of your research program.
Research Exchange Program
As this is an unpaid internship, your tasks and activities in the laboratory will be determined through discussions between you and your SIT supervisor, not given by the university.
The SIT supervisor's email will be shown on your Letter of Acceptance, please communicate directly with your supervisor.
The SIT supervisor's email will be shown on your Letter of Acceptance, please communicate directly with your supervisor.
Sorry, we cannot provide this information, please find by yourself.
We do not provide any SIT credits for Research Exchange Program unless you registered for some courses.
When your program period includes our semesters, you have the opportunity to take some courses.
You will be instructed in the use of SIT's course registration system, please note that the registration system needs to be operated by the individual.
When your program period includes our semesters, you have the opportunity to take some courses.
You will be instructed in the use of SIT's course registration system, please note that the registration system needs to be operated by the individual.