Undergraduate Admission

What kind of school is TCU?

Tokyo Christian University is an evangelical institution accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

TCU aims to provide a Christ-centered liberal arts education in our Japanese context, focusing on educating the heart and the mind for service and leadership. Our program unites students from all over the world to live, learn, and serve with a high purpose.

I heard everyone at TCU is Christian. Is that true?

Yes! Since TCU is a Protestant Evangelical university, all faculty, staff, and entering students affirm the Statement of Faith. The school is interdenominational within the Protestant Evangelical heritage, and therefore there is an integration of faith into the curriculum. 

What majors are available?

TCU English-track students can major in either Theological Studies or Global Studies. For more information, please see here: TCU majors

The English-track students may also declare a Minor in Japanese Studies.

Can I apply even if I don't know any Japanese?

Yes! In our English Track program, you can take courses and graduate entirely in English at TCU.

What is the average class size?

At TCU, English Track classes typically have 5 to 10 students, creating a close-knit environment that fosters active learning and meaningful connections with professors and classmates.

What does the academic calendar look like?

TCU operates on a three-semester academic year. Fall semester is from late August to early November. Winter semester is from late November to February. Spring semester is from April to June.

Can I transfer to TCU?

Students who wish to transfer to TCU must submit a consultation form first. Please fill out the form from here: Transfer Eligibility (Prescreening Consultation Application)

Will I have opportunities to serve in local churches?

Yes! In the mandatory Church Practicum course, students serve in local Japanese and bilingual churches while practically studying Christianity from a Japanese perspective. Through these experiences and more, students regularly engage with the unique needs and concerns of people living in Japan.

Does TCU offer Japanese language courses?

Yes! TCU offers mandatory Japanese courses for international students. Students can also choose to minor in Japanese Studies through additional coursework. Beyond the classroom, international students live in dorms with Japanese students, serve in Japanese churches, and participate in club activities together. Through these and other experiences, international students gain practical Japanese language skills.

Those with enough Japanese ability can choose to take some courses in the Japanese track as well.

What is housing like?

TCU runs four dormitories: The Men’s Dorm, the Women’s Dorm, the Zion Dorm, and the Family Dorm. TCU believes that Christian education extends to living as well as to thinking. Therefore, the university considers dorm life a part of education in International Christian living. With less than 200 students, TCU’s dorms are close-knit families with internal responsibilities and events. For more information, see here. 

What about visa?

A Student visa is required, and TCU assists you in processing your application for the Certificate of Eligibility from Japanese Immigration office. Upon receiving the Certificate of Eligibility from TCU, you will apply for the ‘Student’ visa at the Japanese Embassy in your country. For more information, please see here.