[2027 Academic Year (Reiwa 9) Latest] A Thorough Guide to Doshisha University Faculty of Letters Transfer Exams | Complete Coverage of Recruitment Numbers, Exam Subjects, Scoring, External English Exams, Interviews, and Difficulty
To those of you considering a 3rd-year transfer to the Doshisha University Faculty of Letters (Department of English, Department of Philosophy, Department of Aesthetics, Department of Cultural History, Department of Japanese Literature). In this article, based on the official "Transfer Admission Exam Guidelines" for the 2027 academic year (Reiwa 9) enrollment, I have organized everything from the recruitment status, exam subjects and scoring, handling of external English exams, eligibility requirements, schedules, and application fees for each of the five departments, in a way that is easy to understand even for beginners. You can grasp everything in this one article: "Which English qualifications can I use?", "Is it true that only the Department of Philosophy doesn't require an English score?", and "What is asked in the oral examination?"
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First, I will tell you the most important fact. The 3rd-year transfer admission exam for the Doshisha University Faculty of Letters will be "held" for all departments—English, Philosophy, Aesthetics, Cultural History, and Japanese Literature—for the 2027 academic year (Reiwa 9) enrollment. This was officially announced in the guidelines published in June 2026. While Doshisha is a university where "held/not held" status changes by faculty, department, and academic year, the doors for transfer are open for all departments in the Faculty of Letters for the 2027 academic year as well.
[30-Second Summary | 2027 Academic Year (Reiwa 9)]
Target: Faculty of Letters 5 Departments (English / Philosophy / Aesthetics / Cultural History / Japanese Literature) * All departments are conducting 3rd-year transfers
Recruitment Numbers: A small number for each department
Exam Date: December 5, 2026 (Sat) / Venue: Imadegawa Campus (Kyoto)
Application (Registration): September 28, 2026 (Mon) - October 9, 2026 (Fri) / Document Mailing: Must be postmarked between October 5 and October 9
Announcement of Results: December 11, 2026 (Fri) (Sent via express mail to the applicant)
English: For the Departments of English, Aesthetics, Cultural History, and Japanese Literature, submission of external English exam scores is an application requirement (Eiken, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC L&R, IELTS) / The Department of Philosophy does not require score submission (Take the "Foreign Language Literature Reading" exam on the day)
Exam Content: Centered on Essay (Short Essay) + Oral Examination for each department, with English Composition, Foreign Language, Classical Chinese, or Japanese added depending on the department
Interviews (oral examinations) are held for all departments (with scoring)
Application Fee: 35,000 yen
Competition Ratio (Number of Applicants/Successful Candidates): The university does not publish this comprehensively (not disclosed)
Author of this article | Online Transfer Academy
This article is supervised and written by Online Transfer Academy, a preparatory school specializing in university transfer examinations. Recruitment numbers, exam subjects, scoring, schedules, and competition ratios are based on checking the application guidelines and entrance examination results published by each university, as well as insights accumulated through transfer guidance, including testimonials from successful candidates. Items not published by the university are not supplemented by speculation and are clearly marked as "Not Disclosed".
What kind of exam is the Doshisha University Faculty of Letters transfer? (First, an overview of the system)
Doshisha University has a system called the 3rd-Year Transfer/Admission Examination. This is for:
People who have attended and completed at least 2 years at a university (so-called "2-year completion")
People who have graduated from a junior college
People who have graduated from a technical college (Kosen)
People who have completed a specialized course at a vocational school (Faculty of Letters is eligible)
to re-enter Doshisha University as a 3rd-year student.
💡 What is the difference between "transfer admission" (tennyugaku) and "transfer admission" (hennyugaku)?
Roughly speaking, "tennyugaku" is for those currently enrolled in another four-year university to move over, and "hennyugaku" is for those who have graduated (or are expected to graduate) from a junior college or technical college. Doshisha collectively calls these the "Transfer/Admission Examination" and accepts them under the same exam and same application qualifications. In both cases, if you pass, you will start as a 3rd-year student.
The Faculty of Letters will continue to implement this system for all departments in the 2027 academic year. While faculties such as Law, Economics, and Social Studies may not hold exams in certain years, it is confirmed that the Faculty of Letters, Faculty of Theology, Faculty of Commerce, and Faculty of Science and Engineering will hold exams for the 2027 academic year. Please consider the Faculty of Letters to be "one of the few faculties at Doshisha that keeps its doors open for transfer students in the humanities."
① Implementation Status for the 2027 Academic Year (Reiwa 9) (The Conclusion)
According to the list of "2027 Academic Year Transfer Admission Examination Implementation Status" published by Doshisha University, the status of each department in the Faculty of Letters is as follows.
Faculty of Letters: Department of English | 3rd Year Transfer Admission ○ (Implemented)
: Department of Philosophy | 3rd Year Transfer Admission ○ (Implemented)
: Department of Aesthetics and Art History | 3rd Year Transfer Admission ○ (Implemented)
: Department of Cultural History (Japanese Cultural History / Western and Oriental Cultural History) | 3rd Year Transfer Admission ○ (Implemented)
: Department of Japanese Literature | 3rd Year Transfer Admission ○ (Implemented)
The meanings of the symbols in this table are as per the legend in the application guidelines.
○ = The transfer admission examination for the 2027 academic year will be implemented
× = The transfer admission system exists, but it will not be implemented in the 2027 academic year due to the status of enrollment capacity fulfillment
(Blank) = The system is not established in the first place
In the Faculty of Letters, all 5 departments are marked as "○ (Implemented)". Note that since the 2nd-year transfer admission examination will not be implemented in any faculty at Doshisha for the 2027 academic year, the only option available for the Faculty of Letters is 3rd-year transfer (starting as a 3rd-year student).
"Will it be implemented next year (2028 academic year) as well?" Check the application guidelines
The guidelines clearly state, "Except for the Faculty of Science and Engineering, examinations for the 2028 academic year and beyond may not be implemented depending on the status of enrollment capacity fulfillment, etc. Whether or not exams will be implemented for the 2028 academic year will be officially announced in the entrance examination guidelines published in June 2027." In other words, for the Faculty of Letters as well, "implementation for that year is confirmed in the latest guidelines published every June." Those aiming for the 2028 academic year or later must check the latest guidelines on Doshisha's official "Transfer Admission Examination" page every June. However, regarding the 2027 academic year, as shown above, implementation is confirmed for all departments.
② Departmental Structure and the Characteristic That "Exams Differ Completely by Department"
The first thing you should know about transferring into the Faculty of Letters is that even within the same Faculty of Letters, exam subjects, scoring, and application requirements differ clearly depending on the department. You cannot group them together and say, "This is the preparation for the Faculty of Letters." First, let's grasp the characteristics of the five departments.
Department of English: Core themes to study: English literature, linguistics, and culture / Exam 'flavor': English composition + essay + oral examination.Emphasis on English proficiency
Department of Philosophy: Core themes to study: Philosophy, ethics, and thought / Exam 'flavor': Reading foreign language literature (choose one from English, German, or French) + essay + oral examination
Department of Aesthetics and Art History: Core themes to study: Aesthetics and art studies (fine arts, music, theater, etc.) / Exam 'flavor': Foreign language or Classical Chinese + essay + oral examination
Department of Cultural History: Core themes to study: History and cultural history (Japanese cultural history / Western and Eastern cultural history) / Exam 'flavor': (Classical Chinese + for Japanese cultural history) essay + oral examination
Department of Japanese Literature: Core themes to study: Japanese literature and Japanese linguistics / Exam 'flavor': Japanese language + essay + oral examination
💡 The trick is to decide on your department at the 'entrance'
Transfer to the Faculty of Letters is based on two pillars common to all departments: essays (short essays) and oral examinations. Beyond that, the 'flavor' differs by department, such as 'fighting with English' (English), 'reading foreign language literature' (Philosophy), or 'demonstrating specialized knowledge in Classical Chinese or Japanese' (Aesthetics/Art History, Cultural History, Japanese Literature). First, choose a department based on the field you want to study and focus on that department's subjects—this is the first step to avoid taking the long way around.
Note that this transfer is for 3rd-year transfer (a system for entering midway as a 3rd-year student). After enrollment, you will generally aim to graduate after two years of study (the length of study may be extended depending on the results of credit recognition. Details will be explained in section 8).
③ Recruitment numbers and schedule (FY2027/Official)
Recruitment numbers: A small number for each department
Transfer year: 3rd year (enrollment in April 2027)
Registration period for application information: September 28 (Mon) - October 9 (Fri), 2026 (Internet application)
Mailing period for application documents: October 5 (Mon) - October 9 (Fri), 2026 (Must be postmarked by October 9, via registered express mail)
Date when examination admission tickets become available: From 3:00 PM on November 18 (Wed), 2026 (Print from the application website)
Examination date: December 5 (Sat), 2026
Examination venue: Imadegawa Campus *Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City
Announcement of successful applicants: December 11 (Fri), 2026 (Notification sent to the individual via express mail. Inquiries by phone, etc., are not accepted)
Examination fee: 35,000 yen
What does "a small number" mean?
"A small number" means that the number of successful applicants is not predetermined, and a small number will be accepted depending on the situation that year. Transfer admissions for the Doshisha Faculty of Letters are all within this "small number" quota for each department, so you cannot calculate the competitive ratio from the capacity. Rather than "how many they will take," the key to success is whether you can properly demonstrate your understanding of the specialty through the thesis and oral examination.
Two points often overlooked in the schedule
①The periods for application 'registration' and 'document mailing' are different. You must register your application information online between 9/28 and 10/9, and the document mailing acceptance period is 10/5 to 10/9 (postmark valid). Do not just finish the registration; sending the documents by registered express mail by October 9th is part of the same set.
②The exam is in early December. It is later than the School of Theology and the Faculty of Commerce (held in October), and you must have your external English exam score ready by the application date (early October). Do not work backward from the exam date itself; work backward from the application date to finalize your English preparation.
④ Application Qualifications (Can working adults, current students, technical college students, junior college students, and vocational school students apply?)
The main application qualifications for the 3rd-year transfer examination are for those who meet any of the following (including those expected to complete or graduate by March 2027).
Those who have completed the second year of university(limited to those who have been enrolled for at least 2 years, excluding periods of leave of absence) ← Transfer route from a 4-year university sophomore year
Those who have graduated from a junior college ← The standard route from a junior college
Those who have graduated from a technical college (Kosen) ← The standard route from a technical college
Those who have completed a specialized course at a vocational school (specialized training college)(Must meet the standards set by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology = a course duration of at least 2 years and a total of at least 1,700 class hours. The Faculty of Letters is an eligible faculty.)
Those who have completed an advanced course at a high school or similar institution(The Faculty of Letters is an eligible faculty.)
Those who have completed a 14-year (or 15-year) school education curriculum abroad, etc.
To break down the key points—
Transfers from junior colleges and technical colleges are of course eligible. This is the primary target group.
Even as a second-year student at a four-year university, you can apply if you meet the 'completion of second year (= at least 2 years of enrollment excluding leave of absence)' requirement.
Even graduates of vocational schools (specialized training colleges) can apply to the Faculty of Letters(provided they meet the criteria). Within Doshisha, only three faculties—Theology, Letters, and Science and Engineering—accept vocational school graduates, so the Faculty of Letters is a valuable faculty that opens a transfer route from vocational schools.
Reskilling for working adults who have already graduated from university is also eligible if you hold qualifications from a university, junior college, technical college, or vocational school.
Beware of the 'pitfalls' of prospective admission
If someone who applied with 'expected graduation/completion in March 2027' fails to actually meet the graduation/completion requirements by the end of March 2027, they cannot enroll even if they pass the exam (common to all faculties). If you are applying from your second year of a four-year university or are on the verge of meeting credit requirements, make sure to finalize your graduation/withdrawal (to avoid dual enrollment) arrangements early.
And the most important point for the Faculty of Letters is that an 'English application requirement' is added depending on the department. This will be explained in detail in point ⑤ below.
⑤ External English Exams (A 'gateway to application' for English, Aesthetics, Cultural History, and Japanese Literature)
For transfers to the Doshisha University Faculty of Letters, simply 'having an external English exam score' is an application requirement for many departments. In other words, you cannot even apply without the standard score. This is the top priority for your preparation.
The standards by department are as follows (in addition to the common qualifications above, you must meet one of the following below).
Department of English: Eiken Pre-1st Grade or higher / TOEFL iBT 3.5 or higher (formerly 65 or higher) / TOEIC L&R 650 or higher
Department of Aesthetics and Art / Department of Cultural History / Department of Japanese Literature: Eiken Pre-1st Grade or higher / TOEFL iBT 3 or higher (formerly 55 or higher) / TOEIC L&R 550 or higher
Department of Philosophy: Eiken (No English score application requirement. Take the 'Foreign Language Literature Reading' exam on the day)
💡 Only the Department of Philosophy has different rules—this is important
The four departments of English, Aesthetics and Art, Cultural History, and Japanese Literature use a method of 'submitting an English score at the time of application.' On the other hand, the Department of Philosophy does not require the submission of external English exam scores. Instead, you will take a 'Foreign Language Literature Reading' exam (one subject from English, German, or French) on the day of the exam. For those who 'do not have an English qualification but want to compete thoroughly through reading comprehension,' the Department of Philosophy has a different entry structure (scoring will be explained in ⑥).
Points to note for the four departments that use external English exams should also be kept in mind.
Validity period: Scores for (a) TOEFL iBT, (b) TOEIC, and (c) IELTS are valid if they were obtained within 2 years as of the application deadline. Eiken (passing Pre-1st Grade or higher) is recognized by the fact of passing.
Types that cannot be used: TOEFL ITP, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEIC L&R (IP), TOEIC Program IP Test (Online), IELTS Online, and IELTS One Skill Retake are not eligible. Choose public tests taken individually (IELTS Computer-delivered and IELTS for UKVI Academic Module are eligible).
Submission Method: For TOEIC L&R, submit a printed PDF of the Digital Official Score Certificate or the original Official Score Certificate with a QR code printed on it. For TOEFL iBT, both a printed PDF of the Test Taker Score Report and the Official Score Report sent directly from ETS to the university (Doshisha's institution code is 7078) are required. Copies of score cards will not be accepted.
The reason why this condition means 'finishing English early'
Your English score must be in your possession in a 'valid state' by the time of application (early October). TOEIC, TOEFL, and IELTS all take time from application to taking the test to the arrival of the score certificate, and they also have a 'within 2 years' expiration date. Since 'starting English after deciding to transfer' often means you won't make it in time for the application, the ironclad rule is to prioritize finishing English first above all else.
⑥ Exam Subjects and Scoring (This is the most important part | It is completely different for each department)
The 2027 academic year exam will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at the Imadegawa Campus. The Faculty of Letters does not have a first-stage screening, and the selection is completed in this one-day exam (English scores are already screened at the time of application). The exam subjects, scoring, and schedule for each department are as follows.
Department of English (Total 150 points)
English Composition: Time 10:00–11:00 / Scoring 50 points
Thesis: Time 11:20–12:20 / Scoring 50 points
Oral Examination: Time 13:10– / Scoring 50 points
Centered on English proficiency, it is a three-part structure with English composition, thesis, and oral examination, each worth 50 points in a balanced manner. In addition to the score at the time of application (TOEIC 650, etc.), English proficiency is also tested on the day through English composition.
Department of Philosophy (Total 400 points)
Reading Foreign Language Literature (1 subject from English, German, or French): Time 10:00-12:00 / Score 200 points
Thesis: Time 13:10-14:20 / Score 100 points
Oral Examination: Time 14:30- / Score 100 points
With a total of 400 points, it is the largest in the Faculty of Letters for the Department of Philosophy. The pillar is Foreign Language Literature Reading (200 points)—the ability to accurately read and interpret original philosophical texts and research literature in a foreign language accounts for half of the total. A feature is that it can be taken not only in English but also in German or French.
Department of Aesthetics and Art Studies (Total 200 points)
1 subject from German, French, or Classical Chinese: Time 10:00-11:10 / Score 50 points
Thesis: Time 11:20-12:20 / Score 100 points
Oral Examination: Time 13:10- / Score 50 points
The 100-point thesis is the main battleground. Language (1 from German, French, or Classical Chinese) at 50 points and the oral examination at 50 points provide support. Deep interest in art, music, theater, etc., and the writing ability to discuss them are required.
Department of Cultural History (Japanese Cultural History: Total 200 points / Western/Eastern Cultural History: Total 150 points)
Japanese Cultural History: Subject: Classical Chinese / Time 10:00-10:50 / Score 50 points
: Subject: Thesis / Time: 11:20–12:20 / Score 100 points
: Subject: Oral Examination / Time: 13:10– / Score 50 points
Western/Eastern Cultural History: Subject: Thesis / Time: 11:20–12:20 / Score 100 points
: Subject: Oral Examination / Time: 13:10– / Score 50 points
The Department of Cultural History is divided into courses for Japanese Cultural History and Western/Eastern Cultural History, with different subjects.Japanese Cultural History includes Classical Chinese (50 points) whereas Western/Eastern Cultural History consists of two subjects: a thesis and an oral examination. In both cases, the 100-point thesis is the core.
Department of Japanese Literature (Total 300 points)
Japanese Language: Time: 10:00–11:10 / Score 100 points
Thesis: Time: 11:20–12:20 / Score 100 points
Oral Examination: Time: 13:10– / Score 100 points
Japanese Language, Thesis, and Oral Examination are 100 points each, a perfectly balanced three-way split. You need to evenly prepare in three areas: Japanese language proficiency including classical and classical Chinese, the ability to discuss Japanese literature, and specialized understanding demonstrated in the oral examination.
💡 Dictionaries are permitted (Aesthetics and Art, Cultural History)
For those choosing "German," "French," or "Classical Chinese" in the Department of Aesthetics and Art or the Department of Cultural History (Japanese Cultural History), one dictionary for the relevant language (electronic dictionaries are not allowed) is permitted. Having one paper dictionary and getting used to it will give you an edge on the day of the exam. Dictionaries are not permitted for English composition, Japanese language, thesis, or oral examinations.
For every department, the foundation is 'Essay + Oral Examination'
What all 5 departments have in common is that they always include an essay (short essay) and an oral examination. Looking at the scoring, essays are worth 50–100 points and oral examinations are worth 50–100 points, carrying a weight that can determine pass/fail. Beyond 'studying specialized subjects,' practicing how to logically explain your thoughts in writing and orally is effective for all departments (see ⑦ for preparation).
⑦ Points for Subject-Specific Preparation (Concrete Measures Directly Linked to Passing)
Essay (Short Essay) | The Common Pillar for All Departments
The essay is required for all departments and is a part with a high point allocation. You are tested on your ability to logically summarize a theme related to the specialized field of your desired department within a limited time.
First, create a 'template': Practice the structure of 'Confirmation of the question → Your own stance → Evidence/concrete examples → Consideration of counterarguments → Conclusion' so that you can write it for any theme.
Use technical terms correctly: Concepts of history of thought for philosophy, art theory for aesthetics and arts, handling of historical materials for cultural history, and literary history/work analysis for Japanese literature—the deciding factor in evaluation is whether you can write with vocabulary and perspectives 'typical' of that department.
Time yourself while writing: The actual exam is around 60 minutes for the essay (depending on the department). Start practicing early to finish writing in legible characters within the time limit.
Oral Examination | Not an 'Interview' but a 'Specialized Examination'
The oral examination for the Doshisha Faculty of Letters is not just a standard interview about your motivation for applying. In addition to reasons for applying and study plans, you may be asked about basic knowledge in your specialized field or a deep dive into the content you wrote in your essay.
Be able to talk about your reasons for applying at a 'research level': Be prepared to explain 'Why this department?' and 'Whose research do you want to engage with at Doshisha, and what kind of research?' by delving into specific themes and the research fields of faculty members.
Practice explaining the basics of your specialty orally: Whether you can speak out loud and explain things logically depends on the amount of practice. Create a list of anticipated questions and have a third party listen to you.
Be conscious of the connection to your essay: Anticipating that the content of your essay will be explored in the oral examination, ensure you are in a state where you can re-explain the theme you wrote about in your essay in your own words.
English Composition (Department of English) / Reading Foreign Language Literature (Department of Philosophy)
English composition for the Department of English: Beyond meeting the application criteria (TOEIC 650, Eiken Pre-1st Grade, etc.), you need the ability to write English on the day of the exam. Practice writing with accurate grammar and logical structure in response to the given theme.
Foreign Language Literature Reading for the Department of Philosophy (200 points): This is the most important subject, accounting for half of the total score. Choose one language you are proficient in from English, German, or French and read philosophy and thought-related literature to a level where you can accurately translate into Japanese and summarize without a dictionary. The key is to get used to highly abstract expository texts.
Language, Classical Chinese, and Japanese (Aesthetics and Art, Cultural History, Japanese Literature)
Classical Chinese (within Japanese for Aesthetics and Art, Cultural History/Japanese Cultural History, and Japanese Literature): Solidify the basics of reading, translating into classical Japanese (kundoku), and translating into modern Japanese. For departments that allow dictionaries, it is reassuring to be accustomed to using a paper kanji dictionary.
Japanese (Department of Japanese Literature, 100 points): Comprehensive ability in classical Japanese, classical Chinese, and modern Japanese is tested. Balance your knowledge of literary history with text comprehension.
German/French (Philosophy, Aesthetics and Art): If you choose these, systematically build up the vocabulary and grammar required to read specialized literature.
💡 At Online Transfer Academy, we provide guidance centered on 'thesis + oral examination' preparation for each department. For transfers to the Faculty of Letters, it is not just 'specialized knowledge' but 'the ability to express it in a thesis and orally' that determines success or failure. We will design a path to the actual exam together, tailored to your desired department, including analysis of past question trends, correction of statements of purpose, and mock oral examinations.
⑧ Practical Guide to Application (Application Documents and Procedures)
Application Flow (Internet Application + Mailing Documents)
Doshisha's transfer application is a two-step process: ① Register application information on the internet application site and pay the examination fee → ② Mail the application documents. The application is not complete with just one of these.
① Registration of application information and payment of examination fee: Monday, September 28, 2026 – Friday, October 9, 2026
② Mailing period for application documents: Monday, October 5, 2026 – Friday, October 9, 2026 (Must be postmarked by October 9)
Mailing method: Registered express mail (Use the university's designated 'Mailing Address Label'). Counter reception is not available
Application Fee: 35,000 yen (Credit card, convenience store, bank Pay-easy, etc. No refunds after payment)
Main Required Documents
Application Confirmation Form: Can be printed after registering for the online application and paying the application fee
Transcript: Certified by the head of your previous (or current) school. Current students must also include the names of courses currently being taken and the number of credits
Certificate of Graduation (or Expected Graduation): Required for graduates (or expected graduates) of universities, junior colleges, technical colleges, vocational schools, or high school advanced courses
Certificate of Enrollment (University-prescribed form): Must be submitted by those who are (or were) enrolled in a four-year university. However, this is not required if submitting a Certificate of Graduation (or Expected Graduation)
Statement of Purpose (University-prescribed form): Required for applicants to the Departments of Theology, Letters, and Science and Engineering (An important document used for comprehensive evaluation)
Documents certifying language proficiency: Applicants to the Departments of English, Aesthetics and Art History, Cultural History, and Japanese Literature must submit the original English score report (copies are not accepted)
The original score report is required for language scores
For the four departments that use external English exams, the original score card or equivalent must be submitted; copies will not be accepted. If you wish to have the original returned, please attach a note or sticky note stating "Request for Return." For TOEFL iBT, you must also have it sent directly from ETS (Institution Code 7078). Submission methods are strictly defined for each type, so please be sure to check the relevant section of the application guidelines.
The Statement of Purpose is a 'Document That Determines Success or Failure'
The Faculty of Letters requires the submission of a statement of purpose. Since this content may be explored further during the oral examination, it is recommended to write a consistent story covering 'Current Situation → Theme You Want to Study → Why Doshisha Faculty of Letters' and receive multiple revisions. Do not assume facts such as faculty names or research fields; always verify them with your own eyes.
⑨ Announcement of Successful Applicants, Enrollment Procedures, and Tuition
Announcement of Successful Applicants: December 11, 2026 (Friday) (Notified to the applicant via express mail). Inquiries by phone, etc., are not accepted.
First Procedure (Registration Fee) Deadline: January 7, 2027 (Thursday)
Second Procedure Deadline: March 24, 2027 (Wednesday)
Tuition (student fees for students entering in the 2027 academic year) varies slightly by department due to miscellaneous fees, and the total for the first year is generally as follows.
Department of English: Total for the first year of enrollment 1,357,000 yen / Amount payable at the time of enrollment procedures 778,500 yen
Department of Philosophy, Department of Aesthetics and Art History, Department of Cultural History: Total for the first year of enrollment 1,356,000 yen / Amount payable at the time of enrollment procedures 778,000 yen
Department of Japanese Literature: Total for the first year of enrollment 1,358,000 yen / Amount payable at the time of enrollment procedures 779,000 yen
*The main items in the breakdown include an admission fee of 200,000 yen, tuition (annual) of 983,000 yen, and educational enhancement fees (annual) of 165,000 yen (the admission fee for internal graduates = alumni of this university is half). Since amounts are subject to change, please be sure to check the latest information at the time of enrollment procedures.
💡 Ensure you meet the 'graduation and credit requirements' between acceptance and enrollment
Acceptance results are announced in December, the first enrollment procedure is in January, and the second is in March. Those who applied based on expected graduation must ensure they meet the graduation/completion requirements (62 credits, graduation, etc.) by the end of March 2027. If you cannot meet the requirements, you will not be able to enroll even if you are accepted, so make sure to finalize your credit and graduation schedule at your current institution early.
Regarding credit recognition after enrollment
A common concern with transfers is, 'What happens to the credits I earned at my previous school?' At Doshisha, the faculty council of each department determines the credit recognition for courses taken at your previous institution. Depending on the number of credits recognized, you may need to extend your years of study to meet graduation requirements. It is best to confirm directly with the university (Faculty of Letters) after acceptance regarding how many credits will be recognized in your specific case.
③ The 'Correct Way' to View Competition Ratios and Difficulty
Let's talk about difficulty. There is something I must tell you honestly here. Doshisha University does not comprehensively publish the number of applicants and successful candidates for transfer exams by department and by year. Therefore, in this article, we will not assert a specific 'competition ratio' figure (it is the policy of Online Transfer Academy not to post figures of unknown origin).
With that in mind, here are two tips for interpreting the difficulty.
Recruitment is for 'a small number' = elite few: Each department does not publish the number of successful candidates and recruits 'a small number.' Because the slots are limited, the level of perfection in your thesis and oral examination directly determines your success or failure.
The 'entry point' for applications differs by department: English, Aesthetics, Cultural History, and Japanese Literature have a hurdle of an English score, and only those who can clear this proceed to the exam. The Department of Philosophy does not require an English score, but instead, a heavy specialized exam of 200 points for foreign language literature reading awaits. Determining 'which department allows you to leverage your strengths' is the practical strategy for dealing with difficulty.
💡 Think in terms of 'perfection' rather than competition ratio
In transfers for 'a small number' slots, rather than worrying about competition ratio figures, the essence is whether you can demonstrate specialized thinking in your thesis / whether you can logically explain your interests in the oral examination. The Doshisha Faculty of Letters is an exam that is well within reach if you build up your understanding of the specialty and your expressive ability, regardless of whether you come from a junior college, technical college, four-year university, vocational school, or are a working professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Will the Faculty of Letters really conduct transfers for all departments in FY2027?
A. Yes. In the 'FY2027 Transfer Admission Exam Status' section of the official guidelines issued in June 2026, all five departments—English, Philosophy, Aesthetics and Art, Cultural History, and Japanese Literature—are listed as '○ (Conducting)'. The exam date is Saturday, December 5, 2026.
Q. Is the English (TOEIC, etc.) exam taken on the day of the test?
A. The Departments of English, Aesthetics and Art, Cultural History, and Japanese Literature use a method of 'submitting scores at the time of application', so there is no written English exam on the day (the Department of English has an 'English composition' test on the day). The Department of Philosophy does not require the submission of an English score, and instead, you will take a 'Foreign Language Literature Reading' exam on the day.
Q. Which English qualifications are accepted, and what score is required to apply?
A. For the Department of English, you need Eiken Pre-1st Grade or higher / TOEFL iBT 3.5 or higher (old 65 points) / TOEIC L&R 650 or higher / IELTS 5.5 or higher. For the Departments of Aesthetics, Cultural History, and Japanese Literature, you need Eiken Pre-1st Grade or higher / TOEFL iBT 3 or higher (old 55 points) / TOEIC L&R 550 or higher / IELTS 5.0 or higher. IP versions, Home Editions, and online versions are not accepted.
Q. Is there an interview (oral examination)? What will be asked?
A. Yes, for all departments (scored 50–100 points). In addition to your reasons for applying and study plan, you may be asked about basic knowledge in your specialized field or a deep dive into the content written in your thesis. Prepare to ensure consistency with your statement of purpose.
Q. Can graduates of junior colleges, technical colleges, or vocational schools apply?
A. Yes, you can. Graduates of junior colleges and technical colleges are the standard route. Graduates of vocational schools (specialized training colleges) are also eligible for the Faculty of Letters if they meet criteria such as a course duration of at least 2 years and a total of at least 1,700 class hours (Doshisha only accepts vocational school graduates in the Faculties of Theology, Letters, and Science and Engineering).
Q. I am a second-year student at a four-year university; can I apply?
A. You can apply if you meet the requirement of "completion of the second year of university (including expected completion, excluding those on leave of absence for 2 years or more)." Please note that if you apply based on expected completion but fail to meet the requirements by the end of March, you will not be able to enroll.
Q. What is the acceptance rate?
A. Doshisha University does not publicly disclose the number of applicants or successful candidates for transfer exams by department or year (it is not disclosed). Therefore, this article does not state a specific acceptance rate. Each department recruits "a small number of students," and the quality of your thesis and oral examination will determine your success.
Q. Where and when is the exam held?
A. It will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at the Imadegawa Campus (Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City). The Faculty of Letters does not have a first-stage screening, so the selection process is completed in this one day.
Q. How much is the application fee?
A. 35,000 yen (once paid, it is non-refundable). After registering via the online application system, you can pay by credit card, convenience store, bank Pay-easy, etc.
Q. Can I transfer credits earned at my previous school?
A. Credit recognition for courses taken at your previous school is determined by the faculty council of each department. Depending on the recognition results, you may need to extend your enrollment period to meet graduation requirements. Please confirm details with the Faculty of Letters after you are accepted.
Q. Will the exam be held in FY2028 and beyond?
A. The application guidelines state, "Depending on enrollment capacity, exams may not be held in FY2028 or later. Whether or not they will be held will be officially announced in the entrance exam guidelines issued in June 2027." Those aiming for FY2028 or later must check the official latest guidelines every June.
Summary | Doshisha Faculty of Letters is Decided by "Department Selection" and "Thesis/Oral Exam"
The third-year transfer to Doshisha University's Faculty of Letters is being held for all 5 departments in FY2027, making it one of the few "open doors" for transfer among Doshisha's humanities faculties. That is precisely why the strategy for success is clear.
First, choose your department—English for the Department of English, 200 points for foreign language literature reading in Philosophy, thesis-centered for Aesthetics and Cultural History, and Japanese language + thesis for Japanese Literature. Choosing the department where you can leverage your strengths is the greatest strategy.
Prioritize securing your English score—For English Literature, Aesthetics, Cultural History, and Japanese Literature, the external English exam is the gateway to application. Make sure to have a valid, public test score ready by the time of application (early October) (not required for the Department of Philosophy).
Perfect your essay and oral examination—The core pillar common to all departments. Practicing how to logically express specialized knowledge in both "writing" and "speech" will determine your success.
Start your statement of purpose early and revise it repeatedly—Craft it into a consistent story, assuming it will be probed deeply during the oral examination.
While transferring into the Doshisha Faculty of Letters has its severity due to the small number of "a few" recruitsゆえのシビアさがある一方で、a wide entry point where you can challenge yourself regardless of whether you are from a junior college, technical college, four-year university, vocational school, or are a working professional入口の広さがあります。倍率の数字に振り回されるより、focus on the subjects and scoring of your desired department, and improve the perfection of your essay and oral examination—this is the most reproducible way to win.
"Which department is right for me?" "Which English qualification should I take and what score should I aim for?" "I want help preparing for the essay and oral exam together"—in such cases, please use the free consultation at the Online Transfer Academy. We will work with you to design the shortest route to the actual exam in December, tailored to your situation. We have no intention of pressuring you. Please feel free to tell us about your current situation and questions first.
About the author of this article
Online Transfer Academy(University Transfer Information Bureau)
This article is supervised and written by the Online Transfer Academy, a preparatory school specializing in university transfer exams.
University transfer exams vary by university in terms of departments, exam subjects, and application requirements, and they also change from year to year. That is why the recruitment numbers, exam subjects, scoring, schedules, and competition ratios posted in this article are always confirmed against the application guidelines and entrance exam results published by each university, and are also based on knowledge accumulated through transfer guidance, such as testimonials from successful candidates. Items not published by the university are not supplemented by speculation but are clearly stated as "not disclosed" as they are.
▶ Online Transfer Academy Official Website
*Note: The systems, schedules, subjects, scoring, costs, and application requirements in this article are based on Doshisha University's "2027 Academic Year Transfer/Admission Exam Guidelines." Please be sure to check the official guidelines for the latest and confirmed information before applying. Whether or not it will be implemented for the 2028 academic year and beyond will be announced in the entrance exam guidelines published in June 2027.*
*Source: Doshisha University "2027 Academic Year Transfer/Admission Exam Guidelines", Doshisha University Transfer/Admission Exam (Official), 2027 Academic Year Transfer/Admission Exam Guidelines (PDF), Doshisha University*
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