Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

When can I expect to receive my final result from the application and interview process?

Final application results will be available on the Chiba Tech application portal after 5:00 PM JST on March 12, 2026.

When will SDS start accepting applications for 2027?

May 2026

What are the application requirements for SDS?

Application materials may include but not be limited to: Personal Statement, Research Proposal, Up to three Recommendation Letters, and an optional but encouraged Portfolio of Work

Applicants will also participate in an interview with SDS and Chiba Tech faculty.

Tuition

What is the approximate cost of SDS?

For the 2026 academic year, first-year tuition and fees for incoming graduate students (both Master’s and PhD programs) is about 1.1M JPY. This amount is set by Chiba Tech and applies uniformly across all of its graduate schools, including the School of Design & Science (SDS).

A detailed breakdown of the tuition and fees is available here.

Financial Support

Is SDS able to provide financial support?

Unfortunately, SDS cannot guarantee tuition coverage and a stipend for all graduate students. However, we make our best effort to match students with funded projects based on their research interests. When this is not viable, SDS can help students apply for scholarships and loans.

For additional details on scholarships, student loans, and student mutual aid, please visit here.

When will I know if I have funding?

SDS will notify you as soon as your funding is confirmed. As a new program, we are actively improving our fundraising process and sincerely appreciate your patience.

What are important deadlines for tuition payments? How do tuition payments work for funded students?

For applicants who applied in August, first-year tuition is due December 12, 2025.

For applicants who apply in December, first-year tuition is due March 19, 2026.

Degree Program and Schedule

Where can I find the official SDS school calendar?

The Chiba Tech 2025 Calendar can be found here.

When do SDS classes start?

April 6 (Monday), 2026

What is SDS’s policy for remote learning? Are there certain dates when in-person attendance is mandatory?

Students should consult with their advisors regarding in-person attendance expectations, as faculty members establish their own meeting schedules with students.

Is it possible to participate in the graduate program on a part-time basis?

Part-time participation is considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact SDS admissions to discuss your specific situation.

Where can I read about the curriculum and degree requirements for my program?

Visit the Curriculum page for detailed information.

Learning Japanese

What resources do you recommend for learning Japanese?

Paid web resources: Bunpro (vocabulary and grammar), Kikikata (listening practice — listen to Japanese speech and type the sentence), WaniKani (kanji learning)

Useful podcasts: Nihongo con Teppei, Let’s Talk in Japanese

Housing

Does Chiba Tech provide on-campus housing to graduate students?

Please contact Chiba Tech’s housing coordinator (Muto-san) for information about on-campus housing availability.

What guarantor options are available for international students renting apartments in Japan?

When signing an apartment contract in Japan, the following guarantor options are available:

  1. A guarantor company affiliated with the real estate agency
  2. Comprehensive Renter’s Insurance for Foreign Students Studying in Japan (view information)
  3. A family member, relative, or advisor residing in Japan

Note: Chiba Tech will act as guarantor for students who have a contract under option 2 (Comprehensive Renter’s Insurance for Foreign Students Studying in Japan).

As an international student, what are the best options for housing?

Students may contact the following housing agents directly:

Visa and Immigration

How do I apply for a visa, and are there deadlines I should be aware of?

A. Tuition Payment (Spring Semester 2026)

  • Submit tuition payment by the deadline
  • After payment, send a soft copy of the remittance statement (receipt)
  • Include your full name or examinee number in the remittance information
  • Notify us in advance if you anticipate difficulty meeting the payment deadline

B. Written Oath (Handwritten Only)

  • The Written Oath must be handwritten
  • Send a scanned copy by email
  • Bring the original hard copy when you arrive in Japan

C. Additional Documents for Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) Application

Please prepare and submit:

  • Application Form for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
  • Visa Information for Application
  • Letter of Guarantee for Expenses
  • Resume / CV
  • Photo (for CoE application)

Contact Information

Who should I contact with other questions about SDS not addressed in this FAQ?

Admissions-related questions: sds-admissions@chibatech.dev

General questions: sds@chibatech.dev