Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is a branch campus of Temple University offering the opportunity to study abroad for a semester, summer or the full academic year alongside degree-seeking Japanese, U.S., and international students from about 60 countries around the world. With such a diverse student body, you can expect a dynamic exchange of perspectives on current global issues, international relations, and aspects of traditional and popular culture. Outside of the classroom, you can take advantage of a full schedule of activities, events and workshops that expose you to new locations and various aspects of life in Tokyo and throughout Japan. Beginning in spring 2025, you can also study at Temple Japan's new campus in Kyoto.
About Temple Japan
Administration
TUJ is led by Dean Matthew Wilson, who has a long history of dedication to Temple, beginning with his own experience studying abroad at Temple Japan as a student in Temple's law school. He returned to TUJ in 2003 as the Law Program Director and later became TUJ’s general counsel and senior associate dean. Following several years as president of multiple American universities, Dean Wilson returned to lead TUJ in 2020.
Dean Wilson is supported by a team of faculty and staff, including the Office of Student Services and Engagement, who collaborates closely with Education Abroad & Overseas Campuses to create an enriching experience for all students.
Academics at TUJ
TUJ offers courses in a variety of academic disciplines, including GenEd and internship courses.
- Courses in a variety of academic areas: American Studies, Anthropology, Art, Asian Studies, Communications, Computer and Information Science, Economics, History, International Business Studies, Japanese Language, Journalism, Media Studies and Production, Political Science, Psychology, Tourism & Hospitality
- Foundational business courses, ideal for Fox students, in Accounting, Economics, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Statistics
- Specialized architecture program offered during the spring semester
- Offerings vary by term
Location & Facilities
Showa Women’s University (SWU) and Temple University, Japan Campus share a campus at SWU’s location in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. The Temple Japan building provides excellent resources, including enhanced common areas, a modern library, expanded and improved studio spaces, and a dedicated art gallery. You also have access to athletic facilities and the more traditional university setting at Showa.
Facilities include classroom space, art studios, computer labs and a wireless network, student lounges, a library, a career center, a teaching and learning center, and administrative offices. On the first floor of the main building, you will find the Office of Student Services and Engagement (OSSE). As the office responsible for non-academic programming and support, OSSE will likely serve as your home base during your time at Temple Japan.
Temple Japan is easy to reach using Tokyo’s famous public transportation system and is within walking distance of several subway and train stations.
Learn more about the facilities at Temple Japan.
Housing
Temple Japan: Tokyo housing options may vary by term. Check with the Program Management Team for information about your term's available options.
- Program-arranged housing
- Independent housing: homestays
- Independent housing: other
We encourage you to apply to the program well before the deadline as program and/or housing capacity may be limited. We will do our best to accommodate all requests for program-arranged housing, but we are unable to guarantee availability. Housing will be offered on a rolling basis with admissions decisions, which will include instructions on how to secure your spot.
Program-arranged housing
Temple Japan: Tokyo works with three dorm facilities that include multiple room types. Read more about the current dorm housing options (subject to change). As part of your application, you will indicate which room type you prefer. We will do our best to accommodate requests, but room requests are subject to availability and if you accept a spot in program-arranged housing you need to be willing to accept any type of room in any program-arranged housing facility.
Independent housing: homestay
TU students, and non-Temple students with approval from their home institution, can opt to live with a local homestay family. Students will work directly with the homestay agency. Interested students can reach out to the program management team for details on how to pursue a homestay. Basic information about the homestay option:
- A good option for flexible students who are interested in linguistic and cultural immersion.
- Provides additional opportunities for language practice, as Japanese hosts do not necessarily speak English very well.
- Private room in a Japanese home.
- Students can choose to include breakfast with their homestay, or breakfast and dinner.
- Usually located in one of Tokyo's many residential areas, so you will get to know local neighborhoods that the casual tourist doesn't usually see.
- Commute to campus varies, but averages 50-60 minutes by public transportation.
- If you opt for a homestay, you need to provide your confirmed housing address to Education Abroad before the start of the program.
Independent housing: other
Temple students and non-Temple students with approval from your home institution, you may elect to arrange your own housing. If you opt for independent housing, you need to provide your confirmed housing address to Education Abroad before the start of the program.
Policies
For more detailed policies, please refer to your Temple study abroad portal.
- Program-arranged housing is not guaranteed to all participants, but we do our best to accommodate accepted students if they apply with a preference for program-housing or if their home school requires them to live in program-arranged housing. If you are offered a spot in housing, you have 2 weeks to submit the required deposit and accept the housing policies. Once these requirements are complete, you will receive an email confirming your spot.
- Once confirmed in housing, there are likely to be financial consequences to withdrawing from housing, depending on the timeline. See our refund policies for more information.
- Students can request roommates, and as long as the request is mutual, we do our best to accommodate these requests. Please note that we cannot guarantee roommates.
- If you are requesting any accommodations for a disability that may affect your housing placement, please contact the program management team (program.manager@temple.edu) to discuss, as there are cultural differences related to accessibility abroad. Be sure to submit your accommodations letter from Temple or your home institution in the Temple study abroad portal.
- Students confirmed in program-arranged housing get their address shortly before the program start date.
- We cannot accommodate requests to change into a different room type or dorm after housing has been assigned. Students need to be willing to accept any of the program-arranged housing and room options.
Activities and Excursions
The Student Engagement team at Temple Japan offers a variety of opportunities to enhance your experience and enrich your social and cultural life while in Tokyo.
Student clubs & organizations, such as Anime, Mixed Martial Arts, Coding club and more.
Excursions and field trips that enhance understanding of Japanese culture, such as visits to Japanese festivals, Taiyaki Making Workshop, and overnight trips to Hiroshima.
Learn more about student engagement, activities, and excursions.
TUJ also offers volunteer activities to become involved in the local community through the Community Relations department.
Faculty & On-site Support
Temple Faculty
Temple Japan is proud to have a faculty committed to providing you with the best academic experience during your time in Tokyo.
On-site Support
When you study at Temple Japan, you'll have the support of the caring staff of the campus, including a dedicated Office of Student Services and Engagement team (OSSE), Counseling Services, Learning Center, Accessibility Services, Career Development, and more.
Health & Safety
Staying healthy and safe abroad requires good planning and strong support. Review our health and safety page for important steps to prepare to study abroad, and details about international travel medical insurance and assistance provided by Temple.
Japan is a relatively safe destination with little crime. Quality medical care is available, but it's important to understand cultural differences, especially related to mental health matters in Japan. TUJ has a Counseling Office, which often operates with a waitlist, and teletherapy is available through our global assistance provider, but additional English-speaking mental health care may be limited. We will provide accepted students with more information and resources, and TUJ's counseling office provides information about bringing medications into Japan. We encourage you to speak with Education Abroad or our global assistance provider if you have any questions.
Contact
For more information, contact:
Education Abroad: [click-for-email]; 215.204.0720
Semester Overview
Expand upon each of the links below to view more details about this term.
Academic Program
TUJ offers courses in a variety of disciplines. We encourage you to take Japanese language and Asian studies while completing other degree requirements abroad.
Language of Instruction
- English, except for Japanese and other language courses.
Course Load
- 4-5 courses, 12-18 credit hours
- Non-Temple students: verify the minimum number of credit hours required by your home institutions
Course Offerings
- Courses in a variety of academic areas: American studies, anthropology, art, Asian studies, communications, computer and information science, economics, GenEd, history, international business studies, Japanese language, journalism, media studies and production, political science, psychology, tourism and hospitality.
- Foundational business courses, ideal for Fox students, in accounting, economics, human resource management, marketing, and statistics.
- Credit-bearing internships
The specialized architecture program offered during the spring semester will be offered in Kyoto beginning in Spring 2025.
Program Dates
Tentative Program Dates*
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2025 | |
| Departure from U.S. | August 24 (Aug 22 for Kyoto) | January 6 |
| Arrival | August 25 (Aug 23 for Kyoto) | January 7 |
| Orientation | August 26-29 | January 7-11 |
| Classes begin | September 1 | January 14 |
| Last day to add a course** | September 5 (13:00 JST) | January 20 (13:00 JST) |
| Last day to drop a course | September 12 (13:00 JST) | January 27 (13:00 JST) |
| Course withdraw deadline | December 1 (13:00 JST) | April 14 (13:00 JST) |
Last day of classes | December 1 | April 14 |
| Final exams | December 4-10 | April 17-April 23 |
| Last night in housing | December 12 | April 25 |
| Program concludes | December 13 | April 26 |
*Accepted students: Refer to your Canvas page and documents in your online portal for important instructions prior to making travel arrangements.
**After the add/drop period, students may only add courses with approval of the Associate Dean.
Program participants are required to be present for the entire length of the program, from the official arrival date through the program end date.
Program Costs
Program Deposit
Students will pay a non-refundable program deposit of $400 within 2 weeks of acceptance to the program, or 2 weeks after the application deadline, whichever is earlier. This non-refundable deposit is credited to your program fees as a prepayment.
Tuition and Fees
Temple students and non-Temple students are charged the non-matriculated student rate based on residency. For the 2024-25 academic year, PA residents are charged $9,432 and non-PA residents are charged $16,956 for a full-time courseload of 12-18 credits. *Non-Temple students: your program costs may vary depending on your home institution's billing model. Please check with your study abroad office about your school's billing policies.
All students pay the Japan Program Fee, estimated at $375
If you are placed in program-arranged housing, you also pay the Japan Housing Fees, estimated at $4200-4600.
For complete details about billable costs and estimate for non-billable expenses, such as airfare, meals, and personal expenses, view the program cost sheet.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Education Abroad offers competitive, need-based scholarships for this program. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
Summer Overview
Expand upon each of the links below to view more details about this term.
Academic Program
Temple Japan offers courses in a variety of disciplines, including GenEd and internship courses.
Language of Instruction
- English, except for Japanese and other language courses.
Course Load
- 3-4 courses, 9-12 credit hours
Course Offerings
- Courses in a variety of academic areas: American Studies, Anthropology, Art, Asian Studies, Communications, Computer Science, Economics, GenEd, History, International Business Studies, Japanese Language, Journalism, Media Studies and Production, Political Science, Psychology, Tourism & Hospitality
- Credit-bearing internships
Program Dates
Tentative Program Dates*
| Summer 2025 | |
| Departure from U.S. | May 20 |
| Arrival in Japan | May 21 |
| Orientation | May 22 |
| Classes begin | May 26 |
| Last day to add a course** | May 30 (1:00 pm JST) |
| Last day to drop a course | June 6 (1:00 pm JST) |
Last day of classes | July 18 |
| Final exams | July 24-30 |
| Last night in housing | August 1 |
| Program concludes | August 2 |
*Accepted students: Refer to your Canvas page and documents in your online portal for important instructions prior to making travel arrangements.
**After the add/drop period, students may only add courses with approval of the Associate Dean.
Program participants are required to be present for the entire length of the program, from the official arrival date through the program end date.
Program Costs
Program Deposit
Students will pay a non-refundable program deposit of $400 within 2 weeks of acceptance to the program, or 2 weeks after the application deadline, whichever is earlier. This non-refundable deposit is credited to your program fees as a prepayment.
Tuition and Fees
Temple students and non-Temple students are charged the non-matriculated per-credit rate based on residency. For the 2024-25 academic year, PA residents are charged $786 per credit and non-PA residents are charged $1,413 per credit. *Non-Temple students: your program costs may vary depending on your home institution's billing model. Please check with your study abroad office about your school's billing policies.
All students pay the Japan Program Fee, estimated at $375
If you are placed in program-arranged housing, the Japan Housing Fees are estimated at $4200-4600.
For complete details about billable costs and estimate for non-billable expenses, such as airfare, meals, and personal expenses, view the program cost sheet.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Education Abroad offers competitive, need-based scholarships for this program. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
Eligibility Requirements
Temple programs are open to qualified students matriculated at any U.S. or Canadian college or university.
You are eligible to apply if you meet the following requirements.
Are enrolled fulltime and will have completed 2 semesters before studying abroad
- You are enrolled as a full-time matriculated student at the time of application as well as during the semester prior to studying abroad.
- You will have completed at least two (2) semesters of college-level study by the program start.
Are in good academic standing and meet minimum GPA requirement for the program
You meet minimum cumulative GPA requirement from all colleges/universities attended. As of May 2025, the GPA requirement for most programs is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Exceptions include:
- Rome Internships: 3.0
- Exchange Programs: 2.75
- External Programs: varies, provider requirements may differ from Temple's
You remain in good academic standing from the time of application until the start of your term abroad; students on academic warning are not eligible to participate.
Have a valid passport
You will need a passport, valid well beyond the length of your program, by the application deadline.
View deadlines and validity requirements for your host country.
Are in good disciplinary standing
You must be in good disciplinary standing at the time of application and remain so through the start of your term abroad. Students who have been found responsible for a code of conduct violation and will not be in good disciplinary standing (including disciplinary probation) may submit a petition for review.
Meet the minimum age requirement
You are at least 18 years old at the time of application.
For Temple Japan Semester, Academic Year and Summer, there are no additional eligibility requirements.
Application Requirements
The standard application requirements pertain to all students applying to Temple programs.
For Temple Japan Semester, Academic Year and Summer, there are no additional requirements for most students.
Architecture Program: Requires a portfolio. Temple students complete a separate application process with an earlier deadline. Visit the architecture page for details.
Admissions Timeline
- Admissions is rolling (early applications encouraged).
- Once you submit your application, you should expect a decision within two (2) weeks.