Q&A

Examination category / Qualifications for examination / Application

Q.1
I’m not a university graduate. Can I take the examination?
A
If you are not a university graduate, please contact us beforehand. When you are recognized in an interview to have academic achievement equivalent to a university graduate, and if you will be at least 22 years old on April 1st of the enrollment school year, it is possible to take an examination. Please make sure to check the details of eligibility requirements for examination in the “Application Guidelines”.
Q.2
I am applying for the division of fashion creation. Is it possible to take the examination without having experience in designing and making clothes?
A
The division of fashion creation (both fashion design course and fashion technology course) assumes that you have learned the basics of costume design and creation. Also, at the entrance examination, you need to provide two photos of original garments you have created yourself within the past two years. Applicants are limited to those who have their own original creations. For those who want to start learning how to design clothes, there is a college (Bunka Fashion College) in the same group where you can learn specialized knowledge and the skills of clothing design. Please see this website for more information about Bunka Fashion College.
Q.3
I am applying for the division of fashion management. Is it possible to take the examination even if I did not learn business administration or commerce at university?
A
You can take the examination without an academic background related to business administration or commerce. However, you are expected to have an interest in fashion business management and motivation to throw yourself into the research.
Q.4
Can foreigners take the examinations? Or do you have special examinations for foreign students?
A
Foreign nationals can take the examinations. Many students from various countries have enrolled in both divisions to date. However, we do not have any examinations only for foreign students. Foreign nationals and Japanese applicants take the same examinations.
Q.5
When foreigners apply, how much ability in the Japanese language is required?
A
As all lectures are given in Japanese, even people whose native language is not Japanese need Japanese language skills to understand the contents of lectures.
Please follow the link below for the specific conditions.
► Eligibility Requirements for Examination
For those who want to learn Japanese and enter BFGU, there is a Japanese language school (Bunka Institute of Language) in the same group.
Please look at the website for the Bunka Institute of Language.
Q.6
Do I need to submit translations of my certificates?
A
If your certificates or other documents are written in a language other than Japanese, you must submit both the original document and a Japanese translation (original copy) for all documents, unless otherwise specified. The Japanese translation must be officially certified by an authorized institution, such as an embassy, consulate, notary office (in China), Japanese language school, or translation company. The certificate must verify that the translation is accurate and corresponds to the original.
Q.7
I do not live in Japan. Can I still apply?
A
If you reside in a country or region where we have an overseas office or contact point, please apply through that office. Please note that the application period may differ for applicants applying from overseas, so be sure to contact the respective office in advance. Applications submitted through agents other than our official overseas offices or contact points will not be accepted. If you reside in a country or region without an overseas office or contact point, please contact us via the inquiry form as early as possible.

For details, please refer to the following page: ► Admission Information (Japanese page)
Q.8
If I fail the examination for term I, is it possible to apply for the examination in term II in the same year?
A
You can apply more than once in the same year. Also, for the second application, you can apply for a different division/course from the one you applied for the first time.

Examination subjects

Q.1
What is the “Research Proposal” indicated in the examination subjects?
A
For the Division of Fashion Creation, you will be asked to set a theme for the research you wish to pursue after enrollment and describe its outline on the day of the examination. You will also be required to draw a fashion design or a technical drawing based on the theme. (Only applicants for the Fashion Technology Course may submit technical drawings.) For the Division of Fashion Management, you must summarize the theme and content of the research you wish to explore after enrollment and submit it in advance, before the examination.

For details, please refer to the following page: ► Examination Subjects (Japanese page)
Q.2
What kind of theme is given for the “essay” indicated in the examination subjects?
A
The theme of the “essay” is revealed on the day of examination. Applicants of foreign nationals whose native language is not Japanese are required to write an essay in Japanese, which is same as the other divisions and courses.
Q.3
What kind of materials need to be submitted in advance for each division?
A
For the Division of Fashion Creation, you must submit a PDF file containing two original garments that you have created within the past two years, along with your portfolio. You may submit two full coordinated looks as your works. The two garments featured in the submitted materials must also be brought in physical form on the day of the examination. For the Division of Fashion Management, you are required to submit a PDF file containing your research proposal, which outlines the theme and content you wish to explore after enrollment, as well as your future career vision after completing the program.
Q.4
Can I look at the past examination questions?
A
Please see the following link for the past examination questions.
►Screening Method

Others

Q.1
What are professional graduate schools?
A
Professional graduate schools are graduate schools that train highly skilled experts, which was initiated in the 2003 school year.
Typical graduate schools have been focusing on training researchers while professional graduate schools specialize in education to train individuals in the workforce with highly specialized vocational abilities.
The main feature is that classes are taught by professionals successful in the front lines of their workplaces, who impart higher-level special and practical education such as the latest skills and knowledge in a particular field.
Q.2
Do any courses offer evening classes?
A
Unfortunately, no. All the divisions/courses are conducted in the daytime.
Q.3
Can I enter the school in autumn?
A
Our school year starts only in April, spring.
Q.4
What are the titles of the conferred degrees?
A
“Master of Fashion Creation” for graduates of the division of fashion creation, and “Master of Fashion Management” for graduates of the division of fashion management are conferred.
Q.5
What kind of scholarship systems are available?
A

The following scholarship systems are available:

 

■Scholarship from this school
・A scholarship in the amount of the second year’s tuition
　(1,100,000 yen) is granted to those who achieved excellent results.

 

■Japanese government (The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
　Science and Technology) foundation
・National expenditure (Recommended by the embassy)

 

■Scholarships offered by private sector, local government, etc.
◇ Major scholarships that have been granted at BFGU in the past:
・Interchange Association, Japan

・Moritani Scholarship Foundation
・Rotary club Yoneyama Memorial Foundation
・Heiwa Nakajima Foundation

 

There are more scholarships offered by the private sector and local governments in addition to those listed above; the application conditions and application period differ depending on the association. We will inform you by internal mail or the like each time we receive requests for scholarship applications.

 

For details, please refer to the following page: ► scholarship information (Japanese page)

Q.6
Please tell me about possible career opportunities after graduating from BFGU.
A
Some people find employment at a fashion-related company/association, start their own business, or go on to graduate school in a doctoral program. Also, some international students go back to their home country to find a job or start a business. Please see the “Enrollment Guide” for details of employment results.
Q.7
Please tell me about the required procedures for entering Japan and staying in the country.
A
Please see the following for information about required procedures for entering Japan and staying in the country.
Study in JAPAN Comprehensive Guide
Q.8
Please tell me about the procedures for obtaining a visa after passing the examination.
A

■ When you are a foreign national living outside of Japan

After the admission procedures are completed, we send an “application for the issuance of a certificate of eligibility” to prospective enrollees.
　↓
Fill in the necessary items and send it back to us with the other documents required for application.
　↓
We initiate the application procedures at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
As soon as the “certificate of eligibility” arrives at BFGU from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, we send it to the prospective enrollee.
　↓
Prospective enrollees complete the required immigration procedures at the Consulate General of Japan or their overseas Japanese Embassy.

 

■ If you are a foreign national living in Japan

＜When you have already acquired a status of residence of “college student”＞
・Those whose expiration date expires by Jun 30 of the year of enrollment.
After the admission procedures are completed, we send an ”application for extension of period of stay” which is a document required for renewal.
　↓
Prepare the other documents required for application, and make sure to complete the required procedures at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

 

・Those whose expiration date expires on or after July 1 of the year of enrollment.
After admission, we give you an “application for extension of period of stay” which is a document required for renewal. (You can get one at BFGU 3 months before the expiration date.)
　↓
Prepare the other documents required for application, and complete the required procedures at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan as soon as possible.

 

＜When you change your status of residence from “designated activities and the like” (status other than “college student”) to “college student”.＞
After the admission procedures are completed, we send an “application for change of status of residence” which is a document required for renewal.
　↓
Prepare the other documents required for application, and make sure to complete the required procedures at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.