It makes for an unusual workplace - but there are probably very few academic admissions offices as student oriented, responsive or unbureaucratic as ours.

The other unusual feature about Yamasa is that this is a selective school. During the course of each academic year the Institute receives around 600 students across all programs, and as the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of available places we are not able to accept all applications, even when the minimum entry requirements (which vary per program) are met. For this reason we strongly advise applying early. The admissions process is designed to admit a diverse, motivated and talented student body. To do this the Admissions Office has native language quotas, and also takes into consideration factors such as age, gender, educational and career background. For more information about this process click here. We would like to offer more places, however further increases in student numbers will depend on the next building development project on campus and new student accommodation due to our committment to small class sizes, personalized instruction and support.

Admissions is from where all of the information regarding Yamasa programs is prepared and distributed. It is where your questions are answered and your applications are processed. As Yamasa graduates we know Yamasa better than anyone. We also know that for every 600 successful applicants, there will be 600 very different experiences. Everyone is different - in needs, ambitions, learning patterns, motivation, language acquisition rates, preferences etc. Our endeavour is to provide a personal touch that we hope will help you succeed. At Yamasa you aren't a student but a member of a learning community - which to this office means you are a V.I.P. Which means please feel free to ask absolutely any question that you may have - we are here to help.

Another unusual feature is that we try to provide information (both on this homepage and via email) as far as possible in your native or second language. This isn't always easy - but it is the best way to avoid mistakes that could affect your Japanese studies (not receiving your student visa for example). The homepage itself is designed to be as informative as possible. If there is something you need to know that you can't locate on the homepage please let us know - the entire page is produced and maintained in-house, maintenance is an on-going process. In addition to our full-time and part-time staff, the office frequently receives workstudy interns - students at Yamasa and/or those who wish to gain some work experience in Japan. Most of the homepage was actually built by these students. These interns are usually employed in cross-over projects between Admissions, the rest of the International Office and the Multimedia Studio.

We also have a growing network of offshore offices such as our offices in Korea and Taiwan, and partner institutions overseas such as the non-profit Caritas organization in Hong Kong, that are also part of the admissions process for those regions.

I look forward to meeting you in Okazaki or online.

Best regards,

Declan Murphy
Director, Intl. Office

HOW TO CONTACT US!

Before you call, please note that Japan is GMT +9. Please also note that public holidays in Japan are not the same as those elsewhere. The current time in Okazaki is:

Off campus - the best way to contact us is by email to Admissions because of the time difference and because the nature of our work means that we are not always in our office. However you can also contact us whenever necessary by

Postal/Snail Mail -
Admissions Dept. International Office
The Yamasa Institute
1-2-1 Hanehigashi-machi,
Okazaki-shi, Aichi-ken,
JAPAN 444-0832

By telephone - +81-(0)564-55-8111 (remember the time difference)

Meet some of the Admissions staff...

By facsimile - +81-(0)564-55-8113

The office maintains the homepages and coordinates with the Student Services and Housing offices to ensure that you know as much as possible about the program you are enrolling in, your accommodation, and what to expect before you depart for Japan. We also remain a key consultation service during your studies, providing support and incorporating your feedback. If you ever have a problem, complaint or suggestion, our Office is the place to visit.

Meet some of the staff....