14. OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

１.ACCEPTANCE LETTER

Please check the above two points, and all of you should report the results via the URL link below by June 7th 12NOON(JST). 

>>Confirmation of Acceptance Letter

２.SCHOLARSHIP 

If you are interested, please apply by June 21st, 2026 12 NOON 

>>JASSO Scholarship Application Form 

３.HOUSING

Information Regarding I-HOUSE

Exchange students will share a three-bedroom apartment with other exchange students of the same
gender, and each student will have a private bedroom.  If a student prefers or requires a single room only, please consider arranging off-campus housing.

・I-HOUSE Application Outline 2026 FALL 

・I-HOUSE Pledge　(Sign and upload on the form) 

●Housing and Student Life Questionnaire (This also serves as an application to move into I-house)

All students, whether living on campus or off campus, are required to submit their responses through the link by June 26, 2026, 12:00 noon.

>>https://forms.office.com/r/yttkth4CSn

●Considering off-campus Housing？

4.THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE

COE is expected to be issued around Early August 2026. 

 Click on this link for Visa application form sample

Cost of living in Japan :

Expected expenses including room and board, recreational and incidental expenses is approximately 80,000 JPY per month. Make sure you have sufficient funds to cover yourself for the duration of your stay in Japan.

(approximately 500,000 JPY for a two-term study and 1,000,000 JPY for a four-term study)

<Reference>

・From Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan

Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan

[Q & A for those who are importing medicines into Japan]

・Saitama University Application Form for Academic Accommodations 

5.ARRIVAL IN JAPAN 

<Reference>

Residence Card

Permission to Engage in Activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted/資格外活動許可

6.HOW TO GET TO SU

Please give us your flight details from the following form 
>>To be announced 

“How to get to Saitama University” From Minami Yono and Kita Urawa Station :  YouTube video LINK 

“How to take trains in Japan” Youtube video LINK

<Pick-up date and time>　（Tentative）

●Date：September 24, 2026
●Time：13:00 
●Place：Bus stop from Haneda Airport at Omiya station

*If you arrive at Omiya Station earlier than these times, please wait until tutors come to pick you up. There are many restaurants and shopping malls nearby.

 “Welcome Suica” 

“Welcome Suica Mobile” App

◎How to get to Omiya or SU from each Airport
From either airport, it takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours to reach the university campus.

7.ORIENTATIONS & EVENTS 

The schedule below is subject to change.  Orientations written in blue are mandatory for all students to attend.  

8.INSURANCES & MEDICAL SERVICES 

Guide to Insurance Video （CLICK HERE)

・National Health Insurance (Mandatory) 

In Japan, it is a law for all residents to enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance  (NHI) system. It  is supported by the regular NHI tax (premium) contributions from healthy NHI members that allow them to be ready for serious illnesses and injuries. NHI helps members pay incurred medical costs and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Premium may be paid monthly (around 1,000JPY) and it will cover 70% of the fee for each of your doctor’s visit.

・Gakkensai Insurance and Comprehensive Insurance for Students Lives (Mandatory) 

In order to ensure that students can conduct their studies and research activities and live a rewarding student life with peace of mind, it is indispensable to take sufficient precautions against accidents, illnesses and other calamities.
As a compensation system in response to them, Saitama University offers Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research　(“Gakkensai”) and  Comprehensive Insurance for Students Lives coupled with “Gakkensai” (“Inbound Futai-gakuso”) provided by Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES). Since they provide benefits in line with student activities at low premiums, all STEPS students are required to purchase these insurances even if they have this type of insurance in their home country. 

These insurances cover the portion of medical expenses you are responsible for paying out of pocket due to injury or illness, as well as your liability for damages if you accidentally injure someone else or damage their property in an accident. The total insurance premium is approximately ¥8,500 for six months and approximately ¥12,000 for one year. Details on how to take out insurance will be provided after your arrival in Japan.

9.SIM CARD

There have been some cases where contract procedures became complicated. Therefore, we recommend choosing other providers only if you feel confident handling any issues on your own.

Once you complete the payment after your application, you will receive your physical SIM card at Saitama University.

If you choose an eSIM, you will be able to use it as soon as you arrive in Japan.

SIM Card Application Link

https://www.sunrise-net.ne.jp/sunnet_saitama.html

Contact them directly if you have questions. 

10.ACADEMIC SYSTEM (CALENDAR/CREDIT/GRADE) 

◎Academic Calendar (Click here)
Our academic calendar is based on a quarter-based system. However, exchange students may only enroll either from the Term1 or Term 3.

◎Credit Hours ＆ Grades(Click here)

ECTS Credit Conversion
ECTS conversion and credit recognition are determined by each student’s home institution. Saitama University cannot advise how many ECTS credits will be awarded for courses taken during the exchange period.
At Saitama University, one credit generally represents 45 hours of student learning. Students should consult their home university regarding credit transfer requirements.

11.COURSES 

Exchange students may take Intensive Japanese courses courses and classes on the STEPS Course list. 

Details on course registration will be explained at the orientation held after arrival in Japan.

Please refer to our website below for further information.  *The list for the Fall 2026 semester is released.

Courses for STEPS students

Intensive Japanese Language Courses    

　　<Overview>

　Overview of Intensive Japanese Language Course

　　<Application Form>

  https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/ZkfNbUvc6C

<Note>

 ・To maintain your Student Visa status, exchange students must have at least 10 hours of lecture time per week, which is equivalent to 7 classes a week.  1 class is 90 minutes long at Saitama University. 

12.CAMPUS MAP

Facilities of SU Youtube video LINK 

13.CONTACT INFORMATION

The Office of International Affairs / Saitama University

  Address:  255 Shimo-okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City 338-8570 JAPAN

  Tel:        +81(48)858-3011| Fax: +81(48)858-9675

  E-mail:      inbound@gr.saitama-u.ac.jp (General inquiries)

                     ihouse@gr.saitama-u.ac.jp (Housing inquiries)

14. OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Useful Video Collection

Saitama University International Office – YouTube

What to expect in the next steps

(Note: The dates are tentative)