Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) in Japan is offering SMU students a chance to participate in a 3-week Winter Program in Japanese Language and Japan Studies.
Program Venue
Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU), Minami-Osawa Campus 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, Japan
Theme
“TMU Winter Program on Japanese & Japan Studies in 2026 – Tokyo Through Time (東京いまむかし)”
Program objectives
This winter program helps you to:
learn Everyday Japanese at your pace and speak with confidence
experience the culture through museum visit, watching traditional performing arts, tea ceremony & calligraphy
immerse yourself in Japanese culture with guidance from experts
Eligibility/Language Requirements
This program is designed for (1) Undergraduate or graduate students in good standing who will have completed 1 year of Bachelor studies by the end of Fall 2025 and (2) those who have never studied Japanese or are at a beginner level.
Language of instruction
The program is delivered in English.
Program website
https://www.ic.tmu.ac.jp/english/study_abroad/short_program.html
Dates:
January 13-January 30, 2026
Program Fee
140,000JPY (approx. CAD$1300)
The program fee includes accommodation, textbooks, admission fees for field studies and workshop materials. Students are additionally responsible for meals, airfare, insurance, transportation between the University and accommodation, daily expenses, and $100 SMU Study abroad admin fee. If academic credits are earned, students pay SMU tuition at SMU for the transfer credit hours.
Transfer credits:
Students may be able to earn credits to the extent that those credits are applicable to the program requirements of your SMU degree. Please meet with your academic advisor of your program (visit https://www.smu.ca/academics/academic-advising.html) to see if any of your remaining degree requirements can be completed at another university. If your advisor confirms that there is room for transfer credits in your degree, you will request approval to take courses for transfer credits by submitting a Letter of Permission Request Form (found here https://www.smu.ca/academics/student-forms.html) to the SMU Records Office as soon as your acceptance is confirmed.
Alternatively, if not transferring credits, the student may receive recognition for extra-curricular experiences through the Co-Curricular Record (see here).
Funding
Limited funding ($500-$700 on average) is available. Students who are accepted to the program will be invited to request funding.
Immigration:
Citizens of certain countries are required to apply for a short-term visa before entering Japan, while visas are waived for others. Normally, Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Questions related to immigration should be directed to the Consulate General of Japan in Montreal here https://www.montreal.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/en/consular/visa_menu_en.html.
Number of SMU students accepted:
3
How to apply:
Interested students should submit the SMU Exchange Program application* by October 24 2025 to the Global Learning Office.
*To complete your application, you will:
fill out your Study Abroad Application (https://studio.smu.ca/s/StudyAbroadApplication2021.pdf)
write a one-page letter of intent. (Tip: book an appointment with The Writing Centre or ask if personal statement workshops are coming up https://studio.smu.ca/wc-student-tutoring)
print in pdf your unofficial transcript from banner
prepare your resume, and
secure two references (one must be from a SMU professor of one of your courses) – referees can email their letters directly to Global@smu.ca. Alternatively, they can email Miyuki.arai@smu.ca to inquire.
Once you have all four pieces of application documents (except for references), upload them at the application link here https://smuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55UpfboKu5sImUe.
What happens after you apply?
Once your application package is received, the Global Learning Office will be in touch to schedule a short interview. If you are selected, 1) you will be nominated to the host university by the SMU Global Learning Office and 2) you will be instructed to complete a set of applications for the host university by November 7. Once the host university accepts you into the program in late November, they will provide all program-related information as well as instruction for the payment of the program fee (due on December 12). You will also be expected to attend our pre-departure orientation meetings.
Questions?
Email the Global Learning Office (Global@smu.ca or Miyuki.arai@smu.ca).
