Kwansei Gakuin University Winter School
The KGU Winter School brings you "Cool Japan", covering contemporary Japanese culture and products such as animation, manga, games, Japanese traditional cuisines and commodities.
Through lessons taught entirely in English, you will learn about Japan's cultural and creative industries that shape "Cool Japan" from a business studies and social sciences perspective, while classes on Japanese culture will examine the roots of Japan's popularity. In addition to the regular classes, students in this program will deepen their understanding of Japan during field trips to Japan's cultural industries and historically rich places around campus such as Takarazuka and Kobe.
Field of study
- Cultural and Creative Industries & Pop Culture
For more information go to the host university's website and the host program brochure.
Credit Equivalent
KGU Winter School (4 KGU Credits) = 2 UQ Units. Maximum of 2 UQ Units if KGU Winter School (4 KGU Credits) is successfully completed (pending UQ faculty approval).
Visa Information
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Please review the host university webpage for visa and immigration information.
Eligibility and Application
All applicants must meet the standard Global Experiences Student Eligibility Criteria and any additional eligibility criteria set by KGU.
If you are intending to undertake your experience for-credit, it is strongly recommended that you submit your application to IGET at least 4 weeks before applying to the host to allow sufficient time for Faculty to complete the credit assessment. Please note however that it is your responsibility to meet the host application deadline.
Successful applicants will be nominated to the KGU by UQ following the application deadline. Selected students will be required to submit an online application to KGU directly. We will contact you with further information regarding the application process following the nomination outcome.
Costs
The participation mode of this experience is Study Abroad. The program fee is approximately $3,370 AUD and includes all tuition fees, cultural activities and fieldtrips, accommodation and some transport.
Detailed information regarding program fees and inclusions can be found on the host program brochure.
Accommodation
Accommodation in an International Dormitory or Homestay is included in the program fee. More information regarding accommodation options can be found on the host university's program brochure.
Funding
Global Experiences Grants
When you submit your application for an experience, you are automatically considered for funding that is relevant to your nominated experience. Please refer to the Short-Term Experiences Funding page for details.
OS-HELP Loan
You may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth-supported student.
Key Dates
Application Deadlines
UQ: 24 September 2025
Host: 30 October 2025
Program Dates
Start: 27 January 2026
End: 17 February 2026
Fast Facts
*Postgraduates can attend the program as not-for-credit only
OS-HELP Loan
If you participate in a short-term program you may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth supported student.
Application Deadlines
15 January for overseas study commencing March to August
15 March for overseas study commencing May to October
15 June for overseas study commencing August to January
15 September for overseas study commencing November to April
Refer to the funding page for more information on eligibility requirements and loan amounts.
OS-HELP Loan application deadlines close before the Summer and Winter Short-Term Study application deadlines. Please visit the OS-HELP Loan website for deadline dates as late applications will not be accepted.
Global Experiences Information Sessions
Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the short-term application process, eligibility criteria, funding etc.