Bunka Gakuen University follows the Japanese academic calendar. The academic year begins in April, so applicants should prepare their application materials well in advance.

Before preparing your application, please make sure to check the latest official application guidelines published by Bunka Gakuen University. The university’s official guidelines take precedence over the information on this page.

Online Information Session

To help prospective applicants better understand the Global Fashion Concentration (GFC) program and ask questions, GFC will hold an Online Open Campus in July. All students who are interested in applying to the program are welcome to attend. Please register using the registration form.

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Time: 15:00–16:00 Japan Time
Format: Online via Zoom

Screening Method and Application Process

The screening method and application procedure for the Global Fashion Concentration program consists of a two-step process:

  1. Preliminary screening by document review and online interview with GFC faculty
  2. Official application to Bunka Gakuen University

Only applicants who pass the first step will be eligible to proceed to the official application stage for the Global Fashion Concentration program.

1. First Contact with GFC

Before applying through the university’s Admissions Office, applicants are requested to first send an email directly to the Global Fashion Concentration program.

This first contact allows applicants to ask questions about the program, curriculum, research direction, thesis, collection, and application preparation before beginning the official university application process.

Please contact GFC at: ✉  Global Fashion Concentration email address.

When contacting GFC, applicants are encouraged to briefly introduce their academic background and explain what they wish to study in the Global Fashion Concentration program.

Applicants should also visit the Bunka Gakuen University website and download the latest application guidelines. Please follow the official guidelines for details regarding eligibility, required documents, application period, and submission procedures.

2. Materials for Preliminary Review

Applicants who wish to proceed with the application will be asked to submit the following materials by email:

  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
    The CV should include the applicant’s basic information, including:
    • Name (Last / First)
    • Gender
    • Age / Date of Birth
    • Nationality
    • Academic background
  • Academic transcript and certificate of Bachelor’s degree
    Applicants who have already graduated from a Bachelor’s program should submit their academic transcript and certificate of degree. Applicants who do not yet have these documents should consult the Admissions Office directly regarding their eligibility.
  • English proficiency test result or equivalent proof of English ability
    This applies to non-native English speakers. Applicants should refer to the official application guidelines for details regarding accepted tests and requirements.
  • Portfolio
    Required for applicants with a design background or applicants who wish to complete a collection as part of their Master’s degree.
  • Research proposal
    The proposal should explain concretely what the applicant wishes to study for their thesis research in the Global Fashion Concentration program. The suggested length is about 1–2 pages.

After receiving the materials, GFC faculty will review the documents. Selected applicants will be invited to an online interview.

3. Preliminary Consultation / Online Interview

For the next intake, the Preliminary Consultation online interviews with GFC faculty will be conducted during the following period:

October 1 (Thu) – October 23 (Fri), 2026

GFC faculty will contact selected applicants directly by email regarding the specific date and time of the interview.

During the online interview, GFC faculty will review the applicant’s research plan, academic background, and portfolio if applicable. The purpose of the interview is to determine whether the applicant’s desired research can be accepted within the Global Fashion Concentration program.

Applicants who pass the online interview may proceed to the official application stage through the university’s Admissions Office.

4. Official Application to the University

Applicants who are approved through the Preliminary Consultation must complete the official application procedures during the official application period.

For the next intake, the official application period is:

October 30 (Fri) – November 11 (Wed), 2026

The official application must be submitted according to the latest application guidelines published by Bunka Gakuen University.

Applicants must carefully check the official application guidelines for the full list of required documents, application fee payment, and submission methods.

For questions regarding application eligibility, required official documents, application fees, scholarships, or submission procedures, please contact the ✉ admissions office.