International Relations Office

Exchange Program

Call for Application: 2027 Spring Semester Exchange at Sophia University

October 01, 2026
Call for Application: 2027 Spring Semester Exchange at Sophia University

The Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2027 Spring Semester Exchange Program at Sophia University in Japan. This program will run for four months, from April to July 2027. Please refer to the calendar on this webpage.

Selected students will participate in the exchange during the second semester of the third year (Y3S2). Students may find more information on the Exchange Programs on the Sophia University Website.


Eligibility:

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • Be an ongoing third-year student majoring in the fields of Economics, Political Science, International Relations, Business, and Media and Communication in the first semester of AY2026–27

  • Must achieve an excellent academic record at the home university, with a CGPA of at least 3.00

  • Must meet the English language proficiency standards, such as at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic), TOEFL iBT 79 (on a 120-scale test)/ 4.5 (on a 1-6 scale test), TOEFL ITP 550, Cambridge English CPE C2, or CAE C1, or CEFR B2 equivalent

  • Maintain good physical and mental health, and keep a positive attitude towards learning

  • Exhibit good behaviour and conduct, and demonstrate the ability to work independently with minimal supervision

  • Stay dedicated to the full exchange programme and be prepared to contribute back to the university after finishing


Expenses & Scholarship:

As a partner institution with Sophia University, nominated students will enjoy tuition waiver privilege. The students will bear other expenses prior to and during their exchange in Japan themselves, nonetheless. 

Living costs are estimated to be expensive given the fact that Sophia University is located in Tokyo; therefore, interested students are encouraged to consult the living cost and expense information through this webpage.

Note: Only where applicable, the student will be nominated for a scholarship provided by Sophia University with a stipend of 80,000 JPY per month for four (4) months.


Documents Required by IRO:

For further evaluation, students must submit the following documents in person to the International Relations Office (IRO).

Document
Remarks on Documents
1) Comprehensive CV/ResumeThe curriculum vitae or resume should include the applicant's academic background and/or related accomplishments. 

Please do NOT submit a work-specific CV to the selection committee.
2) One-page motivation letterAddress the letter to the selection committee at the IR Office. It should include the reasons supporting the student's selection, the student's expectations for participation in the exchange programme, and the prospective benefits for bilateral relations between the two universities. 

The letter should be concise and not exceed one page or 500 words.
3) Academic transcript of recordThe student should bring a transcript showing cumulative GPA from the first semester of their first year through the most recent semester.
4) Enrolment certificateAn enrolment certificate verifies the student's current academic status and must be prepared in English. 

Students are advised to submit the most recently issued document.
5) English proficiency proof/reportBecause selected students must enrol in courses and attend classes conducted in English, applicants must demonstrate a proficient command of the English language. Acceptable documentation includes proof or reports of IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge examinations. 

Please note that Sophia University will NOT accept a letter issued by the student's host department, as the university accepts only verified test score reports or papers.
6) A copy of the passport on the information pageThe passport may be considered at the final stage of the application process; however, it significantly affects the overall outcome. 

Applicants should ensure that the passport copy they submit clearly displays all information by scanning and printing it properly.

Please note that nominated students must also have all other documents required by the host university upon receiving nomination from RUPP.


Application Procedure and Timeline:

To be considered for nomination to the programme, students must meet the specified criteria and submit the aforementioned documents to the International Relations Office (IRO), located in Room 219A, Building A, RUPP Main Campus, by 16:00 hours on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.

Deadline for Application
Application Screening and Interview
Deadline for Nomination
Wednesday, 28 October 2026Thursday, 29 October to Friday, 30 October 2026Sunday, 01 November 2026

For more information on the exchange, please visit the Sophia University Exchange Website: https://piloti.sophia.ac.jp/eng/studyabroad/exchangeprograms/. 

For further consultation, please message us at https://t.me/iro_rupp.