Use of the "Long-term Study System" for Mature Students

In April 2004, Nara Women's University Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences introduced a revolutionary "Long-term Study System" for students who would have difficulty in completing study programs in the standard period of time (two years for Master's Programs and three years for Ph.D. Programs). The system is specifically designed to assist persons with jobs or other responsibilities, who have less time during the academic year than regular students for research and study activities, and for acquiring credits.

For example, the system is intended for use by persons with full-time employment, persons who have difficulty in completing studies in the specified number of years due to responsibilities in child-raising or providing long-term care for family members, or other persons deemed eligible by the Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences. The system does not apply only to new students; a current student enrolled in the regular Graduate School program and undergoing a change in circumstances may switch to a long-term study course, as long as the maximum capacity of this course has not been exceeded.

By using the long-term study system, students in the Master's Program may extend their period of study to a maximum of four years, to acquire the necessary credits (30 credits) and complete their Master's Thesis in order to receive their Master's Degree.

Tuition fees for students who have been deemed eligible for long-term study through a University screening shall be calculated as follows: The total tuition amount for the standard term of study shall be divided by the total number of years in the extended period of study (to be confirmed in advance). The resulting amount shall be paid during each academic year.

[Example of Tuition Fee Payment (admission in 2005)]

In the case of a long-term student in the Master's Program, certified for a four-year period of study:
535,800 yen x 2 yrs. / 4 yrs. = 267,900 yen
(Annual tuition fee) (Standard term of study) (Certified term of study) (Annual tuition fee for long-term study)

In the case of a long-term student in the Ph.D. Program, certified for a five-year period of study:
535,800 yen x 3 yrs. / 5 yrs. = 321,480 yen
(Annual tuition fee) (Standard term of study) (Certified term of study) (Annual tuition fee for long-term study)