Master Double Degree Program

Yamagata University (YU) – Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH)

The DD program is a two year program. One year (or two semesters) in each country.

The official language is English. Students need a B2 CEFR certificate to apply.

In LUH you have to pay an annual fee of 860 euros, which is compulsory and it is used for the transportation in Germany. In YU there is no school fee to be paid by LUH students. The school fees of the home university is still to pay

In Japan you can look for private scholarships once you start the Master program. Students who came to Japan get a support of 80.000 Yen per month. Students from Japan can get a scholarship of 1.500.000 Yen (110.000 Yen per month, Flight Ticket and Travel expensis).

You need to follow the same procedures as for applying to a Regular Master Program at each of the universities. In case of YU you choose the DD Program at the application stage, before you start the Program. In the case of LUH, you have to enter the regular Master Program in Landscape Sciences (in German) and choose once you start (in the second semester).

The total number of credits needed is 120 ECTS. Students are expected to take 60 ECTS in YU and 60 ECTS in LUH. For Students that started in LUH the 30 ECTS assigned to the thesis are recognized by both universities. In the case of students starting in YU, students have to obtain these 30 ECTS through courses. The equivalence of 1 JC (Japanese Credit) is 2 ECTS.

If the student does not complete the credits required in 2 semesters, they can prolong their stay in the host university with previous understanding of the university administration.

The approximate cost of living in each city, including rent, food and other basic bills is between 600 to 800 euros / 140.000 Yen

In YU, there is a dormitory available from about 18,000 yen per month. Students can enter in these dormitory in January, April, July and October and the application is a couple of month prior to each of these four months. You can also rent a private room (for one person) for about 30,000 to 40,000 yen. In Japan it is not common to share rooms.

In LUH there are dormitories for about 240 euros to 500 euros per month. But the probabilities of getting a room are very low. Apartaments are available from 450 euros. In Germany sharehousing is common and a easy way to meet new people.

There is no guarantee in both universities to get a place in a dormitory.

Tutors are available at both universities. They will help and guide you, especially at the beginning of your stay.

In Tsuruoka there are part-time jobs that are announced in the Faculty, where in some cases you do not need to speak Japanese but there are other ones where you can teach English. This part-time jobs are not related to the university and so it is not guaranteed by the university.

In Hannover, part-time jobs are also available. Some positions require knowledge of German, while others are possible with English or no specific language skills.

Part-time jobs have to br organize by yourself. But you can ask tutors, collegues or other studens for tips and help.

In LUH there are formal courses of German language where you can also get credits for them. In Japan this system does not exist. In Tsuruoka and Hannover exists communitie orginzed language classes for Japanese and international people.

The documents will be slightly different for each university but the most important ones are the bachelor degree certificate, the English certificate and the fees that need to be paid at each university.

Below are the documents needed for students coming to Japan (if possible 4 month before the start of the semester):

1. Bachelor's degree certificate.

2. Certification of Enrollment for Master courses.

3. Recommendation letter from supervisor.

4. English Test Results equivalent to CEFR B2, TOEIC score of 700 or above. (must be results from within the last 2 years)

5. Letter of Motivation.

6. Application for certificate of eligibility.

7. Copy of your passport.

1. Visa appointment link- book 2 weeks in advance (print and bring the confirmation from German Embassy)

2. Two copies of Web long-term Visa application ( fill- save-print)

3. Written Oath (1 copy).

4. Passport & two copies (only page with personal information)

5. One copy of Japanese residence card and original

6. Two passport photos (3.5x4.5).

7. Two copies of admission for German University and enrollment certificate in YU (English version).

8. Proof of stay costs (10.236 euro; 853 euro per month).

9. Visa fee (75 euro) + letter (520 yen- red one) envelope.

Web long-term application details

1. Family information.

2. German University information.

3. Living in Germany information.

4. Address, Phone number and e-mail address in Japan.

Proof of Living Costs

1. Open a blocked bank account ( suggest Fintiba bank).

2. Transfer 10.500 euro (inclued open fee; buffer)- maximum is 3 times transfers. ( open the second bank account in Germany 3. for taking money from this bank).

4. Upload Visa, photo, email address to open the bank account.

5. Upload acceptant letter in LUH to apply for health insurance..

1. Certificate of Eligibility (CoE): original and copy.

2. Passport (original and copy).

3. Non-Germans and non-EU citizens: valid residence permit for Germany.

4. Visa Application form.

5. One passport photo.

6. Fast track confirmation.

1. Certificate of enrollment in LUH.

2. Bachelor transcript.

3. Master transcript (if available)

4. Recommendation letter.

5. Motivation letter.

6. One passport photo.

7. Passport (copy)

1. Go to the city office. Bring the following documents:

    Passport, House renting receipt and Certificate of Enrollment in YU.

2. Opening Bank Account (Preferably Shonai Bank)

3. Immigration office (if you want permission for working).

In Japan, students must join the National Insurance System. It is approximately 10 euro per month. But the deductible is always 30%.

In Germany an insurance in mandatory. Students must join one of the the insurance companies. Cost can be around 110 euro per month. The deductible is 10 euros .