Master Double Degree Program
Yamagata University (YU)-University of Torino (UNITO)
The academic agreement with the University of Torino started in 2018. Since then, students exchange, joint symposiums, joint publications, internships and Post-doctoral positions of students from YU at UNITO. Summer and Winter Schools in Italy and Japan have promoted stronger collaboration between our universities and together with other activities have led to the establishment of a Double Degree Program between the Master Program in Agricultural Sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture of Yamagata University and the Master of Agricultural Sciences and the Master of Forest Systems and Environmental Sciences at DISAFA (Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Food Science) at the University of Torino. The DDP started in October 2024 and will last for 5 years. DDPs are fit to the characteristics of the participating universities, and in this particular case the need to include courses from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering of Yamagata University, make this DDP unique in Japan. We invite students from all over the world to join this innovative and international program in Japan and Italy.
Scheme of studies
in
both Universities
The DD program is a two year program. One year (or two semesters) in each country.
The official language is English. Students need a B1 CEFR certificate to apply. In YU, students needs a TOEIC higher than 700 points.
Unitl 2030, the selected students also have the option to present a certificate from the University of Turin that they are proficient in English.
Students in the DD do not to pay any tuition in the host university but continue paying the tuition fee in the home university during the year abroad.
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 UNITO, you have to enter the regular Master Program in Agricultural Sciences and Forest Systems and Environmental Sciences (in Italian) and choose the DD once you start the Master Program..
The total number of credits needed is 120 ECTS. Students are expected to take 60 ECTS in YU and 60 ECTS in UNITO. For Students that started in UNITO 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 900 euros / 100.000 - 160.000 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 UNITO there are dormitories for about 240 euros to 500 euros per month. The probabilities of getting a room are good. Apartaments are available from 450 euros. In Italy 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 Turin, part-time jobs are also available. Some positions require knowledge of Italy, 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 UNITO there are formal courses of Italian language where you can also get credits for them. In Japan this system does not exist. In Tsuruoka and Turin 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 Italian 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 Italian 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. Italien University information.
3. Living in Italian 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 Italian 3. for taking money from this bank).
4. Upload Visa, photo, email address to open the bank account.
5. Upload acceptant letter in UNITO to apply for health insurance..
1. Certificate of Eligibility (CoE): original and copy.
2. Passport (original and copy).
3. Non-Italiens and non-EU citizens: valid residence permit for Italian.
4. Visa Application form.
5. One passport photo.
6. Fast track confirmation.
1. Certificate of enrollment in UNITO.
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 Italy 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 .