Dokkyo University introduced two new entrance examination systems from the 2026 academic year: the comprehensive selection "Q (Problem-Solving Examination)" and the common test-based entrance examination "National/Public University Concurrent Application Type." These new systems were established with an emphasis on ease of application and clarity, taking into account high school students' learning styles and entrance examination trends. At the heart of these systems is the desire for students to have a more fulfilling university life.
We value the desire to learn. "Q Entrance Exam" that leverages inquiry skills.
Dokkyo University is known as "Dokkyo of Languages," and has a history of providing practical foreign language education for over 130 years, dating back to its predecessor, the German Studies Association School. Furthermore, since its founding, it has focused on "seminar education," a method originating in Germany. These small-group seminars, where students learn independently, contribute to their personal development. The "Q (Inquiry-Based Learning) Entrance Examination," introduced in 2026, reflects this educational philosophy of Dokkyo University.
Q: The entrance examination is conducted for the German and French departments. Applicants must prepare and submit a report of approximately 3000 characters on a research topic announced in advance by each department. On the day of the examination, applicants will give a presentation on the topic and then undergo an interview.
The research assignments for the 2026 academic year are as follows: for the German Department, "Choose one topic you are interested in regarding German-speaking regions and discuss its characteristics in comparison with Japan"; and for the French Department, "Explain logically, based on your own experiences, a topic you are interested in related to French-speaking regions." The assignments will evaluate abilities that cannot be measured by general entrance examinations, as well as a strong desire to learn about German-speaking and French-speaking regions.
"The Q entrance exam was devised with the desire to attract students who are serious about studying at our university," explains Toshikazu Sashimoto, head of the admissions department, regarding the background of the new system's introduction.
The students taking the Q entrance exam for the first time belong to a generation that has been taking "Comprehensive Inquiry Time (Inquiry Learning)," which began in the 2022 academic year under the new curriculum guidelines, since their first year of high school. In inquiry learning, students identify their own research topics, gather information, conduct research, and then summarize and express their own solutions. Dokkyo University hopes that these students will utilize their experience in these learning activities to demonstrate their enthusiasm for language education and proactive learning.
"The 3000-character assignment can be entirely written text, or it can include diagrams, charts, and supporting documents. We wanted students to have the opportunity to carefully consider whether they wanted to study for four years by engaging with the research topic. Last year (the first year), we announced it in June, so we thought there would be very few applicants, but in reality, we had more applicants than expected. This year, we hope to see even more applicants, and we will only allow those who pass the first stage to proceed to the second stage of selection, but the basic content will remain the same."
The "National and Public University Combined Application Type" schedule was set with the examinees and their parents in mind.
The "National/Public University Concurrent Application Type" introduced for the 2026 General Selection University Entrance Common Test-based Admissions is almost identical to the examination previously conducted as "Common Test-based Admissions [Mid-term]," but it was given a new name to make it easier for applicants to understand and to expand the opportunities for them to take the exam.
For those applying to both national and public universities, the entrance examination subjects are set in a 4-subject format and a 5-subject format (the Faculty of International Liberal Arts offers both 5-subject and 6-subject formats), and it is possible to apply for both formats. In addition, the 4-subject format can be adapted for students applying only to private universities by combining "English," "Modern Japanese," "Geography/History/Civics," and "Classical Japanese."
The application deadline is after the Common Test date, so you can apply depending on your self-assessment of the Common Test. The announcement of results is scheduled before the second-stage entrance exams for national and public universities, so if you know you've passed by then, you can approach the national and public university entrance exams with less mental stress. Furthermore, the deadline for enrollment procedures is scheduled after the announcement of results for the first-stage entrance exams for national and public universities, so it is designed to avoid the financial burden of "double payment of enrollment fees," which has been a problem in recent years. The application fee is also 17,000 yen for up to two applications, and an additional 5000 yen for the third application and beyond, showing consideration to reduce the burden on applicants and their guardians in every aspect.
"This entrance examination method is not only for those aiming for national or public universities, but also for those who can take advantage of taking multiple subjects in the Common Test. We hope that by increasing the opportunities for students to apply to Dokkyo University as a backup option, they will get to know the strengths of Dokkyo University," explains Mr. Sashimoto, describing the intentions behind this system.
What do you truly want to learn? I want you to think about it carefully and choose accordingly.
The two newly introduced entrance examination systems are an initiative to help students better understand Dokkyo University's characteristics and strengths, and to increase the number of students who are motivated to study there. Currently, the Q entrance examination is only conducted in the German and French departments, but there are requests to introduce it in other departments as well. "We wanted to connect the results of inquiry-based learning with the entrance examination, and we feel that it is a very effective mechanism for letting students know the admission policy of each department," says Sashimoto.
Dokkyo University has a comprehensive selection process called the "Self-Recommendation Entrance Examination," which involves an essay and interview after meeting the application criteria. Applicants for the German and French departments can apply for this examination in conjunction with the Q Entrance Examination. If an applicant applies for both the Q Entrance Examination and the Self-Recommendation Entrance Examination and passes the Q Entrance Examination, which will be announced first, the application fee for the Self-Recommendation Entrance Examination will be refunded. This system aims to reduce the burden on parents while acknowledging the enthusiasm of applicants who wish to attend the university.
"I want prospective students to carefully consider what university they truly want to attend and what they want to study before choosing their school. If they choose a place in this way, they will be able to spend a fulfilling four years there and it will lead to a better future path. I hope that parents will respect their children's own desires and support them in choosing their faculty and department."
Head of Admissions Division, Admissions Department, Dokkyo University
Sashimono Toshikazu
After working at a major cram school and an advertising agency handling exam preparation materials, I joined Dokkyo University in 2006. I have been in my current position since 2019.
◆ About Dokkyo University
Dokkyo University was founded in 1964 (Showa 39) with Dr. Teiyu Amano, who also served as Minister of Education in the third Yoshida Cabinet, as its first president. It has 8,421 students (as of May 1, 2026). It is a private university with four faculties (Faculty of Foreign Languages, Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Faculty of Economics, and Faculty of Law), 11 departments, a graduate school, and four research institutes. It is located in Soka City, Saitama Prefecture.
The founding principle is that "a university is a place for human development through academic study."
Based on the spirit of German intellectualism, the school emphasizes foreign language education, liberal arts education, and seminar education, boasting a track record of over 130 years, including its predecessor, the German Studies Association School.
Seminar-based education fosters bonds between students, faculty, and alumni, and, combined with the "all-in-campus" system where students from all faculties and departments study on the same campus, creates a uniquely friendly atmosphere.
