Douglas Olsen
Japan is a popular destination for international students, offering a unique culture, a safe and clean environment, and a world-class education. With 783 universities and junior colleges to choose from, Japan provides a diverse range of study programs, known for their research and technology advancements. The country also boasts a strong economy and numerous natural attractions, from mountain forests to beaches and coastlines. As an international student, you will need to navigate the visa process and understand the different types of higher education institutions available, as well as the specific admissions requirements and application processes for each university. This guide will provide an introduction to studying in Japan as an international student, covering topics such as choosing a university, understanding the education system, and exploring financial options, to help you make an informed decision about pursuing your academic goals in Japan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | Over 300,000 |
| Number of universities | 783 |
| Number of junior colleges | Not specified |
| Bachelor's degree duration | 4 years |
| Professional degree duration | 6 years |
| Fields of study | Research, technology, engineering, merchant shipping, economics, education, nursing, humanities, sociology, and more |
| English-taught programs | Available |
| Visa requirement | Required |
| Tuition fees | Required, but scholarships are available |
| Admission criteria | EJU, SAT, ACT, entrance exams, high school graduation certificate, high school transcript, statement of purpose, statement of financial support |
| Popular universities | Tokyo-U, Waseda, Keio, Tohoku University, Meiji University, Osaka University, Osaka City University, Osaka Metropolitan University |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements and other essential documents
As an international student, you will need a student visa to study in Japan. The type of visa required may vary depending on your citizen status and the duration of your stay. You should research the specific visa requirements for your country of citizenship and the regulations currently in place in Japan. It is essential to start the visa application process early, as it can be time-consuming and may involve multiple steps.
In addition to a visa, there are other crucial documents you should prepare when applying to study in Japan. These may include:
- A valid passport
- High school graduation certificate
- High school transcript
- Statement of purpose, written in Japanese, explaining your motivation for studying in Japan and your chosen program/university
- Proof of financial support or a statement of financial support, demonstrating your ability to cover tuition and living expenses
- Standardised test scores, such as the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission), SAT, or ACT
- Language proficiency test scores, such as the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or an English language test if applying for an English-taught program
It is important to note that requirements may vary depending on the university and program you are applying to. Each university may have its own additional requirements and application guidelines, so it is essential to carefully review the instructions provided by your chosen institution. Some universities may require in-person interviews or written tests as part of their admissions process. Additionally, some programs may have specific prerequisites or supplementary application materials. Therefore, it is crucial to consult the official websites of the universities you are interested in and carefully review their admissions criteria and application procedures.
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Application process and requirements
Japan has a lot to offer international students, from its rich culture and history to its diverse study programmes, known for their research and technology advancements. The Japanese government has been making efforts to attract international students by offering financial support through scholarships and hiring teaching staff from across the globe.
The application process and requirements for international students differ from university to university in Japan. Here are the general application process and requirements to study in Japan as an international student:
Application Process:
- The first step is to decide on the type of higher education institution and the specific university or college you want to apply to. Japan offers a range of institutions, including national, public, and private universities, junior colleges, specialised/professional training colleges, colleges of technology, and graduate schools.
- Once you have identified your preferred institutions, visit their official websites to understand their specific application requirements and procedures. Some universities may have stricter requirements, such as providing an address in Japan for screening results.
- Prepare the required documents, which typically include a passport, high school graduation certificate, high school transcript, statement of purpose, and statement of financial support.
- Check the language requirements for your chosen programme. While most university courses are taught in Japanese, some universities offer programmes taught entirely in English.
- Research the scholarship opportunities available. Scholarships are provided by various entities, including schools, local governments, international exchange organisations, and private entities, and the Japanese government.
Requirements:
- A valid passport.
- High school graduation certificate.
- High school transcript.
- Statement of purpose, which is an essay explaining why you want to study in that specific programme or university, written in Japanese.
- Statement of financial support, which outlines who will be financially responsible for your studies and stay in Japan.
- Depending on the university, you may need to provide additional test scores, such as the EJU, SAT, or ACT.
- For undergraduate studies, you will need to provide proof of completion of secondary education.
- For graduate studies, you will need to provide proof of completion of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
It is important to note that the requirements and application process may vary depending on the university and your country of origin. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the specific requirements and application guidelines provided by your chosen universities.
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Scholarships and tuition fees
Scholarships are available from a variety of sources, including schools, local governments, international exchange organizations, private entities, and private foundations. Scholarships from local governments and local international associations are generally provided to students living or studying in their district. Private foundation scholarships are typically awarded to students attending schools in a given district, those studying specific subjects related to the company or organization offering the scholarship, or to students from a certain country or region with which the company has exchanges.
Some schools offer on-campus scholarships and tuition fee exemption or reduction systems for international students. Scholarships are typically designed to provide partial support for living costs, tuition, and other major expenses, so it is important to have a financial plan that does not rely solely on scholarships. The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides financial assistance to international students, including scholarships, study loans, and other support. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) of the Japanese Government has offered scholarships to international students since 1954, with seven types of scholarship programs available.
Tuition fees for international students in Japan vary depending on the level of study and the program. For Bachelor's studies, tuition fees typically range from 20,000 to 23,000 USD per year, while Master's programs cost around 12,000 USD, and Doctorate studies are approximately 5,000 USD. Medicine and pharmacy programs are more expensive due to their longer duration. University applications also incur an application fee, and international students must enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, which can be arranged after obtaining a visa or residence permit.
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Language requirements
Japan is a popular destination for international students due to its diverse programs, affordable education, culture, history, and high academic standards. The country boasts 783 universities and junior colleges, with a variety of English-taught programs. However, as an international student, you should be prepared for the language requirements necessary to study in Japan.
Most university courses in Japan are taught in Japanese. Therefore, proficiency in the language is essential for admission to most universities. The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the standard criterion for assessing Japanese language skills. The test has five levels, from N5 (basic) to N1 (advanced). Different universities may have different JLPT level requirements for admission. It is important to check the specific language requirements for your desired university and course.
Some universities may also accept other language proficiency tests, such as the Test of Japanese as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International Japanese Language Testing Service (IJTLS). These tests assess listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills and are widely recognized by Japanese universities. Additionally, a Statement of Purpose, written in Japanese, may be required by some universities as part of the application process.
While Japanese language proficiency is crucial for admission, it is also beneficial for your overall experience in Japan. Knowing the language will help you navigate daily life and communicate with locals, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the culture. However, there are a small number of universities that offer four-year undergraduate degrees with courses taught entirely in English. These universities may have different language requirements, focusing on English proficiency tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
Furthermore, if you intend to work part-time or pursue internships during your studies, basic Japanese language skills can improve your job prospects. Many international students in Japan work part-time in fields like tourism, hospitality, or teaching English, and language proficiency can be a valuable asset in securing such opportunities. Thus, while not always a strict requirement, having a good grasp of the Japanese language will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience as an international student in Japan.
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Choosing a university
Japan is a popular destination for international students, offering a unique culture, history, and diverse study programmes. With 783 universities and junior colleges, there is a lot of choice.
When choosing a university, it is important to consider the location. Japan has eight distinct regions, each with its own culture, traditions, and natural scenery. For example, Sendai is known as "the city of trees", offering a quieter lifestyle with outdoor sports and activities. Osaka, on the other hand, is famous for its food and lively atmosphere. Tokyo, the capital, is a bustling city with modern architecture and a vibrant social life.
It is also worth considering the language of instruction. While most courses are taught in Japanese, there are a small number of universities offering four-year undergraduate degrees taught entirely in English. These include Meiji University, Waseda University, and Keio University, which are popular choices for international students. Additionally, several universities offer English-taught courses at the master's and doctoral levels.
When deciding on a university, it is beneficial to research its performance in your particular field of study. International rankings can be a helpful indicator, with 49 Japanese universities featuring in the World Rankings. The University of Tokyo, for example, has a declared focus on supporting international students. Other well-regarded universities include Osaka University, Tohoku University, and Kyoto University.
It is also important to review the admissions criteria and application process, which can vary between universities. Almost all national universities and many public and private universities use the EJU as an admission criterion, while others have their own entrance exams. Additionally, some universities may require interviews and written tests to be taken in Japan. It is essential to check the specific requirements and guidelines on the university's website.
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Frequently asked questions
The application process for international students in Japan depends on the university. Most university courses in Japan are taught in Japanese and require applicants to sit the EJU exam, but some universities have their own entrance exams. A small number of universities offer courses taught entirely in English. To apply, you will need documents including a passport, high school graduation certificate, high school transcript, statement of purpose, and statement of financial support.
Japan has 783 universities and junior colleges offering four-year bachelor's degrees. The top five universities in Japan are considered to be:
- The University of Tokyo
- Waseda
- Keio
- Osaka University
- Tohoku University
There are scholarship opportunities for international students in Japan provided by the Japanese government, local governments, the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), and private organisations, foundations, and companies.
