Japan

Japan

86 National Universities

93 Public Universities

607 Private Universities

Download the Student Guide to Studying in Japan which includes a listing of all programs taught in English.
Direct Entry into your major:
- Not sure what you want to study? Try this tool which allows you to enter you primary courses (it is designed for A-Levels, but you can put in your three Higher Levels for IB or Advanced Placement courses).
- Looking for a deeper exploration of career possibilities? Career Explorer offers one of the most comprehensive and interesting set of reports after answer questions for about 30 Minutes. And it is completely free.
Find English-based Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree programs available at Japanese universities.
Super helpful guide from ASIJ.
Gateway to study in Japan
Information on studying in Japan for both Japanese and international students.

Download NACAC’s Guide to Applying to Japan

Keypoints

Most program start in April.
Back in 2004, only 3 universities offered programs in English. Now many more–28 Universities. The number of foreign students at Japan’s universities rose 12 percent to 267,042 last year, suggesting a target of 300,000 international students by 2020 will be met.
Note: Some programs exclude Japanese Citizens. There is a lack of clarity what to do with dual-Citizens.
For students LIVING in Japan, they must be 18 before you start classes. No exceptions. But for students outside of Japan, age is not a consideration.
Students can work 28 hours a week as students. It is becoming easier to stay and work after graduation.

How to apply to Japanese Universities

No centralized system and application; no centralized due date. No documents will be accepted if late.
Application brochures (details: paperclips and red pens). Read whole application brochure entirely–15 to 50 pages. They are very specific, from use red pens or do not staple, glossy photos.
Application periods (up to four…more about this with other warnings), from October to May. Some may allow you to apply to multiple rounds. Depends on the universities.
School documents need to certified by school stamp including
- Certificate of expected graduation (legal name and birthdate)
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcript
Testing. Most universities will require/accept
- SAT or ACT
- SAT subject tests
- Ap scores
- IB predicted grades. 49% of Japanese overseas applications were IB compared to 18% in the USA and 12% in Britain. Domestic Japanese 23% entered universities in Japan compared to 32% in US and 17% in Britain.
- TOEFL (minimum requirement)–one university even requires it of every student, even native speakers.
On Campus Interviews may be required
Hefty deposit payments and incompatible deadlines for payment (first semester tuition–up to $8,000). Here is information on scholarships.
Information for current student: Japan Study Support

Background reading

Webinar with CIALFO on applying to Japan