Japan

Japan

• A comprehensive site for studying in Japan with a searchable database

• 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

• Why Are Fewer Young Japanese Studying Abroad?
• Restructuring at National Universities: Implications for the Future of Higher Learning
• Globalization and Higher Education Reforms in Japan: The Obstacles to Greater International Competitiveness
• The Japanese returnee experience: factors that affect reentry

English Taught Bachelor Degrees

Webinar with CIALFO on applying to Japan

Applying to Japan (International Programs) from Cialfo on Vimeo.

Check out UNESCO’s interactive map