With its excellent education system, rich culture and gorgeous natural landscapes, it’s no surprise that Japan is home to over 400,000 international students. Just like you, these students have also been through the rather rigorous Japanese university application process which can seem daunting at first. That’s where we come in.
We’ve broken down how to apply to university in Japan, from choosing a programme to preparing documents, thinking about deadlines, and applying for a visa. Want to study abroad in Japan? We’ve got your back.
Our full guide to student life in Japan can be found here!
There are a few things to consider when applying to university in Japan. While more and more universities are beginning to offer English-taught programmes, the majority are Japanese-delivery and you will be expected to meet minimum Japanese language requirements to be accepted. But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s start at the beginning.
The need to knows: how the Japanese university system works
All Japanese higher education institutes fall into one of three categories: public, private or national. Unlike in some Western countries, this doesn’t automatically dictate quality or associated cost.
Within these categories, international students can be admitted to a College of Technology, a specialised training college, a junior college, a university or a graduate school. Most likely you’ll be looking to obtain either an undergraduate or postgraduate degree which can be granted by graduate schools, universities or a College of Technology.
Junior colleges and specialised training colleges offer associate degrees and advanced diplomas and take less time (2-4 years).
For the full breakdown of the Japanese higher education system, take a look at the Study in Japan website.
University in Japan also follows a different calendar. Their academic year runs from April to March, mimicking the financial year. There are holidays in the summer, winter and spring.
It is common for Japanese universities to take admissions in April but, recognising the benefit for both inbound and outbound students on exchange or studying abroad, more and more universities now have a second admissions window in the autumn (September) to reflect the international calendar.
This means you have two application windows each year in which to start studying in Japan. If you’re looking to start in April, you should be thinking about applying in at least November the year before and, for September intakes, March at the latest. Check each university website for specific deadlines which vary from course to course and institute to institute.
Courses are delivered either in Japanese or English, depending on the institute and programme you’re applying to. If you’re applying to a Japanese-delivery course, you’ll be expected to meet minimum language requirements that you’ll need to evidence by completing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and the Examination for Japanese University Admissions for International Students (EJU). If the course is English-taught, these requirements may not apply but be careful to check directly with the provider to be safe! We’ll dive deeper into language requirements further on in the article.
The need to knows: how to apply to university in Japan
Now you know a bit about the Japanese university system, we’ve put together a list of what you need to prepare before applying. A full, comprehensive pack on how to apply to university in Japan can be found here, courtesy of the Study in Japan website.
Remember that admission requirements and timelines could vary from institute to institute, and course level, so always check directly with your chosen university too!
Your application requirements may also differ depending on if you’re applying to a Japanese or English taught program. As more universities in Japan globalise and English-taught degrees increase, there have been secondary application streams introduced that usually require extra paperwork. Checking directly with your admissions officer to see what you need to submit for your application is the safest route to ensure you’re covering all your bases.
Step 1: Choose your university and programme
Consider what you want to study and compare possible courses to see what suits your learning style and career goals most. Our Studyportals rankings show Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees available in Japan. Not sure where to start? Consider our guide on how to choose the right degree for you.
Step 2: Ensure your language proficiency results are ready
Many Japanese universities require you to demonstrate your proficiency in Japanese by completing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. You’ll need to score at least N2 to be eligible to study a Japanese-delivery course. The test is delivered in-person twice a year to fit in with the university admission windows, so be sure to find dates to take it.
Some courses may also require English-proficiency tests, which can be demonstrated through the universally accepted IELTS, or sometimes the TOEFL and, more and more widely, the Duolingo English Test. Check with the institute, and visa office, to see which test is accepted.
If you’re applying for an English-taught program it’s unlikely that you’ll need to complete the JLPT.
Step 3: Apply to your chosen university with prepared documents
Each university will require a specific set of documents from you to complete your application. This can include:
- Completed application form (individual to every institute)
- Application fee payment
- High school diploma (Bachelor’s)
- Bachelor’s diploma (Master’s and other graduate courses)
- Academic transcript
- Passport photos
- Passport
- Personal statement - understand the difference between a personal statement and a letter of motivation
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Language proficiency results
Check your chosen university’s admissions page for a full list of required documentation!
Step 4: Take your university’s entrance examination
International applicants to English-taught programmes in Japan are sometimes assessed through documents, interviews, standardised tests, or separate international admissions tracks. Usually a certificate of English proficiency and academic achievement transcript will be required, in addition to the normal application materials and institution-specific entrance exam.
Most Japanese universities have their own entrance exams they require you to take. This is a chance to evidence your ability outside of transcripts and recommendations. The University of Tokyo (ranked 37th globally by Studyportals Meta Ranking) describes its entrance exam as ‘not necessarily difficult. Those who studied well in high school will be able to tackle any question on the entrance exam with their existing knowledge and skills.’
As each university has its own exam, you’ll have to check with the institute for dates and how it is administered.
Step 5: Take the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
As well as testing your Japanese language ability, the EJU is a general entrance exam for universities in Japan. It tests four subjects (Science, Mathematics, Japan and the World, and Japanese as a Foreign Language) and acceptance scores vary from institute to institute but generally a minimum score of 300 is expected.
The EJU is delivered twice a year in June and November and can be harder to organise outside of Asia. If you’re looking to study in Japan from outside Asia, it can be a good idea to check in advance when and where you'll be able to take the EJU.
If you’re applying for an English-taught program, there’ll be alternative admissions requirements for you to submit, such as SAT transcript or standardized high school scores of your home country. For example, for admission to University of Tokyo’s English-speaking degrees (PEAK), they ask for school transcripts, standardized examination results, English-proficiency test results, school profile and a personal resume, but not the EJU.
Step 6: Time to celebrate!
Once you’ve been accepted onto your course by the chosen university, take a moment to congratulate yourself and start to look forward to the next step in your education!
Step 7: Immigration and visa requirements
Now that you have your university acceptance letter, you can begin the process of applying for a student visa to study in Japan.
First you’ll have to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Regional Immigration Bureau. Then you’ll have to prepare the necessary visa forms (usually including passport photos and university acceptance letter) and visit the Japanese embassy in your home country to secure your student visa. When you arrive you’ll then be issued with a Japanese Residence Card and your student life in Japan will have officially begun!
The need to knows: cost of studying in Japan
Overall, average baseline tuition fees in Japan are much cheaper than in the United States and the United Kingdom. However, Medicine and practical Pharmaceutical degrees can still be expensive and there are higher costs associated with private universities.
There are many scholarship options available for international students and Studyportals can even help you out with €10,000 towards your Master’s abroad.
Study in Japan offers a helpful table to compare average approximate tuition fees for year one of study, excluding examination fees, teaching materials and practical training fees, etc.:
National | Local | Private (excluding medical, dental and pharmaceutical programs) | Private (medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs) | |
Graduate Schools | 820,000 yen | 900,000 yen | 1,100,000 yen | 870,000 yen |
Universities (undergrad) | 820,000 yen | 910,000 yen | 1,300,000 yen | 3,800,000 yen |
Junior colleges | 600,000 yen | 1,200,000 yen |
We’ve also pulled together the annual tuition fees of Japan’s top ranking universities in the Studyportals’ 2026 Metaranking to demonstrate the potential range of tuition fees for prospective international students:
Admission fee (UG) | Annual tuition fee (UG) | Examination fee (UG) | Graduate (MAs) annual tuition fee | Law school annual tuition fee | |
282,000 yen | 642,960 yen | 4,000 yen (1st stage) 13,000 yen (2nd stage) | 535,800 yen | 804,000 yen | |
282,000 yen | 535,800 yen | 17,000 yen | 535,800 yen | 804,000 yen | |
282,000 yen | 535,800 yen | 17,000 yen | 535,800 yen | 804,000 yen | |
282,000 yen | 535,800 yen | 17,000 yen | 535,800 yen | 804,000 yen |
Tuition fees can sometimes vary between course and institute and can be subject to annual changes so make sure to check directly with the course and university you’re applying to to understand associated costs of studying abroad in Japan.
Cost of living varies in Japan depending on where you’re located, with Tokyo having the highest costs. The national monthly average spend is 105,000 yen (€560), taking into account normal living costs but excluding tuition and research fees.
You’ll also have to think about a lot of costs upfront at the start of, and before, the academic year. This includes things like admission fees, language tests, visa fees, and, of course, most excitingly, your flights!
Tips for applying to university in Japan
- Research your intended university and make a list of deadlines and necessary documentation ahead of time
- Book examinations as early as you can so, if you need to, you’re able to retake
- Reach out to peers that have studied in Japan to understand their experience and share advice
- While you’re revising for exams, why not stick on some Japanese-language TV so you can pick up more of the language to help you with your studying!
- Always leave buffer time: try and get ahead of the game by at least a few months so that you’re ready for the admissions windows when they come around
FAQ
Can I study in English in Japan?
Yes! While it’s not yet universal, more and more universities are starting to offer English-taught programmes which mean you don’t need to know Japanese before you go. It can be a key skill to pick up while you’re there though.
Do I need to speak Japanese to study in Japan?
Not necessarily but in most cases, yes. If you’re joining a Japanese-delivery course you will need to be able to speak Japanese to a certain level (N2 in the JLPT) and, even if you’re studying in English, you’ll be expected to learn while you’re there.
When should I apply to university in Japan?
There are generally two admissions windows for studying in Japan. If you’re applying for spring (April) intake, then the application deadline is usually in November. If you’re applying for autumn (September) intake, then the application deadline is usually in April. Remember that deadlines vary between institutes so always make sure to check with the official university website admissions page!
Is it hard to get a student visa in Japan?
After admission, your university will usually help you prepare the documents needed for the Certificate of Eligibility, which is then used to apply for a student visa through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
How much does it cost to study in Japan?
Costs vary from uni to uni and location to location but the average tuition fees range from 820,000-1,300,000 yen with monthly living costs averaging 105,000 yen.
Do I need to take the EJU?
It depends on if you’re applying to a Japanese or English-taught program. Always check directly with the institute’s admissions office to confirm what documentation is needed for applying.
