There are hundreds of local and national universities in Japan, varying in size, reputation, and institutional control.
The University of Tokyo (known as Todai) and the Kyoto University (known as Kyodai) are considered Japan's top two universities.
The National Seven Universities (or the former Imperial Universities) are Japan's version of Ivy League institutions:
University of Tokyo
Kyoto University
Tohoku University
Kyushu University
Hokkaido University
Osaka University
Nagoya University
The Japanese government, in 2009, selected 13 universities as members of its Global 30 initiative, which aims to to increase the number of programs taught in English as a way to attract more international students to Japan's most prestigious institutions. No Japanese proficiency is required at the time of admission to these programs. These universities are: Doshisha University; Keio University; Kyoto University; Kyushu University; Meiji University; Nagoya University; Osaka University; Ritsumeikan University; Sophia University; Tohoku University; University of Tokyo; University of Tsukuba; and Waseda University. Note that most of these universities offer only a small number places in just a few academic areas.
In 2014, the Japanese government announced special funding for 37 universities through its Top Global Universities Project, which prioritizes support for local universities leading the internationalization of Japan's education system, through recruiting more foreign faculty and students and gaining top places in global rankings. Most but not all of these universities offer courses taught in English; students should carefully check the departments at each university to determine whether English-taught programs are offered.
In addition to English-taught programs, some universities such as Kyoto University and Osaka University offer a bilingual program where students can study in English for a couple of years and then shift the medium of instruction to Japanese [(Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program (iUP) and Osaka University International Undergraduate Program in Science (IUPS)]. They study Japanese and enhance it to the academic level while studying in English. This would be a good option for those who would like to pursue a specific field of study as well as enhance Japanese to the academic level.
To earn a bachelor’s degree, a student must study at a university for at least four years. There are no programs in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science offered in English.
Most educational institutions in Japan start their academic year in April. The long holiday seasons are usually in the summer (end of July to early September), winter (end of December to early January) and spring (February to March). There are approximately 25 universities in Japan at which students may matriculate in the autumn. Students beginning programs in the fall who wish to work in Japan after graduation should be aware that companies typically hire new workers to begin in April. Considering this challenge, some programs offer a fast-track graduation plan, which means that students are able to start the academic year in September, graduate in March, 3½ years later, and then begin work in April.
Despite the growth in English-taught programs, many students wishing to study in Japan enroll in a yearlong Japanese language course before beginning their academic program. Some universities offer private language programs. Students also have the option of enrolling in separate language institutes. These programs typically educate students about Japanese language, society, and culture.
Students can search for a degree program taught in English, with autumn matriculation, and with admission procedures and assessment standards similar to those in North America, through the JASSO or Univ. In Japan.
Each faculty or department within a university typically has a profile or policy that details the requirements and demands of its program. These profiles may be useful in helping students evaluate their options.
Annual tuition at national and local public institutions typically ranges between 535,000 and 931,000 yen. Private university undergraduate tuition varies based on the course of study pursued, ranging anywhere between 1,108,000 and 4,189,000 yen. Tuition costs for studies in medicine and other professional science fields are at the higher end of this scale.
International students pay the same tuition and fees as domestic students.
International students can apply for scholarships from universities, private foundations, local governments, JASSO, and MEXT. It is important to note that students cannot receive a MEXT scholarship and a JASSO scholarship simultaneously. According to a 2019 JASSO Survey, 39.3 percent of international students receive scholarship funding to study in Japan.
In addition to scholarships, some universities also offer application fee waivers. Inquiries about these opportunities can be directed to individual universities.
By law, Japanese higher education institutions can only enroll students who have a high school diploma following 12 years of schooling. Many universities are familiar with the IB Diploma, but they will not accept exam scores for college credit. The same applies to AP exams. However, advanced classes and extracurricular involvement related to the desired program of study will strengthen a student’s application.
Students applying to programs taught in Japanese will be required to pass an Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU). Administered by JASSO, it evaluates both Japanese language skills and other basic academic abilities.
Students must apply directly to a Japanese university and to the specific college or program within the university where they hope to enroll. Traditionally, the faculty of each program review and select applicants. However, some universities are beginning to adopt elements of a more holistic admission review process at the behest of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Additionally, applications to English-taught degree programs may be reviewed by an admission office dedicated specifically to international applicants, with input from faculty.
Many Global 30 schools require an interview component as part of the admission process, but this can be conducted virtually. Some universities also require additional tests; students should check with individual institutions for more details. The SAT or the ACT is accepted (and in many cases required) at almost all universities with English-taught programs.
Students within the Japanese secondary school system are selected based on their results on a competitive nationwide exam, but international students are exempt from this requirement. However, note that the English translations of admission procedures that appear on many university websites use the term examination to refer to all admission methods, which can be confusing.
International students can apply for admission to undergraduate professional degree programs, such as law or medicine, at Japanese universities. These programs are highly competitive and require a high level of Japanese proficiency prior to applying. These programs are not available at all institutions, students should contact universities directly for more information.
Students should be aware that application requirements vary depending upon the university and program. The requirements can be quite rigid, with the applicant having to follow a set format for completion of the forms or production of application essays. Failure to adhere to the published guidelines can result in an applicant being denied.
Deadlines vary greatly, and many universities have two or even three admission deadlines within the same academic year. If applying to multiple Japanese universities, students are advised to choose one application window and submit their materials to all institutions during that timeframe. Check with each institution to confirm its deadlines.
Application fees vary by institution, but the average fee is between 5,000 and 35,000 yen and is non-refundable. Additionally, if accepted, a student must pay an entrance/admission fee of between 200,000 and 300,000 yen, on average. The entrance/admission fee should be understood as a contribution to the university; it is not considered part of tuition fees.
Students should follow the directions for accepting an admission offer provided by the university. Once accepted, there is a narrow range of dates within which a student must commit to entry, which includes paying a deposit equivalent to the entire tuition for the first semester. Once a student has committed, the university—most likely the international student office— will supply a Certificate of Eligibility to be used as part of the visa application process.
Students submitting applications need to follow the same deadlines that are listed on the Grade 12 timeline section of the website. If university applications need to be submitted after graduation, then grade 12 students submit a university notification form following the same deadlines listed in the Grade 12 timeline and then complete an Individual Japan / Korean University tracking sheet by May 31. The Japanese university applications do count with the TASIS Ten Application Limit, even if submitted after graduation.
Univ. in Japan (English-Taught Programs)
JPSS - University Degree Courses in English
Japan University Consortium -A group of the major universities offering courses in English
Scholarships for Study in Japan