Applying to Japanese Universities: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying to a Japanese university can feel complicated, but it becomes simple once you know the steps. This guide explains the full process in clear English, from choosing a program and passing exams to getting your visa and planning your budget.
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Why Study At A Japanese University
Japan has more than 700 universities and junior colleges offering strong programs in engineering, business, social sciences, design, and more. Many schools now welcome international students with English-taught degrees and special support offices.
Studying in Japan can give you:
- A respected degree and solid academic training
- Access to one of the world’s safest and most modern countries
- A chance to learn Japanese and build a career in Asia
- Good job prospects after graduation thanks to Japan’s aging population and talent shortage
Japanese University System Overview
Before you start the application, it helps to understand the main options.
Types of higher education institutions
Japan offers several kinds of schools at the higher-education level:
| Type of school | Typical programs | Length | Main points for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| National universities | Broad fields, strong research | 4 years (BA), 2 years (MA) | Often high reputation, reasonable tuition, competitive entrance |
| Public universities | Run by local governments | 4 years | Good value, often strong regional focus |
| Private universities | Very wide variety | 4 years | Most international students, many English-taught programs |
| Junior colleges | Vocational, practical skills | 2–3 years | Good for early career jobs or later transfer |
| Professional training colleges | IT, design, hospitality, etc. | 2+ years | Focus on skills and job placement, often Japanese-taught |
| Graduate schools | Master’s and PhD | 2–5+ years | Research-focused, many English-language options in STEM and business |
Academic year and intakes
Most Japanese universities use an April–March academic year. The main intake is in April, but more universities now also have September or October intake, especially for English-taught programs.
This affects your application timeline, which we will break down later in this guide.
For money and scholarship planning, also see Scholarships for International Students – Japan 2025 and Cost of Living in Japan for International Students – 2025.
Step 1 – Choose Japanese Or English Taught Programs
The first big decision when applying to Japanese universities is which language you want to study in.
Studying in Japanese
If you choose to study in Japanese, you will:
- Need strong Japanese (often JLPT N2 or better)
- Likely take the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) for undergraduate programs
- Join regular classes together with Japanese students
This path gives you:
- The widest choice of universities and majors
- Strong advantage for job hunting in Japan later
Studying in English
If you study in English, you will:
- Apply to English-medium degrees (especially at private and a growing number of national universities)
- Provide English test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Sometimes not need EJU, depending on the program
This path is good if:
- Your Japanese is beginner or intermediate
- You still want a Japanese degree and experience
- You are ready to study Japanese on the side while you study in English
Many students pick English-taught programs for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, then aim for Japanese-taught graduate school later when their language improves.
For help choosing based on your career goals, check Career Opportunities in Japan’s IT Industry for Foreigners and Workplace Culture in Japan: Etiquette for Foreign Employees.
Step 2 – Decide Bachelor, Master Or Other Level
The next step is to confirm which level you want to enter.
Undergraduate study
You usually need:
- Completion of 12 years of school (or equivalent) before starting university
- Good grades in relevant subjects
- Proof of Japanese or English ability, depending on program
Graduate study
For master’s and doctoral programs, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree (for master’s) or master’s degree (for PhD)
- Research proposal or statement of purpose
- Sometimes contact with a potential supervisor before applying
Many graduate programs are more flexible and international; they may accept students with English only, especially in STEM and business.
If you want funding for graduate school, read Scholarships for International Students – Japan 2025 and MEXT Scholarship Guide for Undergraduate and Graduate Students.
Step 3 – Understand Entrance Exams Including EJU
For many Japanese-taught undergraduate programs, you will meet a famous exam: the EJU.
What is the EJU
The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is a standardized test by JASSO. It checks whether international students have enough Japanese language skill and basic academic ability to study at Japanese universities.
The EJU has four parts:
- Japanese as a Foreign Language (up to 400 points)
- Science (choose from Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Japan and the World (social sciences)
- Mathematics (Course 1 for humanities, Course 2 for science and engineering)
Each university decides which EJU subjects and scores they require. Some universities also use EJU scores for pre-arrival admission, meaning you can get accepted without visiting Japan before enrollment.
Other entrance exams
Besides EJU, schools may also ask for:
- Their own written exams or interviews (online or in-person)
- High school transcripts and predicted grades
- English tests like TOEFL or IELTS for English-taught programs
- SAT/ACT or A-levels for some international tracks
Graduate schools often require:
- Research proposal
- Recommendation letters
- Online or face-to-face interviews
Step 4 – Build Your Application Timeline
Good timing is crucial. Japanese universities follow a fairly predictable cycle, especially for the April and September/October intakes.
Typical application timeline
The exact schedule changes by school, but here is a common pattern for April and Fall entry:
| Intake | 12–18 months before | 9–12 months before | 6–9 months before | 3–6 months before | Last 3 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April intake | Research universities, decide language and level | Take EJU (June or November), English tests, collect transcripts | Submit applications to universities | Receive results, accept offer, prepare visa documents | Apply for student visa, housing, and flights |
| Fall intake (Sep/Oct) | Research English-taught programs, check deadlines | Take required tests, contact schools | Submit applications (often winter–spring) | Receive results and scholarship info | Visa, housing, part-time job planning |
Many schools open applications about 6–12 months before the start date, so do not wait too long.
If you also want scholarships like MEXT or JASSO reservation programs, you often need to start even earlier because these have their own schedules via embassies or EJU.
For a detailed look at timelines and money, see Scholarships for International Students – Japan 2025 and Japan Student Visa Guide for International Students.
Step 5 – Research And Shortlist Japanese Universities
Now you know your language, level, and timeline. Next, choose where to apply.
How to research universities
Use:
- The Study in Japan official website and JASSO databases to search by field, location, and language.
- University websites for program details, admission pages, and international student offices.
Check for each school:
- Language of instruction
- Entrance exams and required scores
- Tuition and fees
- Scholarship options and dormitories
- Support services for international students
Try to create a shortlist with:
- 1–2 “dream” schools
- 2–4 “realistic” schools
- 1–2 “safe” schools where your grades match well
Consider location and daily life
Think about:
- Big city vs smaller city (Tokyo vs regional area)
- Climate (Hokkaido is cold, Okinawa is warm)
- Job and internship chances nearby
For future working and living plans, you can also read Housing Guide for Foreigners in Japan – From Share Houses to Apartments and Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Japan.
Step 6 – Prepare Required Documents
Most Japanese universities ask for similar documents, even if details differ. Typical items include:
- Application form (online or PDF)
- Passport copy
- High school or university transcripts and graduation certificates
- Proof of language ability (JLPT, EJU, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Statement of purpose or motivation essay
- Recommendation letters from teachers or professors
- Financial documents (bank statements, sponsor letters)
Some schools need documents translated into Japanese or English by an official translator, so start early.
Graduate applicants usually also need:
- Research proposal
- Sample writing or portfolio (for some fields)
- CV or resume
While preparing these, keep copies and digital scans. You will need them again for visa application and sometimes for scholarship applications.
If you are planning to work part-time later, it is smart to read Labor Laws in Japan: 10 Rights Foreign Workers Should Know so you understand work rules from the beginning.
Step 7 – Submit Applications And Take Interviews
Once your documents are ready, you can start sending applications.
Application methods
You may apply:
- Directly through the university’s online application system
- Through a centralized system for some programs
- By mailing paper documents via courier (still common at some schools)
Be careful with:
- Deadlines (Japan uses Japan Standard Time)
- Extra steps like paying application fees
- Whether original documents must arrive by a certain date
Interviews and additional tests
After initial screening, schools may:
- Invite you to an online interview (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
- Ask you to take subject tests or a short essay
- Request extra documents or clarification
For interviews:
- Dress neatly (simple shirt, or suit for formal schools)
- Check your connection and background
- Prepare to explain your motivation, your study plan, and why you chose that university
If you are shy about culture and etiquette, reading Workplace Culture in Japan: Etiquette for Foreign Employees can also help you understand communication style for academic and work settings.
Step 8 – Get Your Letter Of Acceptance And COE
If you are accepted, congratulations. The next step is preparing for your student visa.
Certificate of Eligibility
Your university will usually apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf with immigration in Japan.
To do this, they may ask you again for:
- Passport copy
- ID photos
- Financial documents showing you can afford tuition and living costs
- Forms for dormitory or housing requests
Once the COE is issued, the university mails it to you. You then:
- Take COE, your passport, and other required documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
- Apply for a Student (ryugaku) visa.
- Receive your visa and arrange your flight.
For more detail on the visa part, read Japan Student Visa Guide for International Students.
Step 9 – Plan Money, Scholarships And Part Time Work
Studying in Japan is not free, but with planning it can be manageable.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition depends on the type of university:
- National and public universities: similar, relatively affordable annual tuition
- Private universities: more expensive, especially in big cities and certain majors
Living costs vary by city. Tokyo is the most expensive, while regional cities may be 20–30% cheaper for rent and daily expenses.
To build a realistic budget, check Cost of Living in Japan for International Students – 2025 and Money and Budgeting Tips for Workers in Japan.
Scholarships
There are many scholarship options:
- MEXT scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students (embassy and university recommendation routes)
- JASSO scholarships, including the Honors Scholarship and Reservation Program for excellent EJU scorers
- University-specific tuition reductions
- Local government and private foundation scholarships
For a full overview, read Scholarships for International Students – Japan 2025.
Part time work
On a student visa, you can usually work part time up to 28 hours per week during term time after receiving a work-permission stamp from immigration (and more during long vacations).
Popular part-time jobs include:
- Convenience stores and cafes
- Language teaching
- Restaurant work
- Campus assistant jobs
Always keep a balance: your main job is studying. To protect yourself, read Labor Laws in Japan: 10 Rights Foreign Workers Should Know before accepting any job.
Special Paths To Japanese Universities
MEXT scholarship route
If you win a MEXT scholarship, the application process is slightly different:
- You apply through your Japanese embassy or consulate (Embassy Recommendation) or through a Japanese university (University Recommendation).
- You pass screening, interviews, and often written exams.
- MEXT and the university help place you in a suitable program.
This path is competitive but very rewarding because it can cover tuition, monthly stipend, and flights. For details, see Scholarships for International Students – Japan 2025.
Pre arrival admission
Some universities use the EJU and other documents to give pre-arrival admission, meaning you can secure a place while you are still in your home country, without visiting Japan for entrance exams.
JASSO lists many schools using this system, which is especially helpful for students far from Japan or with limited travel budgets.
Language school to university route
Many students first study Japanese at a language school in Japan for 1–2 years, then move to university using EJU and entrance exams.
This route is good if you:
- Want to reach N2/N1 level in Japanese
- Prefer to live in Japan while preparing for university
- Need time to decide your major
However, it adds extra cost and time, so compare it carefully with direct entry into English-taught programs plus Japanese study.
Common Mistakes When Applying To Japanese Universities
To increase your chances of success, avoid these common issues:
- Starting too late
- Remember that applications can start 6–12 months before your desired intake.
- Ignoring language requirements
- Do not assume English-taught programs have no Japanese expectations, or that Japanese programs will accept low JLPT.
- Not understanding EJU requirements
- Each university chooses different EJU subjects and minimum scores. Check carefully.
- Sending incomplete documents
- Missing signatures, untranslated documents, or late application fees can result in automatic rejection.
- Not checking scholarships early enough
- MEXT and some JASSO scholarships have different timelines from university applications.
- Ignoring the contract and visa details after acceptance
- Read all offer letters and housing contracts slowly. For work and legal topics, see Understanding Your Japanese Employment Contract: Key Points for later stages of your life in Japan.
Final Checklist Before You Apply
Here is a simple checklist you can use:
- I decided my study language (Japanese or English)
- I chose my degree level (undergraduate, master’s, etc.)
- I understand whether I need EJU, JLPT, TOEFL, IELTS, or other exams
- I made a timeline for my target intake (April or Fall)
- I shortlisted several universities that match my goals and scores
- I prepared all required documents, including translations
- I checked scholarship options and their deadlines
- I know the basics of student visa, COE, and part-time work rules
If most of these boxes are checked, you are ready to start sending strong applications.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
