University in Japan
Achieve your goals with a degree from a Japan's top university and open the door to greater opportunities in the future.
Why choose a university in Japan?
Universities in Japan offer various degree courses taught in English for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Lectures are delivered in English by professors from prestigious universities around the world.
Alongside Japanese students, international students have the opportunity to study in a diverse environment.
World-Class Learning
Universities in Japan have excellent resources that allow students to expand their knowledge in their field. As a result, many graduates have become global players.
For instance, several Japanese scientists have received Nobel prizes. Diplomats are bridging Japan and the world. Tech engineers are driving innovation. More than ever, many professionals from Japan are active on the global stage. Whatever you wish to pursue, studying in Japan offers you access to world-class learning.
Greater career opportunities
Japanese university graduates have a high rate of employment. On average, 98% of graduates find employment each year. This figure indicates the importance of higher education in Japan.
As the world's third-largest economy, Japan attracts thousands of foreign-affiliated companies. Japanese companies also continue to invest overseas.
Multinational companies are constantly seeking talented graduates. With a university degree, your linguistic skills become a powerful asset both in Japan and abroad. These advantages will place you at the top of your game!
Top Universities in Japan
Universities are categorised into three sectors.
National Universities are funded by the Japanese Government. The top universities in this sector in Japan are the University of Tokyo and the University of Hokkaido.
Public Universities are funded by regional authorities.
Private Universities are funded by private investors. Keio and Waseda are among the top universities in this sector in Japan.
Universities that offer courses in all English are mostly in the national and private sectors.
How to choose a degree major
Applicants must choose a major when applying for a degree course at a university in Japan. A university major is an academic field of study in which students wish to expand and deepen their knowledge. It forms the core of a degree programme.
Undergraduate
One of the documents that applicants must submit is a personal statement. It is an essay in which you discuss your reasons for choosing that major, demonstrating your motivation and ability to learn.
Choosing a major that you are passionate about will maximise your chances of being accepted by a university.
An in-depth study of a particular field requires a certain level of knowledge of the subject. Therefore, your major should be an area in which you studied at school. For example, if you studied mathematics and physics at school and achieved high marks, you could consider a major in engineering.
If you are not sure, you should go through the transcripts obtained from school.
In Japan, an undergraduate degree course lasts 4 years. This means that you will study your chosen major for 4 years. You will therefore need to be highly motivated. Consider whether you would be able to complete the course and achieve the results you desire.
Postgraduate
Pursuing a major from a bachelor's degree would be a natural progression. Applicants are expected to have in-depth knowledge of their chosen field.
As postgraduate studies involve research, you may be asked to present a plan demonstrating your ability to conduct research. It should describe how you would carry out the research and include a prediction of the outcome.
Some postgraduate courses require applicants to obtain approval from a university supervisor before they can apply. This involves an interview with the supervisor, where applicants discuss their research plans. Supervisors are often professors who specialise in the field.
In addition to the personal statement and research plan, the submission documents include theses or reports from undergraduate studies.
How universities will assess your application
International students will be assessed based on the documents they submit.
Only those who pass the screening stage will proceed to the online interview. Therefore, it is crucial that applicants have all the necessary documents ready and have completed the forms for submission.The specified documents must be submitted to the Admissions Office by the closing date. They will not accept any late submissions.
Pathway Japan, help you succeed
Each university in Japan has different application deadlines. Many universities close early. This is due to the lengthy processing time for student visas.
Applying to universities in Japan can be a complex process. From preparing for the application, to receiving the results and obtaining a student visa, the whole process will take approximately 8 to 10 months. So remember to give yourself plenty of time.
Pathway Japan has expertise in Japanese higher education. Through our interactions with universities across Japan, we understand what they expect from students. Based on these experiences, we can offer advice and recommendations in your best interests and support you every step of the way.
FAQ
How many years does it
take to get a university degree in Japan?
Undergraduate is 4 years.
Master's is 2 years.
Phd is 3 years.
The Japanese academic year begins in April. Admissions are in April and September, depending on the course and university.
Do I have to learn Japanese before I can study at a university in Japan?
No if you are applying for the all-English degree programme.
Most universities offer Japanese language courses, where students learn basic conversational skills for everyday life in Japan.
I have a bachelor's degree. Is it possible to apply
for a PhD?
In general, students cannot progress to a PhD without first completing a Master's degree. A student is eligible to apply for a PhD if they have completed 17–18 years of education. This comprises a 12-year education, from primary to high school, plus a 3 to 4-year undergraduate degree and a 2-year master's degree.
I have a diploma in business. Can I apply
for a master's degree?
A diploma is a qualification for a specific profession. A diploma alone does not meet the required criteria. Eligibility for a master's degree requires completion of a bachelor's degree.
Can a foreign student take up a scholarship in Japan?
International students experiencing financial difficulties may be eligible for a scholarship. MEXT is a scholarship programme established by the Japanese government. The successful candidate will be exempt from paying tuition fees.
Candidates with an excellent educational background will be considered. There are 2 methods of applying for the MEXT scholarship.
Apply through
- the Embassy of Japan in your home country
- the university (subject to certain number of universities)