Japan is home to a wide range of national, local public, and private universities, including institutions that offer internationally oriented research opportunities and degree programs taught in English. Its universities are active in fields such as science, engineering, technology, the humanities, and the social sciences. However, curricula, teaching languages, costs, and admission requirements vary considerably by institution and program, so applicants should review current official information carefully.
Studying in Japan may also be attractive because tuition fees at national and public universities can be lower than those at many private institutions. Academic fees and living expenses nevertheless vary by school, program, and location. Japan also offers students opportunities to experience its culture, cuisine, and language. If you have been considering moving to Japan for higher education, read on to learn how to apply to a university in the country.
University Application Process at Japanese Universities
Step 1. Pick a Course and a University to Apply to
Based on your academic background, you may already have narrowed down your preferred field of study. If you have not, consider what you want to study before applying. Explore the course outline or curriculum provided on the relevant university or program website. For example, Tohoku University publishes the curriculum for its International Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Course on the program’s curriculum page.
Once you have selected an educational pathway, you can compare suitable universities. Your decision may depend on factors such as location, tuition fees, program content, research facilities, recognition of the degree, teaching language, and support for international students. Official university and program websites are the most reliable sources for current admission information. You can begin by reviewing the University of Tokyo, Tohoku University, and Kyoto University. It is advisable to narrow your choices to a manageable number of universities, including both competitive options and relatively more accessible ones. Record each program’s application deadlines and check for annual changes.
Step 2. Ensure to Meet All the Requirements
After narrowing your list of suitable universities, compare the requirements of each program. Admission criteria may differ substantially by institution, degree level, intake, and teaching language. Check the current application guidelines on each university’s official website. At this stage, you may need to remove a university from your list if you do not meet its academic, language, examination, or eligibility requirements.
Step 3. Prepare Your Documents and Work on Qualifying Exams
Application requirements in Japan are program-specific, so do not assume that every university requests the same examinations or documents. Some undergraduate programs require the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students, commonly known as the EJU. The examination is offered twice a year, in June and November. In 2026, the scheduled examination dates are June 21 and November 8. Whether you need the EJU, which examination session will be accepted, and which subjects you must take depend on the university and program.
EJU candidates select the subjects required by their intended university from Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics. Candidates cannot take both Science and Japan and the World in the same examination session. Except for Japanese as a Foreign Language, which is administered only in Japanese, EJU questions may be taken in Japanese or English. Applicants should follow the university’s subject and language instructions when registering for the examination and carefully review the current JASSO application bulletin before submission.
You should also prepare any documents required for admission. These may include a statement of purpose or motivation letter, certificates of previous academic qualifications, transcripts, passport-style photographs, a copy of your passport, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement. The precise documents and prescribed formats vary by program.
Step 4. Pay the Application Fee
Once your documents are ready, check whether your chosen university charges an application or examination fee. Fee amounts, payment methods, bank or handling charges, waiver policies, and refund rules vary by university and admission route. Do not assume that every fee is governed by the same conditions. Current information should be obtained from the university’s official application guidelines. For example, the International University of Japan explains that its procedures, requirements, and fees may differ between domestic and international applicants and that a separate application fee is required when applying to more than one program.
Step 5. Fill Out an Application Form
Many Japanese universities use online application systems, although the required platform depends on the university and program. Some institutions use third-party services such as The Admissions Office, while others operate their own portals. Always access the correct application system through the official program page.
At Kyoto University, graduates of overseas universities who plan to apply to certain graduate or research-student programs may be required to complete a preliminary review through the Admissions Assistance Office. The AAO procedure is not, by itself, the final application for admission. Applicants must still follow the application instructions issued by the relevant graduate school.
Application deadlines can differ significantly among universities, programs, admission routes, and intakes. Monitor the application window for every program to which you are applying and check for annual amendments. Universities generally do not accept late applications unless their official guidelines expressly provide otherwise, so plan enough time for document preparation, fee payment, recommendations, and any required examinations.
Step 6. Await a Response from Your University
Admission procedures differ by university and program. After submitting your application, monitor your email and application portal for requests for additional information, interviews, entrance examinations, or notices of the final decision. If you are admitted, the university will provide instructions concerning enrollment, payment, immigration documentation, and any remaining conditions.
General Admission Documents
1. Completed Application Form
Unlike education systems that use a single standardized university application, Japanese universities generally set their own application procedures. Different programs at the same university may also use different forms or systems. Some universities host applications on a third-party platform such as The Admissions Office. Follow the official program page to identify the correct form and submission method. You may also need to provide proof of payment if an application or examination fee is required.
2. Standardized Test Scores and Certificates
In principle, applicants to Japanese undergraduate universities, junior colleges, and specialized training colleges must have completed 12 years of formal education or satisfy an officially recognized equivalent route. Programs may also request scores from examinations such as the SAT, ACT, EJU, International Baccalaureate, national school-leaving examinations, or other qualifications. Submit only the tests and certificates specified in the current application guidelines.
3. Language Proficiency Tests
Depending on the program, you may be required to take a language proficiency test. Japanese-taught programs may request the Japanese section of the EJU, the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, or another form of evidence. English-taught programs may accept tests such as the TOEFL iBT or IELTS, but accepted tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and score-validity periods vary. Tohoku University’s current English undergraduate admissions page, for example, directs applicants to intake-specific requirements and explains the transition from the former Future Global Leadership Program to Gateway College in 2027. Check the official requirements before registering for a test.
4. Recommendation Letters
Some undergraduate, graduate, exchange, and scholarship applications require one or more recommendation letters, but this is not universal. The required number, format, and acceptable recommender depend on the individual application route. At institutions such as Hokkaido University, degree programs, exchange programs, and scholarship routes publish separate requirements. An embassy recommendation for a MEXT scholarship is a distinct application route and should not be confused with an academic recommendation letter.
5. Transcript of Records
An academic transcript contains information about your courses, grades, credits, and, where applicable, GPA. Universities use this information when assessing your academic preparation. Submit official transcripts from the institutions and educational periods specified in the application guidelines. Some universities require documents to be sent directly by the issuing institution or uploaded by an authorized school official.
6. Motivation Letter and Personal Statement
A motivation letter or personal statement can help the admissions committee understand your academic interests, preparation, career goals, and reasons for choosing the program. It should respond directly to the university’s prompt and prescribed format. A commitment to return to your home country is not a general requirement for Japanese university admission, although a particular scholarship or government-funded program may ask about future plans. Do not reuse a generic statement without checking the program’s instructions.
Optional Materials / Documents to Consider
1. Proof of Funds
Some universities may request proof that you or your financial sponsor can cover tuition and living costs. Financial evidence may also be requested when applying for a Certificate of Eligibility or student visa. Depending on the case, documents may include a bank-balance certificate, proof of income, or evidence identifying the source of funds. Follow the university’s and immigration authorities’ current instructions.
2. Other Qualifications
Submit additional qualifications only when the application instructions permit or request them. Qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement examinations, professional certificates, portfolios, or competition results may be relevant for certain programs, but unsolicited materials may not be reviewed.
Key Facts for Applying to Universities in Japan
1. Applicants Must Have Completed 12 Years of Education
In principle, applicants to a university undergraduate program, junior college, or specialized training college in Japan must have completed 12 years of formal education. Applicants to a college of technology generally need 11 years of education, while admission to a graduate school master’s program generally requires 16 years of education or another recognized qualification. Exceptions may apply to students who completed a designated 11-year school system, an approved university-preparatory course, or an individual eligibility review. Applicants should confirm their eligibility directly with the university.
2. Taking the EJU Exam
The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students evaluates the Japanese-language proficiency and basic academic abilities of applicants seeking undergraduate admission. Many institutions use the EJU, but it is not mandatory for every university or program. In 2026, the examination is scheduled for June 21 and November 8. JASSO lists overseas venues in 18 cities across 13 countries and regions for the 2026 examination. Applicants who plan to travel to Japan solely to take an examination should check with the appropriate Japanese embassy or consulate to determine whether a Temporary Visitor visa is required.
Japan offers a distinctive education system, a broad selection of academic programs, and substantial opportunities to experience its culture and language. Tuition and living costs vary by institution, field, and location, so applicants should compare current fees, funding opportunities, academic facilities, and program requirements before applying.
Hopefully, this article on how to apply to universities in Japan has helped you understand the main steps to take before applying. There is more to learn about studying in Japan, from universities and degree programs to scholarship opportunities, on the Study in Japan Page. If you are interested, you can also check the Available Programs for International Students!
