Are you planning to study abroad to pursue higher education? Then you should consider studying in Japan as the country is one of the new popular educational destinations for international students. With an aging population, the Japanese government is keen on attracting international students to the country. The government has launched study programs to boost the number of international students in the country to 300,000.
However, one major throwback is that foreign learners believe that the language barrier could be their first obstacle if they choose to study in Japan. While it is true that the medium of instruction for most Japanese universities is mainly in Japanese, there are several English-taught courses and degree studies offered to domestic and international students.
You can apply to these courses by submitting proof of English proficiency along with the required documents. In Japan, IELTS is one of the widely accepted English language competency exams. If you are searching for Japanese universities accepting these scores, here’s a list of schools that you can consider.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for Japanese Universities
Now, we’ll talk about the minimum IELTS score needed to be admitted to different universities. Here are seven Japanese universities that accept IELTS.
1. Tohoku University
Situated in the Tōhoku region, Tohoku University is a national educational institution founded in 1907. It offers a wide spectrum of programs in various fields of study from education, law, and engineering to healthcare programs in medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical sciences
Tohoku University requires students from non-English speaking countries to take TOEFL or IELTS to be eligible for admission to its English-based programs. For a bachelor’s degree, the university requires an IELTS band score of 6. To be eligible for an undergraduate degree, you need to achieve a higher level score—seven or above.
Here is what Tohoku University scholars say about IELTS:
“I did not need to take IELTS or TOEFL because Tohoku University accepts students who have completed at least six years of education in English.”
Shubham Verma
2. Nagoya University
Founded in 1871, Nagoya University was first known as the Temporary Medical School / Public Hospital. With its 16,000 student population, the university has proved to be a preferred institution for local and international students. The institution invites students to enroll in any of its offered courses and gain a top-notch education.
The university is known for its selectivity during admissions, hence making it one of the toughest institutions to get into. For the application, degree-seeking students must obtain an overall band score of 6 or higher.
If you’re applying as an undergraduate, consider applying for the Global 30 Undergraduate Scholarship. This will help you to reduce your academic expenses.
Here is what Nagoya University Scholars say about IELTS:
“One big advantage of studying in Japan under MEXT, there is no compulsion to have IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE. You can use an English proficiency certificate from your last institute, and it works.”
Muhammad Abdullah
3. Waseda University
Situated in the center of Tokyo, Waseda is a research-focused university that offers its international students an engaging learning environment. There are currently 36 departments at Waseda where aspiring students have a variety of options for what to study. To date, there are about 8,500 graduate students and 39,000 undergraduate students enrolled at the university.
For overseas student applicants, the undergraduate level has not set a minimum score to be admitted, meaning the required score will depend on the program of their choice. However, graduate applicants must obtain a minimum band score of 5.5 to be admitted. To improve your chances of being accepted, ensure that you submit a band score higher than what is required.
Here is what Waseda University scholars say about IELTS:
“In addition, both my IELTS and JLPT scores were high, which definitely strengthened my application further and showed my readiness to operate in both English and Japanese academic environments.”
Agnese Dionisio
“Since my undergraduate degree was completed in English, I was exempted from submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores, which simplified the application process.”
Zain Ashfaq
4. Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University is a national university based in the fifth largest city of Japan, Sapporo. The university sprouted from the then-called Sapporo Agricultural College in 1876 and finally got recognized as a university in 1918. The university operates at its two campuses in Sapporo and Hakodate, both known for their abundance of green space. Apart from these two locations, the institution also has 8 satellite offices; each one of them in a different country.
This university in Japan has an IELTS requirement of 6.0 or above. If you meet that requirement, international students can apply for its English-based courses at the postgraduate level. More than 18,000 students attend its undergraduate and graduate schools to study subjects such as economics, law, agriculture, sciences, engineering, education, fisheries, etc.
International students from non-English speaking nations are required to submit their TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC for admission purposes. These scores should be from the exams taken within the two years prior to the date of application.
5. Doshisha University
Another Japanese university that accepts IELTS as proof of English competency is a private institution called Doshisha Institution, or Dodai. It is one of the earliest private higher education institutions in Japan – which was founded in 1875. Doshisha University is among the most selective private universities in Japan, enrolling over 30,000 students.
The university requires applicants to provide an IELTS score of at least 6.5. For example, if you intend to apply to liberal arts, an applicant must attain a 6.5 IELTS score. To up your chances of getting admitted, your band score should be above 7.
Here is what Doshisha University scholars say about IELTS:
“To satisfy language requirements, I took IELTS. I prepared by studying sample exams, taking mock tests, and reviewing areas where I was weak. The good IELTS (7.0) result strengthened my application and met the entry requirements.”
Meina Jia Sandal
6. Kanda University of International Studies
Next on our list is Kanda University of International Studies, a private university situated in Chiba, Japan. The university was established in 1987 with a focus on learner autonomy as a research university.
KUIS is regarded as one of Japan’s best universities for studying abroad. The university has been going on with its activities over the years and ensuring a quality education to students worldwide.
Thus, to be eligible to pursue your ideal degree at KUIS, you must meet the admission criteria of having an IELTS band of 5.5.
7. Kwansei Gakuin University
Kwansei Gakuin University is a Christian coeducational private institution in Japan. Prospective students can choose from nearly 40 different departments for their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees. It is one of the best private universities in Japan.
To be eligible for one of its programs, one must obtain at least a band score of 6.0 on IELTS. It is therefore vital that international students secure a band higher than 7, which is necessary to guarantee their entrance and to be eligible for any scholarships offered by Kwansei Gakuin University.
8. Institute of Science Tokyo
Institute of Science Tokyo, previously Tokyo Tech, is Japan’s largest university dedicated to the development and research in the field of science and technology. The university has been in existence since 1881 and is recognized as one of the best in the field of science and technology. It operates at three locations; Ookayama, Tamachi, and Suzukakedai.
The university has produced competent individuals, professionals, and experts including two former Prime Ministers of the country and a couple of Nobel Laureates.
International students who are not native English speakers and have not received a degree in any subject that was taught in English are supposed to submit their IELTS score a minimum score of 6.0.
Here is what Institute of Science Tokyo Scholars say about IELTS:
“I took the IELTS and scored 7.0, preparing with resources like IELTS Liz and E2 IELTS.”
Jaffar Muhammad Hassnia
9. Kyoto University
Kyoto University is the second oldest imperial university which was established in 1897. Kyoto University offers courses across 3 campuses. Several of its graduate schools such as engineering, agriculture, economics, integrated human studies, and informatics have the highest population of international students.
To be accepted at one of the English-taught programs, students from non-English speaking countries must submit an IELTS score to prove their proficiency in English.
Here is what Kyoto University Scholars say about IELTS:
“Many graduate scholarship routes require English or Japanese proficiency proof, or at least expect you to demonstrate English ability. When applying, we also had to take the English and Japanese tests prepared by the Embassy. Before my university entrance exams, I had to write TOEIC as they wanted English proficiency results from the last two years.”
Lubanda (Luyando) Hamweendo
10. Osaka University
Last on our list is a university based in the Osaka prefecture. Osaka University has three campuses housing different faculties such as human science, medicine, dentistry, engineering, information science and technology, law, economics, engineering, foreign studies, etc..
Although Osaka University was founded in the year 1921, its roots go back to Kaitokudo, a merchant academy established back in 1724. Currently, the institution has two English-taught programs in science and human science at the undergraduate level. While the graduate school offers several courses delivered in English.
Here is what Osaka University scholars say about IELTS:
“Although not required for MEXT, I took the IELTS and scored an overall band of 6.5.”
Mazhar Iqbal
“Yes, my program was in English, and overall, most of the programs in Osaka University related to MSc and Phd are in English.”
Dr. Usama Perwez
IELTS Scores of Students Studying in Japan
FAQs: IELTS in Japan
Is IELTS mandatory to win a Japan scholarship like MEXT?
No, requirements depend on your track and university. Jawad Khan (JAIST) notes that “most Japanese universities accept a university-issued English Proficiency Certificate,” so he didn’t need IELTS or TOEFL. Ali Raza (Tokai University) likewise states “IELTS/TOEFL not required” because his bachelor’s was in English. For the Embassy-recommended route, Azeem Ullah (Shinshu University) says the embassy’s selection included its own English test rather than IELTS.
What IELTS score is competitive for undergraduate admission in Japan?
What IELTS score should I target for Master’s/PhD programs?
Typical posted ranges are ~6.0–6.5, but it varies: Waseda graduate programs list minima as low as 5.5; Kyoto lists 6.5; Osaka often leaves it to departments. Agnese Dionisio (Waseda) said “both my IELTS and JLPT scores were high,” which strengthened her application, while Dr. Usama Perwez (Osaka University) completed an English-taught PhD, showing test expectations can differ by lab/program. Some scholars (e.g., Mehak Jain, Yokohama National University) were exempt due to prior English-medium degrees. Aim for the posted minimum for your program and higher if possible.
Can I study in Japan without IELTS if my previous degree was taught in English?
Often yes. Shripriya (Tohoku University) explains “a certificate from your university stating that the education has been conducted in English should suffice,” a point echoed by Jawad Khan and Ali Raza. Mehak Jain adds she wasn’t required to submit English test scores due to studying entirely in English. Always confirm with the specific program.
Besides IELTS, which English tests do Japanese universities accept?
Universities commonly accept TOEFL and sometimes TOEIC for certain programs. For example, Shripriya shared TOEFL 109/120 and TOEIC 990/990. University pages summarized by Global Scholarships also reference TOEFL/TOEIC acceptance (e.g., Hokkaido’s guidance). Check each program’s list.
Given the changing demographics of Japan, the Japanese government is pushing hard to implement policies that would help create a balanced demographic structure for the economy. And luring international students into its existing world-class universities is one of how it is trying to create a balance. Several courses in these universities were once only delivered in the Japanese language, but now with the new intent of creating a global atmosphere at these institutions, the number of English-based courses has increased, hence opening doors for international students.
We hope that this article will be useful as you prepare for your studies in Japan! If you are searching for programs to take, check out the Available Programs for international students!
