Japan is one of the most attractive Asian countries for international students. Aside from its diverse cultural beauty, the education system in Japan is highly competitive and internationally recognized. Japanese institutions have also been associated with many Nobel laureates.
Affordability in education is also one of the key benefits of studying for a bachelor’s degree in Japan. Public university fees are generally lower than private university fees, although costs vary by institution and program. Japan’s safe environment and well-developed services also make it a conducive place for learning and living.
Japanese universities are internationally recognized in the fields of science, technology, and medicine. Japan has produced cutting-edge technologies and discoveries in the medical field that have been used all over the world. Aside from the globally competitive education system in Japan, the country is also home to a rich culture and historic landmarks. Many international students choose to study in Japan because of their interest in learning about Japanese society, language, and culture.
Living costs in Japan vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Students should plan their budgets carefully, especially because rent in Tokyo and other large cities is usually higher than in more rural areas.
Some of Japan’s top-ranked universities are national or public universities, including The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, The University of Osaka, Institute of Science Tokyo, and Tohoku University. In this article, you will see the processes and requirements for obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Japan.
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
Requirements for submitting applications for a bachelor’s degree in Japan vary depending on the institution, faculty, and program. Completion of a university application form and submission of required academic certificates are standard requirements. In principle, undergraduate applicants must have completed at least 12 years of formal education or meet an equivalent admission qualification.
The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) may be required for international students who want to apply for a bachelor’s degree in Japan. Many Japanese universities use EJU scores when screening international applicants, but requirements differ by school and faculty. Some Kyoto University undergraduate admissions routes, for example, require EJU scores, while other international programs follow separate application procedures.
The EJU covers Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics. Applicants should take the subjects designated by the university or program they wish to enter.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
Some courses are taught in English at some of Japan’s most respected institutions. For English-taught programs, applicants are usually asked to submit proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, or another accepted test. Minimum scores vary by university and program, so applicants should check the official admissions page of their chosen program rather than assuming a universal IELTS requirement.
If you are enrolling in an English-taught degree program, Japanese language proficiency and EJU requirements may be waived or replaced by program-specific requirements. The University of Tokyo’s English-taught undergraduate options have also changed: the final recruitment for PEAK was for September 2026 enrollment, and no further PEAK applications will be accepted. The University of Tokyo’s Global Science Course (GSC) remains an all-English undergraduate transfer program for students who have completed at least two years of post-secondary education outside Japan.
International applicants for a bachelor’s degree in Japan may be required to take the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or submit EJU Japanese scores if they apply to Japanese-taught programs. For Japanese-taught university programs, N1 or N2 level on the JLPT and a strong EJU Japanese score are commonly expected.
Applicants are encouraged to seek out appropriate degree programs and confirm each program’s specific language requirements based on their ability to prepare for these tests and their existing knowledge of Japanese or English.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
There are plenty of resources available regarding the step-by-step guide for the undergraduate application process in Japan.
For example, the University of Tokyo has a comprehensive guide on requirements and important dates available on its website. Kyoto University has a similar guide on its website where international applicants can find requirements depending on the course they want to take.
Step 1. Familiarize and Prepare for Required Exams
Some Japanese universities and English-taught undergraduate programs accept internationally recognized exams and educational qualifications such as the SAT, International Baccalaureate Diploma, A-levels, and the ACT. These may serve as academic qualifications or standardized test results, depending on the program. As mentioned above, Japanese-taught programs may require Japanese proficiency tests, EJU scores, or university-specific entrance exams.
Even if your intended degree program is taught in English, there may still be program-specific tests, interviews, or academic screening requirements. Entrance exams and interviews are often required, especially for highly competitive degrees.
There are specific programs for international students that include a preparatory course designed to teach Japanese language and culture. Kyoto University has a program with a similar design called the Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program, or Kyoto iUP. Kyoto iUP is a 4.5-year program that includes a six-month preparatory course followed by four years of undergraduate study, and Japanese language proficiency is not required at the time of application.
It is best to inquire directly with the university you intend to apply to in order to obtain the exact requirements and exams needed.
Step 2. Apply for Admissions and Submit Documents
Admission requirements may include submission of English proficiency exams that certify your knowledge of the English language if you are applying to an English-taught program. If the course you intend to take is in Japanese, you may be required to take the EJU, submit JLPT results, or complete other university-specific screening procedures.
Applicants who want to study for a bachelor’s degree in Japan will also need to submit documents and academic certifications that prove they meet the university’s admission qualifications, such as completion of 12 years of formal schooling or an equivalent qualification. Many Japanese universities use online application systems or application portals where applicants submit required documents and track their applications.
Step 3. Secure a Student Visa
Much like most countries, Japan requires international students coming to the country for long-term study to secure a student visa before entering Japan. The residence status for study at universities and similar institutions is designated as “Student,” and the period of stay is individually determined by the Minister of Justice, up to 4 years and 3 months.
It is important to note that you usually need to secure a Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, before applying for a visa. The COE application is normally made by your sponsor in Japan, such as the university where you have been accepted, at a regional immigration authority. Once the COE is issued and sent to you, you may apply for a student visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
The COE is a crucial requirement when securing a student visa. You may also be required to show proof that you can cover your expenses while studying in Japan.
Some of the required documents when processing a student visa include a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a photograph, and a Certificate of Eligibility. Additional documents may be required depending on your nationality and the Japanese embassy or consulate where you apply.
Step 4. Enroll and Prepare to Move to Japan
Once you have secured a visa, it is time to enroll and move to Japan. International students staying in Japan for more than three months are issued a residence card as mid- to long-term residents. In many cases, the residence card is issued when landing at major airports, although in some cases it may be issued later. After arriving and finding a place to live, students must register their address at the appropriate municipal office. Finally, you can start your journey of studying and obtaining a bachelor’s degree at your preferred university in Japan.
We hope that this article was helpful. If you’re looking to study in Japan, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students and the Study in Japan Page!
