Considering studying in Japan? Read our guide to find out everything you need to know about Japanese universities and culture, and what steps to take next.
Known for making things smaller, faster, and above all first, Japan was until recently the second-largest economy in the world (it’s now third, behind the US and China). Its economic strength is at least partly due to the strong research and development industry that underlies successful international brands such as Nissan, Toyota, Panasonic, Canon and Sony – as well as producing robots for every need imaginable. Unsurprisingly, an excellent higher education system lies behind all this innovation. Read on for more information.
Admission to universities in Japan
Anyone who has completed at least 12 years of primary and secondary education can apply for admission to university in Japan. Those from countries where the education system lasts less than 12 years must complete a special preparatory course.
At universities in Japan, undergraduate degrees last four years, with the exception of subjects such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, which take six years. The academic year runs from April to March, with a summer break (July-August), winter break (December-January) and spring break (February-April). There have been discussions lately to move the start to the academic year to fall.
Some (not all) universities in Japan require international applicants to take the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU). This includes four subject tests: Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science (chemistry, biology and physics), Mathematics, and ‘Japan and the World’. The EJU can be taken at locations in 14 countries worldwide.
Applicants may also be asked to submit scores from an English proficiency test such as TOEFL, or to travel to Japan to sit university entrance examinations.
Visa requirements for Japan
Once you've met all the university requirements, you need to consider the visa requirements for Japan. After you’ve received an offer of a place, the university should apply to the nearest Regional Immigration Bureau for a Certificate of Eligibility for Residence Status on your behalf. You can then take this to your country’s Japanese embassy or consulate to support your visa application.
On arrival, you have 90 days in which to apply for an Alien Registration Card (not the little green man kind, obviously). If you’re planning on looking for a part-time job, you’ll need to get permission from the nearest Regional Immigration Bureau. Foreign students can only work for up to 28 hours per week (or eight hours per day outside of term time).
