Only a small proportion of students in Japan are engaged in postgraduate study, but with the country's dedication to research and development, courses are being offered by graduate schools and universities. Search for institutions and degrees through Study in Japan - Search schools. In addition to taking this undergraduate test, you'll need to be 18 years old or above and have completed 12 years of school education in your home country to apply.įor a list of universities offering Bachelors programmes taught in English, see the Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO) and Japan Study Support (JPSS). science (physics, chemistry and biology).It's available to take in the June and November of each year and incorporates the following four subjects: The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is used by universities to evaluate your basic academic ability and Japanese language skills. If you're planning on studying your preferred degree in Japanese, you'll need to pass a proficiency test before being admitted onto a programme. Degree courses in Japanīachelors (or Gakushi) degrees typically last for four years, with dentistry, medicine and veterinary courses usually requiring at least six years of study.Ĭourses are primarily taught in Japanese, so if you'd like to study in English, you'll need to check which institutions cater to international students and prove your language ability. The academic year in Japan typically runs from April to March (with breaks for the summer, winter and spring holidays) - although to become more attractive to students from overseas, more courses are now beginning in September. The International University of Japan, the first graduate school to open in the country, offers all its courses in English. Japan and the UK have a long history of research collaboration and 12 institutions, including the University of Liverpool, University of Nottingham, Osaka University and Kyoto University, have partnered together through RENKEI to form a knowledge exchange. Japan has 48 institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2022. As Japan's equivalent to the British Russell Group or the American Ivy League, it includes: This is especially true of the prestigious National Seven Universities - former imperial colleges that continue to lead the way in terms of research excellence. Public universities are typically held in the highest esteem by the Japanese people. Junior colleges and universities constitute the core of Japanese higher education and the vast majority of institutions are private, although national and local public institutions do exist. There are a huge number of higher education institutions in Japan spanning five different types and these include: The cost of studying and living in Japan may be higher than in the UK, but it's an investment that's likely to pay off - a qualification from a leading Japanese institution provides you with excellent job prospects. Popular student destinations include Tokyo (the capital city and also the largest), Osaka and Kyto. The Japanese government is committed to increasing the number of foreign students enrolled at its universities and its higher education system places importance on personal development, so you'll get many opportunities to pick up new skills, including learning to speak Japanese, which will prove useful as only a small proportion of Japan's inhabitants can communicate in English. Students will enjoy the remarkable Japanese culture that seamlessly combines its ancient traditions with the technological advancements of a modern society. Made up of thousands of islands, of which more than 400 are inhabited, Japan is a friendly, safe and welcoming Asian country that's easy (and affordable) to travel around. However, it has a global reputation for innovation and degrees gained in the country are highly regarded Known as the land of the rising sun, Japan has a line-up of top-quality universities and a high standard of living meaning it's not the cheapest place to study.