The long and short-term academic programs are available in Japan across many universities and educational centers. International students and researchers may apply to BA, MA, Ph.D., and postdoctoral research programs in Japan. Moreover, summer schools and conferences are excellent academic activities that make Japan an attractive destination for scholars and scientists. Many programs also come with fully-funded scholarships and fellowships, as well as travel grants and financial aid. Thus every student, researcher, and professor can always find a suitable program in Japan and apply.
Scholarship Opportunities
- Young Leaders’ Program, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan
- Scholarships for Ph.D. in Sustainable Science, JFUNU
- Ting Hsin Scholarship at Waseda University
- Scholarship for International Students, Kochi University
- Japan-International Monetary Fund Scholarship
- Japan Human Resource Development Scholarships for Asian Developing Countries
- Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students
- The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- The Kyoto University of Advanced Science, Undergraduate scholarship
- GIGA scholarships for undergraduate students, Keio University
- DOCOMO International Student Scholarship
- Sato Yo International Scholarships for Students in developing countries
- Japan-WCO Human Resource development program
- Non-Japanese Graduate Scholarship for Women
Fellowships
- Rotary-Peace Fellowships
- Canon Foundation research fellowships
- Ishibashi Foundation/The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art
- UNESCO/KEIZO Obuchi Research Fellowship Program
- CSEAS Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Japan JSPS Bridge Research Fellowship
- Visiting research fellowship Kokugakuin University
- The Matsumae International Fellowship program
- International Affairs Fellowship in Japan
- Abe Fellowships in Journalism
Grants
- Daiohs Memorial Foundation Scholarships for International Students
- MetCenter Grant Programs
- Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research in Kakenhi
- Toyota Foundation International Grant Program
- Toshiba Foundation Grants
- Japan International Cooperation Agency Grants
- The Japan Foundation ASIA Center Grants & Fellowships
- The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership Grant Program
- The Japan Social Development Fund Grants
Summer programs
- Okayama University Summer Program
- Kumamoto University Summer Programs
- Hokkaido JaLS Summer Program
- KCP International Summer Language school
- World Campus International Summer Programs in Japan
- Meiji University Japanese language summer program
- EF International Language Campuses
- KIIS 2 weeks in Japan program
- IBS Virtual Japanese Summer
- Teenage Japanese Courses Abroad, CESA Language abroad
What does it feel like to be an international student in Japan?
Japan is willing to welcome international students to their national universities. In 2003, 100,000 international students were studying in Japan, and the government set the target to increase this number to 300.000.
There are adopted policies and strategies to promote the academic goodwill of the country for international students. For example, there are many course schemes taught partially or entirely in English. Also, many universities hire specific staff whose responsibility is to assist international students.
Another significant aspect of convenience is that Japan organizes many exchange programs. Also, instead of the standard Japanese academic year, which starts in April, international students can start their studies from September, as accustomed in many foreign countries.
You might have already explored from the above links that the Japanese government broadly supports international students by covering not only study expenses but also living and other related ones.
What do you need to enter a Japanese university?
The entry requirements differ per university and per program you apply to study in Japan. However, the typical approach of 95% of national universities and 65% of public universities requires EJU, which stands for Examination for Japanese University for international students for undergraduate studies.
Be sure to carefully check the entry requirements, as some universities may require you to take an additional test other than EJU. The cost of those tests may vary near US$67-$125 and is offered twice a year.
EJU is a standard test for assessing the students' basic academic abilities in science, math, and "Japan and the world." You may feel disappointed at this point, as exams are additional stress at the end. However, from another perspective, this test is a second chance to succeed in your academic career, even if your GPA is not high.
In the case of Master's and Ph.D. programs, entry requirements are set by each university. Usually, they are assessments of academic abilities or previous academic progress. For graduate program applications, you will be required to submit a CV, research proposal, statement of purpose, recommendations, previous awards, etc.
In both study levels, you might be required to pass TOEFL or IELTS if the course is taught in English, and the Japanese-language proficiency test, if the course is in Japanese.
Japan Universities
You have around 780 university options in Japan, the majority of which are private. The nation's strongest Universities are considered to be the University of Tokyo ( 24th in the QS World University Rankings 2021), Kyoto University (38th), and Tokyo Institute of Technology (56th).
In addition to the mentioned ones, Japan has 38 universities ranked in the global university rankings for the current year. Filter the rankings by country-Japan to receive the whole list of the best Japanese universities.
The oldest university of Japan is considered Komazawa University, founded in 1592 in the Tokyo Metropolis urban area. The 428-year-old Komazawa University exists up to current. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in numerous study areas.
Among other academic opportunities in Japan, you have the chance to apply to Komazawa, enjoying the oldest academic culture of one of the best Asian countries.