Japan

The system includes language schools, specialised colleges, undergraduate study and graduate schools. EJU, JLPT, internal exams and interviews may apply.

• applicants in engineering, science, IT, business, design and Japanese studies
• students prepared for early language and examination work

• language institutes
• bachelor’s degree
• master’s degree
• PhD

• Japanese
• English on selected degree programmes

Institutions check years of schooling, grades, subject exams and documents. Graduate study may require a research proposal and laboratory contact.

Japanese-taught routes often use JLPT/EJU; English-taught programmes use IELTS, TOEFL or another confirmed method.

• passport after programme selection
• school certificate or degree and complete transcript
• official translations in the required format
• language certificate where required
• personal statement, CV, references or portfolio under programme rules
• financial and visa documents at the relevant stage

1. 01profile and budget review
2. 02longlist and eligibility check
3. 03shortlist with primary and backup routes
4. 04document preparation and quality control
5. 05submission through the official portal
6. 06offer, funding, visa and departure work

For most pathways, starting 9–18 months in advance is sensible. Scholarships, medicine, creative programmes and complex recognition require more time.

April is a common start, while international programmes may begin in autumn. MEXT embassy and university recommendations have separate calendars.

Costs depend on institution type. Admission fees, tuition, examination fees and housing should be separated.

Tokyo is more expensive than many regions; city, dormitory, transport, insurance and initial setup costs shape the budget.

• Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
• JASSO scholarships
• university tuition reductions

Coverage, eligibility and deadlines are checked against the current call. Admission and funding decisions may be separate processes.

• Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
• JASSO scholarships
• university tuition reductions

The institution commonly supports the Certificate of Eligibility process, followed by a visa application under the diplomatic mission’s rules.

University housing and its deadline are checked first. Private rental is considered only after the contract, registration, deposit and transport links are reviewed.

Separate permission and hour limits apply; study remains the primary purpose of status.

Post-study options depend on the level, profession and immigration status: further study, an eligible post-study route, or returning with an international qualification.

• strong research and industry links
• several scholarship mechanisms

• early examination and scholarship calendars
• choosing the wrong language or institution type

A university mentioned on this website reflects experience in selection, applications or student support and does not always mean an official partnership with RBEC.

RBEC draws on experience in selection, documents, applications and student support. Experience with an institution does not automatically mean an official partnership.

• review the profile and previous education
• select programmes and backup options
• build a deadline and document calendar
• prepare admission, scholarship and visa tracks
• recheck dynamic requirements before every submission

Tell us about your goal, timing and constraints. We will suggest a suitable format and explain what we need from you.