To gain admission to Japanese-taught undergraduate or junior college programs in Japan for 2026, international students generally need to achieve JLPT N1 or N2 certification and score at least 250 points on the Japanese language section of the EJU. Alternatively, students seeking English-medium programs can apply with standardized English test scores such as TOEFL iBT 71–80 or IELTS 5.5–6 without a Japanese language barrier. Understanding these language thresholds, eligibility rules, and required documentation is essential when preparing your entrance application.
What are the main Japanese language requirements for university admission in 2026?
Japanese higher education institutions primarily conduct their degree programs in Japanese. To qualify for entry into Japanese-taught undergraduate or junior college programs, applicants are usually required to pass the N1 or N2 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and secure at least 250 points on the Japanese section of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU).
For international students who prefer studying in English, an increasing number of universities offer full English-taught bachelor's degree programs. These programs do not require prior Japanese fluency for academic coursework, though basic conversational Japanese remains helpful for daily life and post-graduation employment in Japan. The standard required scores for English-taught undergraduate programs range between 71 and 80 on the TOEFL iBT or 5.5 to 6.0 on the IELTS. Note that specialized training colleges and colleges of technology do not offer all-English degree programs. Official entry details can be reviewed via the Study in Japan official guide.
What academic qualifications and eligibility criteria are needed to apply?
Applicants seeking admission to Japanese universities or junior colleges must fulfill specific academic prerequisites. Standard eligibility requires completing 12 years of formal elementary and secondary school education. If your home country's school system consists of less than 12 years, you must complete a designated university preparatory course recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
Alternatively, applicants can qualify by holding internationally recognized qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate, Abitur, Baccalaureat, or GCE A-Level. Individuals who have passed a high school equivalency examination recognized as equal to 12 years of schooling and are at least 18 years old are also eligible. Other valid pathways include finishing 11 years of schooling at designated overseas high schools, graduating from accredited international secondary schools in Japan, or completing designated secondary programs at specialized training colleges or technical colleges.
What documents and entrance exams are required during the application process?
Applying to a Japanese university involves compiling comprehensive application materials and undergoing school-specific evaluation procedures. While exact requirements vary across institutions, applicants must generally submit:
- The specific application form supplied by the target university
- A high school graduation diploma and official high school transcripts
- A letter of recommendation written by a high school principal or teacher
- Official language proficiency certificates for Japanese (JLPT/EJU) or English (TOEFL/IELTS)
Universities often conduct screening through document reviews, written academic knowledge examinations, personal interviews, or EJU score evaluations. Applicants should consult their target university well in advance to determine if certified translations into Japanese or English are necessary.
How do university types, degree structures, and tuition costs compare?
Japan hosts national (86), public (101), and private (620) undergraduate universities, as well as 14 public and 295 private junior colleges. Four-year undergraduate programs award a Bachelor's degree (six years for medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and certain pharmacy programs), while junior colleges grant an Associate degree after two or three years. Additionally, professional and vocational universities and junior colleges offer hands-on, industry-linked curricula leading to professional bachelor's or associate degrees.
The academic year in Japan typically begins in April, though a growing number of institutions offer fall intake in September or October. Junior college graduates or technical college alumni can also enter four-year universities through transfer systems, usually joining as second- or third-year students.
First-year educational costs (combining admission fees and annual tuition) average approximately:
- 820,000 yen for national universities
- 930,000 yen for public universities
- 1,100,000 yen for private universities (excluding medical, dental, and pharmaceutical tracks)
By comparison, higher education costs in the US (3.6 to 4.9 million yen) and the UK (1.8 to 3.6 million yen) make Japanese university tuition relatively affordable.
Finding a place to stay
Securing suitable housing is a vital step once you receive your acceptance letter and apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or student visa. Preparing accommodation before landing in Tokyo ensures a seamless arrival for your academic term. For arriving international students, OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights, which provides ideal initial stability while settling into university life. The booking process is completed online using a passport or ID and a credit card, without requiring a guarantor, key money, or agency fees.
FAQ
What Japanese language test scores are required for Japanese-taught university programs?
Applicants must pass the JLPT at the N1 or N2 level and achieve a minimum score of 250 points on the Japanese subject section of the EJU.
What standardized test scores are needed for English-taught degree programs?
Undergraduate degree programs taught in English generally require a TOEFL iBT score of 71–80 or an IELTS band score of 5.5–6.0.
What are the average first-year fees for international students at Japanese universities?
First-year expenses, including entrance fees and tuition, average around 820,000 yen at national universities, 930,000 yen at public universities, and 1,100,000 yen at private universities (excluding medical and dental tracks).
Sources
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Universities (Undergraduate) and Junior Colleges｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-20)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.