Study in Japan: how to apply and visa guidance

Welcome to the world of Japanese universities – increasingly attractive to international students, thanks to their academic reputation and the availability of English-language programmes, as well as their cost-effectiveness, plentiful scholarships and streamlined visa process.

This helpful website for counsellors and international students contains information, links and a list of careers fairs (online and in person) and other events.

Japan has prominent universities, such as the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University (29th and joint 55th, respectively in Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings), as well as partnerships and exchanges with prestigious overseas universities.

The country is noted for technology, engineering and business, although this belies the diversity of choices available. Besides the top-ranking institutions, there are highly innovative universities, with excellence in particular areas, in a range of urban, campus and rural locations.

Japan has some very competitive, cost-effective universities, and is actively recruiting international students. Many programmes are available in English, and the number is likely to grow. Encourage your students to be open-minded about the innovative range of programmes available.

1. Applying to study in Japan

My experience with applications to universities in Japan is that they can involve hard copy, wet signatures (from school principals), school stamps and courier mail. Set up standard procedures by liaising with your senior leadership team, and ensure that students and staff know what to expect.

Deadlines vary from November to April, with differences between e-deadlines and postal deadlines.

Communicate with university admissions departments via email and even telephone if you are stuck.

Application forms

Here are some sample university application links:

• University of Tokyo
• Kyoto University
• Nagoya University
• Waseda University (the most internationalised university in Japan, with an excellent alumni network)
• Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (founded in 2000, not high ranking, but renowned for its rich, diverse campus life. NB: this is not the same as Ritsumeikan University)

Sometimes you can just fill out an online form; in other cases, you have to complete a downloaded form and courier it to the university, along with supporting documents. One tip: make a note of telephone helplines. In one case, I forgot my password and found no password recovery on the portal.

Supporting documents

Some universities might insist that these be sent in an envelope that has been stamped and signed over its seal, to authenticate the school’s approval. Others – such as the University of Tokyo – provide an online portal.

Supporting documents might include:

• Completed application form
• Certificate of graduation/expected graduation, signed by the principal (an example is here)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Predicted grades
• Standardised tests
• Proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS). Alternatively, if students are applying for programmes in Japanese, they will need to pass this examination
• Essays addressing a prompt
• Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counsellors
• Résumé or CV, detailing academic and extracurricular achievements
• Copy of passport or other identification documents
• Financial certification or proof of ability to pay tuition fees and living expenses
• Any additional documents required by the specific programme or university.

2. Visa guidance

Before applying for a visa, students must obtain a certificate of eligibility from the university or other sponsor in Japan. The visa application form should be submitted to a Japanese consulate or embassy in the student’s home country, with the following documents:

• Certificate of eligibility
• Passport
• Photographs
• Proof of admission to a Japanese educational institution
• Financial documents demonstrating ability to cover living expenses
• Health insurance certificate
• Any other documents required by the embassy or consulate

There may be a follow-up visa interview. Then, if all goes well, the visa is issued.

3. Funding opportunities

Here are some links for application forms for international student scholarships to study in Japan:

• MEXT Scholarship (Monbukagakusho Scholarship)
• MEXT Scholarship for Young Leaders programme
• JASSO scholarship
• ADB-Japan scholarship programme
• Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship
• JICA scholarship programme
• Sophia University International Scholarship
• Keio University International Scholarship
• Rotary Peace Fellowships