General Requirements to study in Japan
The exact entry requirements for each school may be different. Note that the information given below is the general requirements to studying in Japan but each school has different standards and may be stricter or more flexible in their conditions of admission.
Minimum Age Requirement: 18 Years or above
You must have completed 12 years of education or more (for example in Singapore context, it means that you must have graduated from a Polytechnic, Junior College, ITE, or an International School with an IB Diploma)
Note that the above requirements stated apply to studying in Japanese Language Schools, Universities and Vocational Schools.
Types of Educational Institutions in Japan
Japanese Language Schools
Institutions where non-native speakers of Japanese can learn the Japanese language.
There are courses for students who wish to learn Japanese before enrolling in a university, and for students who wish to learn Business Japanese.
In order to keep up with classes at Japanese schools, it is necessary to obtain at least JLPT N2 certification. It takes approximately 600～900+ hours of studying to reach this level.
Universities
Undergraduate level university programs (Bachelor’s Degree) generally take four years to complete. The academic year typically starts in April, but some universities offer Fall admission in September or October.
Did you know? There has been an increasing number of university (Bachelor’s) degree programs taught entirely in English. Which means you can study in 100% English!
To enter a Japanese university program that is taught in Japanese, you need to take the Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU) before you apply! In addition, you also need to be assessed on your Japanese language proficiency through Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Vocational Schools | Professional Training Colleges
These schools and colleges provide the know-how, technology and skills useful in one’s future job, life, and further education.
Bonus:
You can enrol in a University in Japan as a 3rd year student upon completion of the diploma program at a Professional Training College/Vocational School (2 years duration). This means that you are exempted from the first 2 years of University! Saves time, and offers you a smoother pathway to a recognised University – join the webinar to hear more!
It has also been proven statistically that Graduates from a Professional Training College in Japan have better career prospects and more job opportunities as they are equipped with practical industrial skills throughout their course of studies – compared to typical schools that only focus on textbook theories.
About JLPT and EJU
JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) and EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) are fundamental enrolment prerequisites for universities because your course of study will be conducted in Japanese and the school needs to first evaluate your Japanese language level to ensure you are eligible to enrol and cope with the studies.
JLPT is a test by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services to evaluate and certify Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers, and it consists of 5 levels – N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5, with N5 being the lowest and N1 being the highest level of certification.
EJU is an exam to evaluate whether international students who wish to study at the undergraduate level at universities or other such higher educational institutions in Japan possess the Japanese language skills and the basic academic abilities needed to study at those institutions.
You can take JLPT and EJU examinations at stipulated places in your own home country, and need not fly to Japan to take the exam. For example in Singapore, you can take the tests and exams facilitated by Japanese language schools at certain locations.
Planning my studies in Japan
What do I hope to achieve from studying in Japan?
- What qualifications or skills do I need to pursue my dream career?
Which educational institution should I enter?
What is the duration of my study period?
What are my interests? What do I want to learn?
Decide your course/major.
When is the admission intake? When is the application period? What do I need to prepare?
What is the cost?
Consider Tuition fees, Airfare, accommodation, daily expenses.
Do I have sufficient savings? What are the scholarship/subsidy options available?
Work on a strong financial plan and research on government scholarships and school tuition reduction scholarships.
For more information on planning your studies in Japan, check our our FAQ section or drop us an enquiry here.