Students at an international school in China can apply to universities in Japan through two main routes: English-taught degree programs, which usually ask for school transcripts, English test scores and often SAT or similar results, and Japanese-taught programs, which usually require the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and strong Japanese. Japan also recognizes graduates of international schools accredited by bodies such as WASC and CIS as qualified for university admission. Because each university sets its own rules, the most important step is reading each program’s official application guide early.
This guide from Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province (QISS) explains how applying to universities in Japan works for international school students, what the EJU is, and how to plan the timeline from Grade 11.
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Are International School Graduates Eligible for Japanese Universities?
Japanese universities normally require 12 years of school education, or an equivalent qualification. For international school students, Japan’s National Information Center for Academic Recognition explains on its page about international school graduates that graduates of schools accredited by WASC, CIS, ACSI, NEASC, Cognia or COBIS are qualified for admission to universities in Japan, whether the school is in Japan or in another country.
QISS is accredited by both WASC and CIS. Universities still set their own eligibility rules, such as a minimum age at entry or required subjects, so students should confirm the details in each university’s guide.
English-Taught vs Japanese-Taught Degree Programs
The language of the program shapes almost everything about the application.
English-Taught Degree Programs
A growing number of Japanese universities offer full undergraduate degrees taught in English. Applications are usually made directly to the university and often ask for:
- High school transcripts and a diploma or expected graduation letter
- English proficiency scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS
- SAT, ACT or AP results, depending on the program
- A personal statement or essays, and recommendation letters
Japanese is often not required for admission to these programs, although learning it makes daily life far easier. Our guide to IELTS and TOEFL for university explains how the English tests compare.
Japanese-Taught Degree Programs
Most undergraduate programs in Japan are taught in Japanese. International applicants to these programs are usually asked for EJU results and a high level of Japanese, sometimes alongside the university’s own exam or interview.
What Is the EJU?
The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is used by Japanese universities to assess international applicants. According to the official Study in Japan page on the EJU, it is held twice a year, in June and November. It covers Japanese as a foreign language and subject tests, and universities specify which parts they require.
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Talk to admissions →Students aiming for Japanese-taught programs should plan their EJU sittings around university deadlines, since scores from a given session are only accepted by universities whose application window falls after the results are released.
Timeline and Intakes
The Japanese academic year begins in April, and many English-taught programs also offer September entry. Deadlines vary widely between universities, and some programs have more than one application round.
A practical timeline for a student at an international school in China:
- Grade 10 and 11: research universities and programs, and note each one’s language of instruction and test requirements.
- Grade 11: sit English tests, and the SAT or ACT if programs ask for them. Our testing timeline by grade shows how these fit together.
- Grade 12, autumn: submit applications for programs with early deadlines, and the EJU for Japanese-taught programs if needed.
- After admission: the university applies for a Certificate of Eligibility for the student, which is then used to apply for a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.
Costs and Scholarships
Tuition at Japanese universities differs between national, public and private institutions, and between programs. Scholarships for international students include the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship and awards from individual universities and organizations. The Study in Japan website run by JASSO lists scholarships and university information in one place. Our guide to university scholarships for international students explains how to search for them more widely.
Planning Applications to Japan With QISS
The QISS University and College Admissions Counseling Center helps students prepare applications to universities in the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, Korea and Japan. Counselors help students build balanced college lists and run essay writing workshops, and QISS is a member of NACAC and IACAC.
Students can take AP courses and sit the SAT and AP exams on campus at our SAT and AP test center, which helps when an English-taught program in Japan asks for those results. Students choosing between several countries can compare this guide with our guides to applying to universities in Hong Kong and Canadian universities.
If your family would like to talk about university pathways, you are welcome to visit our campus and meet our team.
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Start your application in about 10 minutes. Once enrolled, your child has access to our college counseling team from Grade 9 onward.
Start your application →Frequently Asked Questions
Can international school students apply to Japanese universities?
Yes. Japan’s National Information Center for Academic Recognition explains that graduates of schools accredited by WASC, CIS, ACSI, NEASC, Cognia or COBIS are qualified for admission to Japanese universities. Each university still sets its own eligibility rules.
Do I need the EJU for an English-taught program?
Usually not, but it depends on the program. English-taught programs typically ask for transcripts, English test scores and often SAT, ACT or AP results, while Japanese-taught programs usually require the EJU.
When does the Japanese university year start?
The Japanese academic year begins in April, and many English-taught programs also offer September entry. Deadlines differ by university, so check each application guide.
Do I need to speak Japanese to study in Japan?
Not for many English-taught degree programs, although Japanese helps a great deal in daily life. Japanese-taught programs require a high level of Japanese.
How do I get a student visa for Japan?
After admission, the university applies for a Certificate of Eligibility for the student, which is then used to apply for a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.
