December 2, 2023 Imagine immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Japan while pursuing higher education at one of its prestigious universities. The thought alone can be both thrilling and daunting for international students considering Japan as their academic destination. For international students from Nepal eyeing Japan as their academic pursuit, contemplating the total cost to study in Japan from Nepal adds both excitement and apprehension. With an array of nearly 800 universities scattered across the country, navigating the application process might seem like an overwhelming maze at first glance.
Fear not! This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the intricate steps involved in applying to a Japanese university as an international student. From understanding the different types of institutions to unraveling the admissions process intricacies, we’re here to pave your way toward your academic aspirations in Japan. So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating journey of pursuing higher education in the Land of the Rising Sun.
How to choose the best university in Japan
First, you should know that universities are divided into three groups: private (shiritsu), public (kouritsu), and national (kokuritsu). National and public universities are run and paid for by the country and the district, respectively. As a result, they cost less, at a normal rate of 535,800 yen per year, plus some extra fees for enrollment and other things. Private universities, on the other hand, can cost as much as 2 to 1 million yen or more, based on the school and the major.
Interestingly, national and public universities are usually seen as more prestigious than private universities, even though the entrance exams are harder and there is more competition.
You can narrow down your search by more than just the type of university, location, and price range. You can also do this by the start date, classes offered, and rating of the university.
As a result, many Japanese people connect the start of a school year with cherry blossoms (sakura). This is because April is when universities usually accept new students. But recently, some universities have added classes that students graduating from non-Japanese schools can start in the fall or summer.
Courses are usually put into two groups: the Arts (bunkei) and the Sciences (rikei). Some universities may be better at the Arts than the Sciences. There may even be classes at some universities that are only taught in English, but most of the time, the application process and course will be done in Japanese. However, some universities may also have an extra program for foreign students to learn Japanese, so be sure to check their websites for more information!
The way universities are ranked in Japan is different from how they are ranked in other countries because it depends on how hard it is to get into the university. This is also called (hensachi), and it’s a number that shows how the incoming students’ entrance test scores compare to the national average. If the hensachi is 50, the university is about average. If it is 60, it is about one standard deviation above average, and if it is 40, it is about one standard deviation below average. This can help you figure out which colleges are “reach,” “match,” or “safety.”
What you need to do to get into a Japanese University
International students must go through a different process to get into any university in Japan. This is called gaikokujin ryuugakusei tokubetsu senkou. There are usually two steps to this process: (shutsugan) and(nyuushi shiken).
出類 (shutsugan) means “application,” and it means sending in your application along with other standards like EJU scores, JLPT scores, and maybe even English proficiency test scores. When you see the phrase (nyuushi shiken), it means entrance exams, which generally include short essays and interviews with admissions officers.
This process, the exams that are needed, and the standards for each exam are different for each university and course, so make sure you check the website of the University for the Most Up-to-date Information!
Because standard school programs in different countries are not always the same, requirements and exams are often different from what is expected of Japanese citizens.
If you want to more about what you need to do to get into Japanese university then you need to know about the following:
1. EJU
The EJU, which stands for Examination for Japanese University Admission for Foreign Students, checks to see if foreign applicants have the right level of academic and Japanese language skills. Taking the EJU will help you get into more colleges in Japan because many of them require it.
A lot of foreign college students first went to Japanese language schools. These schools are like prep schools; they have lessons designed just for students who want to take the EJU and JLPT.
We work with great Japanese language schools here at Coto School Finder. Our goal is to find the best school for you based on your needs and plans for the future, such as going to college in Japan. Get in touch with us right away if you want our free help with studying abroad.
Japanese (nihongo), Science (rika;), General Subjects (sougou kamoku), and Mathematics (suugaku) are the subjects that are on the exam. Physics (butsuri), Chemistry (kagaku), and Biology (seibutsu) are the Science subjects. To be eligible for Bunkei, you need to take Japanese, General Subjects, and Mathematics Course 1. To be eligible for Rikei, you need to take Japanese, Mathematics Course 2, and two Sciences.
Except for the Japanese part, which is only given in Japanese, the test can be taken in either Japanese or English.
Universities usually list the subjects and language of the test that are needed to get in, so make sure you check the admissions standards for the school and course you want to attend!
It costs 10,000 yen for a single subject or 18,000 yen for at least two topics. The EJU is given twice a year, in June and November. It’s also given in some other Asian countries, so you might not have to go to Japan to take the test.
To get ready for the test, it’s helpful to look over past papers and get used to the format and topic of the test. You can find and buy official practice tests (kakomon) and textbooks online. You can also find EJU prep classes that you can take in Japan or online.
2. The JLPT (NIHONGO NOURYOKU SHIKEN)
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is one way to show that you can speak and understand Japanese, which is also needed by many colleges. In order from most advanced to least advanced, it has 5 levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5. Each level has a vocabulary (goi) section, a grammar (bunpou) section, a reading (dokkai) section, and a listening (choukai) section. To apply to universities that need the JLPT, you generally need at least a N2 level.
The JLPT is given in almost 100 countries around the world twice a year, in July and December. It might be different in other places, but in Japan it costs 6,500 yen. Read this to learn how to sign up for the JLPT.
To get to the N2 level, you’ll need to know upper-intermediate to advanced Japanese. For someone who has never studied Japanese before, this would mean 2200 hours of study. It would take even longer to get to the N1 level—3,900 hours.
Coto Academy has JLPT prep classes that you can take in person or online, as well as self-study classes, worksheets, and other materials. Please read our complete guide on how to pass the N1 and N2 tests to find out more about what you need to do and what Coto Academy can do for you.
Read also: Guide to study in Japan from Nepal
3. Tests of English skills
The next requirement that most universities and classes have in common is proof that you can speak and write English well. Some universities may make their own English test, but most ask candidates to show scores from tests like the TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, and Cambridge ESOL.
If you have a different certificate or finished from an English-speaking school and aren’t sure if you can use it to apply, you should always call the admissions office to find out.
4. Sending in your application (Shushugan 出類)
Once you’ve passed all the required tests, it’s time to fill out and send in the application. International applicants can apply to most universities online, but there isn’t a single platform in Japan for applying to universities like there is in some other countries, so applicants will have to send different applications to each school. One more thing is that you will need to pay an application fee (jukenryou) for each one. These can range from 10,000 to over 30,000 yen each. Most applications will need you to send in the following:
- Form for applying (shigansho)
- Photos the size of a passport (shashin)
- You can get an EJU test voucher (jukenhyou) or a score certificate (seiseki tsu-chisho).
- You need a high school diploma (sotsugyou shousho) and records (tsu-chihyou).
- A scan or picture of a valid passport and/or ID
- Statement about yourself (shibouriyu-sho)
- This is a letter of reference, or susenjou.
- Proof that the application fee was paid
Most of the time, these things need to be in English or Japanese. Anything else needs to be translated. Check and check again the university’s admissions page to make sure your papers are in order!
Useful article: 10 Benefits of Studying Abroad in Japan
4. Interview (mensetsu)
Japan has a lot of universities that interview foreign students in Japanese to see if they will be a good fit for their school. There may be one or more interviewers for each applicant, and these interviews are generally one-on-one. Universities will often also want to make sure that students can pay for and do well enough in school to be able to attend.
5. Getting your results (goukaku happyou)
You’re going to get your results soon now that the process is over. Many times, the dates that the results will be made public are written on the admissions paperwork, so make sure you mark that date on your notebook! Your results may be sent to your house in the mail, uploaded to the university’s application website, or sent by email, depending on the school.
One of these will be there when you open the results:
- (goukaku) means “pass.”
- (fugoukaku) means “fail.”
6. SCHOLARSHIPS
In Japan, tuition fees (gakuhi) can be pretty cheap because international students pay the same as Japanese students. This is especially true at National and Public universities. Besides this, there are a lot of government scholarships and other public and private scholarships for students from other countries. Most of the time, these scholarships are given to students based on their income situation and how well they do in school.
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) is a well-known group that helps foreign students and gives them different kinds of scholarships.
Conclusion:
As we conclude this enlightening guide on navigating the labyrinthine process of applying to a Japanese university as an international student, it’s essential to acknowledge the adventure that awaits you. The prospect of studying in Japan, delving into its rich culture, and gaining an education from esteemed institutions might have seemed like a daunting challenge at the start. However, armed with knowledge about university types, admission processes, and examination requirements, you’re now better equipped to embark on this transformative journey.
Remember, the path to studying in Japan demands perseverance, dedication, and meticulous preparation. From understanding the nuances of entrance examinations like the EJU and JLPT to meticulously crafting your application materials, each step is a building block toward your academic dream.
The ultimate reward lies in the satisfaction of seeing the word (goukaku) — “pass” — in your results. This achievement signifies not just a successful application but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
As you set foot into the world of Japanese academia, embrace the challenges, savor the cultural experiences, and revel in the academic excellence that Japan offers. Whether it’s admiring the cherry blossoms during the April intake or navigating through the diverse course offerings, each experience will enrich your academic journey.
So, gear up, stay focused, and don’t lose sight of your goal. The adventure of studying in Japan as an international student awaits, and it’s yours to conquer. Contact Hardford consultancy in Nepal to learn more about studying in Japan.
