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Japan is no longer a destination reserved solely for Japanese speakers. Through government initiatives like the Top Global University Project, over 100 top-tier universities across Japan now offer full undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. degree tracks taught entirely in English.
For International Students, this means you can earn an internationally recognized degree in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Global Business, Environmental Science, and International Relations without taking a Japanese language preparatory year. Combined with Fully Funded opportunities like the MEXT Scholarship, studying in Japan provides world-class education with significantly lower tuition fees compared to Western universities.
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Program Snapshot: Key Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Language of Instruction | 100% English |
| Japanese Requirement | None required for admission (optional conversational Japanese courses provided) |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor’s (4 Years), Master’s (2 Years), Ph.D. (3 Years) |
| English Proficiency | IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo accepted (No IELTS needed if previous degree was taught in English) |
| Funding Opportunities | Fully Funded MEXT Scholarship, JASSO Grants, University Tuition Waivers |
| Official Directory | Study in Japan Official Portal |
Top Japanese Universities Offering English-Taught Degrees
Several top national and private universities offer structured English degree tracks across diverse majors.
| University | Degree Level | Notable English Degree Programs |
| University of Tokyo | Undergraduate / Master’s / Ph.D. | PEAK (Programs in English at Komaba), Environmental Sciences, Global Science Course (GSC) |
| Kyoto University | Undergraduate / Graduate | Civil Engineering (Undergraduate), Global Frontier in Life Sciences, Economics |
| Waseda University | Undergraduate / Master’s / Ph.D. | SILS (School of International Liberal Studies), PSE (Political Science & Economics), ICT Engineering |
| Sophia University | Undergraduate / Master’s / Ph.D. | FLA (Liberal Arts), Green Science & Green Engineering, Global Studies |
| Tohoku University | Undergraduate / Graduate | FGL (Future Global Leadership) Program: Advanced Molecular Chemistry, Applied Marine Biology |
| Ritsumeikan University | Undergraduate / Graduate | Global Business, Information Science & Engineering, Asia Pacific Studies |
Application Roadmap for English Programs
[ Research Programs ] ➔ [ Document Preparation ] ➔ [ Online Submission ] ➔ [ Screening / Interview ]
- Program Selection: Identify universities that match your desired major and offer English-medium tracks.
- Standardized Testing: While Japanese language tests (JLPT/EJU) are waived, prepare your academic transcripts, SAT/ACT scores (for some undergraduate programs), and English proficiency test scores.
- English Proficiency Exemption: If your previous high school or undergraduate institution used English as the primary medium of instruction, request an official English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Certificate from your school to waive IELTS/TOEFL requirements.
- Funding Application: Apply for university-recommended MEXT scholarship tracks or internal tuition reduction waivers (ranging from 30% to 100% discount) alongside your primary application.
Step-by-Step Admission Requirements
To submit a competitive application, prepare the following core documents:
- Official Academic Transcripts & Graduation Certificates: Translated officially into English.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Statement: Detailing your academic goals and why you chose Japan.
- Research Proposal: Required for Master’s and Ph.D. applicants outlining research objectives for 2026/2027.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from academic professors or school directors.
- Proof of English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or an official EMI certificate.
Funding & Fully Funded Scholarship Options
Studying in an English degree program in Japan does not mean paying full tuition out-of-pocket. International students in English tracks are eligible for major government and private awards:
- MEXT University Recommendation: Covers 100% of tuition, provides round-trip airfare, and pays a monthly Stipend (~143,000 JPY/month).
- JASSO Honors Scholarship: Provides a monthly stipend of 48,000 JPY for self-funded students demonstrating academic excellence.
- University Tuition Reduction Grants: Most public and private institutions offer automatic 30%, 50%, or 100% tuition waivers for top-ranking international applicants.
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FAQs
Can I get a job in Japan after graduating from an English-taught degree program?
Yes. Japan actively encourages international graduates to enter the local workforce through post-study work visas. While your degree program is taught in English, most universities offer free Japanese language classes, allowing you to develop the business-level Japanese needed for corporate career opportunities in Japan before graduation.
Is the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) required for English programs?
No. The standard EJU test is typically required for Japanese-medium degree programs. English-taught programs use independent screening processes based on high school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and online interviews.
Do I need to learn any Japanese before arriving in Japan?
While not required for university admission, learning basic conversational Japanese (Hiragana, Katakana, and basic daily phrases) is highly recommended. It will make your daily life—such as shopping, commuting, and navigating local services—much smoother during your first few months.
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
When applying to English-taught degree programs in Japan, check whether your target department offers direct university-recommended MEXT scholarship slots. Applying during the early application rounds (typically between September and December for the following autumn intake) gives you the highest chance of securing full funding alongside your admission offer.
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