English-Taught Degree Programs in Japan: Complete Applicant Guide

What “English-taught” should mean

The official Study in Japan site says Japanese universities and graduate schools offer programs in which students can earn a degree solely in English. Its school search also distinguishes several different language arrangements. Use those labels as a starting point, then verify them on the university’s own current admissions and curriculum pages.

Some programs add compulsory or optional Japanese-language classes without using Japanese to teach the degree itself. That can be valuable. The key question is whether lack of Japanese prevents you from completing required academic work.

Who is this route best for?

This route is not automatically easier than a Japanese-taught program. The applicant pool can be international, places may be limited, and selection may examine grades, subject preparation, English, essays, recommendations, interviews and standardized tests.

English score: guideline versus actual requirement

For undergraduate English degree programs, the official Study in Japan page gives a general English-proficiency guideline of TOEFL iBT 71–80 or IELTS 5.5–6. Treat this only as an orientation point. A program may require a higher score, accept different tests, apply section minimums, limit score age, waive the test for particular schooling backgrounds, or refuse superscoring.

Do English programs require EJU, SAT or other tests?

There is no single rule for every English-taught degree. The official examinations guidance says universities may ask for EJU, English tests, SAT, ACT, International Baccalaureate examinations or other country-specific credentials. The EJU tests Japanese plus academic subjects, and its Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics papers are available in English or Japanese. You must take the subjects and examination language designated by the university.

Some English-taught programs use document screening and an interview. Others require mathematics or science evidence, an EJU combination, SAT/ACT, IB scores, a university test, a portfolio or additional writing. Never assume “no JLPT” means “no entrance examination.”

Your six-step program verification method

Eligibility and the usual application package

Undergraduate admission generally requires 12 years of formal education or one of the recognized equivalent routes described in official guidance. Students from systems with fewer years may need a designated preparatory route or individual eligibility screening. Ask the university about your exact qualification before paying.

• University application form and application fee
• Graduation certificate or expected-graduation certificate
• Academic transcript and, where requested, certified translations
• English-proficiency evidence or approved waiver documents
• Standardized academic test results required by the program
• Statement of purpose, essays or study plan
• Recommendation letter or school report
• Passport, identification and financial documents
• Interview, portfolio or additional subject test where required

Compare the academic experience—not only admission

English degree, Japanese life

An English-taught degree removes Japanese as the academic entry barrier; it does not remove Japanese from daily life. Housing procedures, clinics, city offices, part-time work, clubs and internships may require Japanese. The official Study in Japan guidance specifically notes that daily conversation and written Japanese make life and job hunting easier.

If your goal is employment in Japan, start Japanese from the first semester. Build a four-year plan: survival Japanese, daily communication, workplace language, then job-hunting practice. Japan’s graduate recruitment system has its own schedule and conventions, so career preparation should begin well before graduation.

Scholarships and cost: read the conditions

English-taught programs may be eligible for MEXT, JASSO, university or private scholarships, but teaching language does not guarantee funding. Separate:

• Automatic fee reductions written into the offer
• Competitive pre-arrival scholarships
• Scholarships applied for after enrollment
• Renewable awards with grade, attendance or income conditions

Build a full-degree budget without assuming you will win a competitive award. Include admission and tuition fees, housing, insurance, transport, food, materials, visa travel and an emergency reserve.

Ten questions to ask before applying

1. Can the degree be completed entirely in English?
2. Are every compulsory module and assessment available in English?
3. What exact degree title appears on the certificate?
4. Does my qualification satisfy the current eligibility rules?
5. Which English test, score, date and delivery method are accepted?
6. Are EJU, SAT, ACT, IB, subject tests or interviews required?
7. What is the complete first payment and refund policy?
8. Is housing guaranteed, limited or lottery-based?
9. What Japanese study is available across all four years?
10. What career outcomes exist for international graduates of this program?

Common mistakes

• Searching only “top universities in Japan.” Search the exact English-taught major and intake.
• Confusing an English website with an English degree. Verify compulsory academic language.
• Applying at the minimum score without checking competitiveness. A minimum makes you eligible, not admitted.
• Ignoring subject preparation. English ability cannot replace required mathematics, science or portfolio strength.
• Waiting to learn Japanese. That narrows daily life, internships and career options.
• Using an old program list as final evidence. Confirm the current intake directly with the university.