Eligibility

Who Can Study in Japan

For a bachelor's you need 12 years of school. For a master's, some schools ask for 16 years of education. A 3-year bachelor's degree may not be enough, so ask the graduate school.

Example eligibility check

Example: Indian student, BTech graduate

Education

Verified

Example: 16 years of education

English

Verified

Example: IELTS Academic score sent by the test company

Research plan

In Progress

Example: written for graduate school

Example check

Example

Example only. Each university decides.

Key Rules

The entry rules set out for international students.

Bachelor's

12 years of school education outside Japan. If your country has fewer than 12 years, a preparatory course is needed.

Master's

A bachelor's degree. Or 16 years of school education outside Japan in total. A degree from a course of 3 or more years at a foreign university may also count: ask the graduate school.

Age 22 or older

Some graduate schools hold their own check for applicants who do not have the usual education. You must be 22 or older to take it.

Doctoral course

You need a master's degree, or something the graduate school accepts as the same.

Check with the Japanese embassy

Not sure if your 12th year counts? Ask the Japanese embassy in your country.

By Degree Level

Common rules. Your course may add more.

What each level asks

1Bachelor's (4 years)

12 years of school.
School transcript and leaving certificate.
Test scores your course asks for.

2Master's (usually 2 years)

Some schools ask for 16 years of education. A 3-year bachelor's (15 years) may not be enough: ask the graduate school.
A research plan, at most graduate schools.

3Research scholarship from the Japanese Government (MEXT, the Ministry of Education), India, 2027 round

Bachelor's with at least 70% marks (65% for humanities and social sciences).
Born on or after 2 April 1992.

Tests

Standardized Testing Requirements

Undergraduate Tests

1Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)

Used by more than 60% of Japanese universities and almost all national universities.

The test is held in June and November. India: New Delhi is a test site.

2SAT, ACT or IB (International Baccalaureate)

Waseda's School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) accepts SAT, ACT, IB final grades or other tests.

For some English-taught courses

Note: Your course decides which tests it needs.

English Tests

English Proficiency Requirements

English-taught courses usually ask for TOEFL iBT or IELTS.

Test	Undergraduate	Graduate	Notes
TOEFL iBT	Waseda SILS: see its guide for score rules	Ask the graduate school	Waseda SILS: your score must be sent by ETS, the company that runs TOEFL. Home Edition not accepted.
IELTS Academic	Waseda SILS: see its guide for score rules	Ask the graduate school	Waseda SILS: sent electronically; IELTS Online not accepted

Important Considerations

Score Validity

Check the test provider’s score validity rules and your university’s requirements.

Possible Exemptions

You may be exempt from English proficiency requirements in certain cases:

Waseda SILS may not ask for an English test if you studied full time in English for at least 3 of the last 4 years. Check its guide.

Special Fields

Different academic disciplines often have specific requirements beyond the general eligibility criteria. These specialized requirements ensure you have the necessary background and aptitude for success in your chosen field in Japan.

Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary science

Bachelor's courses take 6 years.
Doctoral courses in these fields need 18 years of education, or 5 or more years at a foreign university.

Looking for Other Fields?

This is not an exhaustive list. Many other academic disciplines have specific requirements. Always check with your target universities in Japan for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements for your specific program of interest.