일본 학부 프로그램에 지원하는 유학생을 위한 준비 일정

Thinking of studying for a bachelor’s degree in Japan? As an international applicant, you’ll need extra lead-time for entrance exams, certified translations, visa paperwork and scholarship hunting—often up to 18 months. Starting early is the single most important factor for success. The roadmap below explains exactly what to do, and when, if you’re aiming for Japan’s mainstream April intake, which marks the start of every academic year.

1. Map the April Application Calendar Backwards

Japan’s universities release guidelines roughly nine months before classes start and close submissions four to five months prior to the April semester. For example, an April 2027 applicant may need to hit “submit” as early as November 2026. Print each school’s PDF guide—see UTokyo undergraduate admissions 또는 University of Tsukuba—and highlight every deadline to avoid surprise cut‑offs.

Reverse‑Engineering April Deadlines

• Mark online application open/close dates (often Oct–Nov of the previous year).
• Note required standardized tests (EJU, JLPT, TOEFL/IELTS, SAT/ACT).
• Record semester start date—immigration asks for this on your visa forms.

2. Quick‑Glance Timeline for April Entry

Months before April intake	Milestone
18–12	Short‑list programs; confirm routes & test requirements
12–9	Book language & academic tests; draft personal statement
9–6	Gather transcripts, recommendations, renew passport if needed
6–4	Submit applications; assemble scholarship paperwork
4–2	Apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE); map housing plan
< 2	Student‑visa issuance; flights; pre‑departure orientation

Beware national holidays: offices shut down around New Year and Golden Week (late Apr–early May), which can delay every step.

3. Build Academic & Language Credentials Early

The biggest logistical hurdle is finding a seat. The EJU is administered twice a year—once in June and again in November—whereas the JLPT takes place in early July and early December, with some countries offering only the July session. The EJU is offered in only 17 overseas cities—from Jakarta, Bangkok and Hanoi in Southeast Asia to Seoul and Taipei in East Asia. In contrast, the JLPT now runs in 80 + countries and 250 + cities, with popular sites like Jakarta, Beijing, Bangkok, Hanoi, and London filling up within days of registration opening. Seats are limited and strictly first-come, first-served, so mark the sign-up date on your calendar and click “register” the moment the portal goes live.

• EJU overseas hubs (17): Hong Kong · Jakarta · Surabaya · Kuala Lumpur · New Delhi · Ulaanbaatar · Yangon · Manila · Seoul · Busan · Taipei · Bangkok · Chiang Mai · Colombo · Singapore · Hanoi · Ho Chi Minh City
• JLPT representative cities: Jakarta · Bangkok · Hanoi · Beijing · Seoul · Taipei · New Delhi · Sydney · Vancouver · London · Cairo · Dubai ほか 250 + locations worldwide

Tip - If your nearest city is not on the EJU list, factor in travel and visa time for the test trip itself, or plan to sit the exam in Japan while on a short-term visa.

EJU & JLPT Essentials

According to the EJU Guide, more than 900 institutions rely on the exam; aim for Japanese 260 +/400 and science/math 120 +/200 for national universities. JLPT official schedule shows N‑level testing twice a year—N2 or better keeps scholarship doors open.

English‑Medium Benchmarks

English‑taught tracks waive JLPT but still want TOEFL iBT 80 + / IELTS 6.5. Secure test seats 90 days before document deadlines. If you finished secondary school entirely in English, request a waiver and attach transcripts.

Score‑Boost Strategy

• Take the June EJU to allow one November retake before your April intake.
• Use free practice sets (EJU past papers, JLPT samples, TOEFL TestReady, IELTS webinars).
• Submit the highest score versions when application portals open in October/November.

University-Specific Online Tests & Interviews

Beyond the national exams, many universities set their own assessments. Typical examples include the online mathematics test used by Tokyo International University E-Track and the 800-word English essay for Waseda SILS, both of which are completed remotely. Formats vary—30- to 60-minute proctored exams, timed essay uploads, or live Zoom interviews—so read each program’s PDF guide carefully.

• Math refresher—algebra & calculus for science tracks (TIU, Ritsumeikan, etc.).
• Essay drills—practice 600–800-word prompts under a 60-minute timer.
• Interview prep—mock answers on “Why Japan?” and program-specific goals.
• Tech check—10 Mbps+ internet, webcam, quiet room; most schools run a connection test 24 h beforehand.

Tip – Retakes are rarely allowed, so rehearse at the exact local time of your slot and keep your passport ready for on-camera ID confirmation.

4. Collect, Translate & Certify Documents

Core paperwork includes your high-school transcript (plus predicted grades if you’re still in school), a graduation certificate, and a passport scan. Universities also ask for zero to two reference letters—for instance, UTokyo PEAK needs two, Kyoto iUP wants one, while some private schools waive them entirely—so follow each guide closely. Any document not in English or Japanese must be translated by a sworn translator and then officially certified (signed by a notary public or stamped with an apostille). Certification can take several weeks, so begin as soon as your Grade 11 results are final.

Batch‑Task Checklist

• Order 3–4 sealed transcripts in one request.
• Ask teachers for recommendation letters three months ahead.
• Scan everything as searchable PDFs; many portals use keyword screening.

5. Secure Funding & Scholarships Ahead of Time

An undergraduate year in Japan averages ¥800,000–¥2,000,000 tuition plus living costs. Government awards like the MEXT Embassy Recommendation open every April—interviews run May–July—almost a full year before your April arrival. University‑recommended MEXT slots and private foundation grants close just as early.

Why Apply Early?

Japan aims to host 400 000 international students by 2033 (Japan Times). Grants grow, but competition grows faster; first‑round submissions dramatically improve odds.

• MEXT stipend: ¥117 000 / month + airfare
• Campus tuition waivers: 30–100 %
• Part‑time work cap: 28 h/week during term (about ¥1 100–1 300/h in Tokyo)

6. Navigate Visa & Arrival Logistics

After admission, your university files the COE(Certificate of Eligibility); processing takes four to eight weeks. Once issued, bring it to your local consulate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that a student visa usually issues in five working days, but peak spring periods can extend waits—don’t book flights until the visa sticker is in your passport.

Arrival Checklist

• Temporary housing for 1–2 weeks while apartment hunting
• Cash for first‑month rent & 2–6‑month deposit
• Resident card pick‑up at airport + City‑hall registration
• National health insurance signup (≈ ¥30 000 / year)
• SIM card & bank account (bring passport + “hanko” or digital signature)

Give yourself buffer days: jet lag is real, and orientation sessions start swiftly. A calm, well‑rested arrival is the best gift you can give future‑you.

결론: Begin plotting your April journey at least a year—ideally 18 months—before classes begin. That one decision will save stress, protect your budget and, most importantly, keep the dream of earning a Japanese degree right on schedule.