Admissions & Exams
From Language School to Lecture Hall: Japan’s Indirect Study Route Explained
Choosing where—and how—to launch your Japanese university career can feel overwhelming. Beyond the well‑known direct route (applying straight from your home institution) lies an indirect pathway that thousands of successful alumni quietly endorse: first enroll in a Japanese language school, adapt to the academic culture, then sit entrance exams for degree programs. This article demystifies that […]
The Direct Route: How to Enter Japanese Universities Straight from Overseas
Choosing how to pursue an undergraduate degree in Japan can feel like standing at a fork in the road. On one side lies the Direct Route — applying straight from your overseas high school or university to a Japanese degree program. On the other, the Indirect Route — spending a year or two in a Japanese language […]
How to Win Japan’s University-Specific Screening for Master’s Admission
Japanese master’s admissions do not end once your transcripts and test scores clear the first gate. At most universities, the University‑Specific Screening—your research‑proposal defence, letters of recommendation and live interview—becomes the decisive filter between short‑listed and admitted candidates. In a previous post we introduced the five pillars of admission (Five Key Requirements). Today we dig […]
Japan Undergraduate Admissions: How to Ace University-Specific Essays, Interviews, and Extra Tasks
Japan’s universities judge international under‑graduate candidates in five steps: (1) Academic Background, (2) Japanese Language Proficiency, (3) Academic Ability (EJU / SAT etc.), (4) University‑Specific Screening, and (5) Finances or Scholarships. Today’s article zooms in on step 4—those extra essays, interviews, and videos that appear after you pass the basic gates. Think of it as each campus’ way of asking “Will you fit here?” Below you will find what to expect, […]
Tuition Hacks: 4 Ways International Students Can Slash University Costs in Japan
Studying in Japan can be life‑changing, but the price tag often feels intimidating. Before you start working at a convenience store or dipping into your savings, remember that the cheapest yen is the yen you never have to spend. Japan’s higher‑education system hides a surprisingly wide menu of tuition‑cutting tools—some automatic, some competitive, and many […]
Mastering the EJU: Your Guide to Non-Japanese Sections for a Successful University Entry in Japan
Thinking of earning a full degree in Japan? Before you pack your suitcase, you’ll need to clear one academic hurdle that many universities use instead of—or in addition to—SAT, A-Levels, IB and Gaokao scores: the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU). This article gives you a concise, no-jargon tour of the non-Japanese-language […]
JLPT Demystified: Essential Certification for Japanese University Admissions (and How It Differs from the EJU)
Thinking of studying in Japan? While brochures often highlight the cherry blossoms and cutting‑edge labs, one practical hurdle remains constant: demonstrating that you can survive — and thrive — in a Japanese‑medium classroom. For most applicants that proof is the Japanese‑Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). This post walks you through how the exam works, how it […]
Study‑in‑Japan Events Guide 2025: Fairs, Open Campuses & Webinars You Can’t Miss
Thinking about studying in Japan? One of the quickest ways to grasp how the Japanese university system, scholarships, and campus life actually work is to show up—online or in person—at the right events. This guide maps out the most useful fairs, open campuses, and webinars so you can move from curiosity to a concrete study […]
