Studying in Hiroshima
Process and Procedures for Studying Abroad
The type of educational institution you select will vary depending on your purpose for studying abroad.
Additionally, as the entrance qualifications and entrance examinations will differ depending on the school, we ask that you check the websites for your desired schools or that you contact them directly.
Here, we will introduce the 3 main ways to study abroad in Japan.
1．Studying the Japanese Language Before Entering University
First, students will study Japanese at a Japanese language school to enable them to take the examinations necessary to enter universities or specialized training colleges.
There are 12 Japanese language schools in Hiroshima Prefecture.
For university examinations, since scores for the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) or the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) are given as a requirement, those wishing to enter a university should make sure that they take either of these tests.
Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
This examination measures the Japanese language ability and fundamental academic abilities (science, general aptitude, and mathematics) of those wishing to study abroad at universities (undergraduate level), etc., in Japan.
| Qualifications to take the examination | None |
|---|---|
| Examination dates | Twice a year (June and November) |
| Details | The majority of universities in Japan make use of EJU scores during their admission processes. For the national public universities, almost all of these universities make use of EJU scores. Although there are no restrictions on test takers regarding the number of times that they have taken the examination or on their age, scores will only be considered valid for a period of 2 years. Test takers are required to apply roughly 4 months in advance of the examination date. Since the application period changes each year, those desiring to take this examination should make sure to verify this information well in advance. |
| Contact information | Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) Information Desk Phone: 0570-55-0585 (if calling from overseas: +81-42-649-9571) E-mail: eju@sdcj.co.jp Closed on: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, period at the end and beginning of the year Website |
Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test is an examination to measure the Japanese language proficiency of individuals for which Japanese is a second language, and it is conducted by the Japan Foundation and the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.
In order to work in Japan, an important factor one must consider is how to acquire certifications that can objectively demonstrate one’s Japanese language ability.
| Qualifications to take the examination | Individuals for which Japanese is a second language |
|---|---|
| Examination dates | Twice a year (July and December) |
| Details | The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test has 5 levels (N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5). The N4 and N5 levels mainly measure how well the test taker understands basic Japanese in a classroom setting. The N1 and N2 levels measure how well the test taker understands Japanese used in a wide variety of situations in real life. The N3 level acts to bridge the N4 and N5 levels with the N1 and N2 levels. |
| Contact information | The JLPT (in Japan) Application Center (Japan Educational Exchanges and Services) Phone: 03-6686-2974 Operating hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed on: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, period at the end and beginning of the year Website |
2．Directly Entering a University in Japan from Your Own Country
First, you will need to verify whether you meet the entrance qualifications.
In order to enter a university in Japan, as a basic rule, it is necessary for you to have completed the curriculum for 12 years of proper schooling.
Since university classes are fundamentally taught in Japanese, it is necessary for you to have Japanese language ability that is equivalent to that of roughly the N2 level or higher.
With that said, however, there are an increasing number of universities that are conducting classes in English for programs that allow students to earn a degree.
Since the entrance examinations and application forms will differ depending on the university, prospective students should prepare themselves by checking the prospectus (admissions guide) for the individual universities to identify what is required.
Entrance Qualifications
To be qualified to enter a university in Japan, prospective students must either have:
- Completed schooling consisting of a 12-year curriculum in a foreign country.
- Passed academic aptitude testing that is equivalent to completing a 12-year curriculum in a foreign country, and have reached the age of 18.
- Or in cases where they have completed their schooling in a country for which completion of the academic curriculum for primary to secondary education is less than 12 years, they shall have completed the preparatory academic curriculum as specified by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and have reached the age of 18.
- Acquired International Baccalaureate (IB), Abitur, or Baccalauréat qualifications, and have reached the age of 18.
For more details, please refer to the following website.
Entrance qualifications for institutions of higher learning in Japan
(Japan Student Services Organization, an independent administrative institution)
Universities That Allow Students to Earn Degrees Using English
In Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima University, the Prefectural University of Hiroshima (program is limited to students of affiliated universities), and Hiroshima Jogakuin University currently offer programs to earn a degree using English.
Additionally, if you wish to participate in a student exchange program or short-term study abroad program for which your goal is not to earn a degree, there are numerous universities that offer classes in English.
For more details, please contact the individual universities.
Courses that allow students to earn a degree using English
(Japan Student Services Organization, an independent administrative institution)
3．Entering Graduate School
Please note that some universities allow prospective students to apply for examinations to enter the regular curriculum courses for their graduate school, while other graduate schools recommend that prospective students first complete a “researcher” course before advancing to their regular graduate school curriculum courses.
While undergraduate programs have a 4-year curriculum, graduate school (master’s degree) programs are quite short, as they consist of a 2-year curriculum.
Those entering graduate school and wishing to work in Japan will also need to start preparing for the job search process immediately upon entrance to their school.
Entrance Qualifications
To be qualified to enter a graduate school in Japan, prospective students must either have:
- Graduated from a university in Japan.
- Completed schooling consisting of a 16-year curriculum in a foreign country.
- Been verified as having academic aptitude equivalent to or higher than that of an individual graduating from a university, based on individual entrance examinations conducted at the individual graduate schools, and have reached the age of 22.
Application Forms
Most graduate schools require applicants to submit a research plan.
Research plans consist of a written document that states the purpose and methods of the applicant’s research in roughly 2,000 characters.
Additionally, applicants are required in advance to search for an academic advisor who will guide them in planning their course of study and research.