Study in Japan: Top Universities Offering Degree Programs in English
Are you planning to study in Japan, but are worried about having insufficient Japanese language skills? That’s not a problem! Many Japanese universities offer degree programs and teach in English.
Surely you’ve entertained the idea of applying as an exchange student in Japan, but why stop there? Go ahead and try to apply for a full degree program at one of Japan’s leading schools! Can you imagine pursuing higher education in one of the safest countries in the world?
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Top Japanese Universities Offering Degree Programs in English
Japanese culture has fascinated many people around the world so much that foreigners consider studying, working, and even living in the country. Adapting to an entirely new country is surely intimidating, but you’ll do just fine. After all, you’ve dreamt of coming to Japan for so long, and now you get to study there!
Japan has established itself as one of the best countries that offer excellent education. This attracts many students around the globe to take subjects at undergraduate or even master’s and doctoral levels in any of the country’s finest institutions. Some students may feel reluctant since they lack Japanese language skills or even overall knowledge about the country and culture. But we’re here to help alleviate your doubt!
Below are some of the top universities in Japan that open their campus doors to foreign students.
1. The University of Tokyo
University of Tokyo. Photo by Miki Yoshihito on Flickr.
The University of Tokyo, often nicknamed UTokyo or Todai, is one of Japan’s most prestigious institutions of higher education. Over 30,000 students are enrolled across 5 different campuses in the districts of Hongō, Komaba, Kashiwa, Shirokane, and Nakano. Around 2,100 are foreign students, and you could join the Todai student population!
As a foreigner, you might come into Todai as a student under the PEAK program. Programs in English at Komaba or PEAK are undergraduate programs offered entirely in English to foreign students! You also don’t need to have prior Japanese knowledge. Still, you’ll be taking compulsory Japanese classes as an international Todai student.
PEAK courses include the International Program on Japan in East Asia and the International Program on Environmental Sciences. These are interdisciplinary degree programs for English-speaking foreign students who are interested in coming to live and study in Japan for 4 years.
There are also degree programs offered in English for graduate students! Todai has 10 faculties that provide over 20 master’s degree programs. Graduate programs range from urban and environmental studies, environmental sciences, and even global health sciences. You could pursue higher education while fulfilling your dreams to live a Japanese lifestyle!
To learn more, check out these resources:
2. Sophia University
Sophia University, Tokyo. Photo by Keiichi Yasu on Flickr.
Jesuits founded Sophia University in 1913, making it the pioneer university in Japan that teaches courses in English. Although the university’s founders are from a religious order of the Catholic Church, Sophia University is a multicultural institution at the heart of Tokyo. The private university serves a 13,800 student population with over 1,500 international students from 85 different countries. It’s your gateway to academic excellence in Japan as a foreign student!
Sophia University offers many scholarships for international students. Some of which are exclusive for new students and for privately-funded students. The school grants scholarships and financial aid to at least 50% of international students.
To learn more, check out their information on scholarships
Sophia University. Photo by Keiichi Yasu on Flickr.
As the pioneer university to use English as a medium of instruction, Sophia University offers several masters and doctorate degrees. Among these are programs in Green Science and Engineering, Global Environment Studies, as well as Global Studies, which includes International Business and Development Studies.
To learn more, check out their programs offered in English.
3. Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University. Photo by Miki Yoshihito on Flickr.
By now, you must be thinking that Tokyo is your only option to study in Japan in English. Although the universities in the capital offer more options, you wouldn’t need a Tokyo residency to start your foreign student life at Hokkaido University! Enroll in this top university, and you could join the 1,600 international student population among the 17,000 total student population from diverse backgrounds. Hokkaido University offers nine degree programs, most of which involve the sciences, which include Environmental Science, Integrated Science, Life Science, and Veterinary Science.
Hokkaido University. Photo by Miki Yoshihito on Flickr.
Although foreigners with minimal Japanese language proficiency are welcome, there is a program that is particularly exclusive and open to intermediate level students. Annually, the Modern Japanese Studies Program admits only 20 students who intend to undergo a comprehensive education of the Japanese language and society. You could be learning about Japan, in Japan, and in English!
To learn more, see their list of degree programs offered in English.
Conclusion
Foreign students with limited Japanese knowledge still have many opportunities to study in Japan. The country’s top universities employ world-renowned faculty members that teach higher educational subjects under degree-length programs in English. As an English-speaking international student, you can rest assured that you’ll have the convenience of speaking your main language while getting your degree in Japan!
Motto Japan, the community platform to support foreigners with the foundation for life in Japan, including Japanese study, job opportunities, and housing service. Motto Japan Media will provide a wide variety of information for Japanese fans all over the world, to create a cross-cultural environment and enrich the life of foreign residents in Japan!
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