English-Taught Degree Programs in Japan for American Students

Finding English-Taught Degree Programs

Most Japanese universities teach primarily in Japanese, but a growing number of national universities and a handful of private universities run full bachelor's and master's programs in English. The Study in Japan portal, run by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), lists English-taught programs by university and field, and is the starting point for building a shortlist.

Engineering, business, and international studies show up most often as English-taught majors, along with a few science and liberal arts tracks at universities such as the University of Tokyo, Waseda, and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. Confirm the language of instruction for every required course, not just the major description, since some programs mix English core classes with Japanese electives.

Applying Without MEXT

You can apply to most English-taught programs directly through the university's international admissions office, without a scholarship. Requirements usually include a high school or bachelor's transcript, an English proficiency score such as TOEFL or IELTS, a statement of purpose, and sometimes an interview. Japanese language ability is not required for English-taught tracks, though basic Japanese helps with daily life outside class.

Self-funded international tuition at national universities tends to run below many US public university rates, while private universities charge more and vary widely by program. Confirm exact figures on each university's admissions page, since published tuition changes between academic years.

The MEXT Scholarship

The Japanese government's MEXT scholarship funds international students at the undergraduate, research student, and graduate level. Scholars receive full tuition, a monthly stipend, and round-trip airfare, and undergraduate scholars get a preparatory year of Japanese language study before their degree starts.

You apply through one of two tracks. The embassy track runs through the Japanese Embassy in the United States , which screens applicants and forwards a shortlist to MEXT. The university track runs through a specific Japanese university that already holds a MEXT partnership and nominates its own applicants directly. Check both routes, since some universities only accept MEXT applicants through their own nomination process.

For programs taught in English, universities usually expect a TOEFL iBT score around 80 or higher, or an equivalent IELTS score, even though MEXT itself does not set a single university-wide language threshold. Confirm the exact score your target program requires before you apply.

MEXT Application Timeline

• Embassy track: applications generally open in spring for a scholarship that starts the following academic year.

• University track: timelines depend on the individual university, so check your target school's international office directly.

• Both tracks require transcripts, recommendation letters, a study plan, and a health certificate.

Start gathering transcripts and recommendation letters several months before the embassy deadline, since Japanese universities and MEXT both request original or certified documents that take time to process from US schools.

Student Visa Steps

1. Get an official acceptance letter from your Japanese university, or a MEXT scholarship notice if you applied through that route.

2. Your university applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) on your behalf through Japan's immigration authority, a required step before you can apply for the visa.

3. Once you receive the CoE, apply for a Student visa at the nearest Japanese consulate in the US, submitting your passport, CoE, photos, and application form.

4. Pick up your visa and travel to Japan in time for orientation, then register your address and complete residence card procedures after arrival.

Cost of Living

Living costs depend heavily on city. Tokyo and Osaka run higher than smaller university towns, particularly for rent. MEXT stipends are designed to cover living costs for scholars, while self-funded students should budget separately for rent, food, transit, and health insurance, which is mandatory for all international students under Japan's national health insurance system.

Choosing a University

Check that your program holds standing through Japan's standard university system, since institutions listed on JASSO's Study in Japan portal are officially recognized. Confirm graduate outcomes and English-taught course availability directly with each department, since course offerings change year to year.

Regional Universities Worth Considering

Tokyo and Osaka host the largest concentration of English-taught programs, though universities in cities like Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Kyoto also run English tracks with lower living costs and smaller international student communities. A smaller program can mean closer contact with faculty and easier access to Japanese language exchange partners, worth weighing against the networking advantages of a larger city.

After Graduation

Japan offers a post-graduation work visa pathway for international students who secure a job offer from a Japanese employer, letting many graduates convert from a Student visa to a work visa without leaving the country. Confirm current requirements with your university's career center or Japan's immigration authority as you approach graduation, since eligibility depends on your field of study and the job offer itself.