Japan has become the preferred choice for an increasing number of international students due to its developed economy, excellent environment, high level of civilization, and high cost-effectiveness. However, many students planning to study in Japan are unclear about the requirements needed to successfully apply to Japanese institutions. In fact, the requirements vary depending on the student's academic background and individual circumstances when applying to different universities.
I. Language Requirements
Language School: Japanese proficiency equivalent to N5 level, J.test F level, or NAT 5 level; proof of at least 150 hours of Japanese language study.
Vocational School: Equivalent to N2 level.
University: Japanese N2 level or above.
Graduate Research Student (Kenkyusei): Science - Japanese N2, Humanities - Japanese N1.
Art Student: Japanese N2 level or above.
II. Academic Requirements
Language School: 12 years of education or more.
In the context of the Chinese education system, 12 years refers to high school graduation or equivalent vocational high school, technical school, or specialized secondary school education.
Vocational School: 12 years of education or more.
Vocational schools are similar to China's "junior colleges" (Dazhuan) but not identical. They are educational institutions aimed at learning professional knowledge, techniques, and skills required for practical life and career, with an employment rate of over 90% in Japan.
University: 12 years of education or more.
Equivalent to China's "undergraduate" degree, typically with a 4-year curriculum.
Graduate Research Student (Kenkyusei): 15 years of education or more.
Graduates with a junior college degree or higher in China. The Japanese "Kenkyusei" refers to the preparatory stage for a graduate school. This stage does not grant a degree or graduation certificate; it is a preparatory phase for becoming a formal graduate student. Typically, the duration is 0.5 to 2 years. After completing this stage, students pass the master's entrance examination to become formal master's students.
Master's Degree (Shushi): 15 years of education or more.
Graduates with a junior college degree or higher in China. There are several ways to become a master's student in Japan: 1. Through a language school, then taking the master's entrance exam in Japan; 2. Through the graduate research student (Kenkyusei) preparatory stage, then taking the master's entrance exam in Japan; 3. Preparing directly in China and traveling to Japan on a tourist visa to take the master's entrance exam directly.
III. Academic Performance
Language School: Most schools do not have requirements for academic performance in China, as long as you have a formal graduation certificate; however, transcripts from your time in school must be provided. In recent years, with the increasing number of students going to Japan, some top-tier schools have begun to require students' Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) scores.
Graduate Research Student: Academic performance during university is very important. The GPA may directly determine the tier of the institution you can apply to.