Study Abroad in Japan: English Program?

When you think about “study abroad in Japan”, what comes to your mind first, study by an English program? Perhaps not! The common process is studying in a Japanese language school for about two years, and then studying for four more years in a university, right? What if you could look at a Japanese University right after graduating from high school without losing two precious years from your life? What if you could study for four years entirely in English? 

Here is excellent news for you! There are many world-renowned universities in Japan offering special undergraduate courses in English for international students. Today you are going to get a crystal clear picture of studying in Japanese universities, as well as in English. 

Why you should follow an English program while studying abroad in Japan?

Low Tuition Fees

 In comparison to world-class universities around the world, Japanese universities are quite affordable. For example, the American education system is well renowned in the whole world, but let’s compare the tuition fees of the USA for four years with Japanese universities’ tuition fees and living expenses. 

Estimated data from “Tokyo International University 4 year Tuition Fee Calculator” compares the price of studying and living near the TIU campus with U.S. universities and finds that a TIU degree is an unbelievable $98,511 more reasonable than an average American university. Therefore, Japan is an excellent option for students with a low budget aiming for higher education.   

Getting the chance to live in a peaceful country

According to the 2020 Global Peace Index, Japan was ranked 9th out of 84 countries in the whole world for peacefulness. Besides that, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. For example, it is common in restaurants to see expensive laptops or smartphones left on the table as a sign of a booked seat where the customer may not even be near the center for a long time. That is how much trust Japanese people have in society!

The crime rate is unbelievably low in Japan. Japan also has a National Health Insurance scheme. Patients only pay thirty percent of their total health care cost, which is almost exclusively a few dollars per visit to the hospital. Incredibly cheap. 

Endless Scholarship Opportunities 

Some scholarships are given before getting into the school, some are offered individually, and some are given through school. The Monbukagakusho Scholarship, Japan Student Services Organization Scholarship, Inner Trip Foundation Scholarship, Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES), Friends of Asian Students along the Tojo Line, and Nitori International Scholarship Foundation are some of the highly recommended scholarships for international students.         

Learning the Japanese Language while Earning a Degree in English 

There are many long and short term courses that students can take here in Japan. But getting a language school diploma in 1 or 2 years is one of the favorite choices of international students up until now. Unfortunately, if those students have not already finished their bachelor’s degree from their own country, it can be tough to get a job in a company with a high salary and promotions after several years of work. These students are only learning the Japanese language, while students from English based universities are completing a bachelor’s degree in 4 years, and at the same time retaining the Japanese language. Undoubtedly, lack of a bachelor’s degree and special skills stops Japanese school students from standing out in the job field. While earning a bachelor’s degree in English, university students get extra time to learn the Japanese language.   

So? Want to know more? Continue reading this article and select the universities that suit you the most!   

The University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo was founded in1877, and the University claims it is the oldest and largest among all the Japanese national universities. With three main campuses in Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa, the University of Tokyo has 28,409 students. The University focuses on research, and a great example to understand their success in the research field is the number of times their papers have been cited. The University of Tokyo is heaven for international students who dream of working in academic or research areas. 

Courses Offered in English: Programs in English at Komba (PEAK):

– International Program on Japan in East Asia

– International Program on Environmental Sciences

IELTS/TOEFL: 7 or above in IELTS and TOFEL iBT 100 or above 

Application Fee: 5,000 JPY  

The University of Tokyo – The pride of Japan

Tokyo International University

With 1600 students from over 60 countries, Tokyo International University has become one of the best choices in the recent past for international students because of its global environment, scholarship opportunities, qualified faculty members, high quality of education, and campus near Tokyo. TIU offers a vast range of facilities to provide a world-class education to the students, such as a study abroad program at Willamette University (sister city of TIU) in Oregon.

Courses Offered in English:

– BS.c in Digital Business and Innovation

– B.A. in Business Economics 

– B.A. in International Relations 

IELTS/ TOEFL: 5.5 in IELTS and 61 in TOEFL iBT                       

International Cristian University

Founded in 1949, ICU is situated in the heart of Tokyo. With 31 majors offered in English, ICU offers double significant degrees to students. A green campus in the middle of the city, the truly international environment has made ICU one of the most cherished universities to the students around the world.

Courses Offered in English: 1. Art and Culture, 2. Music 3. Literature 4. Philosophy and Religion 5. Economics 6. Business 7. History 8. Law 9. Public Policy 10. Politics 11. International Relations 12. Sociology 13. Anthropology 14. Media, Communication, and Culture 15. Biology 16. Physics 17. Chemistry 18. Mathematics 19. Information Science 20. Language Education 21. Education 22. Linguistics 23. Psychology 24. American Studies, 25. Asian Studies, 26. Development Studies 27. Environmental Studies, 28. Gender and Sexuality Studies 29. Global Studies, 30. Japan Studies 31. Peace Studies

IELTS/ TOEFL: 6.5 in IELTS and 79 in TOEFL iBT 

Application Fee: 30,000 JPY for regular students  

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University 

Situated in the city of onsen named Beppu in Oita prefecture, APU, is improving rapidly and has already become an attraction for international students. Interestingly, 50% of its students are international, from 91 countries around the world. For students who want to live in a more peaceful and cheaper area than Tokyo, APU can be an excellent choice for them.

Courses offered in English:

– College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS)

– College of International Management (APM)

IELTS/ TOEFL: 5.5 in IELTS and 61 in TOEFL iBT 

Application Fee: 35,000 JPY

Study Abroad in Japan: English Program

In a nutshell, there is a vast number of universities in Japan which are offering English programs based undergraduate degrees to international students. There are many more universities with different opportunities or outstanding facilities than just the universities introduced here. Now, you must do further research and find the best that will help to accomplish your dreams. So, are you thinking about adding Japan to your study abroad destination? 

The Guidable team does hope that you found this article as a helpful piece of information! After all, all of our activities are aiming for a better life for foreigners in Japan! So, stay tuned and follow us!

Anik / Bangladesh