If you are a privately financed student from abroad, many Japanese universities will offer a special entrance exam. If you are receiving a fund from the Japanese government (Monbusho), then it’s best to check their website out to find specific instructions on how to apply for a university.

General requirements:
- Has completed 12 years of education
- No immigration issues
- An EJU (Japanese University Admission for International Students) examination to be conducted
- (Some universities require) a personal statement
- Result of your Japanese Language Proficiency (JLPT) and TOEFL score
- Letters of recommendation

After you get into a Japanese university (congratulations!) you will be asked to hand in a complete an eligibility form, a copy of you unexpired passport and proof of funds. The international student center at the university will submit your certificate of eligibility to the immigration authorities.

Once you receive your certificate, you must visit the Japanese embassy in your home country and bring these documents:
- Application materials for your student visa
- Passport
- Student visa application form
- A photo
- The original certificate of eligibility (NOT a copy)

It is best to get your student visa and immigration applications all sorted out at an early stage rather than getting caught up on it later on. Remember to also keep practicing and using your Japanese! For your Japanese you want at least N2 to understand and keep up with lectures taught completely in Japanese. However for higher level universities, you’ll need N1.

Good luck applying!