Recognition of Cambridge qualifications
MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan) recognises Cambridge International A Levels as entrance qualifications for admission to all Japanese universities. Universities can accept Cambridge International AS Levels in combination with International A Level qualifications if the applicants are over 18, but you are not eligible to apply if you hold Cambridge International AS Levels only.
Based on the guidance set by MEXT, each university decides its own eligibility and selection criteria, which tends to vary from institution to institution, and course to course. It is important that you check the website of the university you are applying to for detailed entry requirements.
Academic calendar
All bachelor programmes take four years to complete. Most of the programmes in Japanese universities are taught in Japanese, and advanced Japanese language ability is required to enter such programmes. Japanese-taught degree programmes usually start in April and end in March.
An increasing number of degree programmes are taught entirely in English. Most, if not all, English-taught degree programmes run from September to June.
As described below, the application dates differ according to when the programme starts so it is important to check the schedule well in advance.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Studying at Japanese universities offers great value for money. The annual tuition fees are significantly lower than those in other major destination countries. Average annual academic fees are 5700 USD at national and public universities, and 7200 USD at private universities (excluding medical courses). The monthly cost of living is relatively reasonable at an average 900 USD, especially if you live in student accommodation.
There are various scholarships available for international students:
In addition, many universities provide scholarships to their international students. These scholarships include monthly stipends and fee waivers.
The Study in Japan website administered by JASSO, the public agency for student support in Japan, gives you an overview of what you need to know about study opportunities in Japan. On this website, there is a section introducing the degree programmes taught in English.