Imagine you have decided to study abroad in Japan. The first thing you need to do is select a university. Choosing a university is not only your personal matter but also very important for your parents who provide financial support. You need to select a university that suits you, while at the same time one that your parents can also agree with. (We assume that the parents provide financial support.)
Steps to select a university
1. Search universities which have programs you are interested in.
https://masterroots.net/review/
In “University Search” page, click “Search by Preferences” and select one major from “Major Fields of Study”. Then, Click “Search”.
2. From the search result, check “Scholarship Information” and visit the university website to confirm whether the department offers the content you want to study. In the website, check Admissions guidelines. Admissions guidelines serve as a rulebook for applicants during the entrance exam process. They include important information for applicants, such as Admissions Policy, the entrance exam process, tuition fee, and so on.
*Admissions Policy
An admissions policy is a document prepared by each university or faculty that outlines the type of students the institution seeks, the principles behind its educational activities, and the methods used for selecting applicants. It serves as a guideline for entrance examinations and reflects the institution’s educational philosophy and distinctive features.
3. Check the university level or rank.
If the university you choose is listed in the world university rankings, it will not be difficult for your parents to understand the level of the institution. However, if the university is not included in the world rankings, you will need to explain to your parents where it stands among Japanese universities. In that case, the hensachi (deviation value) ranking of Japanese universities can serve as one useful reference. Of course, the quality of a university cannot be determined by hensachi alone, but it does provide one criterion for understanding its relative position among universities in Japan.
4. Check the location of the university
When choosing a university, it is important to understand the region in which the university is located. Each region has its own advantages, and you need to consider whether living there would suit your preferences. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website can be a useful reference for learning about the characteristics of each region.
https://www.japan.travel/en/us/
5. Check the living cost
Living costs also vary depending on the region. You should share information such as the cost of living in the area where your chosen university is located with your parents.
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/life/
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Japan
6. Get information from the university directly
Some universities offer online information sessions in English or even accept individual consultations. If there is information you cannot find on the university’s website (like support for international students) or if you have any questions, I recommend actively contacting the university directly by email in English. The information on the website is very limited and does not cover everything. If something is unclear, make sure to confirm it as early as possible.
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The process of choosing a university also leads directly to interview preparation. You need to carefully consider what your purpose for studying in Japan is, and which university you will choose to achieve that purpose. Take your time to think thoroughly when selecting a university.
