Hey, anyone know which colleges in Japan are the easiest for international students to get into? Could use some recommendations to broaden my college list.
Sure, I can give you a few suggestions. Applying to Japanese universities as an international student can be a rewarding path, but it's important to understand that each institution may have varying competitiveness and requirements.
The University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are often the first to come up, given their international prestige. However, they are also among the most competitive. Fortunately, Japan has several other universities that are known for being a bit more accessible, especially for international students.
Sophia University is a private Jesuit university in Tokyo known for its welcoming environment for international students and a wide array of English-taught programs. You might find the admissions process at Sophia University relatively smoother, and over 50% of its students are international students.
Waseda University, another private institution in Tokyo, offers more than 50 English-medium undergraduate courses and is considered a highly diverse and fairly accessible university.
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu is another excellent option, offering all of its classes in both English and Japanese. APU has a diverse student body, with over half of its student population coming from overseas.
Another approach may be through the Global 30 project. Global 30 is a project started by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan, which selected 13 universities to host degree programs entirely in English. These universities—which include Tohoku University, Nagoya University, and Kyushu University, among others—have been working to increase the number of courses available in English and generally provide comprehensive support for international students.
Remember, it's not just about getting in, but also about finding an institution where you will thrive acadically and personally for the next four years. Best of luck with your search!
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