FAQs
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About Nagoya University
Are the programs in Nagoya University internationally recognized?
International rankings are a good reference of quality and international recognition. Due to the high achievements of Ngoya University’s alumni and researchers, we are ranked top 32 in Asia (QS2025) with acclaim to 6 Nobel Laureates of this century, all in Chemistry and Physics.
How many international students are studying at Nagoya University?
Currently approximately 15% of the Nagoya University student population are international students from 103 countries from all over the world. As of 2025 the University counted 2,326 international students out of the total student population 16,185. Nagoya University aims to increase the number of international students every year. For more information, click here.
How many years does it take to obtain a bachelor’s degree at Nagoya University?
It takes four years to complete undergraduate degree programs.
Where is Nagoya University located?
Nagoya is Japan’s fourth largest city with all the conveniences of a large metropolis, including an international airport with direct flights to the world’s major destinations. A lively cultural scene, shops, restaurants and leisure activities for all tastes make it an exciting place to live. The Chubu region, located in the heart of Japan, is between Tokyo (1.5hours by bullet train) and Kyoto (1 hour).
For more information, please go to the For Visitors page.
Can I visit Nagoya University?
Yes, we welcome all prospective applicants who would like to visit Higashiyama campus. If the timing matches your visit schedule, you can join a student-led campus tour that we organize irregularly. For more information, please go to the For Visitors page.
About Admissions
How can I apply?
You can submit your application online through our website. Please check out the [Admissions] tab for more information regarding admission requirements and deadlines. The whole admission process can be completed online.
When and where will the interview be held?
An invitation to the interview will be sent out only to shortlisted applicants. Most interviews will be held in the spring (Feb-April) but some graduate programs hold interviews also during the summer. Interviews are conducted via Zoom regardless of where an applicant resides.
How can I check my application status?
Throughout the process, applicants are able to check their status by logging in to the Online Admissions System (T-Cens).
I see Nagoya University has multiple rounds for application. Can I apply twice a year?
An applicant can apply only for one round per academic year. Some programs are only opened for 1st round, so please check the latest admission requirements for the details.
What is the difference between 1st round and 2nd round?
Some programs are only open for 1st round. We recommend you checking the latest admission requirements to see if the program you are interested in offers 2nd round or not. 1st round and 2nd round applicants are treated equally.
Is English proficiency required to all applicants?
If you attend more than three years of education where English is a medium of instruction, then you are exempted from submitting English proficiency test scores but must provide a proof of the medium of instruction.
Applicants who have received less than three years of education in a middle/ high school (secondary to upper secondary) in which English is the primary language of instruction must submit an English proficiency test score.
You can find a list of tests we accept from the Application Requirements.
Can I apply to start in the Spring Semester?
G30 International Programs do not offer spring semester admissions; students can only apply for the fall semester, which starts in October.
I cannot pay the application fee/registration fee using PayPal, what should I do?
There are three methods of payment: Paypal, Flywire and domestic bank transfer. We understand that PayPal may not be available in some countries, in which case you can opt to pay via Flywire or by domestic bank transfer if you currently reside in Japan. Flywire offers a couple of options including overseas bank transfer. When an applicant goes in and clicks the Pay on the portal (T-Cens), three pay options will appear. If you choose flywire, you are allowed to make a payment request via the Flywire’s payment portal by selecting the country you currently reside in. When you finish, the system-generated banking instructions will be made available. With the given banking instructions, the applicant can choose to complete your payment via online banking or by visiting your local bank in person.
When can I reapply to Nagoya University if I am denied admission?
Students may only apply once in one academic year, regardless of program and admission round. Students who have been denied admission to any program must wait one year before re-applying to Nagoya University.
Can I re-use my application documents for next year’s admission?
No, as we will discard all application documents once all admission rounds are over, students need to submit all required documents once again.
How do I cancel or withdraw my application for admission if I have decided not to apply to or enroll?
Please log in to the T-cens online admissions system and click on the “withdrawal” button or contact us directly through message function on T-cens.
Is it possible to delay or defer my admission to a future term?
No, our admission offer is only valid for the intake in which the student is admitted. In cases where students would like to enroll at Nagoya University in a further term, they will have to re-apply.
Do you accept credit transfer? I am currently enrolled at another university and wish to transfer into the second year of the G30 undergraduate program, applying my previously earned credits.
No, we do not accept credits from other institutions. All admitted students start as freshmen and complete 4 years of our bachelor’s degree program.
I am not intending to study for four years in Japan. Do you have short-term studies or study-abroad program?
Yes, Nagoya University offers an short-term exchange program but only for international students who are studying at an educational institution with an academic exchange agreement with Nagoya University. Please check the details from the links below and contact “NUPACE Office” if you have any inquiry.
Nagoya University Program For Academic Exchange
I would like to join Japanese language courses at Nagoya University.
Our Japanese language courses are only open to international students who are currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student in a university with an academic exchange agreement with Nagoya University. Please check “Nagoya University Program For Academic Exchange” for more information.
All admitted students of our Undergraduate programs will be taking Japanese language classes for the first year.
Where can I find the list of Research Group?
Please check the following link to look for a potential supervisor. Some programs require you to make a pre-inquiry prior to application. Please read the admission requirement of the program you are applying for carefully.
About Programs
I am interested in Computer Science and the field of Artificial Intelligence. Is there any program that suits me?
No. As of 2025, the G30 program does not offer programs that teach Computer Science or Information Technology exclusively.
What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering (Auto Mec) and Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering (Auto Elec) which are both under Automotive Engineering Program?
At Mechanical Engineering Program you learn mechanical aspects of vehicles, such as car engines and its body structure. Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering forces on car’s software component including programming and signal processing.
More information available on our YouTube channel:
What is the difference in Chemistry program between School of Science (ChemSci) and School of Engineering (ChemEn)?
In ChemSci, there are 3 main departments: Inorganic and analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and organic chemistry. On the fourth year you will choose one lab from these three departments. After completing 4 years you will get a Bachelor of Science degree.
ChemEn is under 3 main departments: materials chemistry, biomolecular engineering, molecular and macromolecular chemistry. On the fourth year you will choose one lab from these three departments. After completing 4 years you will get a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
More information available on our YouTube channel
Will I become qualified to be a lawyer if I study at the Law program?
No. To qualify as a licensed lawyer in Japan, several steps must be completed following the attainment of a bachelor’s degree. The primary pathway involves enrolling in a graduate-level law school, where students typically undertake a two-year program of legal studies. Upon completion, candidates must pass the National Bar Examination.
Please note that both the graduate-level legal education and the National Bar Examination are conducted entirely in Japanese. Each country has its own system for lawyer qualification, so please consult official sources in your home country if you intend to pursue legal certification there.
About submitting documents
Is SAT or ACT required to apply?
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not mandatory. However, if you have taken either test and believe your scores will enhance your application, you are encouraged to include them. For applicants to STEM programs, a SAT Math score above 700 can be a significant advantage. Please refer to the Admissions Statistics for information on the range of scores (minimum and maximum) among previously admitted students.
What is the minimum score required for SAT/ACT?
We do not have a minimum score requirement for SAT/ACT, but you may want to refer to the admission statistics of the admitted students in the past.
Is EJU required to apply?
EJU is not mandatory. If you would like to submit your EJU score, please submit it as “Documents Showing Other Strengths”.
Do you accept AP tests for credit after enrollment?
No, we do not accept credits from other institutions.
My referees do not possess official email address. How can they send reference letters?
We recommend using the referee’s school email address if possible when you register with the system. If they do not have official email addresses, they can send the letters to AO by post.
Requirements:
(1) The reference letter must be written on the referee’s school or institution’s letterhead and be signed or stamped by the referee.
(2) The reference letter must be submitted either a.) online / Email (recommended) or b.) by post directly by the referee.
(3) The reference letter submitted directly by the applicant is not accepted.
(4) A reference letter typed in the email body is not accepted.
My referees are retired or work in a different school. How can they submit the reference letters?
Referees who are currently employed at another educational institution may submit their reference letters using the official email address and letterhead of their current school. Please note that reference letters from retired educators will not be accepted.
Eligibility Check
I am studying at an international school in Japan. Can I apply to G30 International Programs?
Applicants who satisfies one of the requirements below are eligible to apply.
1) The applicant who has completed, or expect to complete, a 12-year education curriculum in a school accredited by WASC, ACSI, CIS, NEASC, Cognia or COBIS; or
2) The applicant has acquired, or is expected to acquire the International Baccalaureate, the Abitur, the French Baccalauréat, or the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level (A-Level).
Generally speaking, if you are currently studying in an international school in Japan and have studied international curriculum (non-regular Japanese educational system) for at least the last 2 years of your high/upper secondary school education, your education background should be accepted.
If you are not sure about your eligibility, please contact the Admissions Office at least one month prior to respective admissions.
In order to help us determine your eligibility, please provide the name, location, and website of your school if there is one available.
Please also check eligibility requirements in the Application Requirements.
My Japanese language is elementary level. Am I still eligible to apply?
Japanese language proficiency is not required for admission. Our G30 Programs are taught entirely English. However, students for undergraduate programs are required to take Japanese language classes during their freshman year and may opt into additional language classed during subsequent years.
Can I apply even if I am a current high school student at the time of application?
Yes, you can apply as long as you meet the eligibility requirement and will graduate from high school by university enrollment. You are asked to submit the official copies of a certificate of graduation and final academic transcripts before August 1 of the year of admission.
Is the GED/OSSD recognized as an educational qualification for application eligibility?
We only accept GED/OSSD for applicants from the United States/Canada. However, those who are outside of US/Canada in exceptional cases can be considered. This case we need to check your home-schooling educational background (why you made this choice) and completion of middle school. Please contact the Admissions Office directly at least one month before the first day of the application period within which you intend to apply. Please provide us with your academic history and website of your school when sending inquiry.
I will not be 18 years old by September 30 of the year I enroll in university. Am I eligible?
If you are to complete a 12 year curriculum by September 30 in the year of intended university enrollment – at an educational institution located outside Japan or within a non-Japanese educational system—or who are expected to obtain the IB or A-level qualifications by the aforementioned date, are considered eligible to apply.
More information please check “Eligibility for Application” on Admission Requirement.
Enrollment
How can I apply for a Student Visa?
To study in Japan, non-Japanese passport holders should obtain a valid visa before entering Japan.
All admitted students who need to apply for Student Visa will be supported and guided by Nagoya University throughout the following steps.
1. Apply for “Certificate of Eligibility”(COE) through Nagoya University
2. Receive COE and “Letter of Admission”(LOA) from Nagoya University
3. Apply for a Student Visa to the nearest Japanese diplomatic missions (embassy or consulate) by submitting COE and LOA
4. Enter Japan along with the CoE, LOA and issued Student Visa.
When am I supposed to arrive in Japan?
Around mid-September, which is approximately a few weeks before the entrance ceremony held on October 1. After arrival, all new students will join the orientation organized by the Admissions Office to settle themselves in Japan and Nagoya University.
How many students will be enrolled in each program?
One feature of the International Programs at Nagoya University is the small class size. 5-10 students will be enrolled in each program, which allows close relationships with fellow classmates and faculty members.
Will there be some kind of orientation before classes start?
Yes, before the entrance ceremony in October there will be a series of different orientations scheduled during mid to end of September and all incoming students are due to attend.
May I change majors after enrollment?
No, you will need to decide your major at the time of application. Please check your intended program’s details such as its syllabus, graduation requirements and lab list etc. on the website and contact us if you would like to know more about the research available under a specific program.
About Student Life
Are there dormitories available for G30 students?
There is a couple of university dormitories available for first-year NU students and those enrolled in G30 International Programs can apply. G30 students of undergraduate program housed in the Ishida Memorial International Residence Myoken which was constructed in 2011.
How do I find an apartment? How much is the rental fee for an apartment?
After the first year, the Global Engagement Center Support Team and Nagoya University Co-op will host an apartment hunting orientation to help our students search for private apartments and other places for accommodation. There are many nice apartments around the NU campus, and many of our students walk or bike to university. A monthly rent usually ranges from JPY 30,000 to 50,000. You can also find more information on Always NU.
How much will it usually cost to live in Nagoya?
Compared to other big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, living expenses in Nagoya are relatively affordable. For your reference, a monthly rent for a single room apartment usually ranges from JPY 30,000 to 50,000. Personal expenses could range from JPY 30,000 to 50,000 per month. In total, living expense per month would be around JPY 80,000. Please note, however, that it also could depend on the students’ lifestyle and spending habits/patterns.
For details reference of average living costs in Japan can be found here:
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/life/cost-of-living/ (External website “Study in Japan Official Website” run by JASSO)
What kinds of club activities are available at Nagoya University?
From cultural to vocational and from athletics to academics, there are more than 100 students’ clubs and societies at NU. If you are interested in Japanese cultural clubs, you could join a tea ceremony club, manga club, Judo, Kendo, Sumo team and so on. Please find more information HERE
Are services in English available for non-Japanese speakers on campus?
At each school, there is an international student advisor whom you can ask and consult about your school life or any academic issue. We also have English speakers at the International Student Center, as well as at the Admissions Office for the International Programs.
Do I have the chance to meet the local students?
Usually, international students get to know the local students by joining club/circles. Please find more information HERE
Can I work part-time as an international student?
International students are allowed to work up to 28 hours a week. During a long break, you may be able to work for a maximum of 8 hours a day, up to 40 hours a week. In order to work part-time, you must apply for permission to take part in activities not covered by your visa status. It is sometimes difficult to find part-time work, especially when your Japanese language ability is limited.
Is it difficult to live in Nagoya without Japanese language ability?
Japanese language ability is of advantage; however, it is not necessary. Furthermore, since all non-Japanese G30 students in undergraduate program will receive intensive Japanese class during the first year, your language ability will develop gradually.
Scholarship and Financial Aid
How can I apply for a scholarship?
All applicants are eligible to apply for the Nagoya University Global 30 Undergraduate Scholarship and University Recommendation MEXT scholarship. Please select “Yes” to the scholarship application on the admission system at the time of application.
The recipient of the scholarship will be selected based on merit and need. Please submit an application form and an income statement of your financial supporter together with the supporting documents for your program application.
G30 Scholarship and MEXT scholarship are only available at the time of application so you cannot apply for those scholarships after enrollment in Nagoya University. Instead, enrolled students can apply for a tuition waiver with valid reasons and proof. The tuition waiver can be available from 50% to 100% and the application will be opened after the enrollment
Also, there should be other private scholarships/financial aids available sponsored by outside organizations after enrollment.
You can find more information on Tuition and Financial Aid page and Always NU
Is MEXT scholarship available for applying through Nagoya University?
The MEXT Scholarship offers two distinct application tracks: the University Recommendation and the Embassy Recommendation.
For the University Recommendation under the undergraduate program, applicants who select “Yes” to the question regarding their intention to apply for the MEXT Scholarship within our application system will automatically be considered for nomination.
For the Embassy Recommendation, applicants must apply directly through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Please refer to the official website of the relevant Japanese diplomatic mission for detailed information and application procedures. If you are nominated by the Japanese Embassy, kindly indicate this in our application system at the time of submission.
Please be advised that the MEXT Scholarship is highly competitive. The number of available scholarships is limited and varies annually.
How can I apply for a scholarship?
Since scholarship opportunities may differ from program to program, please contact the graduate school of your choice directly to learn about the financial aid programs available for international students. You can also refer to our Tuition and Financial Aid page and Always NU for more information.
Is MEXT scholarship available for applying through Nagoya University?
Since scholarship opportunities may differ from program to program, please contact the graduate school of your choice directly to learn about the financial aid programs available for international students. You can also refer to our Tuition and Financial Aid page and Always NU for more information.
Can I have my application fee waived?
No, most applicants are required to pay an application fee (5,000yen). Only applicants who have been already chosen as MEXT scholarship recipients are eligible for application fee waiver. Those students much submit a letter of MEXT Scholarship.
