Nagoya University is one of Japan’s oldest and leading national research universities. With a history dating back to 1871, the university was officially established in 1939 in Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city. It is internationally recognized for excellence in research and innovation, and several of its researchers have been awarded the Nobel Prize. The university is also a member of Japan’s prestigious National Seven Universities.

Nagoya University welcomes thousands of international students and offers a wide range of English-taught graduate programmes across the sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, medicine, agriculture, law, economics, education, and environmental studies.

The university offers several scholarship opportunities for international students. According to its website, applicants may be eligible for the MEXT (Japanese Government Scholarship), the Nagoya University Tuition Exemption Program, Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) scholarships, local government scholarships, private foundation scholarships, and country-specific scholarship programmes.

Currently, the university has two admission intakes: the April (Spring) intake and the October (Autumn) intake. For its English-taught G30 graduate programmes, Nagoya University generally offers two application rounds each year. However, application periods and programme availability vary by graduate school and department. Applicants are therefore advised to consult the website of their intended programme for the exact application schedule, deadlines, and admission requirements. The university charges an application fee of approximately ¥30,000 (Japanese Yen). Nagoya University may grant application fee exemptions in specific situations, such as for applicants affected by major natural disasters and certain government-sponsored scholarship recipients.

To apply for admission, applicants should take note of the following requirements:

• Graduation Diploma/Award Verification Letter: Submit an award verification letter (e.g., Certificate of Graduation) for your bachelor’s or master’s degree, or a Prospective Graduation Letter if you are currently enrolled in a degree programme. The document must include the institution’s official seal or signature, the degree title, and the date of graduation (or expected graduation). It must be submitted to the International Admissions Office either as an official hard copy by post or as a digital academic statement through one of the approved digital credential services.

Please note that simple PDF copies uploaded through the online application system, or unsigned or unstamped PDF copies sent by applicants, will not be accepted.

• Academic Transcripts: Academic transcripts must include the institution’s official seal or signature and a grading scale or grade assessment standards. Like the graduation certificate, transcripts must be submitted either as official hard copies by post or through one of the approved digital credential services.

Please note that simple PDF uploads and unsigned or unstamped copies will not be accepted.

• English Proficiency Test Scores: Applicants should upload a PDF copy of their English proficiency test results or an English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) certificate issued by their university through the online application portal.

• Research Proposal: Applicants should upload their research proposal through the Online Admissions System. They should also consult their department’s website to determine whether a word limit applies or whether a designated template must be used.

• Letters of Reference: Applicants are required to provide at least two referees who can attest to their academic ability or professional competence. Referees may be academic staff or professionals in the applicant’s field of work. Recommendation letters must be submitted directly by the referees through the Online Admissions System.

• Summary of Graduation Research: Applicants should submit a summary of their undergraduate or graduate research. They should consult the programme requirements to determine whether a designated format is required.

• Major Publications: Where applicable, applicants should upload digital copies of their publications or academic papers through the Online Admissions System.

• Documents Demonstrating Other Strengths: Applicants may submit additional documents that strengthen their application. Documents written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation verified by a notary or other authorised translator.

• Copy of Passport/Government-Issued ID and Residence Card: Applicants should upload a copy of their passport or government-issued identification card through the Online Admissions System. Applicants with dual citizenship who hold Japanese nationality should also submit a copy of their Japanese passport. Foreign nationals residing in Japan must submit copies of both the front and back of their Residence Card (在留カード).

• Other Required Documents: Applicants should carefully review the admission requirements for their chosen programme. Not all departments require a Statement of Purpose, and not all require prospective applicants to obtain a supervisor’s permission before applying. Applicants should confirm the specific requirements and word limits for each programme.

For more information, visit: https://admissions.g30.nagoya-u.ac.jp/admissions/graduateprograms/

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