Juntendo University is one of Japan’s oldest private universities, founded in 1838 as a medical school. Located primarily in Tokyo, it is internationally recognized for excellence in medicine, health sciences, sports science, nursing, and biomedical research. The university currently has campuses in Tokyo, Mishima, and two in Chiba Prefecture.

As a medical institution, Juntendo University Hospital, established in 1838, was among the first hospitals in Japan to adopt Western medicine. Today, the university has no fewer than six affiliated hospitals across Japan. It was also the first Japanese medical institution to receive accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), an American non-profit organization that evaluates healthcare safety and quality standards.

Although Juntendo University is best known for medicine, it offers a wide range of academic programs across different disciplines and welcomes applications from international students. The university also provides several scholarship opportunities to help reduce the financial burden of tuition. Available scholarships include the MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship, Juntendo University scholarships, JASSO scholarships, external foundation scholarships, and research assistantships available in some laboratories.

Application periods vary by department and faculty. Generally, the university offers a Spring intake (April) and an Autumn intake (October). According to the information on its website, Juntendo University does not offer application fee waivers. However, successful applicants may receive scholarships that cover part of their tuition. The application fee is generally between ¥30,000 and ¥35,000, although it may vary by program. Applicants are also expected to pay an admission fee, which typically ranges from ¥200,000 to ¥300,000.

To apply, applicants must complete the application electronically, except for the handwritten signature section. The application form is provided as an Excel file with separate sheets for the front and back. Applicants must complete both sections and print them in colour where required.

The required documents include:

• Academic Transcript: Applicants must submit an official transcript issued by their university or graduate school within the last six months. The transcript should be in either Japanese or English. Applicants who have undergone an eligibility review should submit a transcript from the most recent educational institution they attended. Certificates from previous post-secondary institutions should also follow this requirement.

• Topical Essay: Applicants must write an essay describing the research topic they wish to pursue at the Juntendo University Graduate School, explaining their motivation and future research goals. The essay may be written in either Japanese or English. According to the university’s guidelines:

▪︎ Use an 11-point font.

▪︎ Write the text horizontally.

▪︎ Use either Gothic or Mincho font.

▪︎ Print on A4 paper (portrait orientation). The essay should be approximately two A4 pages. Japanese-language essays should be formatted with 40 lines per page and 40 characters per line.

▪︎ On the first page, write your name on the first line and your application category and class category on the second line.

▪︎ Include page numbers at the bottom of each page.

▪︎ Print single-sided on A4 paper where required.

• Language Proficiency: Depending on the program, the language of instruction may be English or Japanese. Unlike many Japanese universities, Juntendo University does not clearly state whether it grants language test waivers for applicants whose first language is English or Japanese or who previously studied in either language. Instead, the university requires applicants to meet one of the following minimum language requirements. Test scores must be from examinations taken on or after June 1, 2024.

1. TOEFL iBT: 60 or higher
2. IELTS Academic: 5.5 or higher
3. TOEIC: 600 or higher

• Photographs: Submit three passport-sized photographs taken within three months of the application date. The photographs must show the upper body, face forward, without a hat, and measure 4 cm × 3 cm. They should be attached to the designated spaces on the Application Form, Photo Verification Slip, and Examination Admission Slip. Applicants residing outside Japan should submit two photographs—one attached to the application form and one additional copy enclosed in the application package. Digitally altered or edited photographs are not accepted.

• Letter of Recommendation: Most graduate programs do not require recommendation letters. However, for programs that do, applicants are generally expected to submit two or three letters from academic or professional referees who can attest to their academic ability and research potential.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Résumé: A CV is not mandatory for every program, but some departments require one. In certain faculties, applicants may be asked to submit a portfolio instead of a CV.

Click the link below to access the university’s website and application form: https://www.juntendo.ac.jp

Find other opportunities here.