Universities in Japan You Can Apply to in English Only: J-CALP English Interview Preparation
- Rie T
- Nov 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 18
“I want to study at a Japanese university, but my Japanese isn’t good enough…”
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many people think that “you must be fluent in Japanese” to apply to a Japanese university.Of course, since you’ll study in Japan, some level of Japanese ability is important.
However — more and more universities now allow you to complete the entire application process (application documents, essays, and interviews) in English only.
In other words, even if you’re not confident in your Japanese, you can still apply to Japanese universities using your IELTS or TOEFL score and an English interview.
“I want to study in Japan, but I’m not ready to score high on the EJU yet…”
For those students — especially international and international-school students — J-CALP has organized a clear, level-based list of “Universities in Japan You Can Apply to in English Only.”
⭐️ Difficulty ★★★★★ | World-Class Top Universities
University of Tokyo — PEAK (Programs in English at Komaba)
📍 Meguro-ku, Tokyo (Komaba Campus)
🔗 https://peak.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ Japan’s most prestigious English-degree program, offering two majors: Japan in East Asia and Environmental Sciences. The English interview requires deep critical thinking, attracting highly competitive applicants from around the world.
Waseda University — SILS / SPSE
📍 Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Waseda Campus)
SILS: One of Japan’s leading English-based liberal arts programs. SPSE: The School of Political Science and Economics also offers English-track admissions.Applicants are evaluated on advanced English proficiency and logical thinking.
Sophia University — Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA)
📍 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Yotsuya Campus)
A top-tier liberal arts faculty taught entirely in English.Requires broad, analytical understanding of humanities, social sciences, and international issues.
International Christian University (ICU)
📍 Mitaka City, Tokyo
One of the few Japanese universities with no Japanese-language requirement. Renowned for liberal arts education and strong historical ties to the Imperial Family.
⭐️ Difficulty ★★★★ | Popular Global Universities
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
📍 Beppu, Oita Prefecture
A multicultural campus welcoming students from over 90 countries.
English interviews emphasize self-awareness and clarity of future goals.
Ritsumeikan University — Global Studies / GLA
📍 Kyoto City & Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture
Study international relations and regional studies in English.
In AO admissions, your ability to express yourself clearly in English is crucial.
Doshisha University — Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA)
📍 Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
A liberal arts program with a strong international atmosphere. Logical and persuasive self-expression is essential.
⭐️ Difficulty ★★★–★★★★ | STEM (Science & Engineering) Programs in English
Nagoya University — G30 Program
📍 Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
English-taught degrees in Engineering, Science, and Economics. Applicants must explain their research interests in English. SAT/ACT optional.
Tohoku University — Future Global Leadership (FGL)
📍 Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture (Aobayama / Katahira Campuses)
🔗 https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/degree/undergraduate-english/
STEM-focused English programs with October enrollment.
Pay attention to deadlines; math and science fundamentals are also evaluated.
Tokyo Institute of Technology — GSEP
📍 Meguro-ku, Tokyo (Ookayama Campus)
Japan’s only national university program combining Engineering × English. Strong English ability and STEM understanding are required.
Osaka University — English Engineering Program
📍 Toyonaka / Suita, Osaka Prefecture 🔗 https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en
Top Kansai-area university offering English-track STEM programs (availability varies by year).
⭐️ Difficulty ★★★ | Easier Options to Challenge
Tokyo International University (TIU E-Track)
📍 Ikebukuro, Tokyo / Kawagoe, Saitama
Accepts TOEFL 60–80 or IELTS 5.5–6.5.
Popular majors: Business and Digital Business.
Offers generous scholarship programs.
Tama University — Global Studies
📍 Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture (Shonan Campus)
🔗 https://www.tama.ac.jp/english/
English interviews available for Liberal Arts programs.
Some courses may require Japanese, so check details carefully.
⚠️ The Hidden Trap of “English-Only” Admissions
In Japan, fluent English does not automatically guarantee success.
Universities evaluate your:
Logical structure of responses
Understanding of your intended major
Knowledge of Japanese society and culture
Consistency of motivation
Ability to handle in-depth questions
Simply “speaking English well” is not enough to pass.
🧩 J-CALP’s “Hybrid English Interview Preparation” Makes the Difference
1️⃣ Japanese instructors build the academic content universities look for — motivation, research topics, social awareness, and logical flow.
2️⃣ Native English instructors polish your English — improving fluency, natural phrasing, and culturally appropriate argumentation.
3️⃣ Only J-CALP combines both content and language instruction in a hybrid system, giving you a competitive edge.
Meet our instructors:
🔗www.j-calp.com/en/teachers
🎯 For Students Who Want to Apply to Japanese Universities in English
If you:
Want to apply to Japanese universities in English
Feel anxious about English interviews
Don’t know how to write your SOP (Statement of Purpose)
Want to find universities that fit your profile
👉 Contact J-CALP today!
All lessons (except for study-abroad prep courses) can be booked one by one.
8-lesson and 16-lesson packages come with discounts!
📩 Contact us here:
🔗 https://www.j-calp.com/en/contact-8
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