University
(大学 - Daigaku) in Japan

1. Purpose and Goals:

• Main Goal: To earn an academic degree through rigorous study and research.
• Undergraduate (学部 - Gakubu): Typically 4 years (Bachelor's Degree). Some fields like medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science take 6 years.
• Graduate (大学院 - Daigakuin): Master's Degree (修士 - Shūshi) usually 2 years; Doctoral Degree (博士 - Hakushi/Hakase) usually 3 years after Master's.
• Focus: Developing deep theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, research skills, and specialized expertise.

2. Types of Universities in Japan:

It's important to understand the different categories:

Type	Funding	Characteristics	Tuition (Approx. Annual)
National (国立 - Kokuritsu)	National Government	Highly prestigious, research-focused, located nationwide.	~ ¥540,000 (Standardized)
Public (公立 - Kōritsu)	Local Governments (Prefecture/City)	Quality education, strong local ties, fewer in number.	~ ¥540,000 - ¥700,000
Private (私立 - Shiritsu)	Tuition, Donations, Business	Majority of universities, vary greatly in size, reputation, fields. Many famous ones.	~ ¥800,000 - ¥1,500,000+ (Medical/Dental much higher)

3. Fields of Study:

Universities offer a vast range of academic disciplines, including: Humanities (literature, history, philosophy), Social Sciences (law, economics, sociology), Natural Sciences (physics, chemistry, biology), Engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, computer science), Agriculture, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Arts, Education, and more.

4. Pathways to University Entry:

There are two main routes for Myanmar students:

1. Pathway 1: Via Japanese Language School (Most Common for Japanese-Taught Programs):
   • Study Japanese intensively at a language school in Japan (1-2 years).
   • Achieve high Japanese proficiency (JLPT N1 or N2 is usually required, N1 often preferred for top universities).
   • Take the necessary entrance exams while in Japan:
     • EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students): Many universities require this. It tests Japanese language ability and academic subjects (Science, Japan and the World, Mathematics).
     • University's Own Entrance Exam: Most universities also have their own specific exams (written tests in relevant subjects, essays, interviews).
   • Apply to the university.
2. Pathway 2: Direct Entry from Myanmar:
   • For English-Taught Programs: Some universities offer degree programs taught entirely in English. You can apply directly from Myanmar. Requirements usually include high school transcripts, English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS), standardized test scores (like SAT/ACT, depending on the uni), essays, and interviews. Recently, it is said that the number of English-taught programs has increased, surpassing the number of Japanese-taught programs.
   • For Japanese-Taught Programs (Less Common for Direct Entry): If you already have high Japanese proficiency (N1/N2) achieved in Myanmar, you might be able to apply directly. However, you would likely need to:
     • Take the EJU (often available in major cities abroad, check availability).
     • Potentially travel to Japan specifically to take the university's own entrance exam (this can be logistically difficult and expensive).
   • Check each university's specific requirements for overseas applicants carefully.

5. Entry Requirements:

• Education: Completion of 12 years of schooling (or equivalent recognized for university admission).
• Language Proficiency:
  • Japanese-Taught Programs: High level required (JLPT N1/N2, high EJU Japanese score).
  • English-Taught Programs: High level of English required (TOEFL, IELTS scores meeting university standards).
• Entrance Examinations: EJU, JLPT (less common as primary requirement but sometimes accepted), and individual university entrance exams are standard. Requirements vary greatly by university and faculty.

6. Tuition Fees (学費 - Gakuhi):

• National: Approx. 540,000 Yen/year (plus admission/exam fees first year).
• Public: Varies, often slightly higher than national (approx. 540,000 - 700,000 Yen/year).
• Private: Varies widely, generally much higher (approx. 800,000 - 1,500,000+ Yen/year).
• Scholarships (奨学金 - Shōgakukin): Many scholarships are available (from the government MEXT, organizations JASSO, local governments, private foundations, and universities themselves). Competition is high, so research and apply early.

7. Financial Proof for COE (経費支弁能力証明 - Keihi Shiben Nōryoku Shōmei):

• Essential: You still need to prove you or your sponsor can cover tuition and living expenses when applying for the COE for your student visa.
• Amount: Depends on the university's tuition (national/public are cheaper) and the estimated living costs of the area.
• Process: After acceptance, the university will guide you on submitting the required financial documents for the COE application.

8. Graduation Requirements:

• Credits (単位 - Tan'i): Earn the required number of credits by passing courses.
• Thesis/Research: Often a graduation thesis (卒業論文 - Sotsugyō Ronbun) or research project is required for Bachelor's degrees, especially in sciences and engineering. Master's and PhD degrees always involve significant research and thesis/dissertation writing.
• Attendance: While perhaps less strict than language schools, regular attendance and participation are expected.

9. Enrollment Period (入学時期 - Nyūgaku Jiki):

• Primarily April: Most undergraduate programs start only in April.
• September/October Entry: Some universities, especially graduate schools and English-taught programs, offer September or October enrollment. Check each university.
• Application Timeline: Application periods are usually long before enrollment (often starting in the summer/autumn of the previous year for April entry). Deadlines are strict.

10. Big City (Tokyo, Osaka) vs. Regional Universities:

Location Type	Pros	Cons
Big Cities (Tokyo, Osaka, etc.)	Many famous universities, diverse job opportunities, exciting culture, large international communities, extensive transport.	Very high cost of living (esp. rent), highly competitive, crowded/impersonal.
Regional Areas	Significantly lower cost of living, calmer study environment, closer community ties, deeper cultural experience.	Fewer part-time jobs, less entertainment variety, potentially less convenient transport.

Recommendation: Consider Regional National Universities strongly! They often offer:

• High-quality education at a standardized, low tuition fee.
• Lower living costs, making your budget go further.
• Often have dedicated support systems for international students.
• A chance for deeper cultural immersion. Many excellent national universities are located outside the major metropolitan areas.

11. Part-time Work (アルバイト - Arubaito):

• Same Rules: The rules are the same: Permission required, up to 28 hours/week (more during long holidays), certain job types forbidden.

12. Accommodation (住居 - Jūkyo):

• University Dormitories: Often available, especially at national and public universities. Usually the cheapest option, but places can be limited and competitive. Apply early!
• Private Apartments: Always an option, but remember the high initial costs and challenges (guarantor). Rent is much cheaper in regional areas.
• Shared Houses/Guest Houses: Can be a good balance of cost and privacy.

13. General Life & Potential Challenges:

• Academic Rigor: University study is demanding and requires self-discipline and independent learning, especially compared to language school.
• Job Hunting (就職活動 - Shūshoku Katsudō): If you plan to work in Japan after graduation, the job-hunting process (Shukatsu) is unique and starts early (often in the 3rd year for a 4-year degree). Universities offer career support.
• Visa Status Change: Similar to Senmon Gakko, finding a job usually requires changing your visa status.