Can I study in Japan without IELTS in 2025-2026?
Yes, many universities and scholarship programs in Japan allow international students to apply without IELTS. This is great news for students who want to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD studies in Japan but do not have an IELTS score. Instead of English tests Japanese universities often accept English proficiency certificates from your previous institution or focus on your academic performance, research potential, and study plan.
Studying in Japan without IELTS is now easier with fully funded scholarships like:
- MEXT Scholarship 2025-26 – Japan’s most prestigious fully funded program
- JASSO Scholarships – financial support for international students
- University Scholarships – Tokyo University, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and many others
Check out our guide on MEXT Scholarship 2026
Key Highlights of Japan Scholarships Without IELTS
- No IELTS Requirement – Many universities accept English Proficiency Certificates instead.
- Fully Funded Options – Scholarships cover tuition, living costs, health insurance, and even flights.
- Government & University Scholarships – MEXT, JASSO, and university-funded programs available.
- Focus on Academics – Selection is based on grades, research interest, and potential.
- Inclusive – Students from all regions and backgrounds can apply.
- Application Timeline – Most deadlines open between April – October 2025.
Also Check: Fully Funded Study in Finland Without IELTS 2025-2026 Scholarships
Study in Japan Without IELTS Summary
| Study In | Japan |
| Available For | Internationals |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
| Scholarship Types | Funded + Fully Funded |
| Last Apply Date | Differ by Scholarship |
Why Consider Japan as Your Study Destination?
No IELTS Needed
- You can show your English skills in other ways like
- A letter from your old school saying you studied in English.
- Doing an interview or test from the university.
- Learning Japanese if your course is in Japanese.
Fully Paid Scholarships
- MEXT Scholarship pays for everything like tuition fees and monthly stipend around 117000 to 148000 yen flights and a place to stay.
- JASSO Scholarships help with money for short courses or full degrees.
- Universities like Osaka University give their own scholarships too.
- Many Other Scholarships and Universities in Japan offer fully paid programs
Other Benefits of Study In Japan
- Round-trip airfare
- Learn at top schools with great labs and teachers.
- Local transportation
- Meal allowance
- See Japans mix of old culture and new technology.
- Free accommodation
- Work in Japan after finishing your studies.
- Travel insurance
Also Read: Scholarships in Qatar Without IELTS 2025-2026: Fully Funded Study Program
Top Scholarships in Japan Without IELTS 2025/26
Osaka University Scholarship
This scholarship is paid by Osaka University in Japan. It is for Master and PhD students. Students can study at a top university in Japan and learn in a great school environment.
Key Points:
- Provider: Osaka University
- Study level: Master, PhD
- Who can apply: Students from other countries wanting to study hard
- Benefits: Full school fees money every month and help with studies
Apply For Osaka University Scholarship
Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship
MEXT gives this for Master and PhD at Hokkaido University. For international students who are smart and want to do research.
Key Points:
- Provider: Japan Government MEXT
- Study level: Master, PhD
- Who can apply: Students with good grades and research goals
- Benefits: Full school fees monthly money and travel help
- Focus: Learn advanced things in a lively school
Apply For Hokkaido MEXT Scholarship
University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship
A top scholarship from MEXT to study at Japan’s best university. For Master and PhD students who are very smart and want to do big research.
Key Points:
- Provider: Japan Government MEXT
- Study level: Master, PhD
- Who can apply: Students with top grades and meet course rules
- Benefit: No school fees money every month and research help
- How to apply: Get picked by the university or through embassy
Apply For U of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship
Keio University ADB Japan Scholarship
ADB Japan and Keio University give this for Master students from ADB countries. It is for studying development and leadership.
Key Points:
- Provider: ADB and Japan Government
- Study level: Master
- Who can apply: People from ADB countries studying development
- Benefits: School fees house money every month and travel money
- Goal: Teach students to help their countries grow
Apply For Keio University ADB Scholarship
Yokohama National University MEXT Scholarship
This scholarship is paid by Japan Government MEXT. It is for Master and PhD students. Students need very good grades and new research ideas. It helps cultural exchange and learning at Yokohama National University.
Key Points:
- Provider: Japan Government MEXT
- Study level: Master, PhD
- Who can apply: Students from other countries with top grades and research plans
- Benefits: Full school fees money every month and travel money
- Objective: To connect people worldwide and learn in Japan
Apply For YNU MEXT Scholarship
Kyoto University ADB Scholarship
ADB and Kyoto University give this for Master students from ADB countries. It is for studying development topics.
Key Points:
- Provider: ADB and Japan Government
- Study level: Master
- Who can apply: ADB country students studying development
- Benefits: School fees monthly money and travel costs
- Aim: Prepare students to fix problems in their countries
Kyoto University ADB Scholarship
Hiroshima University Scholarships
Hiroshima University offers many scholarships for different programs. It is a good public university for students to study and learn new things.
Key Points:
- Provider: Hiroshima University
- Study level: Many levels like college Master PhD
- Who can apply: Students from other countries with good grades
- Benefits: Help with school fees or living money
- Purpose: Let students learn and grow in their studies
Apply For Hiroshima University Scholarship
APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship
MEXT gives this to Master and PhD students at APU. The university picks students who are smart and can lead.
Key Points:
- Provider: Japan Government MEXT
- Study level: Master, PhD
- Who can apply: Students chosen by APU
- Benefits: Full school fees monthly money and travel help
- Focus: Learn to lead in a mix of cultures
Also See: Study In France Without IELTS With Scholarship 2025/26:
Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships for Young Leaders
MEXT gives this scholarship for the Young Leaders Program at GRIPS. It is for Master students who want to learn to lead and work in government.
Key Points:
- Provider: Japan Government MEXT
- Study level: Master
- Who can apply: Students who want to be leaders and do big work
- Benefits: All school fees living money and travel costs
- Goal: Teach students to lead and solve big problems
Apply For Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship For Young Leaders
Hanjo Foundation Scholarship
Helps students from poor countries study in Japan. For college Master and PhD students with good grades.
Key Points:
- Provider: Hanjo Foundation
- Study level: Bachelor, Master, PhD
- Who can apply: Smart students from poor countries
- Benefits: Some or all school fees and living money
- Purpose: Let students learn and share cultures
Apply Now Hanjo Foundation Scholarship
English Alternatives Tests 2025-2026 (Study in Japan Without IELTS)
If you want to study in Japan without taking the IELTS here are some other options:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- Many universities in Japan accept this test.
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
- This test checks your English skills for work and business.
EIKEN Test
- This is a popular test in Japan for practical English skills.
Duolingo English Test
- A quick and easy online test that is becoming more popular.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
- A computer-based test that many schools accept.
University’s Own English Test
- Some universities in Japan have their own English tests for admission.
Degree from an English-Speaking Country
- If you have a degree from a country where English is the main language you might not need to take another test.
Cambridge English Exams
- These include two main tests:
- C1 Advanced
- C2 Proficiency
How You Can Study in Japan?
1- Programs in English: Many universities in Japan offer courses taught in English.
List of Universities in Japan Without IELTS 2025
- Meiji University
- Hiroshima University
- University of Tokyo
- Toyohashi University of Technology
- University of Tsukuba
- Yokohama National University
- Asia Pacific University Japan
- University of Sistema
2- Other English Tests: Schools accept tests like TOEFL or Cambridge English exams instead of IELTS.
3- Previous Education or Work in English: If you studied or worked in English before you might not need to take a test.
4- Preparatory Courses: Some universities have special courses to help international students improve their English.
5- Good Grades: Strong academic performance might let you skip language tests.
6- Check University Requirements: Look at the language rules of the schools you want to apply to.
7- Contact Admissions Office: Talk to the admissions team for clear guidance.