Press Release

More Universities in Japan Are Offering Degrees in English──Kikokushijo Academy Releases Free Guide to Universities Where Students Can Earn a Degree in English

New English-taught programs are launching at institutions including the University of Tokyo and Tohoku University, expanding domestic higher education options

Jun 3, 2026

In recent years, the number of universities and academic programs in Japan offering degree programs taught entirely in English has been steadily increasing.

In response to this trend, Kikokushijo Academy (KA) has released Bluebook Select University Prep: University Admissions for Returnee and Bilingual Students, a guidebook that compiles information on English-taught university programs in Japan as well as the latest developments in Comprehensive Selection Admissions (formerly AO Admissions).

The guide provides an overview of domestic universities and faculties where students can earn degrees in English. It also introduces recent trends in Comprehensive Selection Admissions and examines the ongoing internationalization of Japanese higher education.

Looking Beyond Overseas Universities: Expanding Domestic Pathways

Traditionally, students seeking to leverage their English proficiency have often looked primarily toward universities abroad. In recent years, however, the number of English-taught degree programs within Japan has grown rapidly.

This shift has been driven by efforts to internationalize Japanese universities and by the expansion of Comprehensive Selection Admissions, which place greater emphasis on holistic evaluation.

Increasingly, universities are assessing applicants based not only on standardized academic examinations, but also on English proficiency across the four skills, research and inquiry activities, leadership experience, extracurricular involvement, essays, and interviews.

The guidebook includes commentary from education analyst Osamu Inoue on the internationalization of Japanese universities. It also introduces new English-medium programs scheduled to launch from 2027 onward, including the University of Tokyo's UTokyo College of Design and Tohoku University's Gateway College.

Key Features of Bluebook Select University Prep

1. Comprehensive Directory of English-Taught Universities and Programs in Japan

Focusing primarily on the 2026 admissions cycle, the guide includes information on universities and programs where students can earn degrees in English, including:

Akita International University
Waseda University
Keio University
Sophia University
Ritsumeikan University

The guide organizes key admissions information, including eligibility requirements, admissions methods, required English qualifications, and application timelines.

2. Clarifying What Universities Evaluate in Comprehensive Selection Admissions

Evaluation criteria and application requirements vary significantly among universities.

The guide addresses common questions for students and parents, including:

What types of activities are valued in admissions?
How are TOEFL and IELTS scores used?
What should students include in their personal statements?

By organizing these frequently misunderstood areas, the guide helps families better understand the admissions process.

3. Explaining Why Japanese Universities Are Changing

Beyond serving as a university directory, the guide explores the broader changes taking place within Japanese higher education.

Rather than studying English solely as an entrance examination subject, students increasingly have opportunities to pursue specialized academic fields through English, even within Japan.

The guide examines the factors driving this transformation and the opportunities it creates for future students.

Comment from Charles Knudsen

"Bluebook Select University Prep was created to help students and families navigate Japan's evolving university admissions landscape by providing clear, practical information on comprehensive selection pathways and English-medium university programs. Our goal is to give students and families the confidence to make informed decisions based on their strengths and aspirations."
— Charles Knudsen, Founder, Kikokushijo Academy / CEO, Global KA Holdings

▪️University Prep: Connecting English Learning to University Admissions

Beginning in the 2026 academic year, Kikokushijo Academy will launch its University Prep Program, designed to help students connect their English learning to future university admissions opportunities.

The program is open to students from Grade 9 through Grade 12 and supports those pursuing Comprehensive Selection Admissions and overseas university pathways through guidance on application essays, interviews, TOEFL, IELTS, and related preparation.

Program Details: https://www.kikokushijoacademy.com/core_program_jhhs