일반적으로 학사학위를 취득했다면 석사과정·박사전기과정 지원자격을 충족하는 경우가 많습니다. 다만 학력과 학위 인정은 대학원별로 확인해야 합니다.
Q대학 졸업예정자도 지원할 수 있나요?+
A
많은 대학원에서 입학 전까지 졸업하는 것을 조건으로 ‘졸업예정’ 상태로 지원할 수 있습니다. 졸업예정증명서 등이 필요하므로 모집요강을 확인하세요.
Q3년제 대학·단기대학·전문학교 졸업자도 지원할 수 있나요?+
A
일반 지원자격에 해당하지 않아도 대학원에 따라 ‘개별 입학자격 심사’를 통해 지원 가능해질 수 있습니다. 일반 지원기간 전에 별도로 ‘개별 입학자격 심사’를 위한 기간이 정해져 있는 경우가 있으므로 미리 확인해 두는 것이 좋습니다.
Q지원에는 어떤 서류가 필요한가요?+
A
일반적으로 입학원서, 졸업·졸업예정증명서, 성적증명서, 연구계획서, 어학능력증명, 이력서 등이 필요합니다. 추천서, 졸업논문 요약, 지도교수 승인서가 필요한 곳도 있습니다.
Q해외에서 발급한 증명서는 일본어로 번역해야 하나요?+
A
일본어 또는 영어 이외의 증명서는 번역이 필요할 수 있습니다. 본인 번역이 가능한지, 대학이나 공적기관의 증명이 필요한지는 대학원마다 다르므로 반드시 확인하세요.
Q일본에 거주 중인 유학생도 온라인 지원할 수 있나요?+
A
온라인 지원(Web 지원)을 실시하는지 여부는 학교에 따라 다릅니다. 온라인 지원을 실시하는 경우 일본 국내에서도 웹상에서 지원 절차를 진행해야 합니다. 다만 웹 등록만으로 끝나지 않고 증명서 원본 우편발송이나 별도 제출이 필요할 수 있습니다. 마감일이 웹등록·전형료 결제·서류 도착 중 무엇을 의미하는지도 확인하세요.
서류심사, 전문과목, 영어, 일본어, 소논문, 면접, 구술시험 등을 조합해 실시하는 경우가 일반적입니다. 연구과와 전공마다 크게 다르므로 모집요강과 기출문제를 확인하세요.
Q면접에서는 어떤 질문을 받나요?+
A
지원동기, 연구주제를 선택한 이유, 연구목적·방법, 대학에서 배운 내용, 왜 해당 지도교수를 희망하는지, 수료 후 진로 등을 자주 묻습니다. 연구계획서 내용을 자신의 말로 설명할 수 있도록 준비하세요.
Q구술시험(口頭試問)이란 무엇인가요?+
A
면접 형식으로 연구계획이나 전문지식을 질문하는 시험입니다. 단순한 지원동기 확인이 아니라 기초지식과 논리적으로 설명하는 능력을 평가할 수 있습니다.
Q전문시험은 어떻게 준비해야 하나요?+
A
먼저 희망 연구과의 기출문제가 공개되어 있는지 확인하세요. 대학 시절 기초과목을 복습하고 희망 분야에서 많이 사용하는 교재와 전문용어를 정리합니다. 연구실이나 연구과가 안내하는 참고문헌이 있다면 우선 읽으세요.
Q면접은 일본어로 진행되나요?+
A
일본어로 실시하는 대학원이 많지만 영어 프로그램이나 연구과에 따라 영어로 진행되기도 합니다. 일부 질문만 영어로 하는 경우도 있습니다. 모집요강에 명확하지 않다면 연구과에 확인하세요.
Q대학원 입시에서 가장 중요한 것은 무엇인가요?+
A
한 가지만 중요한 것은 아니지만 ‘무엇을 연구하고 싶은가’, ‘왜 이 대학원·지도교수인가’, ‘어떻게 연구할 것인가’를 일관되게 설명하는 것이 중요합니다. 연구계획서, 전문지식, 어학능력, 면접 내용이 서로 연결되어야 합니다. 또한 AI 등에 의존하지 않고 자신의 말로 설명할 수 있는 것도 매우 중요합니다.
입학수속 마감일, 입학금·수업료, 제출서류를 가장 먼저 확인하세요. 수속기간이 짧을 수 있습니다. 여러 학교를 지원했다면 다른 대학원의 합격발표일과의 관계도 확인하세요.
Q일본어학교에서 대학원으로 진학할 때 재류자격 변경이 필요한가요?+
A
원칙적으로 재류자격 변경은 필요하지 않습니다. 다만 진학할 학교의 수학기간에 맞춰 재류기간 연장신청이 필요할 수 있습니다. 또한 재류기간 연장 여부와 관계없이 소속기관 변경 신고는 반드시 해야 합니다. 합격 후에는 진학할 학교의 유학생 담당부서와 출입국재류관리청의 최신 안내를 확인하세요.
Q대학원 학비는 어느 정도인가요?+
A
국립·공립·사립 및 연구과에 따라 크게 다릅니다. 수업료뿐 아니라 입학금, 전형료, 시설비, 실습비 등도 확인하세요. 유학생 대상 수업료 감면제도가 있는 대학도 있습니다.
Q외국인 유학생이 이용할 수 있는 장학금이 있나요?+
A
문부과학성, JASSO, 대학 자체, 민간재단 등 다양한 장학금이 있습니다. 입학 전에 신청하는 것과 입학 후 대학을 통해 신청하는 것이 있으므로 모집시기를 확인하세요.
Q연구생으로 합격하면 석사과정에 자동으로 진학할 수 있나요?+
A
아닙니다. 연구생은 원칙적으로 비정규생이며 석사학위를 취득하는 정규과정과 다릅니다. 석사과정으로 진학하려면 일반적으로 다시 대학원 입시를 보고 합격해야 합니다.
Q대학원 입학 전까지 무엇을 준비하면 좋나요?+
A
지도교수의 논문과 관련 문헌을 읽고 연구계획을 다시 점검하세요. 전문용어, 일본어·영어, 컴퓨터 환경, 주거, 생활비 등도 준비합니다. 연구실에서 사전과제나 안내가 있다면 그것을 우선하세요.
Rather than choosing only by school name, first clarify your research interests and identify programs and supervisors that match them. This FAQ explains the graduate-school process in Japan step by step for international students.
QI attend a Japanese language school. When should I start looking for graduate schools?+
A
As a general guide, start 12–18 months before your intended enrollment. Finding a research field and supervisor, preparing a research proposal, and obtaining language scores all take time. Application and exam schedules vary greatly by graduate school, even for April admission.
QShould I search for graduate schools by school name?+
A
Do not choose by school name alone. Start with what you want to research. Check whether the school has an appropriate graduate program and supervisor, then compare location, tuition, admissions methods, and language requirements.
QHow do I find a graduate program or major that fits me?+
A
List what you studied at university, your thesis topic, areas of interest, and your future career goals. Search graduate programs and faculty using those keywords. Programs with the same name can differ widely, so check faculty and laboratory pages too.
QHow should I find a prospective supervisor?+
A
Use faculty profiles on each school's website, laboratory pages, researchmap, and academic databases. Check not only the professor's listed specialty but also recent publications and current projects to see whether they align with your proposal.
QCan I enter a graduate field different from my undergraduate major?+
A
Some graduate schools allow it. You should be able to show the necessary background knowledge and explain clearly why you are changing fields. For a major shift, begin subject preparation and proposal development earlier.
QIs there a place where I can compare graduate-school requirements?+
A
The Online School Information Center lets international students filter graduate programs by admission year, field, public/private status, JLPT, English, region, and keyword. After finding a program, always confirm the latest official admissions guidelines.
QWhat should I do first when preparing for graduate school?+
A
First clarify what you want to research. Then look for suitable programs and supervisors, and prepare your research proposal, JLPT/English scores, and application documents. Your research topic is the starting point.
QWhat is a research proposal?+
A
It explains what you want to research, why it matters, and how you will conduct the study. It usually covers the topic, background/problem, objectives, previous research, methods, significance, and references. Required length and format vary.
QI have not decided on a research topic yet. What should I do?+
A
Write down keywords from your undergraduate studies, thesis, interesting classes, experiences in Japan, and career goals. Then read related research and identify what is already known and what remains unanswered.
QDo I need JLPT N1 for graduate school in Japan?+
A
Requirements differ by school and graduate program. Some schools accept applications with N2, while others may require English qualifications instead of Japanese. Even when no language certificate is required, strong Japanese ability is necessary if classes or supervision are conducted in Japanese.
QDo I need English qualifications such as TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC?+
A
English ability is not always required, but some schools and graduate programs require TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC scores, or an English exam. English is common in fields such as science, engineering, and social sciences, so check requirements while selecting schools.
QDo I need to contact a supervisor before applying?+
A
It depends on the school and graduate program. Some require prior contact or approval, some recommend consultation, and others require no contact. Check the official admissions guidelines before emailing faculty.
QI graduated from a four-year university outside Japan. Can I apply for a master's program?+
A
In general, holders of a bachelor's degree are often eligible for master's or first-stage doctoral programs, but each graduate school makes its own eligibility determination.
QCan I apply if I am expected to graduate?+
A
Many graduate schools accept applications from students expected to graduate before enrollment. You may need a certificate of expected graduation, so check the guidelines.
QCan graduates of three-year universities, junior colleges, or vocational schools apply?+
A
Even if you do not meet the standard eligibility rules, some graduate schools may allow you to qualify through an individual eligibility review. This review may have a separate period before the regular application period, so check early.
QWhat documents are usually required?+
A
Typical documents include an application form, graduation/expected graduation certificate, transcript, research proposal, language proof, and CV. Some schools also require recommendations, thesis summaries, or supervisor approval.
QDo documents issued overseas need Japanese translations?+
A
Documents not in Japanese or English may require translation. Rules on self-translation or certification by a university/public body vary, so follow the specific instructions.
QCan international students already living in Japan apply online?+
A
Whether online application is available depends on the school. If a school uses online applications, students in Japan must also apply through the web system. However, web registration may not complete the application; original documents may still need to be mailed. Confirm whether the deadline applies to online registration, payment, or document arrival.
QWhat kinds of entrance exams do graduate schools use?+
A
Common methods include document screening, subject exams, English/Japanese tests, essays, interviews, and oral examinations. The combination varies greatly by program, so check official guidelines and past papers.
QWhat questions are common in graduate-school interviews?+
A
Common topics include motivation, why you chose the research topic, objectives and methods, what you studied as an undergraduate, why you want that supervisor, and post-graduation plans. Be able to explain your proposal in your own words.
QWhat is an oral examination (koto shimon)?+
A
It is an interview-style exam focused on your research proposal and subject knowledge. It may assess foundational knowledge and logical explanation, not just motivation.
QHow should I prepare for subject-specific exams?+
A
First check whether past exam papers are available. Review your undergraduate fundamentals and key textbooks/terminology in the target field. Prioritize references recommended by the department or lab.
QWill the interview be in Japanese?+
A
Many interviews are in Japanese, but English-taught programs may interview in English, and some programs may ask selected questions in English. Contact the program if the guidelines are unclear.
QWhat is the most important part of graduate-school admissions?+
A
There is no single factor, but you should consistently explain what you want to research, why this program/supervisor, and how you will conduct the research. Your proposal, knowledge, language ability, and interview answers should align. It is also very important to explain your ideas in your own words rather than relying on AI tools.
Prioritize the enrollment deadline, admission fee/tuition, and required documents. Deadlines can be short. If you applied to multiple schools, compare these deadlines with other admission-result dates.
QDo I need to change my status of residence when moving from a Japanese language school to graduate school?+
A
Procedures depend on your current status and period of stay. Even if you continue under Student status, you may need to notify a change of educational institution or renew your period of stay. Check current guidance from your university and Japan's immigration authorities.
QHow much does graduate school cost?+
A
Costs vary widely by national/public/private status and field. Check admission fees, examination fees, facility and practical-training fees in addition to tuition. Some universities offer tuition reductions for international students.
QAre scholarships available to international graduate students?+
A
Scholarships are offered by MEXT, JASSO, universities, and private foundations. Some are applied for before enrollment and others through the university after enrollment, so check application periods.
QIf I am accepted as a research student, will I automatically enter the master's program?+
A
No. Research students are generally non-degree students and are separate from regular master's programs. You normally need to take and pass the graduate entrance exam separately.
QWhat should I prepare before starting graduate school?+
A
Read your supervisor's work and related literature and refine your proposal. Also prepare subject terminology, Japanese/English, your computer setup, housing, and living budget. Follow any pre-enrollment instructions from the lab first.
Eligibility, exams, language requirements and application periods vary by graduate program. Always confirm the latest official admissions guidelines before applying.