Admission for Research Students

The Japanese Studies Program admits who wish to pursue research on a specific theme relating to Japanese studies (April and October admission)

Applications for Research Student status at Nichibunken must be preceded by receipt of informal assent from the member of the faculty under which the applicant wishes to engage in research. Applicants should have made contact with the faculty member(s) of their choice and fully discussed their plan for research, and (if coming from abroad), made clear prior to submitting the application, their Japanese-language proficiency and as well as plans for supporting themselves while residing in Japan. The Program does not introduce students to faculty members, but applicants may consult the Nichibunken website Research Division page for profiles of the Program faculty members.

How to apply

Application Period

1) For April 2025 - September 2025 admission:

[For international applicants living overseas]
・From December 9, 2024 to December 13, 2024

[Other than the above]
・From February 12, 2025 to February 18, 2025

2) For October 2025 - March 2026 admission:

[For international applicants living overseas]
・From June 2, 2025 to June 6, 2025

[Other than the above]
・From August 18, 2025 to August 22, 2025

For details on how to apply, visit the SOKENDAI web site
In Japanese: https://www.soken.ac.jp/education/curriculum/researcher/
In English: https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/education/curriculum/researcher/