JLPT University Match Finder
Find Japanese graduate programs that accept your JLPT level. Pick your current JLPT, field, and degree below — get a ranked list of matching programs at top-30 Japanese universities for 2027 entry. No signup, instant results.
107 matching programs
Pick a JLPT level (or check "I have English test") to see matches.
Studying in Japan?
You know your level. Here is what each level unlocks for studying in Japan.
Programs accepting N3
Browse programs accessible to N3 holders for 2027 entry — kenkyusei + English tracks.
Read the guide →CS Master's in Japan (N2+)
All Computer Science Master's programs at top-30 Japanese universities.
Read the guide →PhD in Japan
Funding paths, duration, and English-program options for PhD applicants.
Read the guide →How to Match a Japanese University to Your Level
Three Paths Into a Japanese Grad Program
International students reach Japanese graduate schools by three routes. The direct Japanese-track requires N2 or N1 and admission via written entrance exams in Japanese. The English-track (often called G30) uses TOEFL or IELTS instead of JLPT, so no Japanese is required at entry. The kenkyusei research-student route has an N3 floor and lets you spend up to two years inside the lab before sitting the formal entrance exam — most non-Japanese students underestimate this option.
Why English-Track Isn't Always Easier
G30 programs look attractive because the JLPT bar is lower, but the cohorts are smaller and the competition is global. Admissions committees expect a strong research narrative, often undergraduate publications, and clear supervisor alignment. The academic bar is the same as the Japanese track or higher. If your JLPT is N3 or below but your research record is thin, the kenkyusei route usually beats applying straight to an English-track program.
Reading the Match Score
The score in your results weights JLPT fit, English availability, and supervisor fit by field. A low score doesn't mean impossible — it means more steps are required. A 40/100 in a strong-fit field often means "spend a year as kenkyusei first, then re-apply" rather than "give up." Use the chip on each card (Strong fit / Possible / Stretch) as the headline; treat the numeric score as the secondary signal.
Frequently asked questions
Which Japanese universities accept JLPT N3?
JLPT N3 is the practical kenkyusei (research-student) floor — most national Japanese universities accept N3 holders into kenkyusei status, with the expectation that you upgrade to N2 within the first year. For English-taught programs (OIST, G30 universities, NAIST), JLPT is not required at all — N3 is "above and beyond." Use the match finder above to see specific programs.
Can I enter a Master's program directly with N3?
Generally not for Japanese-track programs — those require JLPT N2 minimum at enrollment. The standard N3 path is: kenkyusei (research student) for 6–12 months → upgrade JLPT during that year → take the entrance exam → enter Master's formally. English-taught programs ignore JLPT entirely; N3 holders enter directly.
What's the JLPT requirement for a PhD in Japan?
English-taught PhD programs (OIST, G30 universities, NAIST, JAIST) require no JLPT. Japanese-taught PhD programs typically require N1, especially in mathematics + humanities-adjacent fields. STEM fields with English-research culture (most CS, AI, robotics, materials science labs) often accept N2 in practice even when N1 is listed officially.
How do I prepare for JLPT N2 in time for graduate-school admissions?
From N3 to N2 typically takes 600–800 study hours over 8–14 months. If you're targeting April 2027 entry, you need N2 by December 2026 (the JLPT result date) for the application cycle. Start preparing 12 months before that. GyanMirai's JLPT N2 study materials + practice tests are linked from the result panel below.
Why does JLPT level matter more than TOEFL for Japanese universities?
For Japanese-taught programs, JLPT is the gating credential — most graduate schools list a specific JLPT level (N2 or N1) as an absolute admission requirement. TOEFL is often only required for English-taught programs. A strong TOEFL score does not substitute for missing JLPT in a Japanese-track application; the inverse is also true (strong JLPT does not substitute for missing TOEFL in an English-track application).
What does "Japanese-track" vs "English-track" mean?
Japanese-track: coursework, thesis, and entrance exam are in Japanese. Requires JLPT N2+ for Master's, N1 for PhD in many fields. English-track: coursework + thesis defense in English. Requires TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.5+; no JLPT required. Many universities offer BOTH tracks for the same field; the application process differs (different deadline, different exam, different supervisor pool).
Is this tool accurate? Where does the data come from?
The match finder uses the GyanMirai program catalog covering 12 STEM fields × 10 top Japanese universities (115 programs total). JLPT requirements are sourced from official .ac.jp graduate school pages, year-stamped 2027. For program-specific entrance requirements (which can vary year to year), always confirm with the host department before applying.