SGU Programme
Connecting with the world, starting with Japan’s SGU
Success Stories
Students from diverse academic backgrounds have successfully entered top Japanese universities through the SGU programme, realising their dream of studying in Japan.
M
(US high school graduate)
Admitted to Hiroshima University and Kwansei Gakuin University, received 50–100% scholarships.
L
international school student
Admitted to Waseda University SILS and Hosei University GBP.
A
Chinese Gaokao candidate
Admitted to University of Tsukuba TISS and Ritsumeikan University GS.
Application Information
• Application period:
• For September entry: typically opens in the previous November.
• For April entry: typically opens in the previous August.
• Entry dates: September (main intake), with April entry available at some universities.
Requirements:
1. No Japanese language test required.
2. Standardised test results (IB, A-Level, AP+SAT/ACT, OSSD, DSE, Gaokao, etc.).
3. English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL).
4. Personal statement.
5. Recommendation letters.
6. Interview (depending on university).
What is the SGU Programme?
The Super Global University (SGU) Project was launched by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in 2014. Its aim is to promote the internationalisation of Japanese higher education and to attract talented students from around the world.
A total of 37 universities participate in the project, including 13 top-type universities and 24 global traction-type universities. These institutions receive financial and policy support to expand all-English degree programmes, improve their international rankings, and increase the proportion of international students.
Through SGU, students can pursue undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Japan without prior Japanese language ability, while benefiting from global exchange, study abroad opportunities, and a highly diverse learning environment.
Programme Advantages
Higher acceptance rates, lower competition
For example, Waseda University’s SPSE programme reported an acceptance rate of 30.4% in 2025, compared to just 14.1% under the traditional EJU route.
International learning environment
• Small class sizes (around 8 students) with peers from across the globe, fostering cross-cultural skills and a truly international perspective.
• Strong exchange partnerships with leading universities such as Yale, Brown, UC Berkeley, and MIT.
Flexible applications, suitable for diverse backgrounds
• Application materials align closely with those for US and UK universities (SAT/ACT, IB, A-Level, TOEFL/IELTS), enabling parallel applications.
• Open to international school students, American high school graduates, and domestic Chinese high school students, with tailored guidance provided.
Scholarships and financial support
• Tuition: approx. RMB 30,000/year for national/public universities; RMB 60,000–90,000/year for private universities.
• Scholarships covering 30%–100% of tuition are widely available. Part-time work of up to 28 hours per week can generate around RMB 67,000 annually.
Employment and residency advantages
• Strong employment prospects: Japan’s graduate employment rate remains consistently high at 95–98%. The ageing society also creates opportunities for entrepreneurship and careers.
• The “Highly Skilled Professional” points system offers favourable pathways to long-term residency and immigration.
Full English-taught courses with shorter preparation
• Unlike the traditional EJU (Japanese university entrance exam), SGU requires no Japanese proficiency. Applicants only need to submit standardised test scores (IB, A-Level, SAT, ACT) and English test results (IELTS/TOEFL).
• This allows for a shorter preparation period and faster access to top universities.
Why Choose SGU?
1. Academic excellence: Multiple SGU universities rank within the QS global top 200, combining world-class teaching and research.
2. Career prospects: Stable employment opportunities and a favourable start-up environment.
3. Cultural and geographical advantages: Cultural affinity, close to home, minimal time difference.
4. Residency opportunities: Supportive immigration policies through Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional visa.
5. Cost-effectiveness: Total annual cost of approx. RMB 100,000–200,000, offering strong value compared to Western countries.
Our SGU Team
Our SGU Application Studio has consistently achieved a 100% completion rate, supporting students in securing offers from Japan’s leading universities, including Waseda, Keio, Hokkaido and Tsukuba.
The team comprises highly experienced mentors and consultants. Core mentors are SGU alumni with expertise in institution selection, application strategy and academic writing. Consultants bring diverse academic backgrounds in education, science, engineering and business, enabling us to provide tailored support across a wide range of disciplines.
Through our distinctive ‘Mentor + Consultant’ dual-support model, every application benefits from both strategic guidance and meticulous execution, maximising admission and scholarship opportunities.
Working with us means partnering with a team that combines first-hand SGU insight, professional expertise and a student-centred approach.
