Nagoya University has specific language requirements depending on the program, degree level, and whether you are an international or domestic student. Here's a breakdown of the general language requirements:

1. Programs Taught in Japanese (Undergraduate & Graduate)

For most programs taught in Japanese, a high level of proficiency in the Japanese language is required. This is typically demonstrated by:

• JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test):

  • For undergraduate programs, students are generally expected to have a N1 (highest level) on the JLPT.
  • Graduate programs may also require N1 proficiency, especially in fields like law, literature, and social sciences, where a strong command of Japanese is crucial for understanding and producing academic work.

• EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students):

  • Many undergraduate programs require international students to take the EJU, which assesses Japanese language ability, as well as knowledge in other subjects depending on the chosen course.

2. Programs Taught in English (G30 International Programs)

Nagoya University offers a range of programs entirely in English, especially for international students through the G30 International Programs. These include fields like science, engineering, agriculture, and international development. The language requirements for these programs are generally:

• TOEFL iBT or IELTS:
  • TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of around 79-100 (depending on the program).
  • IELTS: A minimum overall band score of around 6.0-7.0.

Specific score requirements vary depending on the department and the degree level (undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral).

3. Graduate Programs

Graduate programs (Master’s, Ph.D.) offered in Japanese generally require a strong command of Japanese, with JLPT N1 being a common requirement.

For programs taught in English (such as those under the G30 initiative), non-native English speakers need to provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS). The required scores vary:

• TOEFL iBT: 79–100
• IELTS: 6.0–7.0

Some research-based programs may not have strict language requirements if the student's thesis or dissertation is in English, but it's advisable to consult the specific department for their guidelines.

4. Japanese Language Program for International Students

• For international students who wish to improve their Japanese language skills before enrolling in a degree program, Nagoya University offers preparatory Japanese language courses. These are especially helpful for students planning to enter Japanese-taught programs but need to improve their language proficiency.

5. Short-term Programs and Exchange Programs

• Many of these programs are offered in English. Students from partner universities or those participating in international short-term programs typically need to demonstrate proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS) or Japanese, depending on the course medium.

Undergraduate Program Admissions

Graduate Programs

Nagoya University is renowned for several specialized courses and programs, particularly in the following areas:

1. Physics

• Nagoya University's Institute of Advanced Research and the Kobayashi-Maskawa Institute for the Origin of Particles and the Universe (KMI) are known globally for their work in theoretical and experimental physics. The university’s physicists have played significant roles in research related to particle physics, neutrinos, and quantum mechanics.
• Specialized programs include High Energy Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Astrophysics.

2. Chemistry

• The university's Graduate School of Science is famous for research in organic chemistry, material chemistry, and catalytic chemistry. Nobel laureates like Ryoji Noyori in asymmetric synthesis have contributed to the school's prominence.
• Programs focus on Catalysis, Synthesis, and Material Science Chemistry.

3. Engineering

• Nagoya University offers highly specialized courses in automotive engineering, reflecting its location in a major industrial hub near Toyota’s headquarters.
• Other key areas include aerospace engineering, robotics, and material science.
• The Graduate School of Engineering emphasizes Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Engineering.

4. Biological Sciences

• The Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences and the School of Science are well-regarded for research in developmental biology, genetics, and molecular biology.
• The Laboratory of Bioethics and programs in biotechnology are also highly specialized.

5. Medicine

• Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Medicine is one of Japan's leading medical schools, excelling in clinical medicine, neuroscience, cancer research, and immunology.
• The university is also involved in cutting-edge research in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

6. Information Science and AI

• The Graduate School of Information Science offers specialized courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and quantum computing.
• Nagoya University is a leader in robotics and autonomous vehicle technologies, leveraging its proximity to major industrial players like Toyota.

7. Law

• Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Law offers specialized courses in international law, environmental law, and Asian legal systems. It also offers courses in English aimed at international students.
• The university has a strong reputation for fostering legal research, particularly in human rights and comparative law.

8. Business and Economics

• The School of Economics offers specialized programs in development economics, international trade, and business management.
• It has ties to local industries and multinational corporations, offering courses related to innovation management, corporate strategy, and entrepreneurship.

9. Environmental Studies

• Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Environmental Studies specializes in sustainability, urban planning, climate change, and energy management.
• The interdisciplinary program integrates fields such as environmental engineering, natural sciences, and policy studies to tackle global environmental issues.

10. Japanese and Asian Studies

• For international students, Nagoya University offers specialized courses in Japanese language, culture, and Asian studies through its School of Letters and Graduate School of International Development.
• Programs in Japanese history, East Asian studies, and political economy of Japan are particularly strong.

Researchers at Nagoya University

Undergraduate Programs

Nagoya University Global 30 International Programs

Graduate Programs

Nagoya University offers a variety of scholarships for both international and domestic students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. Below is a detailed overview of the scholarships available:

1. Nagoya University Global 30 (G30) Scholarships

These scholarships are designed for international students enrolled in the G30 International Programs, which are taught in English. Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students.

• Eligibility: International students enrolled in G30 programs.
• Types of Scholarships:
  • Tuition Reduction: 100%, 50%, or 25% reduction in tuition fees based on merit.
  • Monthly Stipend: For students with excellent academic performance.

Application Process: Applicants are automatically considered for scholarships during the admission process, so no separate application is required for the scholarship.

2. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships

The Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship is provided by the Japanese government and is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students.

• Eligibility: International students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or research programs at Nagoya University.
• Coverage:
  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly stipend: ¥117,000–¥145,000 (depending on the level of study)
  • Round-trip airfare to and from Japan
• Application Process:
  • Students can apply through the Japanese Embassy in their home country (Embassy Recommendation) or directly through the university (University Recommendation).
  • Early application deadlines apply, so it’s important to check the deadlines well in advance.

3. Nagoya University International Scholarship

• Eligibility: International students with excellent academic records.
• Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee waivers.
• Application Process: Typically considered during the admission process or through specific scholarship applications after admission.

4. Nagoya University Tuition Waiver Program

For students facing financial difficulties, Nagoya University offers a tuition reduction or full waiver.

• Eligibility: Domestic and international students who demonstrate financial need or exceptional academic performance.
• Coverage: Full or partial tuition waiver (100%, 50%, or 25%).
• Application Process: Students must apply for the waiver after enrolling at the university. Applications are evaluated based on financial need and academic performance.

5. JASSO Scholarship (Japan Student Services Organization)

JASSO provides scholarships for both international and domestic students, including exchange students.

• Eligibility: International students enrolled in full-time programs or those on exchange.
• Coverage:
  • Monthly stipend: ¥48,000 to ¥65,000 (depending on the level of study and specific scholarship type).
• Application Process: Applications are typically submitted after admission, and JASSO scholarships are merit-based or need-based.

6. Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

This scholarship is available to students from ADB member countries pursuing a master’s degree at Nagoya University.

• Eligibility: Nationals from ADB member countries who are admitted to graduate programs at Nagoya University.
• Coverage:
  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly stipend and housing allowance
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Health insurance and research allowance
• Application Process: Students need to apply separately for this scholarship after receiving admission to the graduate program.

7. Private Scholarships

Various Japanese and international organizations offer scholarships to students studying at Nagoya University. Some notable private scholarships include:

• Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship: Provides a monthly stipend to international students.
• Honjo International Scholarship Foundation: Provides financial support to graduate students conducting research.
• Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Scholarship: Targeted at students in economics, engineering, and science fields.

Application Process: These scholarships often require a separate application after admission, and students need to meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the funding organization.

8. Scholarships for Domestic Students

Nagoya University offers tuition waivers and various merit-based scholarships for domestic (Japanese) students as well. These scholarships include:

• University Tuition Waivers: Full or partial waivers for Japanese students facing financial hardship.
• Local Government Scholarships: Various prefectural and municipal governments offer scholarships to students from specific regions.

Application Process: Students must apply through the university's financial aid office or directly to the relevant government body.

International student help

Career Information

Nagoya University is home to several internationally renowned professors across various disciplines, particularly in fields like physics, chemistry, engineering, medicine, and biological sciences. Here are some of the top professors who are widely recognized for their contributions to research and education:

1. Hiroshi Amano (Physics)

• Field: Physics, Engineering (Semiconductors)
• Nobel Prize: Co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics (2014) for the invention of blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which has revolutionized energy-efficient lighting.
• Position: Professor in the Graduate School of Engineering at Nagoya University.
• Research Focus: Amano is a leader in semiconductor technology, particularly focusing on GaN (gallium nitride) materials and optoelectronics.

2. Isamu Akasaki (Physics)

• Field: Physics, Materials Science (LEDs)
• Nobel Prize: Co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics (2014) with Hiroshi Amano for inventing the blue LED.
• Position: Former Professor Emeritus at Nagoya University.
• Research Focus: Akasaki’s pioneering work on the development of gallium nitride (GaN) crystals laid the groundwork for modern LED technology. His legacy continues to inspire research in optoelectronics.

3. Ryoji Noyori (Chemistry)

• Field: Chemistry
• Nobel Prize: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2001) for his work on chirally catalyzed hydrogenation reactions.
• Position: Professor Emeritus at Nagoya University.
• Research Focus: Noyori’s work in asymmetric synthesis is fundamental to organic chemistry, impacting pharmaceuticals and chemical industries. He remains a highly influential figure in catalysis and green chemistry.

4. Shin-ichi Muramatsu (Medicine)

• Field: Neurology, Gene Therapy
• Position: Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University.
• Research Focus: Muramatsu is known for his pioneering work in gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease. His research on using AAV (adeno-associated virus) vectors for therapeutic gene delivery is considered groundbreaking.

5. Toshihide Maskawa (Physics)

• Field: Particle Physics
• Nobel Prize: Nobel Prize in Physics (2008) (shared with Makoto Kobayashi) for the discovery of the origin of CP-violation which led to the prediction of three families of quarks.
• Position: Graduate and former professor at Nagoya University.
• Research Focus: Maskawa’s theoretical work is foundational to the Standard Model of particle physics. His work on quarks helped explain why the universe is made primarily of matter, not antimatter.

6. Kenichiro Itami (Chemistry)

• Field: Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• Position: Director of the Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM) at Nagoya University.
• Research Focus: Itami is a world leader in synthetic chemistry, known for his development of C-H activation reactions and the creation of bioactive molecules. His work bridges chemistry, biology, and materials science, with applications in drug development and material innovations.

7. Takashi Yanagisawa (Biological Sciences)

• Field: Neuroscience, Molecular Biology
• Position: Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine and a prominent researcher in sleep research.
• Research Focus: Yanagisawa is known for his discovery of orexin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating sleep and wakefulness. His work has greatly influenced understanding of sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, and the development of treatments for sleep-related conditions.

8. Yoshihito Watanabe (Biotechnology)

• Field: Bioinorganic Chemistry, Biocatalysis
• Position: Professor at the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences.
• Research Focus: Watanabe is a global leader in the field of bioinorganic chemistry. His research on biocatalysis and the development of biomimetic catalysts has important implications for green chemistry and environmentally friendly chemical processes.

9. Tatsuhiko Kodama (Public Health, Medicine)

• Field: Epidemiology, Global Health
• Position: Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine.
• Research Focus: Kodama’s work focuses on global health policy, infectious disease epidemiology, and the study of non-communicable diseases. He is particularly involved in research related to public health interventions in developing countries.

10. Koichi Tanaka (Physics, Engineering)

• Field: Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Mechanics
• Position: Professor at the Kobayashi-Maskawa Institute for the Origin of Particles and the Universe (KMI).
• Research Focus: Tanaka is known for his work in quantum materials and the application of quantum mechanics to condensed matter systems, contributing to advancements in superconductors and quantum computing.

Nagoya University has gained international recognition for producing multiple Nobel Prize laureates, particularly in the fields of Physics and Chemistry. Here's a list of notable Nobel Prize winners associated with the university:

1. Ryoji Noyori (Chemistry, 2001)

• Awarded for: His work on chirally catalyzed hydrogenation reactions.
• Contribution: Noyori developed asymmetric hydrogenation, which is a method used in creating chiral molecules. This technique has wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry and in the synthesis of various organic compounds.
• Noyori was a professor at Nagoya University and is considered a key figure in the field of organic chemistry.

2. Makoto Kobayashi and Toshihide Maskawa (Physics, 2008)

• Awarded for: The discovery of the origin of the broken symmetry which predicts the existence of at least three families of quarks.
• Contribution: Their work explained why the universe is dominated by matter rather than antimatter, an essential element in understanding the fundamental forces of nature. They formulated the Kobayashi-Maskawa theory (part of the Standard Model of particle physics).
• Toshihide Maskawa was a graduate of Nagoya University.

3. Osamu Shimomura (Chemistry, 2008)

• Awarded for: The discovery and development of green fluorescent protein (GFP).
• Contribution: Shimomura's discovery of GFP, originally isolated from jellyfish, revolutionized biological and medical research. GFP is now widely used as a marker for gene expression and in various biological imaging techniques.
• Shimomura received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Nagoya University.

4. Isamu Akasaki (Physics, 2014)

• Awarded for: The invention of efficient blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which has enabled bright and energy-saving white light sources.
• Contribution: Akasaki’s research on blue LEDs transformed lighting technology, allowing the development of energy-efficient LED lighting. This discovery is fundamental in reducing global energy consumption.
• Akasaki was a professor at Nagoya University and conducted much of his groundbreaking research there.

5. Hiroshi Amano (Physics, 2014)

• Awarded for: Co-inventing the blue light-emitting diode (LED) along with Isamu Akasaki and Shuji Nakamura.
• Contribution: Amano’s work on blue LEDs significantly impacted modern lighting, display technologies, and energy efficiency.
• He completed his doctorate at Nagoya University and is a professor in the university’s Graduate School of Engineering.

Legacy and Impact:

These laureates and their groundbreaking research have made Nagoya University a hub for scientific innovation, particularly in chemistry, physics, and materials science. The university’s contributions in areas like quantum mechanics, particle physics, and organic chemistry have had a global impact, fostering a tradition of scientific excellence.