Japanese Language and Culture Program

Outline

Kanazawa University Japanese Language and Culture Program is a one-year program designed to improve participating students’ Japanese language skills and deepen their understanding of Japanese society and culture.

All instruction is conducted in Japanese. In addition to intermediate- and advanced-level Japanese courses, the program consists of lectures and seminars on Japanese society and culture—including Kanazawa’s rich traditional culture—as well as joint research projects with Japanese students.

During the program, participants will study various aspects of Japanese society and culture, and will complete a final research paper based on a topic of their own choosing.

Term

October to the following August (Arrival in Japan: the last week of September.)​​ ​​ ​​

Eligibility

Students from international partner institutions (University-Level or Department-Level) or applicants who have received a recommendation from the Japanese embassy  in the country of their nationality

Requirements (Partner Institutions)

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements.

1. ​​ ​Be a full-time third- or fourth-year undergraduate student at one of Kanazawa University's partner institutions (University-Level or Department-Level) at the time of arrival in Japan.
2. Be majoring in Japanese language or Japanese culture.
3. Have Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher.​​
4. Have excellent academic records at their home university and have good character.
5. Return to their home university to continue their study or acquire a degree after completing the program at Kanazawa University. 
6. Be certain to obtain “Student” visa to study at Kanazawa University. 
7. Have a strong interest in Japanese studies and be willing to actively participate in and devote themselves to the program for one year.

Maximum Enrollment

Around 15 students

Scholarship

Following the selection process at Kanazawa University, applicants who meet the eligibility requirements set by MEXT as Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarsip Students (Japanese Studies Students.)  Please note that the number of nominees is limited.
       ・Scholarship: 117,000 yen per month (*FY 2026 figures)
       ・Travel Expenses: Arrival in Japan and Return

For detailed information on the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program, please refer to the MEXT website.
Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho:MEXT) Scholarships

Application Schedule for 2027  (University Recommendation)

※TBD

Application Opens
Application Deadline
Notification of Results

 

Applications must be submitted through your affiliated partner institution. For details on the application process and required documents, please contact the relevant office at your partner institution.

Course Guide ・Application Guidelines

Course Guide 2026

Application Guidelines for FY2026* ※Applications Closed