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For applicants residing abroad:
Astronomical Science Program of SOKENDAI offers the following types of entrance examinations for applicants residing abroad. For details, please refer to the application guidelines.
Types of entrance examination
- Special admissions for applicants residing abroad (For international students with private financing or with scholarships from institutions or governments other than those of Japan)
- Programs: Five-year doctoral program / Three-year doctoral program
- Admission: April or October
- Admissions with MEXT scholarship (University Recommendation)
- Programs: Five-year doctoral program / Three-year doctoral program
- Admission: October
- Admissions with MEXT scholarship (University Recommendation -PGP-)
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*The application for the current program (International Ph.D. Program on Quantum Technology for Space〜Particle〜Material〜Energy Science) is closed. We plan to apply for a new program for students enrolling in 2026.
Selection method
- Paper screening and interview
Score(s) required for paper screening
- Applicants for the five-year doctoral program
- English Score Record (TOEFL iBT, or IELTS are accepted)
- GRE Subject Test (Physics) Score Record
- Applicants for the three-year doctoral program
- English Score Record (TOEFL iBT, or IELTS are accepted)
Schedule
| Admission | Application period | Interview | Announcement of acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 (Privately financed) | October 8 to November 6, 2025 | December 5, 2025 | late December 2025 |
| October 2026 (Privately financed) | October 8 to November 6, 2025 | December 5, 2025 | late December 2025 |
| October 2026 (MEXT scholarship) | October 8 to November 6, 2025 | December 5, 2025 | April 2026 (Preliminary) and July 2026 (Final) |
Application guidelines
Guidelines and Forms (SOKENDAI)
Astronomical Science Program
The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI)
Contact Information:
Graduate Student Affairs Section
Research Promotion Division, Administration Department
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)
E-mail: daigakuin[at]nao.ac.jp