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.

Please note that it is currently unclear whether the MEXT Scholarship (University Recommendation - General Category) will continue to be offered from AY 2027 onward.

Applicants wishing to enroll in the three-year doctoral program are advised to also apply for the MEXT Scholarship (University Recommendation - PGP).

Applicants wishing to enroll in the five-year doctoral program are advised to also apply for Special Admissions for Applicants Residing Abroad (*).
*If admitted through this admission category, you will be enrolled as a privately financed student.

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-)
• Programs: Three-year doctoral program
• Admission: October

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 2027 (Privately financed)	October 7 to November 5, 2026	December 4, 2026	late December 2026
October 2027 (Privately financed)	October 7 to November 5, 2026	December 4, 2026	late December 2026
October 2027 (MEXT scholarship)	October 7 to November 5, 2026	December 4, 2026	April 2027 (Preliminary) and July 2027 (Final)

Application guidelines

     Guidelines and Forms (SOKENDAI)

Astronomical Science Program
The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI)

Contact Information:
Graduate Student Affairs Unit
Research Promotion Group, Administration Department
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)
E-mail: ken-daigakuin[at]dl.nao.ac.jp