Yes. In Japan, there are degree programs that can be completed entirely in English, from classes through graduation, while still awarding an official degree from a Japanese university.
These are not exchange programs or short-term courses. Students can enroll as regular degree-seeking students, take their classes in English, complete the required credits, and earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a Japanese university.
To some Japanese people, the idea of graduating from a Japanese university without taking your degree courses in Japanese may sound a little unusual at first. But English-language classes have existed at Japanese universities for a long time. As universities have become more international and have recruited more students directly from overseas, fully English-taught degree programs have developed as a natural extension of that trend.
If a student completes an official degree program, it is still a degree from a Japanese university, even if all the classes were taught in English.
There is, however, one important distinction.
Being able to apply or take an entrance examination in English does not necessarily mean that the entire degree can be completed in English.
Some programs allow students to apply in English but still require Japanese-language classes after enrollment. Others offer many classes in English but have some required courses taught in Japanese. There are also programs specifically designed so that students can complete all degree requirements in English.
For that reason, it is important to check the language of instruction and graduation requirements for the specific faculty, department, or degree program you are considering, rather than judging only by the university as a whole.
Even in a program that can be completed entirely in English, learning Japanese can greatly expand your options for daily life, friendships, part-time work, and employment in Japan. But that is a separate issue from whether Japanese is required to earn the degree itself.
English-taught degree programs can also change over time. New programs may open, existing ones may stop accepting students, and graduation requirements can be revised.
So the answer to “Can students earn a Japanese degree entirely in English?” is yes. When applying, however, always check the university’s official website for the latest language requirements and graduation conditions for the specific program you want to enter.
