Requirements
Bachelor's
Applicants need 12 years of school education completed outside Japan (or an equivalent qualification), a minimum GPA of 2.40 on a 4.00 scale, and an English test score meeting the first-year applicant minimum, unless exempted by nationality or prior English-medium schooling. Transfer applicants into the second or third year need a higher English test score.
Master's and PhD
Admission is run separately by the College of Asia Pacific Studies and the College of International Management; a relevant Bachelor's degree (or Master's degree for doctoral study) is required, with further requirements set by each graduate school.
Documents
An online application, official enrolment or graduation certificate, academic transcripts with a grade-scale sheet, a passport copy, a digital photograph, an English test score report (unless exempt), proof of finances showing at least JPY 1,200,000 for one semester or JPY 2,400,000 for a full year, and one or two recommendation letters depending on applicant category, submitted by email with originals retained for later mailing.
How to apply
- Confirm your GPA meets the 2.40 minimum and gather your transcripts and enrolment or graduation certificate.
- Take an accepted English test unless your nationality or prior schooling exempts you.
- Register on APU's online application system and submit your documents, application fee (JPY 11,250, paid by bank transfer) and financial proof before the deadline for your intake.
- Complete a recorded video interview through the online system.
- Wait for the admission decision.
- If accepted, work with APU's international office on your Certificate of Eligibility, then apply for a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate before travelling.
- Arrive in Beppu, move into AP House (the university's dormitory most first-year students use) or other housing, and complete enrolment.
English test waiver
First-year applicants need IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each section, TOEFL iBT 75 (or 4.0 on the scale used for tests taken on or after 21 January 2026), TOEIC L&R/S&W combined 1,540, Duolingo English Test 110, Cambridge English 169, or PTE Academic 60. Transfer applicants need higher scores: IELTS 6.5 and TOEFL iBT 85 (4.5 on the new scale). The test is waived for applicants who are citizens of, or who completed secondary or tertiary education in, mainly English-speaking countries.