Osaka University Undergraduate Admissions 2026: English Courses for Indians

Introduction

Are you an Indian student dreaming of studying in Japan but worried about the language barrier? Osaka University Undergraduate Admissions 2026 is now a hot topic for aspirants seeking world-class education without needing Japanese fluency initially. Ranked among the top national universities in Japan (and a member of the prestigious "National Seven Universities"), Osaka University locally known as Handai offers specialized English-taught programs designed specifically for international students.

For the 2026 intake, the university has streamlined its process for Indian applicants, accepting standard scores like SAT, ACT, and IB. If you are looking for an affordable yet high-ranking alternative to US or UK universities, this guide covers everything you need to know about getting into Osaka University in 2026.

Highlights: Osaka University Undergraduate Admissions 2026

Point	Details
University Name	Osaka University (Handai)
Intake Year	2026 (April & October Options)
Main English Programs	Human Sciences (HUS), Science (IUPS)
Application Period	Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 (Varies by program)
Mode of Application	Online
Tuition Fee	~₹3,00,000 INR per year (Approx.)
Standardized Tests	SAT / ACT / IB Diploma / A-Levels
English Requirement	TOEFL iBT / IELTS

What is Osaka University?

Osaka University is a leading national university located in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Unlike the bustling and expensive life in Tokyo, Osaka offers a friendly, food-loving culture and a lower cost of living, making it ideal for Indian students.

For the Osaka University Undergraduate Admissions 2026 cycle, the university focuses heavily on diversity. They offer specific "Degree Programs Offered in English," meaning you can complete your entire 4-year Bachelor’s degree without mandatory Japanese fluency at the start (though you will learn the language as part of the curriculum).

Available English Undergraduate Programs

Indian students usually target two main English-medium tracks:

1. Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program (HUS)

• Focus: Sociology, Anthropology, Education, and Global Citizenship.

• Language: Taught entirely in English.

• Best For: Students interested in liberal arts and social sciences.

• Intake: October 2026.

2. International Undergraduate Program in Science (IUPS)

• Focus: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences.

• Structure: Often includes a preliminary 6-month intensive Japanese language course before starting the full Science degree.

• Best For: STEM aspirants who want to integrate into the Japanese scientific community.

Important Dates for 2026 Admissions

Missing a deadline is not an option. Application windows for Japanese universities are shorter than those in the West.

• Application Open: Early December 2025

• Application Deadline: Early January 2026 (Usually Jan 6th - Jan 10th)

• Interview Screening: February – March 2026

• Final Results: Late March 2026

• Enrollment: October 2026 (for HUS)

Note: Always check the specific program website as dates can shift by a few days.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

To apply for Osaka University Undergraduate Admissions 2026, you must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Qualification:

  • Completion of 12 years of education (Class 12th Board Exams: CBSE/ICSE/State Boards).

  • If you are currently in Class 12, you can apply with "Expected Graduation" status.

• Standardized Tests:

  • You must submit scores from SAT, ACT, or IB Diploma.

  • Tip: A high Math score is crucial for the IUPS (Science) program.

• English Proficiency:

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of ~85+ is recommended.

  • IELTS: Minimum band of 6.5 or 7.0.

• Interview:

  • Shortlisted candidates must clear an online interview.

Admission & Application Process

Follow this step-by-step guide to secure your seat:

1. Check the Guidelines: Download the "Application Guidelines 2026" from the official HUS or IUPS website.

2. Prepare Documents: Gather your transcripts, test scores, and Statement of Purpose (SoP).

3. Online Registration: Create an account on the Osaka University online application portal.

4. Pay Application Fee: Approx. 17,000 JPY to 26,800 JPY (approx. ₹9,000 – ₹15,000 INR).

5. Submit Hard Copies: Unlike some countries, Japan often requires you to mail certified hard copies of transcripts to the university after online submission.

6. Interview: If you pass the document screening, you will be invited for an interview via Zoom/Teams.

Fees and Scholarships

One of the biggest advantages of Osaka University Undergraduate Admissions 2026 is the affordability compared to Western universities.

Scholarships:

• MEXT Scholarship: Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend (requires separate high-competition application).

• JASSO Scholarship: Monthly stipend for 6–12 months.

• Tuition Waiver: Many international students receive a 50% or 100% tuition waiver based on financial need.

Documents Required

• Class 10th and 11th Marksheets (and 12th if available).

• School Principal’s Recommendation Letter.

• Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT/IB).

• English Proficiency Test Score (TOEFL/IELTS).

• Passport Copy.

• Statement of Purpose (Essay explaining why you chose Osaka/Japan).

• Application Fee Payment Receipt.

Cost of Living: Osaka vs. Tokyo

When planning for Osaka University Undergraduate Admissions 2026, remember that Osaka is budget-friendly.

• Rent: A student apartment in Osaka costs around ¥40,000 – ¥60,000 (₹22k – ₹33k INR) per month, whereas Tokyo can be double.

• Food: Street food and supermarkets are affordable.

• Total Monthly Budget: An Indian student can live comfortably in Osaka with ¥80,000 – ¥100,000 (approx. ₹45k – ₹55k INR) per month.

FAQs regarding Osaka University Admissions 2026

1. When does the application for Osaka University Undergraduate Admissions 2026 begin?

Applications typically open in December 2025 and close by early January 2026. It is vital to prepare your documents by November.

2. Is JEE Main accepted for Osaka University admissions?

Generally, no. Osaka University prefers international standardized tests like SAT, ACT, or IB. JEE ranks are not standard criteria for their English programs.

3. Can I study at Osaka University without knowing Japanese?

Yes! The HUS (Human Sciences) and IUPS (Science) programs are taught in English. However, you will be required to take Japanese language classes as part of your degree to help with daily life.

4. What is the minimum SAT score for Osaka University?

There is no official cutoff, but to be competitive for Osaka University Undergraduate Admissions 2026, a score of 1350+ (out of 1600) is recommended, especially for science programs.

5. How much is the application fee?

The application fee is usually between 17,000 JPY and 27,000 JPY, depending on the specific program.

Conclusion

Choosing Osaka University Undergraduate Admissions 2026 is a smart move for Indian students looking for high-quality education, safety, and affordability. With its top-tier research facilities and welcoming environment, "Handai" offers a life-changing experience.

Start preparing your SATs and essays now to meet the December/January deadlines!