How to Apply for University in Asia: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Korea, Japan, Taiwan & China
How to Apply for University in Asia: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Korea, Japan, Taiwan & China
The US application process doesn't apply here
If you have only ever applied to American universities, the Asian system will feel foreign. Not harder, just different, and the difference catches a lot of students off guard.
In the US, you fill out the Common App once and send it to dozens of schools. In Asia, every country has its own system, timelines, document requirements, and idea of what makes a strong application. South Korea cares about your Korean ability (even for English programs). Japan wants your EJU or JLPT scores. China has centralized portals but also university-specific requirements. Taiwan is the most straightforward but still has its quirks.
This guide walks you through the process for each country: what documents you need, when to apply, what tests to take, and where to submit. For country-specific deep dives, see our guides on applying to Korean universities and applying to Chinese universities.
The documents you'll need (all countries)
Before the country specifics, here is what every application in Asia requires. Start gathering these now, since some take weeks to obtain.
Academic transcripts
You will need official transcripts from every school you have attended, usually translated into English or the local language and notarized. Request them from your registrar and allow two to four weeks for processing.
Pro tip: get at least five certified copies of everything. You will need originals for some applications and copies for others, and re-ordering mid-cycle is a nightmare.
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended start date. If it expires sooner, renew it now. You will need a scanned copy for the application and the physical passport for the visa.
Language proficiency scores
- English-taught programs: TOEFL iBT (80+ is the typical minimum) or IELTS (6.0+). Some universities now accept the Duolingo English Test.
- Korean-taught programs: TOPIK Level 3+ for most universities, Level 4+ for top schools.
- Japanese-taught programs: JLPT N2+ for most universities; some accept EJU Japanese scores.
- Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 4+ for most programs, Level 5+ for top universities.
If you do not have the required score yet, plan to take the test four to six months before the deadline. TOPIK, JLPT, and HSK run only a few times a year, so check the dates now.
Recommendation letters
Most Asian universities want one or two letters, from teachers or counselors for undergraduates and from professors or advisors for graduate applicants. Unlike the US, where recommenders upload letters directly, many Asian universities want them sealed in an official envelope with the institution's stamp. Check each university's specific requirements, which vary a lot.
Personal statement / statement of purpose
Most applications require an essay, from 500 to 2,000 words. Some ask specific questions (Why this university? Why this major? What are your career goals?); others leave it open.
A key difference from US applications: Asian universities care more about academic motivation and career goals than personal-growth narratives. Focus on what you want to study, why this country and university, and what you will do after graduation. Save the "finding myself" story for your American applications.
Financial documentation
Many applications require proof that you or your family can afford tuition and living costs, usually bank statements showing $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the country. See our visa guide for specific amounts.
South Korea: application process
Application portals
Most Korean universities run their own international-student application portals. Top schools such as Seoul National, Yonsei, KAIST, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan, and Hanyang each have dedicated systems, and some also share a common platform, so check each university's admissions page.
Timeline
| Intake | Application period | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (1st semester) | July to September (prior year) | Late February |
| Fall (2nd semester) | January to March | Late August |
Requirements by level
Undergraduate:
- High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Transcripts (GPA 3.0+ competitive for top schools)
- TOPIK Level 3+ (Korean-taught) or TOEFL/IELTS (English programs)
- SAT/ACT (optional at most schools, but strengthens your application)
- Personal statement
- One to two recommendation letters
- Portfolio (for art and design programs)
Graduate:
- Bachelor's degree
- Transcripts (GPA 3.0+ competitive)
- TOPIK Level 4+ (Korean-taught) or TOEFL 88+ / IELTS 6.5+ (English-taught)
- GRE/GMAT (required by some programs, especially MBA)
- Statement of purpose
- Two to three recommendation letters
- Research proposal (for research master's or PhD)
Application fee
Usually about $50 to $130 per application. Some universities waive it for scholarship applicants.
Scholarships to apply for at the same time
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): a full ride covering tuition, airfare, a monthly stipend, and language training. Applications open in February for graduate students and September for undergraduates. Highly competitive but life-changing.
- University scholarships: most top universities offer 30 to 100% tuition awards based on GPA and language scores, often applied automatically with your admission.
See our scholarships for South Korea guide for the full list.
Japan: application process
Application portals
- JASSO (jasso.go.jp): the Japan Student Services Organization, a good starting point for finding programs.
- Study in Japan (studyinjapan.go.jp): the official government portal listing English-taught programs.
- University portals: most Japanese universities run their own international-student application systems.
Timeline
| Intake | Application period | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (April) | September to December (prior year) | April |
| Fall (September/October) | January to March | September/October |
Important: Japan's academic year starts in April, not September, which affects your whole timeline.
Requirements by level
Undergraduate:
- High school diploma (12 years of education)
- EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) scores, required by most universities for Japanese-taught programs. It tests Japanese, math, and science or social studies, and runs in June and November.
- JLPT N2+ (Japanese-taught) or TOEFL/IELTS (English programs)
- SAT/ACT (accepted by some universities for English tracks)
- Personal statement
- Recommendation letter(s)
Graduate:
- Bachelor's degree (16 years of education total)
- JLPT N2+ (Japanese-taught) or TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.0+ (English-taught)
- GRE/GMAT (required by some programs)
- Research proposal, which is critical in Japan: you need a clear plan and ideally a professor willing to advise you.
- Two recommendation letters
The professor-contact step: for graduate programs in Japan, you often need to contact a potential advisor before applying. Email professors with your research proposal and CV; if one agrees to supervise you, your chances rise sharply. This step is unique to Japan and catches many students off guard.
Application fee
Usually ¥15,000 to ¥30,000 (about $95 to $190) per application.
Scholarships to apply for at the same time
- MEXT Scholarship: the Japanese government award, covering tuition, airfare, and a monthly stipend of about ¥143,000 (roughly $910). Two routes: embassy recommendation (through your local Japanese embassy) and university recommendation (through the university).
- JASSO scholarships: a monthly stipend of about ¥48,000 (roughly $305) for privately financed international students.
- University scholarships: Waseda, Sophia, and Ritsumeikan APU all offer significant awards for international students.
See our scholarships for Japan guide for the full list.
Taiwan: application process
Application portals
- University portals: most Taiwanese universities handle international applications directly through their own websites.
- Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC): for students of Chinese descent applying from overseas.
- Study in Taiwan (studyintaiwan.org): the government portal with program listings and guidance.
Timeline
| Intake | Application period | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | October to December (prior year) | February |
| Fall | January to April | September |
Taiwan has the most flexible windows of the four countries, and some universities accept applications on a rolling basis.
Requirements by level
Undergraduate:
- High school diploma
- Transcripts
- TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) or HSK scores for Chinese-taught programs; TOCFL Level 2+ is the typical minimum
- TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs
- Personal statement
- Recommendation letter(s)
- SAT/ACT generally not required for international students
Graduate:
- Bachelor's degree
- Transcripts
- TOCFL/HSK (Chinese-taught) or TOEFL/IELTS (English-taught)
- GRE/GMAT (some programs)
- Statement of purpose
- Two recommendation letters
- Research proposal (for thesis-track programs)
Application fee
Usually NT$1,000 to NT$2,000 (about $30 to $60) per application, among the cheapest in Asia.
Scholarships to apply for at the same time
- Taiwan Scholarship (MOE and MOFA): full tuition, a monthly stipend of NT$15,000 for undergraduates (about $470), and a settlement allowance. Apply through your local Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
- University scholarships: NTU, NCCU, and NTHU all offer tuition waivers and stipends for top applicants.
See our scholarships for Taiwan guide for the full list.
China: application process
Application portals
- CUCAS (cucas.cn): the China University and College Admission System, the largest centralized portal, letting you apply to multiple universities from one account.
- University portals: top universities like Tsinghua, Peking, and Fudan have their own systems. For a top school, use the direct portal, which is more detailed and easier to track.
Timeline
| Intake | Application period | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | September to November (prior year) | February/March |
| Fall | January to June (varies) | September |
China has the longest window, with some universities accepting applications as late as June for a September intake. But do not wait: scholarship deadlines are earlier (usually March to April), and popular programs fill up.
Requirements by level
Undergraduate:
- High school diploma
- Transcripts
- HSK Level 4+ (Chinese-taught) or TOEFL/IELTS (English-taught)
- SAT/ACT generally not required
- Personal statement
- One to two recommendation letters
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form (see below)
Graduate:
- Bachelor's degree (for master's applicants) or master's degree (for PhD applicants)
- Transcripts
- HSK Level 5+ (Chinese-taught) or TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.0+ (English-taught)
- GRE/GMAT (some programs, especially business)
- Research proposal
- Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form
The Foreigner Physical Examination Form
Unique to China, this comprehensive medical exam must be completed at an authorized hospital or clinic. It checks for infectious diseases, blood type, vision, and general health, must be stamped by the examining hospital, and is valid for six months.
Find an authorized center in your country (the Chinese embassy website lists them) and schedule the exam two to three months before you need the results. It costs about $30 to $80 depending on location.
Application fee
Usually about $50 to $150 per application through CUCAS, plus a separate fee if you apply directly to a university.
Scholarships to apply for at the same time
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): full tuition, free on-campus housing, a monthly stipend (¥2,500 to ¥3,500), and comprehensive medical insurance. The most generous award in China. Apply through the CSC portal or your local Chinese embassy.
- University scholarships: Tsinghua, Peking, and Zhejiang all offer their own awards covering partial to full tuition.
- Provincial and municipal scholarships: many cities and provinces fund international students; the Beijing and Shanghai Government Scholarships are among the most generous.
See our scholarships for China guide for the full list.
Standardized tests: what you actually need
| Test | South Korea | Japan | Taiwan | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL/IELTS | Required (English programs) | Required (English programs) | Required (English programs) | Required (English programs) |
| SAT/ACT | Optional (strengthens app) | Accepted (some English programs) | Not required | Not required |
| TOPIK | Required (Korean programs) | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| JLPT | Not applicable | Required (Japanese programs) | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| EJU | Not applicable | Required (most undergrad programs) | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| HSK | Not applicable | Not applicable | Accepted | Required (Chinese programs) |
| TOCFL | Not applicable | Not applicable | Required (Chinese programs) | Not applicable |
| GRE/GMAT | Some grad programs | Some grad programs | Some grad programs | Some grad programs |
The application timeline: month by month
Here is a recommended timeline if you are starting in Fall 2027:
- January to February 2026: research countries and programs, take a practice TOEFL/IELTS, and start language study if needed.
- March to April 2026: take the TOEFL/IELTS, register for TOPIK, JLPT, HSK, or EJU, and request transcripts.
- May to June 2026: draft personal statements, ask for recommendation letters, and start scholarship applications (especially GKS and MEXT).
- July to August 2026: finalize your list (five to eight schools) and complete application forms; submit early applications where available.
- September to October 2026: submit main applications, follow up on letters, and take any remaining language tests.
- November to December 2026: receive decisions, accept offers, and apply for housing.
- January to February 2027: apply for your student visa, book flights, and attend pre-departure orientations.
- March 2027: move to Asia and start your new life.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting too late. The biggest one. Document gathering takes months, so start 12 to 18 months ahead.
- Ignoring language requirements. Even for an English-taught program, a basic language score shows commitment.
- Not contacting professors (Japan). For graduate programs, emailing potential advisors is essential; do it before you apply.
- Skipping the medical exam (China). The Foreigner Physical Examination Form takes time, so schedule it early.
- Applying to too many schools. Focus on five to eight well-researched choices rather than spraying applications.
- Forgetting scholarship deadlines. They are often earlier than admission deadlines, so apply for both at once.
Getting help
The process is manageable if you break it into steps and start early. If you want guidance tailored to your background, target schools, and timeline, an advisor who knows the Asian system can save you weeks of confusion. Browse programs on our explore page or book a free consultation with an advisor who has navigated these processes firsthand.
Sources: document, test, and scholarship requirements reflect official university and government portals (Study in Korea/NIIED, JASSO and Study in Japan, Study in Taiwan, CUCAS and CSC), 2026; application fees are approximate and vary by university. Confirm details on each university's admissions page.