The language requirements for international undergraduate scholarships in Japan depend heavily on the program's language of instruction (Japanese-taught vs. English-taught) and the specific scholarship (e.g., MEXT vs. University-specific).

Here is a list outlining the typical requirements and conditions for top Japanese universities and the major national scholarship:

Major National Scholarship

1. Scholarship Name: Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship (Undergraduate Level)
2. Requirements:
3. Japanese Language: No formal proficiency (like JLPT score) is required for the application process itself.
4. English Language: English proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) are often requested but may be waived if the applicant's prior education was taught in English (e.g., submitting a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate).
5. Conditions:
6. Successful applicants are typically required to undergo a one-year preparatory education period upon arrival in Japan. This period includes intensive Japanese language training and other necessary subjects to prepare for the Japanese-taught degree program.
7. Applicants must demonstrate a willingness to learn Japanese.

Top National Universities (General Programs)

1. University Name: The University of Tokyo
2. Requirements:
3. Japanese Language: High proficiency (often equivalent to JLPT N1) is typically required for undergraduate programs taught in Japanese, which constitute the majority of their departments.
4. English Language: Proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) may be required for certain specific programs or applications, but Japanese proficiency is the priority for the main tracks.
5. Conditions:
6. Scholarships available both pre-arrival (like MEXT) and after enrollment. Enrollment in a Japanese-taught program necessitates strong Japanese skills from the start.
7. University Name: Kyoto University
8. Requirements:
9. Japanese Language: High proficiency (usually JLPT N1) is necessary for most undergraduate programs, as classes and examinations are primarily conducted in Japanese.
10. English Language: Varies by program.
11. Conditions:
12. Similar to the University of Tokyo, most programs are Japanese-taught. However, some special programs like Kyoto iUP (a degree program with integrated Japanese preparation) or other English-taught courses have different criteria, often requiring only English proficiency for admission. For scholarships, having strong Japanese proficiency is a major advantage for the main tracks.

English-Taught Undergraduate Programs (Select Examples)

1. University Name: Nagoya University (Global 30/G30 Programs)
2. Requirements:
3. Japanese Language: Not required for admission to the English-taught G30 undergraduate programs.
4. English Language: Proof of English proficiency is required, typically through standardized tests like:
5. TOEFL iBT (or Essentials)
6. IELTS Academic
7. PTE Academic
8. Duolingo English Test
9. A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate may be accepted as an alternative if the applicant completed three or more consecutive years of secondary education in English.
10. Conditions:
11. The university offers various scholarships and tuition reduction systems that students can apply for. Since the programs are fully in English, your focus should be on meeting the English proficiency and academic requirements.
12. University Name: Kyoto University (Selected English Programs, e.g., Kyoto iUP)
13. Requirements:
14. Japanese Language: Not required for admission. The program is designed to include intensive Japanese language and cultural study.
15. English Language: Required, typically through TOEFL or IELTS.
16. Conditions:
17. The Kyoto iUP program comes with a scholarship component (tuition waiver, monthly stipend) that supports the student throughout their studies, combining English-taught liberal arts with intensive Japanese instruction.
18. University Name: Hokkaido University (e.g., Integrated Science Program - ISP)
19. Requirements:
20. Japanese Language: Not required for admission to their English-taught programs.
21. English Language: Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) is necessary for non-native English speakers.
22. Conditions:
23. Scholarship selection is often based on academic merit and may be tied to the university's special program recommendations for MEXT or other external scholarships. The program is conducted entirely in English, minimizing the need for prior Japanese.