Entry requirements for students from Japan
The University of Sheffield accepts a number of different qualifications from Japan. Some of the most common are listed below. If your qualification is not listed here, please contact us.
The following information is for guidance only.
English Language Requirements
All applicants are required to have internationally recognised English language qualifications such as IELTS or equivalent. The minimum score that is accepted for entry is IELTS 6 or equivalent. Some departments may require a higher score, so check the entry requirements for your course.
English language entry requirements - find out more
Undergraduate Programmes e.g. BSc, BA, BEng/ MEng
A variety of qualifications can be considered for direct admission to undergraduate bachelor degree programmes. All applications for undergraduate programmes should be made through UCAS.
Visit the UCAS website for more information
A-Level
Applicants with a minimum of three A-levels will be considered for direct admission to undergraduate programmes.
International Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate diploma holders will be considered for direct admission to undergraduate programmes.
Other qualifications:
Associate Degree from a Junior College
Applicants with a good Junior College Diploma from a recognised college in Japan will be considered for direct entry to first or second year undergraduate degree programmes on a case-by-case basis.
Undergraduate pathway programmes at the University of Sheffield International College
The University of Sheffield International College provides International Foundation Year programmes specifically for international students who want to progress to the University of Sheffield. Upon successful completion, students can progress to an undergraduate degree. Students can choose to study an International Foundation Year in the following subjects:
● International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities
● International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering
Northern Consortium UK (NCUK)
The University is a member of the Northern Consortium (NCUK) which offers an International Foundation Year (IFY) in Japan.
Students who have completed the IFY programme and have obtained the required grades will be considered for admission into the first year of undergraduate programmes.
Visit the NCUK website to find out more.
Postgraduate Taught Programmes e.g. MA, MSc
You will usually need a bachelors degree from a recognised university in a relevant subject for entry. Most postgraduate courses require a UK 2:1 (or equivalent) for entry, but some courses may consider 2:2 grades. Please see our course finder for specific course requirements.
The score required will depend on the university you have attended and the course you have applied. Some institutions may use alternative grading systems, please contact the Admissions Service to check specific equivalences for your university.
| Qualification | UK degree classification | International equivalent (Japan) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree | First Class Honours |
GPA 3.7/4.0 (where the pass mark is 2.0/4.0) GPA 3.5/4.0 (where the pass mark is 1.0/4.0) 90% |
| Bachelor degree | 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours |
GPA 3.0/4.0 (where the pass mark is 2.0/4.0) GPA 2.5/4.0 (where the pass mark is 1.0/4.0) 75% |
| Bachelor degree | 2:2 (Lower Second Class Honours) |
GPA 2.3/4.0 (where the pass mark is 2.0/4.0) GPA 1.6/4.0 (where the pass mark is 1.0/4.0) 65% |
Other qualifications:
For Entry to MBA
Holders of a good bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan and at least three years post-graduation work experience in a relevant role will be considered for direct admission to the MBA.
For further information on the MBA programme
Postgraduate pathway programmes at the University of Sheffield International College
The University of Sheffield International College provides Pre-Masters programmes specifically for international students who want to progress to the University of Sheffield. Upon successful completion, students can progress to an postgraduate degree. Students can choose to study a Pre-Masters in the following subjects:
● Pre-Masters in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities
● Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering
International pathways at the Northern Consortium UK (NCUK)
The University is a member of the Northern Consortium (NCUK) which offers pre-masters courses in centres across the world, including in Japan.
Visit the NCUK website to find out more.
Postgraduate Research Programmes e.g. MPhil, PhD, PhD with Integrated Masters
With around 2,000 postgraduate research students from over 100 different countries, Sheffield is one of the foremost centres for research training in the UK.
Japan Masters Degree Holders
You will usually need a bachelors degree AND a masters degree from a recognised university in a relevant subject for entry. Some courses may consider a bachelors degree on its own if it is combined with relevant research experience. Please see our departmental web pages for specific course requirements.
Exchange Students
Incoming exchange students should have minimum average grades equivalent to a UK 2:2 in their studies to date. Specific prior study requirements for individual modules may also apply.
Visit our Global Opportunities website for more information on exchange opportunities.