Japan University Football Program · Ages 18+
Full enrollment at a Japanese university with an active football club — train daily, compete in official leagues, earn your degree, and experience life in Japan.
StayDream Group helps international players aged 18+ enroll at Japanese universities with active football clubs. Students enroll on a student visa, join the university football club, and compete in official leagues — for one year as an exchange student, or the full four-year degree course. We help with university selection, applications, visa documentation and daily life support.
Before you apply
In Japan, university football is played through bukatsu (official school club activities), not separate academy systems. University football clubs compete in regional leagues and national tournaments, and are a major pathway to the J-League. Stars like Mitoma Kaoru (Brighton) and Ueda Ayase (Feyenoord) went pro through university football.
Starts in April (some universities offer September intake). Two semesters per year. Undergraduate degree takes 4 years.
Football clubs (体育会サッカー部) train daily, compete in regional university leagues, and enter national tournaments like the Prime Minister's Cup and All Japan University Championship (Intercollege).
You must be 18 or older and have completed high school (12 years of education). Japanese language ability varies by university — some offer programs in English or with Japanese language support.
Why university football in Japan
University football is one of the main pathways to a professional career in Japan. J-League scouts actively attend university league matches and tournaments. Stars like Mitoma Kaoru (Brighton) went from Tsukuba University directly to Kawasaki Frontale.
University teams compete in structured regional leagues (Kanto, Kansai, Kyushu, etc.) with promotion and relegation, plus national knockout tournaments — serious competition at every level.
Earn a recognized Japanese university degree while training and competing at a high level. Graduates leave with both football experience and academic qualifications — a dual pathway whether you go pro or not.
What we provide
We find universities that match your football level, academic interests, and language ability.
Full assistance with university applications, required documents, and entrance procedures.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) processing and student visa application guidance.
University dormitory placement or private accommodation arrangement.
Ongoing support for daily life in Japan — from opening a bank account to navigating campus.
Introduction to the university football club and support during the initial tryout/adjustment period.
Have questions? Message us directly — we reply within minutes.
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How it works
Send us your football CV, academic record, and preferences. We assess your profile and discuss options.
We propose universities that fit your football level, academic goals, and budget — considering their football club strength and international student support.
We guide you through the application process, entrance exams or interviews, and secure your admission letter.
COE processing, student visa application, accommodation setup, and pre-departure orientation.
Airport pickup, campus orientation, dormitory check-in, and introduction to the football club. We stay in contact throughout your time in Japan.
Our background
Our founder Rui Miyagawa played university football at Keio University — one of Japan's most prestigious universities and a member of the Kanto University Football League. He understands the system firsthand and has the network to open doors for international players.
Who guides the placement
FAQ
International players aged 18+ who have completed high school and want to study at a Japanese university while playing competitive football — for one year (exchange) or the full four-year degree.
It depends on the university. Some offer degree programs in English or have strong Japanese language support for international students. We help match you to a university that fits your current language level.
Yes. University football clubs (体育会サッカー部) are open to all enrolled students. Some clubs hold tryouts at the start of the year, but many accept all members. We help you understand each club's process before you apply.
Tuition at national universities is approximately 535,800 yen/year (about USD 3,600). Private universities range from 800,000 to 1,500,000 yen/year. Living costs vary by city. We help you understand the full budget and scholarship opportunities.
Absolutely. University football is one of the two main pathways to the J-League alongside club youth academies. J-League scouts attend university matches regularly. Mitoma Kaoru (Brighton & Hove Albion) went from Tsukuba University to Kawasaki Frontale and then to Europe.
Apply
Send us your profile and preferred start date. We usually reply within 3 business days with next steps.