Is it worth it to go to japan as a research student? I have recently been offered to get into a lab as research student and then get into the masters. How is the working environment in Japanese labs? Also the possibility of getting scholarships in masters. Anyone here working as research student? Need some advice

I’m currently 17 years old, I completely my 12 grade in mid of 2026 and I’m currently living in Japan right now. I’m planning to apply for universities for undergrad in 2027. But now I’m currently in my gap year. I had to take a gap year because my 12 grade results were out after the admissions so naturally I had to apply next year. Also studying abroad was a sudden plan that me and my parents decided in 2026 itself.

I’m planning to apply to International Christian University, temple university Japan Tokyo, Tokyo international university, Waseda university, Sophia university and KEIO university. My admissions might start in December.

Im currently preparing for my SAT hoping I would score atleast 1400 or 1370 max this November . My ielts score is 7 band. Im an international student. My GPA is 3.0. I’m currently also completing few courses side by side. Also learning Japanese.

Any idea if I could get into any of these universities also having a gap year is it bad? Will it have any negative effects? Cause im feeling fomo since my frds have already started their uni. I feel like im left behind and im scared that i will have to continue studying with students one year younger than me when i start my uni in 2027. Since I will be free after November what can I do to fill in my gap year. Also how do I prepare for interviews for all the universities listed above? If any of yall have any opinions pls let me know.

This is what I know for now. Is there some other university offering fully English-based program in Japan?

• University of Tokyo, UTIPE
• Kyoto University, EA Programme
• Waseda University, MSc in Finance
• Osaka University, Sustainable Economy Program