[2025 Edition] Complete Guide to Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Point Calculation

Japan Visa Application Service　＞　Highly Skilled Foreign Professional Visa

Pages Often Read Together with This Page

Obtain Permanent Residency in the Shortest Time via HSP Points
HSP Category 1 (Ro): Automatic Point Calculator, Requirements, and Benefits
HSP Category 1 (I): Automatic Point Calculator, Requirements, and Benefits
HSP Category 1 (Ha): Automatic Point Calculator, Requirements, and Benefits

HSP points are evaluated at the time of applying for entry into Japan, applying for a change of status of residence, or, in the case of COE applications, based on the intended date of entry stated in the application. When the total reaches 70 points, the applicant can be recognized as a Highly Skilled Professional.

This page explains the detailed breakdown of HSP point criteria published by the Immigration Services Agency.

1. Education

1. Professional Degrees
These are degrees awarded upon completion of a professional graduate school program. Although they include the terms “Doctor” or “Master” in their titles, they are distinct from the general doctoral or master’s degrees and are excluded from this category.

Examples) Completion of a law school program… Juris Doctor (法務博士)
Completion of a teacher training graduate school program… Master of Teaching (教職修士), etc.

2. MBA – Master of Business Administration
A degree awarded to those who have completed a graduate-level business administration program — often referred to as Master of Business Administration or Master of Management.

3. MOT – Master of Management of Technology
A degree awarded to graduates of programs focused on developing business professionals capable of building technology-driven business models.

4. University Degree
This includes universities and junior colleges. “Equivalent or higher education” also includes graduates of colleges of technology, the National Defense Academy and other ministry-supervised academies, as well as graduates of post-secondary specialized training colleges (only those certified as “Advanced Specialist”).

2. Professional Experience

Professional experience does not include research or study periods in educational institutions. Additionally, part-time work performed while enrolled in an academic program is not counted.

3. Annual Income

Annual income includes base salary, performance allowances, adjustment allowances, and bonuses. However, reimbursement-based payments such as commuting allowances, family allowances, and housing allowances are excluded. Overtime pay is also excluded because future amounts cannot be confirmed at the time of application.

4. Age

Age is calculated based on the intended date of entry stated in the COE application, or based on the application date when applying for a change of status or extension.

5. Bonus Points: Research Achievements

1. Patent Invention
The applicant must be the actual inventor of a patented invention — merely holding a patent is not sufficient. A patent certificate must be submitted, and confirmation of foreign patent acquisition will be conducted through the Japan Patent Office’s “Foreign Patent Gazette Database.”

2. Grants (Competitive Research Funding)
Funding systems in which a funding agency solicits research proposals from general researchers and allocates research funds to selected projects. Representative examples of government grants include the “Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI)” by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

3. Academic Journal Databases
Achievements are verified using the “SciVerse Scopus” database provided by Elsevier (Netherlands). The person listed first in the author field is considered the “corresponding/primary author” and is eligible for bonus points under this category.

6. Bonus Points: Professional Qualifications

These are foreign qualifications, awards, or other proof of advanced expertise, abilities, or experience related to the applicant’s intended duties. They must be recognized by the Minister of Justice—after hearing the opinions of the heads of relevant administrative bodies—as contributing to the promotion of innovation. However, items that fall under the separate “Research Achievements” bonus category are excluded.

Japan’s national licenses are those for which one cannot legally perform certain work—or use certain protected professional titles—without holding the license. They have a distinct legal status from other certificates. Examples include attorney (bengoshi), physician, certified public accountant (CPA), professional engineer, and certified measurer, among others.

In addition, the “IT Notice” refers to one of the requirements under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status of residence as set forth in the Ministry of Justice Ordinance (MOJ Ordinance No. 16 of 1990) prescribing the criteria under Article 7, paragraph (1), item (ii) of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. Specifically, the covered examinations are as follows.

1. Examinations in Japan

1) Information Processing Security Support Specialist Examination (情報処理安全確保支援士試験)
Note: Implemented by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry pursuant to the Act on the Promotion of Information Processing.

2) Among the Information Technology Engineers Examinations, the following:
Note: Implemented by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry pursuant to the Act on the Promotion of Information Processing.
① IT Strategist Examination (ＩＴストラテジスト試験)
② Systems Architect Examination (システムアーキテクト試験)
③ Project Manager Examination (プロジェクトマネージャ試験)
④ Network Specialist Examination (ネットワークスペシャリスト試験)
⑤ Database Specialist Examination (データベーススペシャリスト試験)
⑥ Embedded Systems Specialist Examination (エンベデッドシステムスペシャリスト試験)
⑦ IT Service Manager Examination (ＩＴサービスマネージャ試験)
⑧ Systems Auditor Examination (システム監査技術者試験)
⑨ Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (応用情報技術者試験)
⑩ Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (基本情報技術者試験)
⑪ Information Security Management Examination (情報セキュリティマネジメント試験)

3) Among the Information Technology Engineers Examinations implemented by the Minister of International Trade and Industry (former) or the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, the following:
① Type-1 Information Processing Engineer Certification Examination (第一種情報処理技術者認定試験)
② Type-2 Information Processing Engineer Certification Examination (第二種情報処理技術者認定試験)
③ Type-1 Information Processing Engineer Examination (第一種情報処理技術者試験)
④ Type-2 Information Processing Engineer Examination (第二種情報処理技術者試験)
⑤ Special Information Processing Engineer Examination (特種情報処理技術者試験)
⑥ Systems Auditor Examination (情報処理システム監査技術者試験)
⑦ Online Information Processing Engineer Examination (オンライン情報処理技術者試験)
⑧ Network Specialist Examination (ネットワークスペシャリスト試験)
⑨ Systems Operations and Administration Engineer Examination (システム運用管理エンジニア試験)
⑩ Production Engineer Examination (プロダクションエンジニア試験)
⑪ Database Specialist Examination (データベーススペシャリスト試験)
⑫ Microcomputer Application Systems Engineer Examination (マイコン応用システムエンジニア試験)
⑬ Systems Analyst Examination (システムアナリスト試験)
⑭ Systems Auditor Examination (システム監査技術者試験)
⑮ Application Engineer Examination (アプリケーションエンジニア試験)
⑯ Project Manager Examination (プロジェクトマネージャー試験)
⑰ Senior Systems Administrator Examination (上級システムアドミニストレータ試験)
⑱ Software Development Engineer Examination (ソフトウェア開発技術者試験)
⑲ Technical Engineer (Network) Examination (テクニカルエンジニア（ネットワーク）試験)
⑳ Technical Engineer (Database) Examination (テクニカルエンジニア（データベース）試験)
㉑ Technical Engineer (Systems Management) Examination (テクニカルエンジニア（システム管理）試験)
㉒ Technical Engineer (Embedded Systems) Examination (テクニカルエンジニア（エンベデッドシステム）試験)
㉓ Technical Engineer (Information Security) Examination (テクニカルエンジニア（情報セキュリティ）試験)
㉔ Information Security Administrator Examination (情報セキュリティアドミニストレータ試験)
㉕ Information Security Specialist Examination (情報セキュリティスペシャリスト試験)

2. Examinations in China

1) Among the examinations implemented by the Education and Examination Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China:
① 系統分析師 (Systems Analyst)
② 信息系統項目管理師 (Information Systems Project Manager)
③ 系統架構設計師 (Systems Architect)
④ 軟件設計師 (Software Design Engineer)
⑤ 網絡工程師 (Network Engineer)
⑥ 数据庫系統工程師 (Database Systems Engineer)
⑦ 程序員 (Programmer)

2) Among the examinations implemented by the Electronic Education Center of the former Ministry of Information Industry or by the Education and Examination Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology:
① 系統分析員 / 系統分析師 (Systems Analyst)
② 高級程序員 (Software Engineer / Senior Programmer)
③ 系統分析師 (Systems Analyst)
④ 軟件設計師 (Software Design Engineer)
⑤ 網絡工程師 (Network Engineer)
⑥ 数据庫系統工程師 (Database Systems Engineer)
⑦ 程序員 (Programmer)

3. Examinations in the Philippines

1) Among the examinations implemented by the Philippine National IT Standards Foundation (PhilNITS):
① Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (基本情報技術者試験)
② Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (応用情報技術者試験)

2) Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (基本情報技術者試験)
Note: Implemented by JITSE Phil (Philippine–Japan IT Standards Examination Foundation).

4. Examinations in Vietnam

1) Among the examinations implemented by the High-Tech Incubation and Training Center (HITC):
① Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (基本情報技術者試験)
② Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (応用情報技術者試験)

2) Among the examinations implemented by the Vietnam Information Technology Examination and Training Support Center (VITEC) or the Vietnam IT Training & Examination Center (VITEC):
① Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (基本情報技術者試験)
② Software Design and Development Engineer Examination (ソフトウェア開発技術者試験)
③ Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (応用情報技術者試験)

5. Examinations Implemented by the Myanmar Computer Federation (MCF) in Myanmar

1) Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (基本情報技術者試験)

2) Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (応用情報技術者試験)

6. Among the Examinations Implemented by the Institute for Information Industry (III) in Taiwan

1) Software Design & Development IT Expert Examination (軟体設計専業人員試験)

2) Network Communication IT Expert Examination (網路通訊専業人員試験)

3) Information Systems Security IT Expert Examination (資訊安全管理専業人員試験)

7. In Malaysia: the Fundamental Information Technology Professional Examination implemented by METEOR (Multimedia Technology Enhancement Operations Sdn. Bhd.)

8. Examinations in Thailand

1) Among the examinations implemented by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA):
① Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (基本情報技術者試験)
② Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (応用情報技術者試験)

2) Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination implemented by the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC).

9. Among the Examinations Implemented by the National IT Park (NITP) in Mongolia

(1) Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (基本情報技術者試験)
(2) Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (応用情報技術者試験)

10. Among the Examinations Implemented by the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) in Bangladesh

(1) Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (基本情報技術者試験)
(2) Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (応用情報技術者試験)

11. In Singapore: Certified IT Project Manager (CITPM) accredited by the Singapore Computer Society (SCS)

12. Among the Qualifications Accredited by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea

(1) Engineer Information Processing (情報処理技師 / Engineer, Information Processing)
(2) Industrial Engineer Information Processing (情報処理産業技師 / Industrial Engineer, Information Processing)

7. Bonus Points: Employment at Organizations Receiving Support Measures to Promote Innovation

1. Creation of Innovation

Defined by the “Act on the Reinforcement of R&D Capacity and the Effective Promotion of R&D through Reforms of the R&D System,” whose purpose is to contribute to the sound development of the national economy through the following:

1) Revitalization and promotion of Japanese industry
2) Revitalization of regional economies
3) Promotion of new business activities and business creation
4) Strengthening of international competitiveness, etc.

2. Certification or Approval under Provisions Specified by Ministerial Notice

Under the laws listed in 1)–15) below, systems exist to provide support measures—such as subsidies, tax or financial measures, and other assistance to facilitate business activities—to entities certified or approved pursuant to those provisions. Establishments that have received such approval are issued a notification or similar document by the relevant ministry, which should be submitted.

1) Act on the Promotion of Technology Transfer from Universities to Private Business Operators
2) Provisional Measures Act for the Advanced Control of Food Manufacturing Processes
3) Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Business Strengthening Act
4) Act Partially Amending the Act on Facilitation of Succession of Management in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, etc., to Promote Business Succession among SMEs
5) National University Corporation Act
6) (Before repeal by subsequent amendments) Act on Enhancement of Core Manufacturing Technology of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
7) (Before repeal by subsequent amendments) Act on the Promotion of Business Activities by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Utilizing Regional Resources
8) Act on Strengthening the Foundations for Regional Growth and Development through the Promotion of Regional Economic Driver Projects
9) Act Partially Amending the Act on Formation and Activation of Industrial Agglomeration in Regional Areas through Promotion of Corporate Location, etc.
10) Act on the Promotion of Business Activities by Collaboration between Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Operators
11) Act on the Promotion of Businesses Engaged in the Development and Manufacture of Energy and Environmentally Compatible Products
12) Act on the Creation of New Businesses, etc., Utilizing Regional Resources by Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Operators, and on the Promotion of the Use of Regional Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products
13) Special Measures Act on the Promotion of R&D Projects, etc., by Specified Multinational Enterprises
14) Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act
15) Technology Research Association Act

3. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

As defined by the Basic Act for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Details are as follows.

1. Manufacturing and Others	JPY 300 million or less	300 or fewer
2. Wholesale Trade	JPY 100 million or less	100 or fewer
3. Retail Trade	JPY 50 million or less	50 or fewer
4. Service Industry	JPY 50 million or less	100 or fewer

8. Bonus Points: Ratio of R&D and Related Expenditures

1. The amounts above refer to the business year immediately preceding the year in which the HSP application is made.

2. “Research and Development (R&D) Expenses” are costs specially incurred for the following purposes:
① Manufacture of new products
② Experimental research related to the invention of new technologies

3. “Development Expenses” are costs specially incurred for the following purposes:
① Adoption of new technologies or new management structures
② Development of resources
③ Cultivation of markets
④ Launch of new businesses

4. R&D expenses and development expenses include the following costs necessary to conduct the R&D and development described in 2 and 3 above:
① Raw material costs
② Personnel costs — only for individuals who are exclusively engaged in the R&D or development work with specialized knowledge
③ Other expenses — including outsourcing fees when R&D or development is commissioned to other research institutions, etc.

9. Bonus Points: Foreign Professional Qualifications Related to Job Duties

1. “Job Duties to Be Engaged In”

Evaluated based on submitted documents, with the following key points:
① Whether the job duties applied for under HSP status and the duties typically performed by holders of the qualification are identical or similar in field, industry, or occupation.
② Whether the skills and expertise proven by the qualification are relevant and beneficial to the job duties applied for under HSP status.

2. “Foreign Qualifications, Awards, or Other Proof of Advanced Expertise, Ability, or Experience”

① Must demonstrate a high level of expertise or technical ability.
　Examples:
　・Qualifications requiring at least a bachelor’s degree for eligibility
　・Prestigious awards granted to a very limited number of candidates among many nominees

② Assessment is made based on the employment needs of the host organization (e.g., employer). In doing so, relevant government ministries may collect opinions from the business community.

Foreign qualifications and awards specifically recognized include the following:

(1) International Accounting Qualification (BATIC – 880 points or higher / Controller Level)
Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(2) U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)

(3) Foreign Attorneys / Lawyers
Qualification granted in each country/state:
(1) Brazil – Advogada / Advogado
(2) China – 律師 (Lawyer)
(3) Hong Kong – Solicitor of the High Court
(4) France – Avocat
(5) Germany – Rechtsanwalt
(6) Ireland – Solicitor
(7) Italy – Avvocato
(8) South Korea – Byeonhosa
(9) Netherlands – Advocaat
(10) Nepal – Advocate
(11) New Zealand – Barrister and Solicitor
(12) Paraguay – Abogado
(13) Singapore – Advocate and Solicitor
(14) Spain – Abogado
(15) Switzerland – Avocat
(16) United Kingdom – Solicitor of the Senior Courts
(17) India – Advocate
(18) Saudi Arabia – Muhamy
(19) Philippines – Attorney
(20) Australia – Legal Practitioner
　　Australian Capital Territory: Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court
　　New South Wales: Solicitor and Barrister
　　Queensland: Solicitor of the Supreme Court
　　Victoria: Barrister and Solicitor
　　Western Australia: Barrister and Solicitor
(21) Canada – Barrister and Solicitor
　　British Columbia
　　Ontario
(22) United States – Attorney at Law / Attorney and Counselor
　　California, District of Columbia, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, North Carolina

(4) U.S. Actuary Qualification – Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA)
Society of Actuaries

(5) U.K. Actuary Qualification – Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries (FIA)
Institute of Actuaries

(6) iF Design Award – Gold Award
iF International Forum Design GmbH

(7) International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) – Gold Award
Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)

(8) Red Dot Design Award – Best of the Best
Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen

(9) Good Design Award – Grand Award / Gold Award
Japan Institute of Design Promotion

(10) Asia Design Award – Grand Award
Hong Kong Design Centre

(11) ADC Annual Awards – Gold Award
Art Directors Club (ADC), New York

(12) D&AD Awards – Gold Award
D&AD (Design & Art Direction)

(13) LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers – Winner
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton

(14) International Woolmark Prize – Menswear / Womenswear Winner
The Woolmark Company

(15) The Fashion Awards – Designer of the Year (Winner)
British Fashion Council

10. Bonus Points: Graduation from a Japanese University or Completion of a Graduate Program in Japan

1. “Japanese universities” refers to universities under the School Education Act and the Open University of Japan, and includes university special courses, advanced courses, junior colleges, graduate schools, and attached research institutes. However, institutions considered “equivalent to universities,” such as the National Defense Academy, Civil Aviation College, National Center for University Entrance Examinations, and the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education, are excluded.

2. You must have been awarded one of the following degrees corresponding to the school you completed:
① University … “Bachelor’s degree”
② Graduate school … “Master’s” or “Doctorate”
③ Professional graduate school … “Professional degree”
④ Junior college … “Associate degree (Tanki-Daigakushi)”

Relation to the “Education” category in point calculation
In the “Education” category, holders of a “Doctorate” or “Master’s” receive an additional 5–30 points. The present item (graduation from a Japanese university or completion of a graduate program in Japan) is a separate bonus category.

Example) If you complete a Japanese graduate school and obtain a “Master’s” degree:
　You receive 20 points in the Education category, plus 10 points in this special bonus category, for a total of 30 points.

11. Bonus Points: JLPT N1 Holders or Graduates Who Majored in Japanese at a Foreign University

1. This means having majored in a faculty/department or graduate school program related to Japanese studies or Japanese language education at a foreign university. Submit a diploma/certificate of graduation, etc.

2. In addition to universities, graduate schools and junior colleges are included. However, “institutions equivalent to universities” and those who have received “education equivalent to or higher than university graduates” are excluded.

3. Specifically, the following examinations are applicable. Submit the pass certificate or score transcript.
① “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 level”
② “BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test” score of 480 or higher

12. Bonus Points: Equivalent to JLPT N2 Pass

1. Specifically, the following examinations are applicable. Submit the pass certificate or score transcript.
① “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 level”
② “BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test” score of 400 or higher

※ The above item cannot be combined with the following bonus items:
① Awarded a degree by graduating from a Japanese university or completing a Japanese graduate program — 10 points
② JLPT N1 holders or graduates who majored in Japanese at a foreign university — 15 points

13. Bonus Points: Persons Engaged in Cutting-Edge Projects in Growth Fields

Points are granted only when the applicant actually works on the project; it is not sufficient that the contracting organization is merely implementing the project.

Applicable projects are as follows (as of September 2020):
　1. Cabinet Office
　2. Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
　3. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
　4. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
　5. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
　6. Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
　7. Joint projects of the Cabinet Office, MEXT, MHLW, and METI

1. Cabinet Office
① Program on Open Innovation Platform for Industry–Academia Co-Creation (CiCLE)

2. Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
① Project to Enhance the Utilization Platform for Medical, Nursing, and Health Data

3. MEXT
① Elements Strategy Initiative (Center of Excellence Formation)
② Nanotechnology Platform
③ AIP: Integrated Project on AI / Big Data / IoT / Cybersecurity
④ Grants for the Promotion of Medical R&D
⑤ Research and development to advance understanding of health and disease and overcome diseases
⑥ R&D for innovative medical use of radiation, etc.
⑦ Life Science Database Integration Project
⑧ Future Society Creation Project
⑨ Strategic Basic Research Programs (Creation of New Tech Seeds)
⑩ Data-Related Human Resource Development Program
⑪ Next-Generation Semiconductor R&D for an Energy-Saving Society
⑫ Advanced Low-Carbon Technology Development (ALCA)
⑬ Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Initiative
⑭ Social Scenario Research for a Low-Carbon Society
⑮ Space Transportation Systems
⑯ Subsidies for the International Space Station Program
⑰ Subsidies for Earth Observation Systems R&D
⑱ Space utilization via satellites
⑲ Academic research and experiments in space science
⑳ Lunar exploration mission research and promotion
㉑ R&D on aeronautical science and technology
㉒ Advancement of technologies to secure marine biological resources
㉓ Tohoku Marine Science project base formation
㉔ Arctic Research Promotion Project
㉕ Metropolitan area resilience enhancement project
㉖ Q-LEAP: Quantum Leap Flagship Program
㉗ Subsidies for operating specific advanced large research facilities
㉘ Subsidies for common foundational technology R&D for high-brightness synchrotron radiation sources
㉙ Subsidies for development of next-generation synchrotron radiation facilities
㉚ Project to build process science for social implementation of materials
㉛ Moonshot R&D Program
㉜ Support Project for Research Bases Realizing Society 5.0
㉝ Development of technologies for marine information acquisition
㉞ R&D for understanding and predicting global environmental change
㉟ R&D for sustainable and effective utilization of marine resources
㊱ R&D on earthquakes and volcanic activity occurring in marine areas
㊲ R&D to advance and optimize ocean–earth information using mathematical sciences
㊳ Promotion of challenging and original R&D
㊴ Advanced foundational technology development and operation for ocean survey platforms

4. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
① Grants for Health and Labour Sciences Research
② Grants for Research on Policy Planning and Evaluation for the Promotion of Health, Labour and Welfare Administration
③ R&D in the medical field

5. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
① Moonshot R&D Program for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

6. METI
① Core Technology Development for Next-Generation AI and Robotics
② Technology Development for Implementing Ultra-Low-Power Optoelectronics
③ Foundational Technology Development for Drug Discovery to Realize Next-Generation Therapies and Diagnostics
④ Foundational Technology Development for Industrialization of Regenerative Medicine and Gene Therapy
⑤ Project to Promote Development of Innovative Energy-Saving Technologies
⑥ Project for Development of Next-Generation High-Efficiency, High-Brightness Laser Technologies
⑦ Technology Development for Advanced Functional Materials via Computational Science, etc.
⑧ Subsidies for Demonstration Projects to Build Virtual Power Plants Using Demand-Side Energy Resources
⑨ New Technology Leading Research Program to Address Medium- to Long-Term Challenges in the Energy and Environment Fields
⑩ Advanced Technology Development for Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Utilization
⑪ Development of Production Technologies for High-Function Products Using Plants and Other Biologicals
⑫ Project to Realize an Energy-Saving Society with Robots and Drones
⑬ Technology Development for New Structural Materials for Radical Weight Reduction of Transportation Equipment
⑭ Standardization Projects for Robotic Nursing Care Devices and Welfare Equipment
⑮ Development of Integrated Core Technologies for Next-Generation AI and Robotics
⑯ New Technology Leading Research Program for Creating New Industries
⑰ Moonshot R&D: Development of Innovative Sensing Technologies for Realizing an IoT Society
⑱ Technology Development Project for Advanced Medical Devices and Systems
⑲ Innovation Promotion Project to Accelerate AI Chip Development
⑳ Technology Development for AI Chips and Next-Generation Computing Enabling High-Efficiency, High-Speed Processing
㉑ Program to Promote Medical–Engineering Collaboration Innovation
㉒ R&D for Strengthening Post-5G Information and Communications System Infrastructure
㉓ R&D for Innovative Fuel Cell Technologies toward a Hydrogen Society
㉔ R&D to Build Low-Cost Hydrogen Supply Infrastructure Using Ultra-High-Pressure Hydrogen Technologies, etc.

7. Joint (Cabinet Office / MEXT / MHLW / METI)
① Moonshot R&D Program in the Health and Medical Fields

14. Bonus Points: Graduation from a University Specified by Ministerial Notice

This special bonus may be combined with the separate bonus item “Graduated from a Japanese university or completed a Japanese graduate program and was awarded a degree.”

Applicants who graduated from a university/graduate school that meets any one of the criteria 1–3 below are eligible for this bonus.

1. Universities ranked within the top 300 in at least two of the following three indices (※1)

1. QS World University Rankings
2. Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
3. Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)

2. Universities receiving grants under the Top Global University Project

(Limited to the “Top Type” and the “Global Traction Type.”)

3. Universities designated as “Partner Schools” under the Innovative Asia initiative (※2)

15. Bonus Points: Universities Specified by Ministerial Notice ①

Applies to universities that receive grants under the Top Global University Project (administered by MEXT) — limited to the “Top Type” and “Global Traction Type.”

(1) What is the Top Global University Project?

A program to enhance the international competitiveness of Japan’s higher education and to foster globally competent human resources. It supports, for example:

1) Universities that promote comprehensive internationalization
— including reforms of personnel and academic systems to realize and accelerate collaboration with world top-level universities.

2) Universities that are strengthening systems to cultivate students’ global competencies

(2) What are the “Top Type” and “Global Traction Type”?

Under the Top Global University Project, the categories are as follows.

1) Top Type

Universities with the capacity to aim for the world top 100.

1. National	① Hokkaido University　② Tohoku University　③ University of Tsukuba　④ The University of Tokyo　⑤ Tokyo Medical and Dental University ⑥ Tokyo Institute of Technology　⑦ Nagoya University　⑧ Kyoto University　⑨ Osaka University　⑩ Hiroshima University ⑪ Kyushu University
2. Private	① Keio University　② Waseda University

2) Global Traction Type

Universities that, based on their achievements to date, take on further pioneering initiatives and lead the globalization of Japanese society.

1. National	① Chiba University　② Tokyo University of Foreign Studies　③ Tokyo University of the Arts　④ Nagaoka University of Technology ⑤ Kanazawa University　⑥ Toyohashi University of Technology　⑦ Kyoto Institute of Technology ⑧ Nara Institute of Science and Technology　⑨ Okayama University　⑩ Kumamoto University
2. Public	① Akita International University　② University of Aizu
3. Private	① International Christian University　② Shibaura Institute of Technology　③ Sophia University　④ Toyo University　⑤ Hosei University ⑥ Meiji University　⑦ Rikkyo University　⑧ Soka University　⑨ International University of Japan　⑩ Ritsumeikan University ⑪ Kwansei Gakuin University　⑫ Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

16. Bonus Points: Universities Specified by Ministerial Notice ②

Applies to universities designated as “Partner Schools” under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Innovative Asia initiative.

(1) What is the Innovative Asia initiative?

A program to develop and circulate highly skilled human resources in Asia. Its goals are to enable outstanding STEM students from developing Asian countries and regions to work at Japanese companies and contribute to innovation, and eventually to become core human resources driving industrial development in their home countries. The initiative designates top Asian universities as “Partner Schools.”

(2) What are the initiatives under Innovative Asia?

1) Offers opportunities for study at Japanese graduate schools and internships at Japanese companies.

① Eligible persons: Excellent students at designated partner schools, mainly in the following STEM fields:
　A. Information Technology (IT)
　B. IoT (Internet of Things)
　C. Artificial Intelligence (AI), etc.

② Planned intake:
Period: Five years from FY2017 to FY2021
Number: Approximately 1,000 from across Asia

2) Job fairs and information services
Overseas diplomatic missions, JETRO, JICA, etc., collaborate to hold job fairs and provide information services domestically and overseas for those interested in employment at Japanese companies.

3) Preferential treatment in immigration procedures

Eligible:
① Participants who have completed training of one year or longer under this initiative
② Graduates of “Partner Schools” who wish to work in Japan

Preferential measures:
① Special bonus points under the HSP point system

Students who have completed JICA-implemented training in Japan for one year or longer: 5 points

Graduates of “Partner Schools” (including graduates of master’s/doctoral programs): 10 points

② Simplification of required documents

If a certificate of completion as an Innovative Asia trainee issued by JICA is submitted, documents proving academic background, work history, and other career details may, in principle, be omitted.

(3) Universities designated under the Innovative Asia initiative

1) Thailand

Asian Institute of Technology
アジア工科大学

Burapha University
ブラパー大学

Chiang Mai University
チェンマイ大学

Chulalongkorn University
チュラロンコン大学

Kasetsart University
カセサート大学

Khon Kaen University
コンケン大学

King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
モンクット王工科大学ラカバン校

King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
モンクット王工科大学トンブリ校

Mahidol University
マヒドン大学

Prince of Songkla University
プリンス・オブ・ソンクラー大学

Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology
泰日工業大学

Thammasat University (Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology)
タマサート大学（シリントーン国際工科院）

2) India

Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur (IIITDM-J)
インド情報技術大学ジャバルプル校

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
インド工科大学ムンバイ校

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
インド工科大学デリー校

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
インド工科大学グワハティ校

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad
インド工科大学ハイデラバード校

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
インド工科大学カンプール校

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
インド工科大学カラグプール校

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (Anna University)
インド工科大学マドラス校（アンナ大学）

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
インド工科大学ルールキー校

3) Malaysia

Management and Science University (MSU)
マネジメント・サイエンス大学

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) / The National University of Malaysia
マレーシア国民大学

Universiti Malaya (UM)
マラヤ大学

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
マレーシア・サバ大学

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
マレーシア・プトラ大学

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
マレーシア科学大学

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
マレーシア工科大学

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
マレーシア・マラ工科大学

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)
ペトロナス工科大学

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
マレーシア・トゥン・フセイン・オン大学

4) Indonesia

Bogor Agricultural University (IPB University)
ボゴール農業大学

Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)
バンドン工科大学

Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS)
スラバヤ工科大学

Universitas Darma Persada
ダルマプルサダ大学

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)
ガジャマダ大学

Universitas Hasanuddin
ハサヌディン大学

Universitas Indonesia (UI)
インドネシア大学

5) Vietnam

Hanoi University of Industry
ハノイ工業大学

Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST)
ハノイ工科大学

Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT)
ホーチミン市工科大学

Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH)
ホーチミン工業大学

Vietnam–Japan University
日越大学

6) Philippines

Ateneo de Manila University
アテネオ・デ・マニラ大学

De La Salle University
デ・ラ・サール大学

Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)
ミンダナオ国立大学イリガン工科校

University of the Philippines – Diliman
フィリピン大学ディリマン校

7) Myanmar

Mandalay Technological University (MTU)
マンダレー工科大学

University of Yangon
ヤンゴン大学

Yangon Technological University (YTU)
ヤンゴン工科大学

8) Pakistan

National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad
パキスタン国立科学技術大学

NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
NED工科大学カラチ校

University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore
ラホール工科大学

9) Bangladesh

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
バングラデシュ工科大学

University of Dhaka
ダッカ大学

10) Cambodia

Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC)
カンボジア工科大学

Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP)
王立プノンペン大学

11) Sri Lanka

University of Colombo
コロンボ大学

University of Peradeniya
ペラデニヤ大学

12) Laos

National University of Laos
ラオス国立大学

13) Singapore (non-ODA country; preferential immigration procedures only)

National University of Singapore (NUS)
シンガポール国立大学

Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
南洋理工大学

14) Brunei (non-ODA country; preferential immigration procedures only)

University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD)
ブルネイ大学

Brunei Institute of Technology
ブルネイ工科大学