---
title: "When should students start applying to Japanese universities: before or after their Class 12 board examinations?"
description: Students should ideally begin researching universities and preparing applications during Class 11. Many programmes accept applications while students are completing Class 12, using available academic transcripts and predicted or provisional results.
url: "https://www.collegeaccessprogram.in/faq/when-should-students-start-applying-to-japanese-universities-before-or-after-their-class-12-board-examinations/"
updated: "2026-10-27"
category: Study in Japan
---

# When should students start applying to Japanese universities: before or after their Class 12 board examinations?

Students should ideally begin researching universities and preparing applications during Class 11. Many programmes accept applications while students are completing Class 12, using available academic transcripts and predicted or provisional results.