Updated On: 26 September 2024

Study in Japan: Tuition Fees, Living Costs & Student Visa

Studying abroad in Japan is a possibility that any student should think of seriously. Japan, as its popularly known, the land of the rising sun is located northwest of the Pacific Ocean. But then again, with such an option as studying in the UK or The USA, the question arises: why study in Japan?

In the present era where globalization has become the order of the day, students worldwide are encouraged to , come and study in Japan, as it is one of the most developed countries, thanks to the advancing urbanization. Japan is one of the most crowded places on earth, but it still manages to provide education and opportunities to everyone. And you will have a chance to stay in one of Japan’s Five Islands which are: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. However, if you choose to reside in the southern part of Japan, then you will be able to experience the afro of mini-island as well Mount Fuji, the famous and second highest volcano on an island in Asia.

According to the various reports and studies, over the last ten years, out of which more than 300000 overseas students have selected Japan as their particular country for study purposes. Well, any student who comes to study in Japan while on an exchange program irrespective of the major studies pursued will get to live in the third largest economy in the world, and who wouldn’t like to have certificates from such an economy in the globe.

Read this Also: Study in Japan: A complete guide

Let us dive into the blog to better understand:

Why Study in Japan?
Education for International Students in Japan
Tuition Fees in Japan for International Students
Japanese Scholarships for International Students
Japanese Study Visas and Permits for International Students

Study in Japan

Understand Why a Japanese Education is a Need to Have?

Touted for advancements in technology, culture and speaking volumes across the world, no wonder that for a student who desires an out of the board academic journey, Studying in Japan is the best place to turn to.

A Leader on the Global Stage

Japan participates actively in a number of international organizations including UN, OECD, G7, and comfortably stands 4th in the military ranking. Japan is also regarded as the most advanced country in the world in science and technology with the longest average lifespan.

Academic Performance and Inventions

Japanese higher education institutions are highly appreciated with regards to the quality of the research and the available infrastructure. Almost, forty of such schools are recognized in the World’s Top 200 universities, which shows that Japan values education.

Over the Rainbow

Overseas students, studying in Japan are pleased by the sights and sounds of Japan, which is also ranked first in the Top 10 Most Study Enabling Countries in Asia for Culture Experience, Study in Japan is Second in Asia. However, as an international student, you will be enabled to experience the rich history, modern advancement of technologies and exciting cities that the country has to offer.

Harsh Realities of the Other West

For young and ambitious overseas students, studying in Japan offers an educational journey of a different level, coupled with career possibilities that are equally appealing. Whether it is in the case of participating in the technological advances of the nation or in becoming a part of the globalization of the country, studying in Japan brings visions of the future with it.

Turn to the Study in Japan Brochure

Get to Understand, Why Japan Makes a Good Place for International Students. Check out our detailed Study in Japan Bridging Cultures.

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Studying Abroad in Japan: Educational System, Tuition Fees, Living Costs, Japan Student Visa

Education for International Students in Japan

In Japan, higher education institutions such as universities, colleges of technology and vocational training colleges operate under the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. In Japanese universities students can earn bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree and PhD in various fields of study.
The Japanese educational system is distinctive and comprises elements from the three religions of Shintoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Japan Educational System also experienced drastic changes in its 19th and 20th centuries and was then opened to the outside world. There is a growing popularity of Japan education system all over the world because of its effectiveness.
And this especially describes the Japanese University System – simplicity, equality; as well as quality and results. A Bachelor’s degree program in Japan involves four years of study; though junior colleges take two to three years of training. The academic year for most courses in Japan commences in April or March. It is compulsory to have completed at least twelve years of education in your country first.

If you have not finished that mandatory 12-year education, worry not. It is simply that you will have to take and pass the National Entrance Examination Test in order to qualify.

A master’s course In Japan extends Two Years for students who wishes to study in japan. To apply for a master’s degree, a student has to provide a copy of Bakalavrski transcript and two recommendation letters, as well as language examination results confirming the knowledge of English or Japanese.
Also, Japan has the best Ph.D. programs for foreign students and is therefore a great place for further studies.

Tuition Fees in Japan for International Students

The tuition fees in Japan for international students are relatively low. The fees for Bachelor's degree in Japan is found to be between 20 and 23,000 USD, while for a Master's degree it is approximately 12,000 USD. And for Doctorate Programmes, the charges are approximately 5,000 USD per year.
Along with the tuition fees, students must also pay National Health Insurance which is mandatory for all students who wish to study in Japan. This helps to cover any medical expenses in the event where an injury occurs.

Japanese Scholarships for International Students

Most importantly, an effort aimed at the promotion of inbound study in Japan is accelerated by the availability of numerous Japanese Scholarships for those students who wish to complete their studies in Japan.
JASSO which means Japan Student Services Organisation is also an organization established by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan is responsible for, among other things, issuing grants and study loans, and providing assistance for foreign students.
Some popular Japanese Scholarships available for foreign students include Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarships, the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Programme, and so on.

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Living Costs in Japan for International Students

Compared to other study locations, the cost of living in Japan is high, especially in the case where students decide to stay in Tokyo. The most student friendly cities in Japan are mainly Tokyo, Osaka, extended into Kyoto, Fukuoka and many others. However, Cut down your living costs in Japan by staying in a university dormitory.
The Japanese Government and Japanese Institutions provide student housing, also known as accommodations, to students coming from abroad. However, since such accommodations for students are budget-friendly, it is quite available yet complicated. This is why private accommodation facilities are in high demand among the students in Japan. To enhance the cost of living, it is advisable for one to stay in the suburbs instead of the city center.
The guesthouses or Gaijin Houses, which are available for a shorter terms and for reasons like large renovation works, renting out rooms etc. should be discussed later. While the students look for their long-term accommodation Gaijin can be a suitable place to stay in Japan.
Japanese one-room apartment goes for an average rent of 50-70,000 Japanese Yen or roughly 450 to 650 dollars. The average monthly transport cost in Japan is approximately 10,000 Japanese Yen. One average meal has a price of 900 yen. One cup of coffee goes for around 404 yen while one beer retails at about 450 yen. These costs may be influenced by the city and the way of life of an individual so it is important to be realistic in your budgets.

With a Japanese study visa, international students gain access to a world-class education and an unparalleled cultural experience, making it a highly esteemed choice for those looking to expand their horizons.

Japanese Study Visas and Permits for International Students

Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world and is becoming one of the most popular countries for international students to study.
For foreign students, education in Japan offers the definite aspect which makes their stay more interesting - the combination of modern and traditional culture pillared by quality education. At this stage, the Japanese study visa is the most significant aspect of the whole process.
In order to apply for a study visa to Japan, it is necessary that you there is an enrollment in a recognized institution. In case of acceptance, the institution shall issue the applicant with a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) which is an important document in applying for a visa.
Mizukoshi and Yamakita have discussed the steps on how to obtain a study visa for Japan. First, submit the Certificate of Eligibility and a visa application form to the Japanese embassy or consulate located in your home country. Additional documents typically needed include a current passport, a few passport-size photos, proof that you possess enough funds to cater for your school fees and cost of living, and in some cases, a health clearance. Also, note that the requirements enforced by the embassy or consulate of Japan you apply to may be diverse.
After your Japanese study visa is issued and approved, the next step will be going to Japan. When you get there, you will need to complete residence registration at the local ward office and acquire a Residence Card. This is the document which indicates your legal presence in Japan and it should be kept with you at all times.
Moreover, even though students can work on student visas, those who wish to work on a part-time basis while studying in Japan must get permission from the immigration office as student visas come with restrictions on the number of work hours allowed.