Study DestinationStudy in Japan
Japan combines high academic standards, advanced technology, personal safety and a distinctive cultural experience. International students can choose from universities, graduate schools, vocational colleges, technical institutions and Japanese-language schools.
At a glance
Quick Facts
- Tuition fees
- ¥820,000 – ¥1,300,000 / first year (undergraduate)
- Living cost
- Around ¥105,000 / month
- Teaching language
- Japanese, English
- Working while studying
- Up to 28 hours per week, with permission
Why Japan
Why Study in Japan?
- Globally respected universities and qualifications
- Strong programmes in engineering, technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, business and life sciences
- A growing selection of degrees taught entirely in English
- Comparatively affordable fees at national and public universities
- Government, university and private scholarships
- Excellent transport, healthcare and public infrastructure
- Part-time employment opportunities
- Career opportunities with Japanese and international companies
- Exposure to both a highly innovative economy and a rich cultural heritage
Costs
Tuition & Living Cost
Indicative first-year admission and tuition costs are:
| Institution | Approximate first-year fee |
|---|---|
| National university (undergraduate) | ¥820,000 |
| Local public university (undergraduate) | ¥910,000 |
| Private university (undergraduate) | ¥1,300,000 |
| Private medicine, dentistry or pharmacy | ¥3,800,000 |
| National graduate school | ¥820,000 |
| Private graduate school | ¥1,100,000 |
| Specialised training college | ¥1,300,000 |
| Japanese-language institution | ¥610,000 – ¥1,900,000 |
Examination, textbooks, laboratory work, insurance and accommodation are additional expenses. Fees vary considerably by university and subject.
What you need
Entry Requirements
Academic
- A recognised secondary-school qualification for bachelor's admission
- Normally 12 years of formal education
- A relevant bachelor's degree for master's admission
- Academic transcripts and graduation certificates
- Personal statement or study plan
- Academic recommendation letters
- Proof of financial support
- Passport copy
- English or Japanese language evidence
- Entrance examination or interview, where required
Language
Language Requirement
Japanese-taught courses commonly require strong Japanese proficiency. Official guidance indicates that many such undergraduate programmes expect JLPT N1 or N2 together with the required EJU performance. English-taught programmes may require IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted qualification, with the exact score set by the institution.
Visa route
Student Visa Process
After receiving admission, the institution or an authorised representative in Japan normally assists with the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The student then applies through the appropriate Japanese embassy or consulate. The standard documents include:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Photograph
- Certificate of Eligibility
- Additional financial or academic evidence when requested
A COE supports the application but does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
What to study
Popular Courses
- Artificial intelligence and computer science
- Engineering and robotics
- Automotive and manufacturing technology
- Business, economics and management
- International relations
- Architecture and urban planning
- Biotechnology and life sciences
- Environmental science
- Animation, game design and digital media
- Japanese language and cultural studies
Where to study
Popular Universities
Technology-focused universities
- Institute of Science Tokyo: formed through the integration of Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University; particularly strong in science, engineering, technology, medicine and dentistry
- University of Electro-Communications: computer science, artificial intelligence, electronics and telecommunications
- Tokyo University of Science: science, engineering, pharmacy and technology
- Toyohashi University of Technology: engineering and applied technology
- Nagaoka University of Technology: engineering, manufacturing and industrial technology
Recommended universities with English-taught programmes
These universities are particularly attractive to students who do not yet speak Japanese:
- University of Tokyo
- Kyoto University
- Osaka University
- Tohoku University
- Nagoya University
- Kyushu University
- Hokkaido University
- University of Tsukuba
- Waseda University
- Keio University
- Sophia University
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
- International Christian University
Japan's official study portal confirms that students can complete selected university and graduate degrees entirely in English. However, programme availability differs by study level and subject.
Best choices by subject
- Engineering and technology: University of Tokyo, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tohoku, Osaka, Nagoya
- Artificial intelligence and computing: University of Tokyo, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tsukuba, Waseda, Keio
- Business and management: Waseda, Keio, Kobe, Hitotsubashi, Ritsumeikan APU
- Medicine and life sciences: University of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Tohoku, Kyushu
- International relations: Waseda, Sophia, Ritsumeikan, Ritsumeikan APU
- Economics: University of Tokyo, Hitotsubashi, Keio, Kobe, Waseda
- Environmental and agricultural sciences: Hokkaido, Kyoto, Kyushu, University of Tsukuba
- Animation, media and creative technology: Keio, Waseda, Tokyo University of the Arts, Kyoto University of the Arts
Good to know
Living costs
The estimated national average living cost is approximately ¥105,000 per month, excluding tuition and research expenses. Average monthly accommodation is around ¥41,000 nationally and ¥57,000 in Tokyo. Students should budget more for major cities and initial accommodation costs.
A practical first-year budget, including tuition and living expenses, may therefore be around ¥2.1 million to ¥3 million for many non-medical university programmes. This is an estimate; location, institution and lifestyle can change the total substantially.
Good to know
Scholarships
Important funding opportunities include:
- Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship: available through embassy or university recommendation
- JASSO scholarships: financial support for eligible privately financed international students
- University entrance scholarships
- Tuition reductions and exemptions
- Local-government and private-foundation scholarships
Scholarships are competitive and may not cover every expense. Applicants should check eligibility and deadlines well before applying.
Good to know
Working while studying
Students require separate permission before undertaking part-time employment. Work is generally limited to:
- 28 hours per week during study periods
- Up to eight hours per day during long institutional holidays
The official average income from part-time work is approximately ¥81,000 per month. It should supplement, not replace, the student's primary financial resources.
Good to know
Opportunities after graduation
Graduates who receive an appropriate job offer can apply to change from student status to a suitable employment status. Eligible graduates who have not secured employment may be able to change to Designated Activities status and continue job hunting, normally for six months with the possibility of renewal subject to conditions and institutional recommendation.
Good to know
How Edu Consultancy can help
Edu Consultancy can support students with:
- Initial eligibility and profile assessment
- Selection of suitable universities and courses
- English-taught programme searches
- Application and document preparation
- Scholarship guidance
- Statement-of-purpose and interview preparation
- Student-visa guidance
- Accommodation and pre-departure support
Ready to study in Japan?
From MEXT scholarship applications to your Certificate of Eligibility, our counsellors guide you through the Japanese process, in English, step by step.
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