Study in Japan for International Students Free + Scholarships 2024
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
Japan continues to captivate people all over the world with the way its unique culture and traditions seamlessly merge with technology and innovation. Japan has developed greatly over time to hold a prominent position in terms of innovation, advancement, and growth. Japan is renowned as the center of education in addition to being a technology leader. The superb Japanese institutions that offer world-class education, training, and research opportunities deserve praise for this. More than 200,000 foreign students from 170 different countries have selected Japan as their destination to study. International students are lured to study in Japan not only for its academic brilliance but also for its simplicity, diversity of culture, and employment chances
The Japanese people are also incredibly welcoming and excited to have foreign people. The expanding economy, state-of-the-art technologies, cutting-edge amenities, and promise of a prosperous life in Japan would make education there worthwhile for Indian and foreign students.
| Criteria | Description |
| Instruction language | English, Japanese |
| Required language test | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT |
| Average tuition & fees | ¥ 500,800 – ¥ 1,200,000/ Year |
| Average living cost | ¥1,100,00 – ¥1,400,00/ Year |
| University funding sources | Grants, Scholarships, and part-time jobs |
| Intakes period | Three intakes every year. Fall, Winter, Summer |
| Student visa type | Student visa |
| Degree levels | Diploma, Undergraduate (Bachelor’s), and Graduate (Master’s and Ph.D.) |
| Top courses | Welfare and Health, Food Science and Technology, Business and Management, Electronics and Engineering, Biological Sciences, Fine Arts and Social Sciences, etc. |
| Top universities | University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tohoku University, Nagoya University |
| Top cities for students | Kyoto, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Yokohama, Tokyo, Osaka |
Why study in Japan?
When you study abroad in Japan, you’ll quickly learn how to navigate the vast city of Tokyo and all of its distinctive areas. Go to the Imperial Palace in Hibiya or the Ginza to look around the upscale designer shops. Do you intend to use your knowledge of Japanese for work? The Tokyo Stock Exchange, which is located in Nihombashi. In Akihabara, you can buy almost any electrical device you can imagine, whereas Shinjuku, you can enjoy the city’s nightlife.
When you study in Japan, it will be simple to locate local hangouts that suit your tastes because each district of Tokyo is alive in its own manner. When it comes to academic opportunities and job chances, Japan has it everything. Japan offers everything—technology, a creative mindset, and job prospects. For many overseas students, studying in Japan has been an enriching and life-changing experience. In a nutshell, here are some reasons to study in Japan:
1-Japan has a unique culture and way of life. Simple living, healthy habits, hospitality, and delectable Japanese cuisine are all wonderful qualities.
2-Japan offers the top STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs worldwide, leading to various job opportunities.
3-Japan has a renowned educational system and some internationally renowned universities. Japan has many top-ranked universities due to their excellence.
Educational system in Japan
After completing their secondary education in Japan, students who want to pursue higher education can take entrance tests to enroll in the program of their choosing at universities.
The majority of university courses in Japan are solely offered in the Japanese language. However, only a few colleges provide four-year undergraduate degrees with all English-taught courses. In general, roughly all of the universities provide English courses at the master’s and/or doctorate levels. Japanese institutions will offer the six main degree types are as follows:
1- Diploma: The diploma level is appropriate for students who want to go through skilled/professional work or further education. Taking a diploma shows that the student has received specialized knowledge and skills. It takes about one to two years to finish.
2-Advanced Diploma/Associate’s Degree: Students are given a broad knowledge and skill set for paraprofessional/highly skilled work and/or further education. It takes 1.5 to 2 years to finish this.
3- Bachelor’s Degree: This undergraduate degree, which takes three to four years to complete, aims to give students a solid foundation in a wide range of subjects.
4- Master’s Degree: In Japan, a master’s degree is an expert graduate degree in a certain field. It can be finished in one to three years.
5-PhD Level: Ph.D. or doctorate level focuses on the research level. In Japan, international students should show an in-depth publication record and research level to be admitted to this program. Note that students need to find a supervisor before applying for this program.
If you are an international student who chose to study in Japan, take a look at the various institutions that provide higher education in the below table:
| Institution type | Highlights |
| University (Undergraduate) | Offers undergraduate courses in a variety of subjects. |
| Junior Colleges | Offers a variety of areas, including sociology, nursing, education, and home economics. The study duration in these colleges varies from two to three years, depending on the department. |
| Colleges of Technology | Offers knowledge in academic disciplines including Engineering, Merchant Shipping, and other relevant ones. |
| Graduate School | Offers students the chance to go to graduate school and gain further expertise. Both master’s and doctorate degrees are available. |
| Professional/Specialized Training Colleges | Prepares students to pursue a specific career. They offer one- or two-year courses that concentrate on improving the students’ abilities in a particular field. |
Credit Criteria in Japan
Bachelor’s Degree: Between 120 and 150 credits are often needed for undergraduate degrees. These are divided into a series of optional and mandatory courses. Do check with your university for specific course prerequisites.
Master’s Degree: Courses for master’s degrees are divided out over semesters similarly to undergraduate studies and typically need 30 credits (except MBAs, which require close to 50).
Ph.D. Degree: In addition to coursework and research, doctorate students must complete at least 30 credits, prepare a Ph.D. thesis for oral defense, and pass a test to graduate.
Top universities in Japan (Update 2024)
Japanese universities offer a strong and proven track record of education courses with useful courses and programs. There are a number of university ranking systems that judge universities based on several parameters; the following three are the most well-known parameters:
1-Academic reputation of instructors and programs
2-Ease of education for international students
3-Job opportunities after graduation
Japan is home to a number of prestigious universities. See Japan’s top 5 universities in the below table:
| Institution name | THE Ranking in 2022 | Portion of international students | Avg. tuition & fees |
| University of Tokyo | 35 | 14% | ¥500,000 – ¥850,000 |
| Kyoto University | 61 | 11% | ¥550,000 – ¥850,000 |
| Tohoku University | 201-250 | 14% | ¥550,000 – ¥850,000 |
| Osaka University | 301-350 | 11% | ¥550,000 – ¥850,000 |
| Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) | 301-350 | 11% | ¥550,000 – ¥850,000 |
| Nagoya University | 351-400 | 12% | ¥550,000 – ¥850,000 |
| Hokkaido University | 501-600 | 11% | ¥550,000 – ¥850,000 |
Top courses in Japan (Update 2024)
As mentioned above, Seven Japanese universities were ranked among the top universities worldwide. The list below shows which top courses have resulted in the better job opportunities for graduates in Japanese Universities:
1-Engineering
2-International Relations
3-Accountancy
4-Architecture
5- Management and Finance
6-Tourism & Hospitality Management
7-Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
The most well-liked courses that international students choose to study in Japan are:
| Course | Duration | Avg. tuition & fees/year |
| Master of Science in Computer Science | 1/5-3 years | ¥900,000- ¥1,500,000 |
| Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering | 3-5 years | ¥800,000- ¥1,500,000 |
| Master’s in Environmental and Information Studies | 1/5-3 years | ¥900,000- ¥1,500,000 |
| Master’s in Integrative Science and Engineering | 1/5-3 years | ¥900,000- ¥1,500,000 |
| Bachelor’s in Architecture and Urban Design | 3-5 years | ¥900,000- ¥1,500,000 |
| Bachelor’s in Urban Life Studies | 3-5 years | ¥900,000- ¥1,500,000 |
Admission Process of Universities in Japan (Update 2024)
This part will explain the details of the admission process for international students to study in Japan. It will make your immigration process smoother if you plan how to apply beforehand. The following steps show the admission process to study in Japan
1-Choose the course you want to study, then begin looking for the top institutions that offer it in Japan.
2-Once you’ve narrowed down your selection of institutions, visit the official university websites to learn more about the qualifications and eligibility requirements.
3-Complete the application form and upload all the necessary paperwork. Pay the application fees.
4-Wait for the colleges to respond after you’ve submitted your application.
5.You will require an admission letter when you apply for your student visa.
International students must know the admission standards for various courses in Japan in order to understand how to study there:
| Degree type | Requirements |
| Associate’s Degree | 1-Degree certificate of high school that is equivalent to a Japanese degree. 2-IELTS overall score of 6 – TOEFL overall score of 79 3-Perhaps a Japanese proficiency test is necessary. |
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Degree | 1- Secondary education certificate, equivalent to a Japanese certificate. 2-IELTS overall score of 6.5 – TOEFL overall score of 85 3-Statement of Purpose 4- Japanese Proficiency Test may be required 5- Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) |
| Graduate (Master’s) Degree | 1-Undergraduate certificate that is equivalent to an Japanese Bachelor’s Degree. 2- Required language test (IELTS overall score of 6.5 – TOEFL overall score of 85 3-GMAT/GRE, if required 4- CV, SOP, Recommendation letter 5-Entrance exam (in some courses) |
| Doctorate Degree | 1- Graduate certificate that is equivalent to a Japanese Master’s Degree, honors degree, or graduate diploma. 2- Required language test (IELTS overall score of 6.5 – TOEFL overall score of 100 3-GMAT/GRE, if required 4- CV, SOP, Recommendation letter 5- Entrance exam (in some courses) |
Education cost in Japan (Update 2024)
The cost of attending a particular program and university in Japan varies depending on the student’s lifestyle. Tuition fees and cost of living are the two main components of the entire cost of education.
1-Tuition& fees for international students to Study in Japan
Japanese domestic and international students pay different tuition rates. The below table presents the average tuition and fees at each level:
| Degree type | Avg. tuition & fees/year |
| Bachelor’s Degree | ¥550,000- ¥1,500,000 |
| Master’s Degree | ¥550,000- ¥1,500,000 |
2-Living costs for international students to Study in Japan
One of the contributors impacting the life costs in Japan for international student’s lifestyle. You must choose student housing if your budget is tight and apply for various scholarship programs. However, there are some expenses that cannot be avoided. Following is a discussion of the major elements of the cost of living in Japan for foreign students:
| Criteria | Avg. living cost/year |
| Apartment housing, including utilities | ¥15,000 – ¥45,000 |
| Books and supplies | ¥10,000-¥12,000 |
| Foods | ¥35,000 – ¥55,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ¥10,000 – ¥12,000 |
Top cities for international students in Japan
There are many amazing places available to study in Japan. The following list includes some of the top cities in Japan for higher education:
| City | Avg. living cost/month |
| Tokyo | ¥125,000 – ¥140,000 |
| Kyoto | ¥115,000 – ¥130,500 |
| Osaka | ¥105,000 – ¥125,500 |
| Fukuoka | ¥120,000 – ¥140,500 |
| Sapporo | ¥125,000 – ¥130,500 |
Student visa in Japan (Update 2024)
Once you have received confirmation of your acceptance to a Japanese university, you can begin the process of applying for a student visa. Obtaining a student visa for Japan can be done in the following ways, step by step:
1-Your university will serve as a sponsor for your student visa if you apply for a long-term course. Prior to that, you must complete and submit various visa application documents to your institute, which will then submit them to the Japanese immigration authorities.
2-You will receive your COE, or Certificate of Eligibility, in about a month. You will require it in order to apply for a student visa in Japan.
3-When you have your COE, you can apply for a visa at the Japanese Embassy in your home country by presenting all necessary documents.
4-A landing permit and residence card will be given to you when you finally obtain your student visa and arrive in Japan. Two weeks after receiving both of these documents, you must notify the local municipal authorities of your stay.
Documents required to apply for a student visa in Japan are:
1-Student Visa Application Form, which must be signed by you and the Japanese Embassy or Consulate that is nearest to you.
2-A valid passport, its copy, and a Passport-sized photo
3- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
4-A letter from your Japanese university outlining the specifics of your course and stay and an invitation or guarantee.
5-Proof that you can afford to meet all of your financial obligations while studying in Japan
Top Scholarships to Study in Japan 2022
Students can apply for a variety of scholarships and aids to study in Japan, which can keep them focused on their studies. Below are a few of the top scholarships available to Indian and other international students in Japan:
| Scholarship name | Who is eligible? | Benefits/amount |
| Super KUAS-E Scholarship | High-rank students at the Faculty of Engineering at Kyoto University of Advanced Science | 1,200,000 (stipend) + waiver of tuition + waiver of application fees. |
| KUAS-E Scholarship | High-rank students at Faculty of Engineering at Kyoto University of Advanced Science | Admission fee reduction plus a reduction in the tuition fee (of 100%, 50%, or 30%). (100 % , 50% or 30% ) |
| Scholarships For PhD Students at Otani University in 2022 | Meritorious foreign students are pursuing a Ph.D. in any field at Otani University. | Equivalent to half of the Student Services Organization’s monthly stipend. |
| MEXT Asia Pacific University Japanese Government Scholarship | meritorious students enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at Asia Pacific University. | 100% of the cost of the tuition, the monthly stipend, and the airfare |
| ADB Scholarship University of Tokyo | meritorious students enrolled in the University of Tokyo’s two-year master’s program. | Tuition, books, accommodation, stipend, airline tickets, and medical benefits. |
| Tokyo Institute of Technology Scholarship | meritorious students at Tokyo Institute of Technology seeking master’s or doctorate degrees | ¥147,000/Month for Master’s Program and ¥148,000/Month for Ph.D. Program |
| kGU Graduate School International Scholarships | Meritorious students enrolled in postgraduate courses at Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan. | 50% of yearly tuition fees |
Job opportunities in Japan
Students in Japan who have work permits can work a variety of part-time jobs. You need to have a current student visa to apply for a work permit, which is placed on your passport as a sticker.
International students in Japan who have work permits are allowed to work up to 28 hours/week on the working days and 40 hours/week during the semester breaks.
Some of the part-time employment available to international students in Japan include:
| Part-time job | Avg. income/hour |
| Freelancer | ¥900- ¥1,700 |
| Kitchen Staff | ¥900- ¥1,300 |
| Fast Food Delivery | ¥900- ¥1,300 |
| Go Kart Driver | ¥900- ¥1,200 |
| Sorting and Packing | ¥900- ¥1,100 |
| Tutor | ¥900- ¥2,200 |
| English Teacher | ¥900- ¥1,700 |
Job opportunities for international students after graduation in Japan
Here is a short look at the top industries for Indian and international students to hunt for jobs in Japan:
| Area of expertise | Avg. income/Salary per year |
| English Teacher | ¥3,000,000- ¥3,500,000 |
| Engineer | ¥5,000,000- ¥5,500,000 |
| Business Analyst | ¥6,000,000- ¥6,500,000 |
| Banker | ¥11,000,000- ¥11,500,000 |
| IT Professional | ¥5,500,000- ¥6,500,000 |
Work Visa & PR in Japan
Graduates from Japanese universities are eligible to work in any position as long as they earn at least 3 million yen annually. International students must switch from “Student” to “Designated Activities” as their status of residence. Visit the Regional Immigration Services Bureau or one of its branch offices to accomplish this.
If you meet the following criteria, you can apply for a PR in Japan:
1-Must possess any work visa that is listed under one of the subcategories for highly skilled professionals (intra-company transferee, business manager, researcher professor).
2-Must have spent one to three years residing and working in Japan.
3-Must have paid all required taxes.
4-Has a local guarantor or is a foreign national who holds permanent residency in Japan. The guarantor must be able to present the necessary identification and income documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions on Studying in Japan
Japan offers high-quality education, cutting-edge technology, a rich cultural experience, and the opportunity to learn Japanese, a valuable skill in the global job market.
You need to be accepted into a Japanese educational institution first. Once accepted, you can apply for a student visa through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
While some programs are offered in English, many are in Japanese. It’s advisable to have a good command of the Japanese language for a broader range of study options.
Tuition fees vary, but Japan is generally considered affordable compared to some Western countries. The cost of living depends on the location and lifestyle, but students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses.
Yes, there are various scholarships provided by the Japanese government, private organizations, and universities. Check with the respective institutions or the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) for scholarship opportunities.
Yes, international students in Japan are allowed to work part-time during their studies. However, there are restrictions on the number of hours you can work, and certain conditions apply.
Most universities offer assistance in finding accommodation for international students. Additionally, there are private housing options such as dormitories, shared apartments, and private rentals.
Yes, it is mandatory for all residents in Japan, including students, to have health insurance. Many universities assist students in enrolling in the National Health Insurance system or provide information on private health insurance options.
Yes, it is possible to stay in Japan for job hunting or further studies. You can apply for a job-seeking visa or transition to a work visa if you find employment.
Participate in cultural exchange programs, join clubs and student organizations, and make an effort to learn the language. Engaging with local communities and making Japanese friends can also enhance your cultural experience.
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