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Study in Japan

Ancient culture meets cutting-edge technology — world-class universities with affordable tuition and unique career opportunities.

3
Top-100 Universities
350K+
Int'l Students
¥0
Tuition (Scholarships)
#3
World Economy
Why Japan?

6 Reasons to Study in Japan

🏯
Unique Cultural Experience
Japan offers a one-of-a-kind blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation. Living in Japan gives students an unparalleled cultural and personal development experience.
🔬
Research Excellence
Japan has produced 29 Nobel Prize winners. Universities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka rank in the world's top 100 for STEM, engineering, and life sciences research.
💰
Affordable Tuition
National university tuition is approximately ¥535,800/year (~A$5,500). Many scholarships — including the MEXT government scholarship — cover full tuition and living expenses.
💼
Tech & Auto Industry
Japan is home to Toyota, Sony, Panasonic, Nintendo, Softbank, and hundreds of global technology companies. Engineering and IT graduates have strong employment prospects.
🗾
Safe & Orderly
Japan is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world. Low crime, reliable public transport, and extremely high quality of life make it an excellent place to study.
🌸
Gateway to Asia-Pacific
Japan's central position in East Asia and its role as a global economic power makes a Japanese degree highly valuable for careers across the Asia-Pacific region.
Budget Planning

Cost of Studying in Japan

ExpenseEstimated Range
National university tuition¥535,800/yr (~A$5,500)
Private university tuition¥900,000 – ¥1,500,000/yr
English-taught programmes¥600,000 – ¥2,000,000/yr
Living expenses (Tokyo)¥150,000 – ¥200,000/month
Living expenses (other cities)¥80,000 – ¥130,000/month
Student visa fee~A$40 (varies by country)
💡 With MEXT or JASSO scholarships, total costs can be near zero. Japan is one of the most affordable developed countries for international study.
What to Study

Popular Courses

Engineering & RoboticsComputer Science & AIBusiness & ManagementNatural SciencesMedicine & PharmacyArchitecture & DesignJapanese Language & CultureAutomotive Engineering
Where to Study

Top Universities

QS #28
University of Tokyo
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QS #50
Kyoto University
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QS #68
Osaka University
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QS #80
Tohoku University
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QS #201
Waseda University
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QS #189
Keio University
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Tokyo Institute of Technology
Nagoya University
Browse all Japan universities →
When to Apply

Intake Dates

Recommended
Spring (Main)
April
Apply: Sep – Dec
Main Japanese academic calendar intake
Autumn (International)
September / October
Apply: Mar – Jun
Growing number of English-taught programmes use this intake
English Proficiency

Language Requirements

JLPT
N2 or above
Required for Japanese-taught programmes
Full guide →
IELTS
6.0 – 6.5 overall
For English-taught programmes
Full guide →
TOEFL
72 – 90 (IBT)
Accepted for English-medium programmes
Full guide →
EJU
Varies by university
Examination for Japanese University Admission — for Japanese-taught programmes
Full guide →
Funding Your Studies

Scholarships in Japan

MEXT Scholarship
Eligible: All international students (government-sponsored)
Full tuition + ¥117,000/month stipend
JASSO Scholarships
Eligible: Based on academic merit and financial need
¥48,000 – ¥80,000/month
University Scholarships
Eligible: High-achieving international students
Partial to full tuition
JICA Development Scholarships
Eligible: Students from developing countries
Full coverage
Verified Reviews

Consultancies for Japan

Real student ratings — not paid placements.

Find a Consultancy for Japan

63 verified consultancies help students study in Japan

New Oriental Education China
New Oriental Education China
Beijing, China
4.6(21)
EP
Edtalks Philippines
Makati, Philippines
4.5(6)
SS
Study Solutions Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam
4.5(6)
The Chopras
The Chopras
New Delhi, India
4.5(2)
AIMS Education
AIMS Education
Kathmandu, Nepal
4.5(2)
Go! Go! Nihon
Go! Go! Nihon
Tokyo, Japan
5.0(1)
EV
EduPath Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
5.0(1)
FB
Future Bright Vietnam
Da Nang, Vietnam
5.0(1)
GE
Global Education Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand
5.0(1)
ST
StudyAbroad Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
5.0(1)
VP
Viet Phong Study Abroad
Hanoi, Vietnam
5.0(1)
Saipal Education Consultancy
Saipal Education Consultancy
Kathmandu, Nepal
5.0(1)
View all 63 consultancies for Japan
Step by Step

Student Visa (College Student Status)

Fee: ~¥3,000 (varies by country)Processing: 2–4 weeks
1

Receive Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from your Japanese institution — they apply on your behalf

2

Apply for Student Visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country with the COE

3

Submit passport, visa application form, photo, and any additional required documents

4

Receive visa — typically within 2–4 weeks

5

Travel to Japan and register your address at the local municipal office within 14 days

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Japanese to study in Japan?
Not necessarily. Over 1,000 English-taught programmes are available at Japanese universities, particularly at postgraduate level. However, learning basic Japanese significantly improves your daily life and employment prospects.
What is the MEXT scholarship and how do I apply?
The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) scholarship is Japan's flagship government scholarship covering full tuition, a living stipend (~¥117,000/month), and travel costs. You apply through the Japanese Embassy in your country or directly through a Japanese university. Competition is high — strong academic results are essential.
Can I work part-time while studying in Japan?
Yes. Student visa holders can apply for a "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence" permit, which allows up to 28 hours/week of part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.
How hard is it to find work in Japan after graduating?
Japan has an active "Japan in Asia" jobs programme and a significant shortage of skilled workers in technology, engineering, and healthcare. Japanese language ability dramatically improves your employment prospects. The Specified Skilled Worker visa and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities visa are common post-study pathways.
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💰 Study cost calculatorEstimate tuition, living, visa fees and the funds your visa requires.🌍 Compare destinationsSee Japan next to other study destinations side by side.📖 Study abroad glossarySOP, CAS, OSHC, PGWP and other terms, explained.❓ Study abroad FAQCommon questions on visas, English tests and costs.
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