Japan is a unique country that offers a mix of modernization and timeless tradition. The country boasts a rich culture, an exciting history and mouth-watering cuisine. The education system in Japan is among the best in Asia and on par with those in the Western countries. You will never get bored in Japan as there is always some activity to indulge in on every corner. From cities that are known for their hustle and bustle, to serene temples and shrines, Japan has to offer you everything. The country ranks among the highest in the human development index and has high life expectancy. Japanese are committed to education and their universities provide quality education right from kindergarten. Japan is ahead in all sorts of technological advancements, making it a preferred destination for students who wish to pursue study in the field of information technology. Popular universities in Japan include The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, etc.

Why study in Japan?

Japan is a stunning nation that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with thrilling modernization, placing it at the top of many tourists' bucket lists! Many students are attracted to Japan for its strong academic standards, whereas others are attached to Japan for its rich cultural past. The nation is hilly, yet the coastline life will allow you to visit the various islands while studying abroad in Japan. About 40 of its institutions are ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide, demonstrating their worldwide recognition for innovative research.

University and College Rankings

Japan features nearly 700 universities, with ten listed in the top 200 in the globe. Over the years, more than 300,000 overseas students have selected Japan as their place to study for a variety of reasons.

The University of Tokyo is one of the best universities in Japan for international students.

• University of Tokyo:

• Osaka University:

• Hokkaido University:

• Nagoya University:

• Kyushu University:

• Keio University:

• University of Tsukuba:

• Akita International University:

 

Demography & how open is the country for International students?

Having approximately 150,000 foreign students, Japan is among the most preferred foreign student destinations. Every year, about 5 million students study abroad, and this figure is expected to rise further. Being one of the world's safest countries, violent crime is uncommon, which results as Japan ranked lowest in terms of crime victims per capita.

Education System & the opportunities (available course options/fields/majors) 

The Japanese university system offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of areas and fields. The Japanese Ministry of Education and Culture is the government agency in charge of education, culture, and language issues (NEXT).The Japanese academic system is known for its equality, quality, and performance. As per the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the average Japanese student scores 540 in reading, literacy, math, and science, placing Japan among the top countries in terms of students' abilities and talents worldwide!

STEM/Non-STEM

It's certainly not surprising that several fantastic STEM and technology Japan study abroad programs are offered in one of the world's most high-tech countries. Japan is also a major economic and business center, making it ideal for students studying in those sectors!

You may observe how arts and cultural studies are important in Japanese culture by looking at Japan's passion for design, animation, and current attire. High-quality programs, regardless of your subject of study, are one of the top reasons to study abroad in Japan!

Eligibility Criteria (standardized tests to be taken)

If you meet one of the conditions listed below, you are qualified for admission to a Japanese university or junior college. - The students must finish 12 years of schooling (In Japan or overseas)

• Pupils must have completed the academic qualifying exams equal to 12 years of schooling overseas and be over the age of 18.

• Students who have accomplished an international qualification such as the French or International Baccalaureate and Abitur (Germany) and have reached the age of 18 must have completed 12 years of schooling years in International Schools accredited by an International accrediting/evaluation authority such as ACSI, WASC, or ECIS established in Japan.

• Students must have completed an admission examination similar to or greater than upper secondary and be over the age of 18.

 

Undergraduate and Postgraduate level 

Undergraduate programs typically last four years at universities, whereas programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and pharmacy last six years. In addition to degree programs, short-term and research programs are available.

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Skills-specific education is provided in Junior Colleges. Courses last two years, while some, such as medical technology and nursing, last three years.

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Trending Courses

• Business management course. 

• Advanced Production Engineering Course

• Business Studies.

• Management Studies. 

• Finance. 

• Law. 

• Computer Science and Robotics.

• Economics. 

• Marketing. 

 

Trending job opportunities

• English tutor.

• IT professional.

• Translator/interpreter.

• Sales staff

• Military personnel.

• Banker

• Service staff

• Engineer.

 

Post Study Work Opportunities

• Investment bankers.

• Professors.

• Researchers.

• English-language journalists.

• Journalist.

• Flight attendant.

• Customer service manager.

• Translator.

• Interpreter.

• Purchasing agent.

 

Average Tuition Fee 

Tuition is quite inexpensive in Japan. While an "in-state" student in the United States may pay $10,000 or more in tuition per year, with "out of state" and overseas costs several times more, tuition at Japanese public colleges is just 535,800 yen (about $5,500) each year.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships are offered from the institution as well as from governmental and private organizations. JASSO provides student services and is in charge of scholarships, study loans, and foreign student support. Navigate through their portal to obtain answers to all of your queries, as well as all of the essential information.

Among the Japanese scholarships available are:

• Japanese Government (NEXT) Postgraduate Scholarships. 

• The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for International Students with Private Funding.

• Fellowship for Japanese Grant Aid for Staff Development.

• Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Programme. 

• Scholarships provided by JASSO.

Average Living Costs (some city-wise annual living expenses)

An overseas student's average monthly costs (without academic fees) are 93,000yen. The expense of living in cities is higher than it is in rural regions.

Item

Price JPY

Price USD

Rent

44,000

419

Food

30,000

286

Utility charges

7,000

67

Hobby & entertainment

6,000

57

Commuting expenses

5,000

47

Insurance & medical

3,000

28

Miscellaneous

5,000

47

TOTAL

100,000

952

 

Part-Time work opportunities & Hourly wage rates

In Japan, around 70.4 percent of privately supported overseas students work part-time. The average individual makes around JPY 57,000 (USD518) every month. Language teacher, hotel receptionist/service staff, general clerical work, sales and marketing, teaching/research assistant, and food and beverage category are all part-time jobs.

Full-time work opportunities (post-study) & Hourly wage rates/Annual Median Salary (some jobs/positions)

In general, Japan is very welcoming to international students. If you intend to stay in the nation and hunt for work after graduation, you must get a work visa or a long stay visa. Locating a career in Japan can be challenging for international students since there are few structures in place to assist foreign students in finding work outside of the institution. Make sure you ask the university for guidance in finding a job. They will be available to provide you with further knowledge on the issue as well as what you need to succeed in your quest.

Many institutions provide privileged access to websites with career opportunities and other services.

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Visa types (student)

The Japanese visa application process is more complicated than in other countries and might take longer than expected, so make sure you are prepared. For additional information, contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country, or visit the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official website. One of the conditions for obtaining a Japanese student visa is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The certificate is merely the first step in your application; it is not the visa itself. The second step is to submit the application for the Japanese visa, which involves additional documentation.

Post Student visa: Full Time Work Visa 

A Japanese Student Visa does not provide you the right to work in Japan. To be able to work in Japan, you must first obtain a Work Permit through a local Immigration Department.

Additionally, as a Student Visa holder, you are not allowed to work more than 28 hours per week, and some occupations, such as working in a bar, club, massage parlors, adult stores or hotels, and so on, are forbidden.

Once you have graduated, you can seek to modify the category of your visa from student to work in order to work. However, you must have an employment contract in order to do so.

 

Post-study work permits (duration, type, what can you do with the help of such visa)

Once you enter Japan via Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or Chubu Airports, you will be issued a Japanese Residence Card. Unless you enter Japan via another port, you can get a Residence Card at one of the local municipal offices.

Then, regardless of whether you received the Residence Card upon entrance or afterward, you must record your stay at one of the local municipal offices within 14 days of establishing residence in Japan. Your address will be listed on the Residence Card.
 

Permanent Residency options

Legal residents who have demonstrated excellent behavior and have adequate assets or abilities to support themselves in Japan for a specified amount of years can be given permanent residency.

If you become a Permanent Resident of Japan, you will have many more advantages than individuals who are only temporarily in the country, such as:

• You are not required to renew or extend your visa. Japan Permanent Residency is an indeterminate status.

If you meet the following qualifications, you can apply for Japan Permanent Residency:

• You've been in Japan for an extended amount of time. The needed period varies based on your residence status.

• You have the financial means to maintain yourself. You are not reliant on others for financial resources, and you may live a secure life in Japan.

• In Japan, you paid income tax and other payments. Your application may be refused if you have not paid taxes, have paid less than the statutory amount, or are unable to submit Tax Certificates.

• You must have a Japanese citizen or Permanent Resident as a Guarantor. Your Guarantor must sign a Letter of Guarantee and accept a moral commitment (not a legal obligation) to you.