Study Abroad

Japan is an island country in East Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean. The entire land area is taken up by the country’s four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Japan is the only country in the world with a reigning emperor. Emperors have no real power, but they are still revered as a symbol of the country’s traditions and unity. The Japanese are known for their eagerness to work extremely hard. Children are encouraged to respect others, particularly parents and bosses. They learn to prioritize their family or company’s demands before their own.

Japan is well known for the world class education with highly ranked universities. The degree from Japanese universities is recognized worldwide. Studying in Japan can make students enjoy their unique culture with friendly citizens. Japanese people are famous for their discipline which can be seen in their education system as well.

Key points to study in Japan

High-quality education

Japan is renowned for its excellent education system, with degrees recognized around the world. All universities in Japan are regulated by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEXT). There are dozens of universities listed in the top 100 QS World University Rankings 2024. Japan’s education system is known for being a top-performing country in reading, literacy, math and sciences.

Affordable tuition fees and scholarship opportunities

The Japanese universities have a tradition of paying the paying the same amount to all the learners, which allows international students to pay the same fees as Japanese domestic students, which is one of the reasons for Japanese education being affordable. Japan is a more a more affordable destination than many other G7 nations. The Japanese also support international students with various scholarship programs.

Excellent employment opportunities

Japan is known for its advancements in the technology, automotive, and manufacturing sectors and is the world’s third-largest country to have multinational companies. Students studying in Japan can benefit from a lot of job opportunities along with their studies. Students can get on-site work experience and have a better future career both in Japan and abroad.

Excellent medical facilities

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with people having the longest life expectancy in the world. The Japanese have an excellent medical system, from which the students can benefit from the student health insurance system. They are also known for having strong food regulations, from which students can ensure their health while studying in Japan.

Friendships and future career connections

Japan is well known for its discipline and polite society. Studying in Japan with Japanese students as well as other international students will result in lifelong international friendships and possible careers. Living and studying with international students from all over the world will boost a fantastic cross-cultural education that will benefit your whole post-university career.

Japanese culture, history, and nature

Japan’s culture and history attract people from all around the world. Japan makes significant efforts to preserve its historical sites and cultural legacy, which frequently results in interesting combinations of the metropolitan and the historical. Honoring family, harmony with self and society, humility, and etiquette are just some values that students may pick up through studying in Japan.

Requirements to study in Japan

English language

International students require to have a proficiency in English language. Some universities may not require a high level of Japanese language but English language is a must for studying in Japanese universities. Japan accepts the score of IELTS and TOEFL for the English proficiency test.

Japanese Language

For international students to study in Japanese universities, some level of competency in Japanese language is required. The Japanese ability of students is measured from two important examinations:

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JPLT): JPLT examines the student’s ability in Japanese language through grammar and vocabulary.  A score of at least N2 is necessary for students who want to study in Japanese. At an N2 level, they will be able to read newspapers and simple essays in Japanese, present class projects, and follow most conversations.

Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU): The EJU is a language examination along with general examination for the entrance into Japanese universities. A basic score of at least 300 in 1 subject test is usually required from the EJU exam. The EJU examination comprises of four subject tests: Japanese language test, Science, Japan and the world and Mathematics.

Application Timeline to Study in Japan

Japan primarily offers two main intakes for the international students: Spring Intakes in month of April and Autumn Intake in the month of September/October. While these are the primary intakes, some universities or programs might offer additional intakes, according to the course and the programs.

Student Visa Processing

Japan for further study is the best option as the tuition fees are cheaper than in European countries, they provide various scholarship programs, have a low cost of living, and have great employment opportunities. Japan is constantly expanding as its industries compete on a global scale, resulting in promising work opportunities for graduates.

To study in Japan, students are required to apply for a student visa. Some important things in the student visa processing for Japan are:

Step 1: Obtain the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Every student who wants to study in Japan must have a COE from the institution. A COE is issued to support the actual visa application process. It works as an approval for the Japanese Immigration Services for international students studying in Japan.

Step 2: Prepare the required documents

There are various documents required for the study in Japan. Prepare a check list for the required documents. Some of the very important documents needed are:

• Valid Passport
• Letter of Acceptance from the Institution.
• Complete the visa application form.
• Photographs
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the institution
• Proof of Financial Support
• Academic Transcripts
• Medical Examination Report

Step 3: Apply for the Student Visa

Students are required to go to the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate for the visa application. Students are then required to fill in the right information. False information can lead to visa rejection, so fill out the form correctly.

Step 4: Fee payment

Along with the application, payment of the visa fee must be made. The payment must be made at the Japanese Embassy visa application center. There will be a guide on where and how to pay the fee. Make sure the right amount is being paid to the concerned authorities.

Step 5: Submit the application

Submit the complete application along with the required documents and the receipt of the fee payment to the Japanese Embassy visa application center. Make sure that all the required documents are presented with the right information.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Students shall get the visa approved with the visa stamped in their passport if every process is right and the information is correct.

Scholarships

Japan is renowned for its world-class quality education system for international students. Studying in Japan provides students with real-life, useful skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and research. Students can experience the cutting-edge facilities and diverse culture, establish a network through the work, and make friends.

Scholarships play a crucial role in fulfilling the dream of studying at Japanese universities. Scholarships provide students with many benefits during their course of study in a foreign land. The Japanese government and universities provide international students with different scholarship programs.

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships

The scholarship program is funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology of Japan and is designed for international students. These scholarships mostly cover the tuition fees, provide a monthly stipend and include travel expenses. The Japanese government (MEXT) scholarship program has been categorized into seven types of programs. The seven divisions of the scholarships are:

• Research Student Scholarship
• Teacher training students
• Undergraduate students
• Japanese studies students
• College of Technology students
• Specialized training for college students

Cost of Living in Japan

Japan is generally cheap country to live in compared to the other foreign countries, but the cost varies significantly based on location and lifestyle. Major expenses for students include accommodation, transportation, food, utilities and entertainment. While cities like Tokyo are notoriously expensive, other regions offer more affordable options. Cooking at home, using public transportation and sharing accommodations can help manage costs effectively.

Costs of Study

The cost of study in Japan may include the Academic Fees, Entrance Fees and Language Proficiency test fees. The undergraduate and post-graduate programs cost may vary according to the program and the university. Different university may have different fee structures. The study of medicine, engineering, architect, may cost high compared to business, arts and humanities course.

Job Opportunities

International students are required to apply for approval for part-time work in Japan. The application can be submitted at the airport when you first arrive in Japan or arranged at your local immigration office. Most payments are made in cash; however, some jobs require the student to have a bank account.

Some universities also offer students jobs inside their premises, such as library management, café assistants, and messengers. The universities help students get their jobs from the career centers in the university.

Some of the high-paying, easily available part-time jobs and places for students to work are:

• Izakaya (Bartender)
• Baby sitting
• English Teaching
• Delivery Company
• Cafés and coffee shops
• Convenient Stores

Finding a part-time job as an international student can depend on the situation. When students have enough skills and sufficient Japanese language knowledge, they get part-time jobs easily. Through part-time jobs, students can create connections and networks, which will help them get permanent jobs in the future in the future and set their career in Japan.

Top Universities of Japan

University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo is a Japanese national university founded in 1877. The university has three main campuses and is also affiliated with two hospitals. The University of Tokyo is ranked 84^th in the global ranking by QS World University Rankings. The university academic calendar consists of four terms. The university’s main focus is on frontier sciences, information science and technology, interdisciplinary information studies, mathematical sciences, and public policy. The English-taught graduate offerings include an international program in economics as well as a program in architecture and urban design.

Kyoto University

Kyoto University, founded in 1897, is a Japanese national university. The university specializes in human studies, letters, education, law, economics, science, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, and agriculture for undergraduate studies. The semester-based academic calendar allows students to match up in the intakes. It is ranked 168^th among the best global universities.

Tohoku University

Tohoku University, which has institutions in five different cities in Japan, is a national university founded in 1907. Tohoku University offers ten schools, especially for undergraduates, that offer courses in the fields of arts and letters, education, law, economics, science, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, and agriculture. The university also helps the communities that are affected by natural disasters.

Osaka University

Osaka University, located in Osaka, Japan, is a national university with three main campuses established in three different big cities in Japan. The university was founded in 1931 as the sixth imperial university of Japan. The university is a research-oriented university with eleven undergraduate schools focusing on the fields of human sciences, foreign studies, law, letters, economics, science, medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, and engineering science. The university also has more than a dozen graduate schools, including a school of language and culture, a school of information science and technology, and a school of frontier biosciences.

Kyushu University

Kyushu University, founded in 1911 as the fourth imperial university in Japan, is a public research university. The university is located in Fukoku, Japan, on the island of Kyushu. The university is recognized as a leading institution of research and higher studies. Ranked 357 in the Best Global Universities, they specialize in courses in agricultural science, biology, mathematics, engineering, computer science, chemistry, and many other fields.

Nagoya University

Nagoya University, founded in 1939, is the last imperial university in Japan. The university, located in Nagoya, Japan, also has satellite campuses in other countries, including Cambodia, Mongolia, and Vietnam. The university includes undergraduate programs in chemistry and automotive engineering and graduate-level programs in medical science as well as economics and business administration. It is ranked 6^th among the best global universities in Japan.

Popular courses in Japan

Engineering and technology

Japan is renowned for technological advancements in every field, including engineering. Japan offers students new courses in the technological and engineering fields such as robotics, electronics, automotive, and master science. Students benefit from cutting-edge research facilities, industry collaborations, and hands-on learning opportunities in this dynamic field.

Medicines and HealthCare’s

The Japanese have the highest life expectancy rate in the world, which is possible due to their habits and well-equipped healthcare services. Studying healthcare and medicines in Japan is an ideal decision for students interested in medicine and healthcare. The Japanese university healthcare and medicine courses cover areas in nursing, dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and public health.

Animation and film studies

Japan has the fastest-growing industry in animation and filmmaking, as Japanese cartoons and anime are famous all around the world. Studying animation and film helps students build their careers in the animation and filmmaking fields, as courses from Japan are recognized all around the world. Students interested in animation and film studies can explore programs that cover animation techniques, film production, storytelling, and the cultural impact of Japanese animation and cinema, gaining insights into this dynamic and creative field.

Business and Management

Japan has one of the strongest economies and global influences in the world. The top businesses are from Japan, making it the ideal destination for students to grow their business and management skills. The management course from Japan mostly covers all the areas, especially international business, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management.

Japanese language and culture

As with the strong economy and global influence of the Japanese, learning their language benefits the students in dealing with most business owners in the future. Learning Japanese language and culture provides students with a deep understanding of the language, history, traditions, and customs of Japan. Also, learning the language enables students to start their career opportunities in Japan.

FAQS

1. What do I need to do to study in Japan?

• To continue your studies in Japan, you must complete N5-level language study and have completed at least 12th grade. Graduates will have high work chances.

2. Does Japan accept Co-operative Finance bank balances?

• Yes, the Japanese government accepts cooperative finance bank accounts too. However, your bank account must be genuine.

3. Can I have a part-time working opportunity while studying in Japan?

• Yes, you can work up to 28 hours per week.

4. How many intakes are there to study in Japan?

• There are 4 intakes. They are April, July, October, and January.

5. Is IELTS accepted in Japan?

• Yes, IELTS and TOEFL are both accepted in Japan for English language proficiency, and the minimum score accepted is 6.0 in IELTS and 800+ in TOEFL.

6. Is the education gap acceptable for studying in Japan?

• The students should have no gap, but if they do, a gap of 5–6 years is accepted in some universities.

7. What is the maximum time duration to receive my COE (confirmation of eligibility)?

• It takes around 2–2.5 months to receive your COE after successfully applying to Japanese immigration.