JAPAN
Education Facts in Japan
Students do not take any exams until they are ten years old (Grade 5). Instead, from
Grade 1—5 they just have small tests.
In order to understand and respect Japanese culture, students take formal courses
on Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) and haiku during their schooling.
Public schools do not employ janitors or custodians. Instead, students are broken
up into small teams and tasked with cleaning the school—including the kitchens and
bathrooms.
It is most common for students to have lunch in their classroom with their teacher.
This is meant to build a strong rapport between the students and teacher.
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What is the School System Like in Japan?
( compulsory schooling from age 6 to 15)
* high school in not compulsory but almost every kid in japan attend it
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What are the School Systems like in Japan?
● Education is broken up into three main schooling systems:
● Elementary school: Grade 1–6
● Middle school/lower secondary school: Grade 7–9
● High school/upper secondary school: Grade 10–12
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Requirements to Enroll
Foreign students in Japan have the same rights as native students. To enroll your
student, you will need to register your address with your local municipal office. Once
you have done this, you will be assigned a specific school your municipality. The
requirements your child must meet are:
● appropriate age for the school year to which they are enrolling;
● enrollment application form;
● transcripts from previous school;
● residence card.
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Top Studies for International Students in Japan
There are a variety of degrees you can study at Japanese universities, but there are a
few specialties that are particularly popular for international students coming to the
island country. Most obvious is for those looking to study the Japanese language. After
that, students interested in the following fields will also find a lot of opportunities in
Japanese universities:
● interior design
● animation
● producing
● game creation
● architecture
Requirements for Higher Education in Japan
If you did not already assume this, Japanese universities have one of the most
competitive admissions processes in the world. However, Japanese universities are
also desperate to diversify their student body (non-Asian students remain the lowest
enrollment numbers) and have recently been ranked as one of the most popular study
abroad destinations in the world.
The general requirements for a foreign student to enroll in a Japanese university are:
● completion of twelve years of study including primary and secondary education;
● valid passport;
● knowledge of the Japanese language (the required proficiency level will vary by
institution, but most require a minimum of an N2 level);
● completion of the Japanese University Admission for International Students
(EJU) exam.
The EJU is held twice yearly in Japan and in select foreign cities around the world. The
exam covers topics related to Japan in language, science, social studies, and
mathematics. Questions are available in English or Japanese.
Other requirements you will have to meet as a foreign student will be dependent on
whether or not you are accepted by a Japanese university. These requirements will
pertain to obtaining a student visa. In order to qualify you will need:
● an offer of acceptance from a Japanese university;
● Certificate of Eligibility submitted by the Japanese university;
● proof of your financial stability to live and study in Japan;
● proof of accommodation in Japan;
● valid passport;
● passport-sized photo.
It will take about two to three months for this visa to process. Student visas will permit
you to work and study, but the work will be limited to 28 hours per week.
Best Universities for International Students in Japan
These are some of the top universities for international students looking to study in
Japan:
● Tokyo University
● Sophia University (Tokyo)
● Waseda University (Tokyo)
● Doshisha University (Kyoto)
● Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Beppu)
University Tuition Fees in Japan
If you are wondering how much it costs to study in Japan as an international student,
you may be surprised to learn that it is fairly affordable, especially when compared to
institutions in Europe or North America. National universities cost around
360,000–585,800 JPY (3,300–5,400 USD) per year at the undergraduate level. These
will also include a one-time registration fee of about 220,000 JPY (2,000 USD). At the
graduate level, average yearly tuition hovers around 600,000–650,000 JPY
(5,500–6,000 USD). Private universities will cost about twice as much. It is also possible
for international students to apply for scholarships to help alleviate costs.
In addition to tuition fees, foreign students will need to factor in the living costs of being
in Japan. On average, single-room student accommodations can be found for
20–30,000 JPY (180–275 USD) per month, which should include basic utilities.
Depending on where you live, you may also be expected to pay upwards of 90,000 JPY
(830 USD), so be sure to look into the living costs when researching Japanese
universities.
Language Schools
Unless you are already proficient in Japanese, it will be imperative to enroll in a
language school upon your arrival to the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan has one of the
worst English language proficiencies in all of Asia. This has improved slightly in recent
years as Japan becomes more and more open to foreigners and international
businesses. Generally, though, expats will need to know a decent amount of Japanese
in order to live and work in the country.
Many language schools will offer visa sponsorship in conjunction with their courses.
This is especially useful for expats who want to move to Japan, but do not yet have a
job, nor are registered with a higher education institution.
Language School Fees
Fees for language courses will vary depending on many factors such as your individual
needs, age, location of the school, and length of study. Below are some sample prices
from schools in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa:
Course, Location JPY USD 3-month intensive course, Tokyo 190,000 1,750 6-month
business language course, Tokyo 460,000 4,200 1-year standard course, Okinawa
760,000 7,000 1-year standard course, Kyoto 870,000 8,000 3-month intensive course,
Kyoto 140,000 1,300
Japan - Quick facts & figures
Capital Tokyo
Language Japanese
Population 125 million
Area Size 377,975 km²
International students 312,000
Academic Year April - March
Currency Japanese Yen (¥)
Calling Code +81
Time zone JST (UTC+9)
More about studying abroad in Japan
But why study in Japan and not another Asian country? Deciding to apply for
university education in Japan will give you the opportunity to choose among
783 universities (daigaku) and junior colleges (tanki daigaku). Both
universities and junior colleges provide a four-year training which leads to a
Bachelor's degree, while some offer six-year programs for a professional
degree. Only universities and junior colleges are considered as higher
education institutions in Japan.
The Japanese government has made a big effort to attract international
students in the last decades, by offering financial support to students through
scholarships, a variety of English-taught programs and also by hiring teaching
staff from all over the globe with the aim to make the academic environment
more diverse and welcoming to international students. The university of
Tokyo, Kyoto university and Tokyo Institute of Technology are considered the
top universities in the country, ranked very high in the world university
rankings.
Study in Japan: Student Visas & Permits
Japan has a general visa exception arrangement with more than 50 countries around
the world. You can see the list in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. If you are a
citizen of one of these countries and you need to visit Japan for a short period of time,
you are allowed to stay visa-free for a period of 90 days.
Japan has a general visa exception arrangement with more than 50 countries around
the world. You can see the list in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. If you are a
citizen of one of these countries and you need to visit Japan for a short period of time,
you are allowed to stay visa-free for a period of 90 days.
However, all international students need a Japanese student visa during their study stay
in the country. In order to obtain a study visa, your admission university needs to be the
sponsor. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to work during your studies unless you
get permission from the university or immigration office and you are allowed work for a
particular amount of hours per week.
Japanese Student Visa: What steps you need to follow
The moment you get your admission results from your Japanese university, it
is time to start gathering all the necessary documents and translations of the
documents you will need for your student visa application.
The Japanese visa procedure is more complex than in some other countries
and can take more time than expected, so make sure you are prepared. For
more information, visit the nearest Japanese embassy or Consulate in your
home country or navigate through the official website of the Japanese Ministry
of Foreign Affairs.
One prerequisite for obtaining the Japanese student visa is the Certificate of
Eligibility (COE). Obtaining the certificate is only the first step of your
application, note that it is not the visa itself. The second one is the actual
submission of the application for the Japanese visa which includes other
documents as well.
As for the Certificate of Eligibility, it is your school that’s in charge of issuing
the certificate’s application on your behalf. You have to send them the
required documents before, though. The application process for a Japanese
Certificate of Eligibility can take up to three months, but stay positive, it can
take less time!
You will need the following documents for your Japanese Student Visa
application:
● The Student Visa Application Form, signed by you and the nearest
Japanese Embassy or Consulate.
● A valid passport and photocopies of the passport.
● Passport sized pictures taken within the last three months.
● The Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
● A letter of admission, letter of invitation or letter of guarantee from your
Japanese university, stating exactly the study objective and duration of
the studies.
● Previous academic or professional qualifications such as transcripts and
diplomas.
● A motivational letter.
● Proof you can meet the financial requirements for the duration of your
studies in Japan. You can prove this by providing bank or income
statements, proof of scholarship or a letter of sponsorship of financial
aid from a third party, in case someone is supporting you throughout
your studies.
All documents must be printed on A4 paper. Ask your Embassy if more
detailed documents are needed for your visa application and consult them in
case you need to submit original documents or copies. For your Japanese
student visa, you apply directly to the Japanese Embassy of your home
country.
After your arrival in Japan with a student visa, you will receive a Landing
Permit and a Residence Card. These are very important documents and the
moment you receive them upon entry, you have two weeks to report your stay
at the local municipal offices.
Study in Japan: Application Process
Ready to apply for your dream Japanese university? Of course you are! The application
process for Japanese universities is quite simple. We have gathered all the necessary
steps you need to follow in order to get admitted to the Japanese university of your
choice. Before you begin with your application, make your research by visiting the
official websites of the universities you are mostly interested in, along with contacting
your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for additional questions and information.
1. Choose your Study Area
Begin by deciding what you want to study and also the level of education you are
interested in. Are you interested in studying business, IT and computer science or
medicine? No matter what it is, Japan offers a wide range of globally recognized
degrees. In addition, consider if you want to apply for a public or private university, since
changes in the application process may apply.
Find a program
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2. Check the Admission Requirements
Depending on the objective and the academic level of your studies, there are particular
admission requirements you need to take seriously into consideration when preparing
your application process for Japanese universities. After choosing your study major,
make a research on the universities that cover your study needs and contact them in
order to gain more information. You can also visit their websites and also get in touch
with JASSO for additional queries.
3. Prepare the Paperwork
This is probably the most time consuming step, so be careful at this stage to gather all
the necessary documents, depending on the university, the academic level and the
particular requirements. The common paperwork for a university application include the
following:
A completed application form signed by the embassy authorities, proof of payment for
the application fee, certificates and diplomas depending on the level you are applying
to, copy of your passport, passport sized photos, motivation letter and/or letters or
recommendation. Please note that each program might ask for additional documents,
so make sure you have made a detailed list with the programs you aim to apply for and
the documents needed for each of them.
The embassies offer translation services in Japanese language in case you need it and
additionally, don’t forget that if applying for a Bachelor’s degree you need to take the
Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU).
You can find which Japanese universities use the EJU examination for international
students here. If you aim to apply for a Master’s degree, then the proof of English
language proficiency through the TOEFL or IELTS examinations is needed.
4. Submit Your Application
In Japan, there is no unified online application platform. As a consequence, you need to
submit your application through the university you want to get admitted to. Contact the
universities of your choice before for additional information regarding your submission if
needed and avoid any unofficial university agencies. Pay the application fee and submit
your application through the university platform. Pay special attention to the application
deadlines and the application intake periods for each university.
5. Apply for a Japanese Student Visa
Congratulations, you made it and you are officially a student in Japan! When you
receive your letter of acceptance, it is time to contact your university in order to pay the
first installment of your tuition fees. Next, you need to apply for a Japanese student visa
as soon as possible. Contact the Japanese embassy in your home country in order to
book a meeting and gather the documents for your visa application. Furthermore, it is
now time to also gather the paperwork for your National Health Insurance (NHI).
6. Arrive in Japan
After you have obtained your student visa and have prepared all the necessary
documents for your insurance, it is time to search for accommodation options. Make a
research before online and choose whether you want to stay in a student dormitory,
guesthouses or private accommodation. Pack your bags, brace yourself and get on a
plane to arrive in Japan. The ultimate study experience for you is about to begin!
Introduction
- Overview of Japan's Education System
- Global reputation of Japanese universities
- Appeal for international students
Structure of the Education System
- Levels of Education: Elementary, Junior High,
High School, Higher Education
- Higher Education Institutions: Universities
(Public, Private, National), Junior Colleges
- Specialized Training Colleges (Senmon
Gakko), Graduate Schools
Types of Universities
- National Universities: Government-funded,
research-oriented
- Public Universities: Funded by local
governments
- Private Universities: Privately funded, over
70% of universities in Japan
Requirements for International Students
- General Admission Requirements: Academic
transcripts, Proof of language proficiency
(Japanese or English)
- Entrance exam scores, Letters of
recommendation
- Specific Criteria for Different Universities
Language Proficiency
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT):
Importance of Japanese proficiency
- English-Taught Programs: Overview of
programs offered in English
- Language Schools: Opportunities for learning
Japanese before enrolling
Examination Criteria
- Entrance Exams: University Entrance
Examination for International Students (EJU)
- Specific entrance exams for graduate
programs
- Additional Tests: TOEFL/IELTS for English
proficiency, JLPT for Japanese proficiency
Student Visa Application
- Visa Requirements: Certificate of Eligibility
(CoE), Visa application process
- Types of Student Visas: Long-term visas for
university students, Short-term visas for
language schools
Cost of Education
- Tuition Fees: National vs. Private
Universities, Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Other Educational Expenses: Registration
fees, Study materials
Living Expenses
- Accommodation Costs: On-campus vs.
Off-campus housing
- Average cost of living in different cities
- Other Expenses: Food, transportation,
insurance, etc.
Accommodation Options
- On-Campus Housing: Dormitories and
student apartments
- Off-Campus Housing: Renting apartments,
guest houses, homestays
- Average Costs: Price ranges in major cities
like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
Campus Life
- Student Life: Clubs and extracurricular
activities
- Facilities: Libraries, gyms, research facilities
- International Student Support: Counseling,
language support, social integration programs
Climate and Surroundings
- Climate Overview: Seasonal weather in
Japan, Regional climate variations
- Cultural and Natural Attractions: Proximity to
cultural sites, mountains, beaches
- Safety and Public Transportation: Overview
of Japan’s public transport and safety
Qualifications and Degree Recognition
- Types of Degrees: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
programs
- Recognition of Japanese Degrees Abroad:
Global recognition and accreditation
Career Opportunities Post-Graduation
- Work Opportunities in Japan: Job search
resources, Work visas after graduation
- Global Opportunities: International appeal of
Japanese education
Conclusion
- Summary of Key Points: Benefits of studying
in Japan, Final considerations for international
students
