Japan

Japan is one of Asia’s fastest-growing study destinations, enrolling 336,708 international students as of May 2024, a 21% year-over-year increase and the highest on record. With a strong government push targeting 400,000 students by 2033, Japan combines academic depth with expanding global accessibility. The country offers structured tuition at national universities, growing English-taught programs, and clear post-study pathways including job-hunting and specialist visas. High safety standards, advanced infrastructure, and close integration with Asia-Pacific markets make Japan a strategic choice for long-term career outcomes.

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Key insights

336,708

International Students

62-63%

Employment Rate

Up to 1 year

Post Study Work Rights

28 hours

Part Time Work

¥900 to ¥1,500 per hour

Hourly Wage For Student Level Jobs

The 6-3-3-4 system

Institutions Are Regulated Under National Education Quality Frameworks (TEQSA & ASQA)

Cost of Studying in Japan

Bachelor's (National/Public Universities)

¥535,800 (¥642,960 at University of Tokyo from April 2025)

Bachelor's (Private Universities - Humanities)

¥900,000 - ¥1,300,000

Bachelor's (Private Universities - Engineering)

¥750,000 - ¥1,900,000

Bachelor's (Private Universities - Medicine)

¥2,000,000 - ¥10,000,000+

Master's (National/Public Universities)

¥535,800

Master's (Private Universities)

¥750,000 - ¥2,500,000

Doctorate/PhD (National/Public Universities)

¥535,800

Doctorate/PhD (Private Universities)

¥750,000 - ¥2,500,000

Professional Training Colleges

¥700,000 - ¥1,500,000

Admission Fee (One-time, National/Public)

¥282,000

Cost of Living in Japan

Tokyo is the most expensive, while regional cities offer more affordable options. Visa authorities typically expect proof of ¥1,500,000–¥2,500,000 annually.

Admission Requirements for Studying in Japan

Academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
Certified Japanese or English translations of academic documents
Secondary school certificate or university degree meeting Japanese entry standards
Official Letter of Acceptance from a Japanese institution
Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) for most national and many private universities
Statement of Purpose (typically 500–1,000 words)
Letters of Recommendation from academic or professional referees
Curriculum Vitae detailing education, experience, and achievements
Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
Proof of financial resources: ¥1,500,000–¥2,500,000 annually
Japanese or English language proficiency certificates depending on program language
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) processed by the university
Academic certificates and diplomas with certified translations
Portfolio for creative disciplines (Design, Architecture, Music, Arts)
Research proposal for Master’s and PhD programs

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Language Requirements

Program language determines proficiency requirements. Japanese-taught programs require high Japanese proficiency, while English-taught programs accept international English tests.

English Language Test	Required Score
	N2: Intermediate level for most undergraduate programs N1: Advanced level for competitive programs, graduate studies
	Required by most national universities, scores vary by institution (0-400+ points per section)
	Bachelor's: 6.0-6.5 overall Master's/Doctoral: 6.5-7.0 overall
	Bachelor's: 79-90 overall Master's/Doctoral: 90-100 overall
	700-800+ (some institutions)

Visa Requirements

Japan’s student visa process is built around the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), issued by immigration authorities upon university application

Japan Study Visa requirements:

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from university (university applies to Immigration Bureau on student's behalf)
Visa application form from Japanese embassy/consulate
Passport photos meeting specific size requirements
Letter of Acceptance from university
Academic transcripts and certificates with certified Japanese or English translations
Financial proof: Bank statements showing ¥1,500,000-¥2,500,000, scholarship letters, or sponsor documents
Medical certificates (for some nationalities)
Proof of accommodation or accommodation plan

Intakes in Japan

Intake	Application Timeline
April (Spring Semester) - Main Intake 70-80% of admissions	Application deadlines September - January previous year; COE processing December - March
September/October (Fall Semester) - Secondary Intake 20-30% of admissions	Application deadlines March - July current year; COE processing June - September; more common for graduate programs and English-taught programs

Post-Study Work Opportunities in Japan

Japan allows graduates to remain under the Designated Activities (Job-Hunting) Visa for up to 12 months, with part-time work rights

Field	Average Salary (JPY/Year)	Employment Rate
Engineering	¥3,500,000 - ¥4,500,000	Data not officially published - estimated from secondary sources
IT & Software Development	¥3,500,000 - ¥5,000,000	Data not officially published - estimated from secondary sources
Business & Finance	¥3,000,000 - ¥4,000,000	Data not officially published - estimated from secondary sources
Research (Master's/PhD)	¥3,500,000 - ¥5,000,000	Data not officially published - estimated from secondary sources
Education (English Teaching)	¥3,000,000 - ¥3,500,000	Data not officially published - estimated from secondary sources
Manufacturing	¥3,200,000 - ¥4,000,000	Data not officially published - estimated from secondary sources

Scholarships in Japan

Japanese scholarships predominantly support graduate research with MEXT government scholarships representing primary funding source for international students, offering full tuition waiver and monthly stipends

Scholarship Name	Administered By	Eligibility	Benefits
MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship	Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology	Outstanding students accepted to Japanese universities; multiple programs for undergraduate, graduate, research students; applied through embassy or university recommendation	Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend ¥117,000-¥148,000 depending on level/location, round-trip airfare; highly competitive (5-10% acceptance rate estimated)
JASSO Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students	Japan Student Services Organization	Students enrolled in degree programs at Japanese universities with excellent academic performance	¥48,000 monthly stipend; application through university after enrollment
JASSO Student Exchange Support Program	Japan Student Services Organization	Short-term exchange students (8 days to 1 year) at participating institutions	¥80,000 monthly stipend for duration of exchange
University Tuition Reduction Programs	Individual Japanese Universities	International students with strong academic performance and/or demonstrated financial need	30-100% tuition reduction (typically 30-50%); merit-based or need-based; application through university
Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation	Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation	Graduate students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential	Monthly stipend plus partial tuition support
Asian Development Bank - Japan Scholarship Program	Asian Development Bank	Students from ADB member countries pursuing graduate studies at participating institutions	Full tuition, living expenses, travel costs
Corporate Scholarships	Various Japanese Corporations (Toyota, Honda, Sony, Panasonic, others)	Students in specific fields or from specific countries; requirements vary by corporation	Varies by sponsor: partial to full tuition coverage plus living stipends

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Beginning in 2006, PFEC Global’s expertise in student migration consultancy evolved from a single Melbourne office to a multinational presence, spanning Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India. We proudly represent international educational institutions, turning students' dreams into reality.

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