Study in Japan
Japan is the third largest economy in the world and the home of many of the leading auto and technology companies including SOny, Nikon, Mitsubishi, Hitachi and others. Discovering a culture distinct from your own lets you experience unexpected opportunities in life. Without a doubt you should think about studying abroad in Japan. Institutions in Japan are renowned for their excellent reputation and facilities. More than 40 of their schools are ranked among the top 200 universities in the world which speaks volumes about their reputation for creativity and research on a global scale. To ensure you get the most out of your education as an international student in Japan, this article assists you in exploring all of your study options.
Education system in Japan
The Japanese university system offers bachelors, master and doctoral degrees in a wide range of subjects and disciplines. Japan offers higher education through junior colleges and universities both private and public. The government organisation in charge of matters pertaining to education, culture and language is the Japanese Ministry of Education and Culture(MEXT).
The performance, quality and egalitarianism of the Japanese university system set it apart. The average student in Japan receives 540 in reading, literacy, maths and science on the OECD’s Programme for Internship Student Assessment(PISA) placing the nation among the top nations in the world for student aptitude and ability.
A four tiered grading system is been used by the Japanese university system:
- A: yū (優) Very Good (80-100%)
- B: ryō (良) Good (70-79,99%)
- C: ka (可) Average, Pass (60-69,99%)
- F: fuka (不可) Fail (0-59,99%)
Top universities in Japan
By 2020, the Japanese government hopes to have 300,000 international students enrolled. This is an attempt to draw in more foreign students. Because of this, educational institutions are working to make everything easier for international students from applying to school to getting a job once they graduate. A list of some of the top universities in Japan for studying is provided below:
- University of Tokyo
- Kyoto University
- Osaka University
- Waseda University
- Tokyo Institute of technology
- Keio University
- Kobe University
Tuition fees
International students pursuing bachelors, masters and PhD degrees find that tuition in Japan is relatively cheap when compared to other popular study destinations like the USA or the UK. Every academic year tuition in Japan ranges from 20 to 23,000 USD for bachelors, 12,000 USD for a masters degree and 5,000 USD for doctoral degrees.
Keep in mind that there is an application fee for each university which varies based on the program and university. Because they require longer study periods, bachelors, masters and doctoral programs in medicine and pharmacy are significantly more expensive.
All international students studying in Japan must pay an additional fee to enrol in the National Health Insurance(NHI). National Health Insurance is essential because it reduces the cost of medical care in the event of an accident. You can register for insurance at the closest local municipal office in Japan once you have your visa and permission to reside there.
When and how to apply
Most universities in Japan hold two intakes in a year: one for the spring semester which begins in April and another for the autumn semester which begins in September. Many universities currently accept applications online and prospective students can easily find information about application deadlines on the university’s website.
Schedule | Spring Semester | Autumn Semester |
Submit the initial application online and pay the application fee | November | March |
Post additional application documents to school | December | April |
Notice of admission | February | June |
Tuition payment and visa application | February – March | July-August |
School start | April | September |
Document required
- Application form
- Personal statement
- Official transcript from high school and/or university
- Graduation certificate
- Valid standardised test scores (SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS/EJU)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Passport photocopy
Accommodation and other living expenses
Japan is one of the safest places to live in the world with incredibly low crime rates and the safe environment is one of the main benefits of studying there. Living in Japan is very expensive especially if you choose to live in Tokyo, the country’s capital when compared to other study destinations. However it boils down to the kind of lifestyle you lead.
Japan’s most student friendly cities are Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Yokohama which provide options for every budget. Living in a university dormitory is a great option for international students who want to reduce their living expenses while studying in Japan.
Scholarships to study in Japan
You may be able to apply for scholarships as an international student to study in Japan. Privately funded scholarships are available in addition to grants from the government. The following list of scholarships is provided by UniScholarz to foreign students attending Japanese universities.
- Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- International Postgraduate Scholarship – Japan and South Korea
- Japan Student Services Organization
- Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program
- Joint Japan/ World Bank Graduate Scholarships
Student visa
Japan enjoys general visa waiver agreements with over 50 nations globally. Japan’s ministry of Foreign Affairs has the list available. For a period of 90 days citizens of the following countries are exempt from the need for a visa if they need to travel to Japan for brief stays.
But in order to study in Japan international students need to obtain a Japanese student visa. To obtain a study visa your university of admission must act as the sponsor. Remember that working during your studies is only allowed for a limited number of hours per week and requires permission from the immigration office or the university.
