A country that effortlessly blends ancient traditions with ultra-modern infrastructure, Japan is an enduringly popular choice for international students. Over 200,000 international students decided to study in Japan in 2021, no doubt attracted by the amazing geography, world-famous culture, and high-quality education. Although Tokyo houses the majority of students, the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Yokohama are all equally popular student cities. Japan is undoubtedly one of the more expensive places to study in the world, but in return, you’ll receive a world-class education while being able to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
The country’s top-ranked universities are dotted throughout the country, including the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University. They all featured in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2021 and are all part of the prestigious National Seven Universities – a group of Japanese universities comparable to the Russell Group in the UK or the Ivy League in the USA. The typical language of instruction is Japanese, but a growing number of institutions now offer programs taught entirely in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How much will it cost to live and study in Japan?
Japan is one of the most prestigious study destinations in the world yet its tuition fees are typically more affordable than in places such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The cost of an MBA in Japan can range anywhere between EUR€15,000 and €40,000 depending on the institution. In terms of living costs, the average monthly expenses of an international student in Japan is JP¥93,000 (US$731).
Do I need to get a visa to live and study in Japan?
All international students must apply for a student visa to study in Japan. You will first need to apply for an authorized Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate with required documents such as a letter of admission and proof of sufficient funds. Some Japanese universities will apply for a COE on your behalf. Once your COE is issued, you can then submit a visa application form by submitting documents including your passport, the visa application form, passport photos, and your COE, among others.
How reputable are universities in Japan?
Japan’s universities are some of the best in the world and several feature prominently in global rankings. The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University are three of the most prestigious universities, while GLOBIS, NUCB, and SANNO Institute of Management are some of the most prominent business schools in Japan.
What is the job market like for graduates in Japan?
Japan has the third-largest economy in the world and is home to world-leading automotive, electronic, and IT industries. English-speaking jobs will predominantly be available at multinational companies located in Tokyo, but if you’re proficient in Japanese then it will be possible to search for jobs beyond the capital. It should be noted that the Japanese work culture is markedly different from many Western cultures, and you should research the differences accordingly before applying for jobs.
Are there a lot of international students in Japan?
There are over 200,000 international students studying in Japan, and the government’s target is to reach 300,000. It is the eighth-most popular international study destination in the world. In 2021, students from China and Vietnam made up more than 67% of all international students in Japan.
Did You Know?
Fun Facts About Japan
1
In the QS Global MBA Rankings 2022, four MBA programs in Japan ranked in the top 250.
2
Groundbreaking inventions like the rice cooker, the QR code, and the selfie stick, all originate from Japan.
3
Japan has five companies in the Global Fortune 500: Sony, Hitachi, Panasonic, Mitsubishi Electric, and Toshiba.
4
Japan’s world-leading automotive industry has produced companies such as Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda, and Nissan.
5
Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station is the busiest train station in the world, serving 3.5 million passengers daily
Which Visas & permits do in need in Japan
All international students must apply for a student visa to study in Japan. You will first need to apply for an authorized Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate with required documents such as a letter of admission and proof of sufficient funds. Some Japanese universities will apply for a COE on your behalf. Once your COE is issued, you can then submit a visa application form by submitting documents including your passport, the visa application form, passport photos, and your COE, among others. Upon your arrival in Japan, you will receive a 12-digit social security and tax number (also called “My Number”).
Depending on your nationality, you might need to pay a student visa fee between US$8 and $55.
Banking in Japan
Opening a bank account in Japan is necessary for day-to-day life, such as paying your bills and receiving a part-time salary. To open a bank account, you will first need your residence card. You will also be asked to submit documents such as your visa, a valid passport or ID, proof of address, and an acceptance letter from your university. The top banks in Japan are Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Japan Post Bank, Mizuho Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Norinchukin Bank, and Resona Holdings.
The procedure to open a bank account differs per bank, but it usually takes between 7-10 days to successfully open a bank account in Japan.
What do I need to know about healthcare in Japan
According to the World Health Organization, Japan has the tenth-best healthcare system in the world. The country’s high standard of healthcare contributes to one of the highest life expectancies in the world (around 85 years). The country’s statutory health insurance system (SHIS) covers more than 98% of the Japanese population and a vast majority of treatments, such as mental health care, hospice care, and most dental care.
International students need to purchase National Health Insurance (NHI), which covers 70% of total medical costs. This means you will need to pay 30% of your total medical bills (also note that some treatments are not covered by insurance). The average cost of health insurance in Japan is about JP¥35,000-40,000 (US$275-314) per month.
Housing options for students in Japan
Japan has a high cost of living, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka – both of which ranked as some of the world’s most expensive cities in 2021. Some universities in Japan offer on-campus student dormitories, but availability is limited. This is why most students in Japan live in private houses or apartments. The cost of rent varies greatly depending on location and proximity to key public transport stops. The national average of monthly rent in Japan is JP¥35,000 (US$275), but this can go up to JP¥60,000 (US$470) in Tokyo.
What are the public transport options in Japan
Japan has a highly efficient public transportation network, especially in metropolitan cities. Common forms of transport include trains, subways, city buses, and taxis. Railways are the most common form of public transport, as well as Shinkansen, which are high-speed bullet trains that connect the country from the northern island of Hokkaido to the southern parts of Kyushu.
When it comes to the cost of public transport, you typically will not spend more than JP¥1,000-1,500 (US$8-12) every day. For touring and day trips, you can take advantage of various travel passes and deals to save money, such as the Japan Bus Pass and the Japan Rail Pass.
How much does a Big Mac cost in Japan
The Big Mac Index was invented by The Economist in 1986 as an informal way of measuring the purchasing power parity (PPP) between two currencies. The price of a Big Mac in Japan is JP¥390 (equivalent to US$3 and EUR€2.86). For US$50, you can buy 16 Big Macs.
