Japan, with its blend of high-quality education, innovative spirit, and rich culture, is increasingly capturing the attention of international students. However, navigating the journey of studying abroad requires meticulous planning and preparation. Let’s delve into the essential aspects of pursuing education in Japan.
Exploring Japan’s Education System
Overview: Japan’s education system prioritizes academic excellence, discipline, and work ethic across six levels, from pre-school to postgraduate studies.
Primary and Secondary Education: Preschool education, reaching over 70% of children, focuses on social skills and early literacy. Primary and junior high schools provide general education, while secondary schools offer various options including public, private, and vocational schools.
Higher Education Landscape: Japan boasts a vast network of educational institutions, including universities, junior colleges, and specialized training colleges.
Postgraduate Studies: Competitive master’s and doctoral programs emphasize advanced research and critical thinking, attracting international students.
Selecting the Study Programme
Personal interests and goals play a crucial role in selecting the perfect study program in Japan. Prospective students should explore various fields of study such as engineering, medicine, data science, business, Japanese language, and environmental science. Additionally, understanding the different educational pathways available, ranging from associate programs to doctoral degrees, is essential. Emphasizing the importance of research and internship opportunities to gain practical experience is also vital.
Choosing the Right University
When selecting the right university in Japan, several key factors need consideration. These include the institution’s academic reputation, available study programs, location, the language of instruction, support for international students, scholarships, and research opportunities. Notable universities such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tohoku University, and Osaka University offer high-quality education and attract international students.
Before embarking on your academic journey in Japan, it’s essential to carefully contemplate your academic aspirations, career goals, and preferred lifestyle during your university years. Reflecting on these queries may aid in decision-making:
- Which academic subjects ignite your passion and interest?
- What career paths do you envision for your future?
- Would you prefer to start with Japanese language studies or directly pursue a degree?
- Are you inclined towards urban or suburban settings for your studies?
- Do you seek a university with a diverse international community or one offering a deeply immersive Japanese language and cultural experience?
- What is your allocated budget for studying abroad, considering the cost disparities between public and private Japanese universities?
- Does the ranking of the institution hold significance for you?
- What climate do you prefer for your study environment? Are you inclined towards warmer climates or do you appreciate regions with cold winters?
Understanding Tuition Fee
In Japan, how much international students pay for school depends on what kind of school they go to and what level of education they’re studying. For example, if they’re studying for a bachelor’s degree, it can cost between 820,000 and 900,000 yen each year, including the application fee. For master’s degrees, it’s usually between ¥800,000 and ¥1,000,000 per year, and for doctoral degrees, it’s between ¥680,000 and ¥1,100,000 per year.
Different types of universities have different costs: national ones usually charge between ¥820,000 and ¥900,000, public ones between ¥820,000 and ¥1,000,000, and private ones between ¥1,000,000 and ¥1,500,000.
Even though studying in Japan can be expensive, the education and experiences gained can make it worth it. But students should make sure to plan for all their expenses before applying, so they’re not caught off guard by unexpected costs.
Scholarships In Japan
Joint Japan/ World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This program, sponsored by the Government of Japan and the World Bank, targets individuals with professional experience in related fields. It covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, airfare, and health insurance, emphasizing development sector experience.
Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program
For postgraduate studies in fields like Science and Economics, this fully-funded scholarship by Japanese universities includes tuition fees, monthly allowance, medical coverage, and travel support, with a commitment to global development post-graduation.
Yokohama National University Scholarship Program for International Students
Available for Bachelor’s, Graduate, and Doctoral studies, this fully funded program offers monthly allowances, travel expenses, and tuition coverage, aiming to support students from developing countries.
Japan Foundation United Nations University Scholarship Program
Targeting students in development, peace, science, and sustainability, this scholarship provides a monthly living allowance, travel costs, visa expenses, and health insurance, assisting those with excellent academic records but limited financial means.
JASSO Scholarships for International Students in Japan
JASSO offers various scholarships including the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship and Student Exchange Support Program, supporting students in junior college, universities, and specialized training courses with monthly stipends and grants.
University of Tsukuba Scholarships for International Students
Through the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, this opportunity focuses on promoting international development in economics and public policy, providing 18 months of training and development skills.
Kochi University of Technology Scholarship Program
Open to students at all levels, this scholarship from Kochi University covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses, providing 150,000 Yen per month for research projects.
Applications For University
Applying to universities in Japan typically occurs twice annually, with intakes for the spring semester commencing in April and the autumn semester in September. Unlike a centralized admission platform, each university establishes its application process and timeline. Deadlines may vary among institutions, generally set around 6 months before the semester starts. Nowadays, numerous universities facilitate online applications, and prospective applicants can readily access deadlines on their respective university websites.
For Japanese universities, the application process typically unfolds in two main phases corresponding to the spring and autumn semesters. To commence the journey, prospective students submit their initial applications online and pay the requisite application fees. This step typically occurs in November for the spring semester and March for the autumn semester.
Following this, supplementary application documents are dispatched to the respective schools, with deadlines falling around December for the spring intake and April for the autumn intake.
Subsequently, applicants await notification of admission, anticipated to arrive in February and June.
Once admitted, students proceed with tuition payment and visa application, typically spanning from February to March for the spring semester and from July to August for the autumn semester.
Finally, the academic year commences in April for the spring intake and in September for the autumn intake.
Language Requirements
If you’re considering enrolling in a program taught in Japanese, you may need to sit for the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU). Alternatively, some private universities offer their entrance exams as an alternative to the EJU, or they may admit you based on evidence of a minimum level of Japanese proficiency, such as JLPT N2. Generally, JLPT N2 is the minimum requirement for these exams, but realistically, achieving JLPT N1 would be more advantageous for completing a four-year degree program. Therefore, opting for an English-taught degree where you can learn Japanese, work part-time, engage in university clubs and circles, and graduate with either JLPT N2 or N1 proficiency is an appealing choice for many students.
Japanese universities that provide English-medium degrees typically expect applicants to have a proficiency level of IELTS 5.5-6.0, or equivalent. If your proficiency level is lower than this, you might have the option to join an English acceleration program tailored to that degree. It’s common for Japanese students enrolled in that program to be part of the same stream. Besides IELTS, most universities accept a range of English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL, TOEIC, Pearson, etc. Some universities may also consider your high school English grades as evidence of proficiency. Additionally, an increasing number of universities, like YGU, now recognize the Duolingo English Test. It’s advisable to verify with the Admissions Department of the university you’re applying to whether they accept it.
Documents Required
Typically, the required documents to accompany your application include:
- Completed application form
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts from high school and/or university
- Graduation certificate
- Valid standardized test scores (SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS/EJU)
- Letters of recommendation
- Photocopy of your passport
Student Visa Processing
The application process for a Japan Student Visa typically spans 5-10 working days, whereas obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility may extend to a period of up to three months. Typically, the cost ranges from ¥3000 to ¥6000, and the validity can extend up to four years, contingent upon your study plan.
To obtain a Japan student visa, follow these steps:
Receive Acceptance: Firstly, secure acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Japan.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your chosen institution or a proxy in Japan. This process may take a few months.
Submit Documents: Prepare and submit required documents, including the COE, passport, visa application form, passport-sized photos, proof of financial means, academic transcripts, and other necessary materials.
Visa Application: Submit your visa application to the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Interview (if required): Attend an interview if requested by the embassy or consulate.
Payment: Pay the visa application fee.
Wait for Processing: Wait for the visa processing, which usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the embassy or consulate’s workload.
Receive Visa: Once approved, you’ll receive your Japan student visa stamped in your passport.
Arrive in Japan: Travel to Japan within the specified period mentioned on your visa.
Residence Card: Upon arrival in Japan, obtain your residence card from the local municipal office within 14 days.
Accommodation & Expenses
The living expenses in Japan, whether for an individual student or a family, vary depending on the city or locality. The average rental fees typically range from ¥57,000 to ¥83,000, with one-room apartments typically priced between ¥50,000 and ¥70,000, excluding utilities.
Off-campus housing in major cities like Tokyo may require approximately ¥60,000 per month, while university dormitories may charge around ¥12,000 monthly for single rooms. Utility expenses generally amount to around ¥10,000 per month for a single person, covering electricity (approximately ¥5,000), gas (around ¥3,000), and water (estimated at ¥2,000).
Additionally, budgeting approximately ¥6,000 monthly for mobile phone and Wi-Fi costs is advisable. Despite these expenses, Japan remains relatively affordable for international students compared to other countries worldwide.
