How to Choose a University in Japan?
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How to Choose a University in Japan?

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Raj
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Updated on Jan 29, 2026 17:16 IST
Selecting right Japan university for indian students is much easier if ranking is common ground. You need to weigh practical factors like total costs, language of instruction, and where best jobs are located. Japan is facing a huge shortage of workers. This means the job market is open for you.

Selecting right Japan university for indian students is much easier if ranking is common ground. You need to weigh practical factors like total costs, language of instruction, and where best jobs are located. Japan is facing a huge shortage of workers. This means the job market is open for you.

How to select a Japan university

Finding a right Japan university for indian students is an important step. Japan is emerging as a top choice for studying abroad. Because it combines world class technology with a safe and welcoming culture. As an Indian student, you want to get a reputed degree and job opportunities to work there. Studying in Japan offers you both.

If you are planning to study in Japan, one common question is: how do you choose the right Japan university for Indian students? Compared to US or UK, Japan offers affordable tuition fee. If you are eligibile you can apply for many scholarship options.

Japanese universities offer excellent programs in engineering and robotics. The variety of public and private schools might seem confusing. Picking the right university in Japan depends on your budget and career goals. In this article, we are going to dicuss about top factors you need to consider while selecting Japanese universities.

Table of contents
  • Why Indian Students Should Study in Japan in 2026?
  • How to Choose the Right University in Japan
  • Top Universities in Japan For Indians
  • Top Factors For Choosing Universities in Japan
  • Cost of Studying in Japan for Indian Students
  • Why University Location Matters
  • Jobs in Japan After Graduation
View More

Why Indian Students Should Study in Japan in 2026?

World politics is changing rapidly. While choosing the right university abroad, you need to keep multiple factors in mind. One factor is tie between study destination and India. Currently, Japan and India share a great bond. Also, the education is pretty affordable in Japan. Compared to USA and UK, you need a much lower budget to live in Japanese cities.

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Today 1 USD = INR 91.00 (Approx.). On the other hand, INR 1 = JPY 1.70.

Check out the top 10 benefits of studying in Japan as Indian Student.

  1. Extremely Affordable Tuition Fees in Japan
  2. World-Class STEM & AI Education
  3. Ageing Population of Japan Means Jobs for You
  4. Japanese Fully Funded Scholarships
  5. Study and Work Part Time in Japan
  6. New J-Find Visa for Job Hunting
  7. Japan is One of Safest Countries
  8. Affordable Healthcare in Japan
  9. Global Career Hub
  10. English-Taught Programs

How to Choose the Right University in Japan

Here are step by step process to select the right university in Japan for 2026 intake. 

Step 1: Identify Your Study Goals

Determine if you are seeking a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD. Consider your long-term plans: do you want to work in Japan, pursue research, or return to India? Decide if you prefer an English-taught program or if you are willing to learn Japanese first.







Step 2: Choose the Right Course and Field

  • STEM and Engineering: Japan is a global leader in robotics and manufacturing. Research-focused universities are best for this field.

  • IT and Computer Science: There is massive demand for Artificial Intelligence and data science. Look for schools with industry collaborations.

  • Management and Business: Options are growing. Choose universities that are globally recognized to ensure your degree has value outside Japan.

Step 3: Shortlist Universities

This is the most important part of your journey. You should categorize your choices into public and private institutions.

Top Universities in Japan For Indians

Selecting the right Japan university for indian students is much easier if ranking is common ground. Public universities in Japan are highly popular. Because they combine affordable tuition with elite research facilities. These institutions consistently dominate global rankings. Check out the table below, which contains a list of universities in Japan and their ranking:

University Name QS World Rank (2026) Type
The University of Tokyo 36 Public (National)
Kyoto University 57 Public (National)
Tokyo Institute of Technology 85 Public (National)
Osaka University 91 Public (National)
Tohoku University 109 Public (National)
Nagoya University 164 Public (National)
Hokkaido University 170 Public (National)
Kyushu University 170 Public (National)
Waseda University 196 Private
Keio University 215 Private
Sophia University 951 to 1000 Private

Top Factors For Choosing Universities in Japan

Selecting the perfect Japan university for Indian students requires looking at more than just global rankings. You are moving to a new country. You need to weigh practical factors like total costs, the language of instruction, and where the best jobs are located. Here we have mentioned the list of important factors to choose universities in Japan.

  • Tuition and Costs: Compare affordable public universities against higher-priced private institutions.

  • Language of Instruction: Decide between English-medium programs or Japanese-taught courses.

  • Global and Local Rankings: Check the university's prestige for both international and domestic job markets.

  • Location and Lifestyle: Choose between high-energy hubs like Tokyo or lower-cost regional cities.

  • Scholarship Availability: Look for MEXT scholarship or private grants that can cover your living expenses.

  • Post-Graduate Job Prospects: Ensure the university has strong ties to industries like IT, engineering, or business.

  • Campus Facilities: Evaluate research labs and international student support centers.

  • Cultural Environment: Consider the size of the local Indian community and access to familiar food.

Cost of Studying in Japan for Indian Students

How much do i need to spend for studying in Japan? This is first and most important question for every Indian students, who is planning to study here. It is an important factor that decide, in which university you will apply for admission. Below, we have mentioned a table. It contains information about the cost of living in Japan, including tuition fee and more.

Expense Approximate Cost
Tuition fees (per year) INR 4 to INR 8 lakh
Living cost INR 70,000 to  INR 1,00,000 per month
Accommodation INR 32,000 to INR 50,000

Why University Location Matters

Location is a major factor when choosing a japan university for indian students. Your choice affects your monthly budget, your social life, and how easily you can find part-time work or full-time jobs after graduation.

  • Tokyo: The Career Hub
    Offers the most internships and high-paying jobs, but comes with the highest living expenses and crowded commutes.
  • Major Cities (Osaka/Nagoya): The Balanced Choice
    Provides a great mix of modern student life and career opportunities with more affordable rent than Tokyo.
  • Smaller Towns: The Budget-Friendly Option
    Perfect for students seeking a quiet, focused academic environment and the lowest possible daily costs.

Jobs in Japan After Graduation

For many Indian students, the biggest goal of studying in Japan is securing a high-paying job. In 2026, Japan is facing a huge shortage of workers. This means the job market is very open to Indian graduates who have the right skills.

The Job Situation for Indian Students

The job market in Japan is currently a "seller's market". Meaning there are more jobs in Japan than there are people to fill them. For example, every 100 people looking for work, there are roughly 118 job openings. This is great news for you.

  • High Demand in Tech: Japan needs over 220,000 IT professionals right now. If you study Computer Science, AI, or Robotics, you are in high demand.

  • Starting Salaries: As a fresh graduate, you can expect a monthly salary between YEN 210,000 and YEN 250,000 (approx. INR 1.2 to INR 1.5 lakh). In sectors like IT, this can go much higher. Average salary in Japan for such are higher.

  • The "J-Find" Visa: To make things easier, Japan now offers a special visa that lets graduates from top universities stay for up to 2 years just to look for a job.

  • Language is Key: While many tech companies hire in English, reaching JLPT N2 level (Business Japanese) will double your job options and salary potential.

For more details related to studying abroad and foreign admissions, reach out to Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for free.

Q:   Why study at Digital Hollywood University Tokyo?
A:

DHU University is good option for those students who want to make a career in Digital Content Creation and Communication, especially if students want to learn in a multi-cultural environment. Reasons to study at this university are:

  • A curriculum that allows students to study Digital Contents (3DCG/VFX, Game Programming, Anime, Graphics Design, etc.)
  • Chance to learn from the professionals who are active in their respective fields such as music producers of various artists, planners of advertisements, etc.
  • Special lectures by top creators in Japan and abroad are regularly conducted
  • A chance to connect with around 90,000 Digital Hollywood University alumni
  • DHU attracts students from more than 40 countries. So, studying here will give you a multicultural exposure
  • DHU has high employment rate. The university's placement rate is over 90%
Q:   What are the admission deadline for the University of Tokyo?
A:

The University of Tokyo deadline for international students is Jan 1, 2027,  for undergraduate admission. For admission to the graduate program, the University of Tokyo admission deadline vary most of the graduate programs.

Note: The University of Tokyo recommends students to submit respective applications, as early as possible, at-least 2-3 months in advance. 

Q:   How has the Tokyo University Ranking changed over the years?
A:

UTokyo is considered by many as the best university in Japan. The Tokyo University rankings have only improved in the last 3 years. Given below is how the UTokyo rankings have changed between 2024 and 2026.

Year202620252024
Global Rank#26#28#29

Source: Times Higher Education

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About the Author
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Written by
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Hi, I am Raj. I help Indian students figure out study abroad without the confusion. For 8+ years, mostly in Ed-Tech, I have written about the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. I cover what peo Read Full Bio
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