Study in Japan

Japan is one of those select Asian countries that are famous among international students for providing higher education. The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan has an excellent education system with some top-ranked universities. Science, technology, innovation, and research are the major focus areas of the Japanese education system. International students from various countries, including India, apply to study in Japan, and the number of students is increasing every year.

Japan is one of the safest Asian countries, with a low crime rate. After visa policy issues in the USA, Canada, and other popular study destinations, Indian students are now exploring other options. One of the key reasons to choose to study in Japan is its cost-effectiveness. The cost of studying in Japan is affordable in comparison to the USA, UK, and other developed English-speaking countries. Indian students need between YEN 820,000 (approx. INR 4.75 Lakhs) to YEN 1.64 million (approx. INR 9.5 Lakhs) as tuition fees to pursue UG courses in Japanese universities.

Study in Japan 2026: Highlights

Education System: Why Study in Japan?

Knowing the education system is one of the important steps when planning to study in Japan. Indian students can get enrolled in several UG courses, Masters Courses, or PhD courses offered by the universities in Japan. Students can start their higher education in Japanese universities after completing their 12th board exams. More than 3 lakh international students from 170 countries are currently studying in Japanese educational institutions.

The education system is categorized into Technology colleges (KOSEN), Junior colleges, universities, and Graduate schools. A unique advantage for international students is the existence of National Universities (like the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University) which offer world-class research facilities at highly subsidized tuition rates standardized by the government.

Top Courses to Study in Japan

Japan is famous for offering courses related to Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Data Science, and Public Policy. It is known to all that Japan is a world leader in technology and innovation. Here are the popular courses for those planning to study in Japan:

• STEM Fields: Robotics, Aerospace, and Automotive Engineering.
• Business: MBA in Japan (often with English tracks).
• Cultural Studies: Japanese Language, Animation, and Design.
• Future Tech: AI and Data Science.

Admission Requirements to Study in Japan

The admission eligibility for UG, PG, and PhD courses offered by Japanese universities varies. However, here are the general requirements for Indian students:

• Academic Transcripts: Class 10th and 12th marksheets (min 60-70% recommended).
• Language Proficiency:
  • For English-taught programs: IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL iBT (85+).
  • For Japanese-taught programs: JLPT (N2 or N1 level is usually required).
• Standardized Test Scores: SAT, ACT, or GRE (for Grad schools).
• EJU Exam: Many national universities require the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU).
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR).

Timeline for Admission in Japan 2026

The Japanese academic year typically begins in April. However, many universities offering English-taught programs also have a September/October intake.

Study Visa of Japan

For Indian students, it is essential to have a student visa to study in Japan. After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from your university, you must apply for the visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in India. The basic visa fee is INR 450 (for Indian nationals), though VFS service charges apply separately.

Post-Study Work Visa in Japan

Japan is actively seeking skilled foreign workers due to its aging population. The government aims to attract 400,000 international students by 2033.

• Designated Activities (Job Hunting): Graduates can apply for a visa to stay for 6 months to search for a job. This can be renewed once, allowing for a total of 1 year of job hunting.
• J-Find Visa (Future Creation Individual): A new track launched in 2023. Graduates from top-ranked universities (World Top 100) can stay in Japan for up to 2 years for job hunting or entrepreneurship.

Cost of Studying in Japan

Japan is one of the most affordable developed countries for education. The tuition fees for National Universities are standardized by the government, meaning the University of Tokyo costs the same as a smaller local national university.

Note: From the second year onwards, the fees are lower because the admission fee (approx YEN 282,000) is a one-time payment.

Part-Time Work Options for Students in Japan

Unlike many other countries, Japan has a generous work policy for students. International students with a "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" can work:

• Up to 28 hours per week during academic sessions.
• Up to 8 hours per day (40 hours/week) during official long vacations (Summer/Winter breaks).

This allows Indian students to earn approximately YEN 100,000 to 120,000 (INR 58k - 70k) per month, which often covers their living expenses.

Scholarships to Study in Japan

The most prestigious scholarship is the MEXT Scholarship, fully funded by the Japanese government. It covers 100% of tuition fees, round-trip airfare, and provides a monthly stipend of approx YEN 117,000 - 145,000.

Study in Japan FAQs

Q. Is Japan good for Indian students to study?

A. Japan is well known for science and innovation-related studies in the world. Also, there are multiple educational institutions here to offer language-related courses. Also, Japan is pretty affordable for Indian students in comparison to other English-speaking countries. All of these reasons make Japan an ideal study destination for Indian students to study abroad.

Q. How much will it cost for Indian Students to study in Japan?

A. Cost of study in Japan depends on various things such as tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance and more. According to the Embassy of Japan in India, here is the information about the total tuition fees needed to study in different types of educational institutions in Japan

• National Universities- INR 5,81,600
• Public Universities- INR 6,59,600
• Private Universities- INR 11,63,100

Q. Which are the popular scholarships to study in Japan?

A. The Japanese government offers MEXT scholarships to Indian students including India. Under this scholarship, students studying in different colleges can apply for financial aid. These scholarships cover partial or full part of tuition fees that provide financial support to students. The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Science keeps announcing the latest scholarship available for international students.