Universities and Colleges in Japan - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades

A popular alternative to the likes of UK, USA & Canada, Japan is known for offering quality education at affordable prices, with a student friendly culture & one of the best public transportation networks in the world, among other things. The Land of the Rising Sun is also the land to a number of top 100 universities in the world such as University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Tokyo Institute of Technology. 

Remarkably, each of the 12 universities listed below have secured a place as part of the latest QS World Univeristy Rankings, which further strengthens its case of being a viable study abroad destination for international students. 

The cost of studies in Japan, varies as per the course & the standard of living students opt to pursue. Admissions to Japanese colleges & universities typically open during Spring (April) & Fall (October) for international students. 

Students can submit the following exam scores: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE and GMAT to be considered for admissions in Japan. Some of the popular courses in Japan are MS, MBA/PGDM, MIM, MEng, MArch, and MA. 

Universities in Japan: Highlights 

Generally, the duration of courses in top universities and colleges of Japan is 18 months to 2 years including some of the courses going up till 4 years. The top ranking universities and colleges in Japan offer admissions to international students during the Fall, and Spring intakes every year.

Why Study in Japan?

Japan is a popular destination among international students seeking an alternative to the high costs of studies in popular European countries. The presence of an excellent education system & generous part-time work allowances, give students much greater room to breath when comapred to the rigorous education environment that students encounter in some of the other more developed nations.

Some of the key reasons why international students should choose to study in Japan are given as follows:

• Home to a number of top ranked universities in the world 
• Much more affordable cost of studies & living than the likes of USA, Canada, & UK
• No shortage of part-time work opprtunities 
• Ample availability of financial aid to international students 
• A student-friendly culture that welcomes students from across the globe  

Watch this video to learn more why Japan is an emerging study-abroad hotspot among Indians & why you should also opt for it:

Post Study Work Permit in Japan

Japan offers a Designated Activities Visa to recently graduated students, with a validity of 1 year, to allow them enough time to find permanent employment in the country.

Once employed, students can then apply for a work visa.

Steps to Obtain a Work Permit in Japan

Japan's policies, when it comes to granting a post study work permit to international students are much more lineant, than the likes of US, UK & Canada.

Mentioned below are the steps students can follow to shift from a student or Designated Activities visa to a work visa:

• Secure a Job offer from a Japanese company 
• Ask your employer to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf, to the Regional Immigration Services
• Visit the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate, & submit the COE along with some other mandatory documents such as visa application form, passport, etc 
• Wait for some working days 
• Once approved, you'll be given your post-study work permit, which would give you the right to enter Japan & work as a permanent employee 

Related Blog: Japanese Ambassador Encourages Indian Youth to Study and Work in Japan

Part-Time Options

The most popular jobs in Japan are Restaurant business, Sales, Factory worker, Teaching & Language Tutor. Nikon, Toyota, Nissan, and more are top recruiters in Japan. The average salary in Japan is around Yen 59,000 (INR 35.2 K), per the latest Lifestyle Survey conducted by JASSO.

Student Visa Fee in Japan: Visa application option and cost

For Indian students, it is essential to have a study visa to study in Japan. The Student visa fee in Japan for Indian students is YEN 753 or INR 450 for Single Entry. The Japanese government allows students from some countries to study without having a study visa. These countries have signed a free visa agreement with Japan. As an Indian student, you need to be eligible and present the required documents for getting a study visa. 

Top job sectors & Economy

The ageing population of Japan is creating a labour shortage in the country. Due to this, the Japanese government is recruiting skilled workers from abroad to do jobs in Japan. This situation created an opportunity for Indian students who aspire to work in Japan after their higher education at Japanese universities. Some of the popular job sectors in Japan for international students are given as follows:

• IT and Engineering 
• Finance and Banking 
• Hospitality 
• Marketing 
• Medical 

Top Universities in Japan

Listed below are some of the best institutes in Japan for Indian students:

Best Engineering Universities in Japan

Japan is known for possessing one of the best Engineering infrastructures in the world, & thus it comes as no surprise, that a number of its universities are included among the best Engineering institutions globally by QS, as part of its latest rankings.

Top Engineering universities in Japan are mentioned below:

Best Universities in Japan for Business & Management

Given below are the best universities in the country for Business & Management:

Top Cities to Study in Universities in Japan

Three Japanese Cities form part of the Best Student Cities Rankings rolled out by QS for the year 2025. Listed below are the cities with their respective rankings:

Top Courses to Study in Japan

Engineering, Business & Management Studies, Architecture & Public Policy are among the most popular courses to study in Japan. Given below is a count of universities offering these courses: