Loading Higher Study…
Loading…
Loading Higher Study…
Japan offers high-quality research universities (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka rank top 50 globally), generous MEXT scholarships for international students, and a unique blend of tradition + cutting-edge tech. Strong in engineering, robotics, manga/anime studies, and business. 2023 visa reforms expanded post-study work for top graduates.
Universities
0
Courses
0
Scholarships
0
Tuition / yr
National universities: ¥535,800/year (~€3,300, Bachelor/Master), ¥520,800/year (PhD); entrance fee ¥282,000. Public universities ¥535,800–¥1,000,000/year. Private: ¥1,000,000–¥1,500,000/year (humanities), ¥1,500,000–¥2,500,000/year (medicine/science).
Japan offers high-quality research universities (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka rank top 50 globally), generous MEXT scholarships for international students, and a unique blend of tradition + cutting-edge tech. Strong in engineering, robotics, manga/anime studies, and business. 2023 visa reforms expanded post-study work for top graduates.
National universities (86, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Tohoku, Osaka), public universities (98 prefectural/city), and private universities (620+ including Waseda, Keio, Sophia). Bologna-aligned: Gakushi (Bachelor 4yr), Shūshi (Master 2yr), Hakase (PhD 3–5yr). Junior colleges (tanki daigaku 2yr) and colleges of technology (kōsen 5yr).
Featured universities across this destination.
We're still verifying universities in Japan. Check back soon.
Tuition fee range
National universities: ¥535,800/year (~€3,300, Bachelor/Master), ¥520,800/year (PhD); entrance fee ¥282,000. Public universities ¥535,800–¥1,000,000/year. Private: ¥1,000,000–¥1,500,000/year (humanities), ¥1,500,000–¥2,500,000/year (medicine/science).
Per academic year, varies by institution.
Living cost range
¥100,000–¥150,000/month (€600–€900); Tokyo ¥130,000–¥180,000; annual ¥1,200,000–¥1,800,000
Per year, includes accommodation + food.
UG: 12 years schooling equivalent (MEXT recognition required); EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) for Japanese programmes. PG: Bachelor's degree; some require GRE. PhD: Master's + research proposal + supervisor pre-acceptance (especially important).
English programmes: IELTS 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 70–90, TOEIC 700+. Japanese programmes: JLPT N2 (UG), N1 (PG).
April (primary, traditional), September/October (increasing, especially English programmes).
Funding opportunities available to international students in this country.
We're still verifying scholarships for Japan.
true
Non-Japanese: College Student Visa (ryūgakusei visa) via Japanese embassy/consulate. Requires Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) issued by Immigration Bureau in Japan, applied by institution on student's behalf. Processing 1–3 months. Residence Card issued at airport on arrival.
Proof of ¥2,000,000/year (~€12,000) via bank statement or sponsor (financial guarantor). MEXT/JASSO scholarship holders exempt. Tuition payment proof also required.
28 hours/week during term (40 hours/week during long vacation) with Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than Permitted. Permission granted automatically with Student Visa. Minimum wage ~¥1,000/hour (varies by prefecture, Tokyo ¥1,113).
Designated activities visa: 6 months–1 year for job-seeking (extendable to 1 year). J-Skip visa (2023 reform): top graduates of top-ranked global universities get 2-year job-seeker + 5-year work permit fast-track. Pathway to Engineer/Humanities/International Services work visa.
University dormitories ¥10,000–¥50,000/month (limited, 1–2 years only), share house ¥40,000–¥80,000/month, private apartment ¥60,000–¥120,000/month (Tokyo), key money/deposit ¥100,000–¥300,000 upfront.
National Health Insurance (NHI) mandatory — ~¥20,000/year for students (income-based). Covers 70% of medical costs. Universities often have on-campus clinics. Some include student accident insurance.
JR East (Tokyo), JR Central (Shinkansen), Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway — Suica/PASMO IC cards. Student commuter pass (teikiken) significant discount. Japan Rail Pass for tourists (not for residents).
One of world's safest countries (low crime, lost items returned). Earthquake preparedness important. Emergency: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire).
Japanese language; English limited outside tourist areas. Bowing etiquette, omotenashi (hospitality), seasonal festivals (hanami cherry blossom, matsuri), sushi/ramen/matcha, manga/anime culture, Shinto/Buddhist traditions. Four distinct seasons, humid summers, cold dry winters.
1) Choose programme + contact prospective supervisor (especially for PG/PhD). 2) Apply direct to institution or via MEXT embassy scholarship. 3) Submit transcripts + EJU/JLPT/English test. 4) Entrance exam (often on-site). 5) Receive admission + CoE from institution. 6) Apply visa at embassy. 7) Arrive, register at ward office + get Residence Card.
Last verified: August 4, 2026.
Always cross-check critical information (visa rules, deadlines, tuition fees) with the official source before applying.