Japan is the world’s third-biggest economy and is home to the world’s major technology and automobile businesses such as Sony, Nikon, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, and more. Exploring a different culture than your own opens up new doors in life that you could never have anticipated. You should most definitely consider studying abroad in Japan. Japanese institutions are well-known for their superb reputation and amenities. Their global reputation for innovation and research is evident in the fact that over 40 of their schools are listed among the top 200 universities in the world. This article helps you explore all of your options to study in Japan so that you make the most out of your education as an international student in the country.
Education System In Japan
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees are available in a variety of subjects and disciplines via the Japanese university system. Private or governmental universities and junior colleges provide higher education in Japan. The Japanese Ministry of Education and Culture (MEXT) is the government agency in charge of education, culture, and language issues.
The Japanese university system is distinguished for its egalitarianism, quality, and performance. According to the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the average student in Japan scores 540 in reading, literacy, maths, and science, making the country one of the top countries in students’ abilities and talents internationally!
The Japanese university system uses a four-tiered grading system:
- A: yū (優) Very Good (80-100%)
- B: ryō (良) Good (70-79,99%)
- C: ka (可) Average, Pass (60-69,99%)
- F: fuka (不可) Fail (0-59,99%)
Top Universities In Japan
The Japanese government is attempting to attract more overseas students and has set a target of 300,000 international students by 2020. As a result, institutions are focused on making life simpler for international students, from the admission process to finding work after graduation. Here’s a list of some of the best universities to study in Japan –
- University of Tokyo
- Kyoto University
- Osaka University
- Waseda University
- Tokyo Institute of technology
- Keio University
- Kobe University
Tuition Fees
When compared to other popular study locations such as the United States or the United Kingdom, tuition in Japan for international students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees is fairly inexpensive. Tuition in Japan is between 20 and 23,000 USD for Bachelor’s degrees, 12,000 USD for Master’s degrees, and 5,000 USD for Doctorate degrees every academic year.
Furthermore, bear in mind that each university application comes with an application cost, which varies depending on the programme and university. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programmes in medicine and pharmacy are much more expensive due to the extended study duration.
Enrollment in the National Health Insurance is an extra expense for all overseas students studying in Japan (NHI). National Health Insurance is vital since it lowers medical expenditures in the event of an injury. After you have obtained your visa/residence permission, you may register for the insurance at your nearest local municipal office in Japan.
When And How To Apply?
In Japan, the majority of universities conduct admissions twice annually, with one intake for the spring semester, commencing in April, and another for the autumn semester, which starts in September. Presently, numerous universities facilitate online application submissions, and applicants can readily access information regarding application deadlines on the university’s official website.
| Schedule | Spring Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Submit the initial application online and pay the application fee | November | March |
| Post additional application documents to school | December | April |
| Notice of admission | February | June |
| Tuition payment and visa application | February – March | July-August |
| School start | April | September |
Documents Needed:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- Official transcript from high school and/or university
- Graduation certificate
- Valid standardized test scores (SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS/EJU)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Passport photocopy
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Accommodation & Other Living Expenses
One of the key reasons to study in Japan is the safe atmosphere since Japan is regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely low crime rates. When compared to other study places, the expense of living in Japan is excessive, especially if you choose to live in the capital, Tokyo. Nevertheless, it boils down to the kind of lifestyle you lead.
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Yokohama are among Japan’s most student-friendly cities, offering alternatives to suit every budget. As an international student looking to save your living expenses in Japan, staying in a university dormitory is a terrific alternative.
Scholarships To Study In Japan
As an international student, you can be eligible to apply for scholarships to study in Japan. There are both government-funded grants as well as privately funded scholarships. Here are some scholarships that UniScholarz offers for international students studying in Japan.
- Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- International Postgraduate Scholarship – Japan and South Korea
- Japan Student Services Organization
- Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program
- Joint Japan/ World Bank Graduate Scholarships
Student Visa
Japan has general visa waiver agreements with more than 50 countries worldwide. The list is available at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you are a citizen of one of these nations and need to visit Japan for a short amount of time, you can do so without a visa for 90 days.
However, all overseas students who wish to study in Japan must get a Japanese student visa. Your admission university must be the sponsor in order for you to receive a study visa. Keep in mind that you are not permitted to work during your studies unless you obtain permission from the university or the immigration office, and you are only permitted to work for a few hours each week.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further