Study in Japan for International Students: Universities, Scholarship & fees

Did you know there’s a fascinating link between big brands like Sony, Uniqlo, and Nissan? The founders of these iconic tech companies all graduated from universities ranked in the top 200 globally by the QS ranking for 2024. And think, only 1,500 universities make it onto that list! This notable alumni has helped make Japan a top destination for international students.

Japan leads the world in innovation, especially the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama, ranked no.1 out of the world’s top 100 Science & Technology Clusters. But what is a Science and Technology Cluster? According to the Global Innovation Index 2023, Japan is known for having the most inventors and scientific authors in these cities worldwide.

Alongside academics, get the chance to discover ancient practices like Zazen meditation, Reiki, and traditional Japanese Medicine. It’s a delight to study in Japan for international students; a place where many notable alumni have studied, guiding them to discover their true ikigai (purpose) early in life. 

Ready to embark on your educational journey in Japan? You’ve come to the right place. This page covers top universities in Japan, tuition fees, cost of living for international students, intakes in 2024, and much more. Dive in for all the details! 

Key Highlights

Find out the many reasons to study in Japan for international students in 2024. With approximately 231 thousand international students currently in Japan, the country offers exceptional educational value with its world-renowned universities, surprisingly affordable tuition, living costs, and great employment opportunities.

Aspect	Description
Top Japan Universities for International Students	University of Tokyo Kyoto University Osaka University
Affordable Health Insurance for Indian Students	Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) covers 70%The remaining 30% amounts to approx. INR 1067 per month
Sectors with expert shortages in Japan	Technology sectors: Automobile, Ship-building industry Professional Services: Aviation, Food Service, Accommodation industry
Cost of Living in Japan for International Students	Approx. INR 7.25L per year
Japan Scholarship for Indian Students	Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho MEXT) ScholarshipMonbukagakusho Honors Scholarship
Average annual tuition fees for Masters in Japan for Indian students	INR 4.34L – INR 17L

Why study in Japan?

As Japan experiences labour shortages in many of its industries, it sets an ambitious target of welcoming 400,000 international students by 2033, a 30% jump from 2019 figures. Not only that, it plans to boost its internship programs and encourage international students to stay in the country after completing their studies. 

So, if you’ve always dreamed of settling down in a large economy with ample opportunities – this might be a dream come true. With a low unemployment rate of just 2.6% and status as the world’s 4th largest economy, this powerhouse nation offers a thriving environment for those looking to settle and succeed!

Here are the precise reasons why you can trust Japan as your study destination:

1)   Home to Top Universities recognised globally

Let’s revisit the Global Innovation Index 2023 mentioned earlier. Tokyo and Yokohama are ranked as the top Science and Technology Clusters globally, with the University of Tokyo recognised as the no.1 organisation fostering this talent. 

Backed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan’s universities consistently achieve top global rankings, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. With 9 universities in the top 200 QS rankings, Japan guarantees a high-quality education and degrees that are respected internationally.

 2) An Excellent Medical System

Peace of mind often comes from knowing you’re studying in a nation where you can access quality healthcare at an affordable cost. In fact, healthcare is one of the key determining factors to study in Japan for Indian students. 

Why, you may ask? Because Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) covers 70% of your medical bills and prescriptions, including hospital visits, dentists, and most specialists. While you’ll be responsible for the remaining 30%, student premiums typically start around only 2,000 yen per month during your first year. That’s around INR 1067 rupees per month. If you ask us, that’s quite affordable, as it provides access to one of the best healthcare infrastructures in the world.

Keep in mind that this cost might adjust if you start working part-time because premiums are usually adjusted according to the previous year’s income. 

3. Japan’s Need for Specialised Skill Workers 

Yes, you read that right. Japan is seeking specialised skilled workers because of two main reasons.

One is a rapidly ageing population, and the second is a low birth rate. This translates to a shrinking pool of young workers, creating a labour shortage. To address this and fuel economic growth, Japan is actively seeking 800,000 foreign workers with specialised skills over a five-year period starting from fiscal 2024. These workers will bring expertise in critical areas like technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, filling skill gaps and keeping Japan competitive in the global market.

So, if you’re seeking an educational program in Japan, it’s a good idea to specialise in one of the following industries. 

• Aviation Industry
• Automobile Repair & Maintenance 
• Food Service Industry
• Fishery & Aquaculture industries 
• Shipbuilding and ship machinery industry
• Machine Parts & Tooling Industry
• Accommodation Industry
• Agriculture

List of Japan Universities for International Students

Let’s be honest: The Japanese language is still the king in everyday life in Japan, including most grocery labels and signage. You won’t be surprised to learn that many university courses require some Japanese proficiency to enrol. 

But there’s good news! English is on the rise, especially in big cities. Plus, several universities offer entire courses in English, with the option to learn Japanese on the side.

Ready to explore your options? We’ve got a handy list of Japan universities for international students that offer English-language programs below.

 

University	QS World Ranking
University of Tokyo	#28
Kyoto University	#46
Osaka University	#80
Tokyo Institute of Technology	#91

Please be aware that the mentioned fee is the annual tuition fee only. In addition to this, there are separate charges for admission, examinations, and entrance exams, which vary depending on your course and university. Continue reading to discover a comprehensive average provided by the government of Japan.

1. University of Tokyo

Founded in 1877, the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) isn’t just Japan’s first national university; it’s a breeding ground for greatness. Walk the halls where the founders of Toyota, Nissan, and Hitachi once attended classes. 

This university’s legacy extends far beyond industry leaders—17 out of Japan’s 64 Prime Ministers, 18 Nobel Prise winners, and five astronauts all proudly call the University of Tokyo their alma mater.

This leading research institution offers educational programs in ten academic disciplines at both undergraduate and graduate levels, of which listed below are the most popular ones.

Here is the list of top courses at the University of Tokyo for International students along with average tuition fees:

Popular courses offered	Average Annual Fee
Graduate Program in Economics (UTIPE)	INR 2.85L
Graduate Program on Environmental Sciences (GPES)
Global Science Graduate Course (GSGC)
Global Health Sciences: Program in International Health

2. Kyoto University

Tired of scrambling for a charger? Blame (or rather, thank!) Dr. Akira Yoshino is a graduate of the prestigious Kyoto University. He’s the mastermind behind the lithium-ion battery, the powerhouse keeping your phone and countless other devices alive and kicking. 

Dr. Yoshino’s invention is so revolutionary that it even landed him a Nobel Prize in 2019. Now you know why Japan ranks as the world’s No. 1 Science and Technology Cluster. 

Check out the popular courses this prestigious university offers, a true leader in fostering exceptional talent.

Here is the list of top courses at the Kyoto University for International students along with average tuition fees:

Popular Courses Offered	Average Annual Fee
International Graduate Program for East Asia	INR 2.85L
International Graduate Program for East Asia
Sustainable Economic Development Studies
Undergraduate International Course Program of Civil Engineering
International Course in Intelligence Science and Technology

3. Osaka University

When you thought this list of universities couldn’t get more impressive, here comes another! Osaka University, alma mater of Sony founder Akio Morita, is a popular choice for students who thirst for adventure. 

Located in central Japan, Osaka offers easy access to Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima for perfect weekend getaways. The icing on the cake? Rent in Osaka is significantly cheaper compared to Tokyo. 

Check out the popular courses offered by Osaka University below. 

Popular Courses Offered	Average Annual Fee
Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program	INR 2.85L
International Undergraduate Program in Science

4. Tokyo Institute of Technology

Satoru Iwata, an alumnus of the Tokyo Institute of Technology, led Nintendo through the era when iconic games like Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart were developed. But his alma mater is just as innovative! The Tokyo Institute of Technology is home to the impressive Environmental Energy Innovation (EEI) Building. 

This structure is covered with 4,570 solar panels, is completely energy self-sufficient, and serves as a centre for reducing environmental impacts and advancing energy innovation.

And there’s more at the Tokyo Institute of Technology that makes it the coolest place to be. Their cafeteria receipts detail dietary fibre, micronutrients, and allergens in your meal, and you can even check your meal history online. 

Explore one of the most popular courses at the Tokyo Institute of Technology to study in Japan for international students:

Popular Courses Offered	Average Annual Fee
The Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP) – Bachelor’s Program	INR 3.38L

This is Tokyo Institute of Technology’s first international Bachelor of Engineering degree program, where all courses are conducted in English. This program enables international students with limited or no Japanese language skills to earn an engineering bachelor’s degree at Tokyo Tech.

Admission Requirements to Study in Japan: Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility criteria to study in Japan for international students usually consist of one entrance examination coupled with an internationally recognised English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL.

However, there is no specific one-score-fits-all when it comes to English proficiency tests when applying to study in Japan. While some private universities screen your academic records and conduct a college-specific entrance test, others might have you sit and take the Examination of Japanese University Admission (EJU).

University of Tokyo: Requires both the TOEFL and the GRE exams for international students.

Kyoto University: Applicants must take the university’s specific entrance examination and achieve a minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 72 or an IELTS overall band score of 5.5.

Osaka University: The application process involves submitting an online application followed by a review of standardised academic test scores (such as SAT, ACT, AP, IB, or A-Levels). Also, English language proficiency must be demonstrated through the IELTS or TOEFL exam.

Tokyo Institute of Technology: Admission requires a written examination specific to the chosen course of study and an interview. English language proficiency must also be demonstrated through the IELTS or TOEFL exam.

In-takes in Japan in 2024

To study in Japan for international students, universities typically offer admissions in three intakes: Spring, Summer, and Fall, depending on the program you choose.

MOSAI (Mombusho Scholarship Association of India) oversees the EJU Examination held in Delhi each June and November, supervised by the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi.

Candidates who pass the examination can apply for admission to Japanese universities for undergraduate or postgraduate programs, junior colleges, and unique training colleges (technical courses). Those who achieve top scores may also qualify for a scholarship.

Examination Purpose: The EJU Examination, conducted in a single day, consists of two parts. The first part measures Japanese language proficiency and is conducted exclusively in Japanese. The second part assesses basic academic skills in mathematics, science, and social science at the higher secondary level and can be taken in either Japanese or English.

Keep in mind that not all universities require the EJU, especially if you plan to pursue a program taught in English. 

For these programs, refer to the application periods listed in the table and check each university’s specific enrollment process for international students.

For programs without specific dates, the information has not yet been released.

Type	Application Timeline
Research Student	4 April – 3 May, 2024
Undergraduate Students	17 April – 27 May, 2024
College of Technology Students	17 April – 27 May, 2024
Specialised Training College Students	17 April – 27 May, 2024
Japanese Studies Students	Dec – Jan
Young Leaders’ Program Students	Jul – Sep
Teacher Training Students	Dec – Jan

Cost of Studying in Japan

Before we look into the costs of studying in Japan for international students, did you know that studying in Japan is often much more affordable than studying in any other G7 country?

To jog your memory: a G7 nation includes the seven largest advanced economies—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Students often choose to study in these countries because they’re home to some of the world’s top universities offering excellent research opportunities. As of August 2023, 264 out of 500 Fortune companies are based in G7 countries, highlighting vast career and networking prospects. 

Thus, studying in a G7 nation provides a strong foundation for economic stability. However, all this comes with a high price tag—a cost you might not face if you decide to study in Japan. 

Look at the cost of studying in Japan for one year, and read on to see how it compares to the United States. 

Type of Program	National University Costs	Private University Costs
Graduate Schools (Masters)	INR 4.37L	INR 4.53- INR 5.86L
Undergraduate Schools	INR  4.37L	INR 4.53- INR 5.86L

The private university fees tapered towards the lower price quotient of 4.53L are for medical, dental and pharmaceutical programs. At the same time, all other courses are significantly more expensive in Japan.

If you secure admission to a national university like the University of Tokyo, where competition is steep, your tuition could be around INR 4.37L. However, opting for a private university may reduce competition but significantly increase your tuition.

Let’s compare to highlight the difference. Imagine the yearly tuition costs in the USA., another G7 nation. According to Times Higher Education, a year at a public college in the United States costs about INR 8.5L for in-state students and INR 22L for out-of-state students. Since an international student would be paying the out-of-state rate, it’s safe to conclude that studying in Japan could be five times cheaper than in the U.S.

Wondering how to study in Japan for Indian Students? You may want to check out this list of Top Japan Scholarships for Indian students, curated by Leap Scholar.

Estimated Living Costs to Study in Japan for Indian Students

Okay, we’ve almost convinced you that Japan is the perfect place to study abroad. But you’re still finding it tricky to zoom out and estimate the yearly cost of living there. No worries—we’ve done some homework and crunched the numbers for you! 

The cost to study in Japan for International students is calculated below is INR 7.26L. Keep in mind this is assuming that you are admitted to a National University and live in decent accommodation.

Here is the detailed table regarding the Estimated Living Costs to Study in Japan for Indian Students:

Expenses	Approx. Average Per-Year Cost
Tuition	INR 4.37L
Medical Insurance	1067 x 12 = INR 13K
Housing	20,300 x 12 = INR 2.44L
Food	15,000 x 12 = INR 1.8L
Transportation	Total Cost of Studying in Japan per year
Utilities	3800 X 12 = 4INR 6k
Total Cost of Studying in Japan Per-Year	INR 7.26L

Top Scholarships to Study in Japan for International Students

While we’ve listed the 2 most popular scholarships below, Japan boasts of over 140 private organisations providing scholarships, along with opportunities from universities and local governments. 

Scholarships range from providing a monthly stipend of INR 16K for living expenses to covering all tuition fees, including a round-trip, monthly stipend, and full tuition for a study program. Stay updated through your school’s notice board or other sources, and apply to as many as you can. Here are the top options.

Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho MEXT) Scholarship

This scholarship is accessible to individuals already in Japan as international students under certain conditions. Luckily, Leap Scholar has already decoded the exact benefits you can receive from the MEXT Scholarship.

Category	Monthly Stipend	Additional Benefits
Masters Level: only Research & Teacher Training Students	INR 76K – INR 78K	TuitionTuition exempted, Round-trip Airfare Provided
Undergraduate Level	INR 62k
Young Leaders’ Program(One year course)	INR 1.60L

Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO) Scholarship

Also known as the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship, this scholarship program is available to privately financed international students experiencing financial difficulties who demonstrate excellent academic achievement and character.

Eligibility	Monthly Amount	Payment Period
Japanese Language Institutes	INR 16k	One year (April to March) or six months (October to March)
All the other University Programs	INR 25k

All the other University Programs include:

• Undergraduate programs
• Graduate programs
• Doctorates
• Specialised training colleges
• 3rd year and above Technology students
• Japanese Language Preparatory Course colleges
• Advanced Courses by Junior Colleges

.

Japan Visa Requirements for International Students

So, you’ve caught the Japan bug and your sights are set on studying in Japan! And so, obviously a student visa is required to study in Japan for international students like yourself. Over 240,000 international students secure student visas each year to pursue their educational dreams in Japan. 

Here’s what you need to do:

1. A completed Student Visa Application Form.

2. A valid passport with photocopies.

3. 2 Passport-size photos (4cm x 3cm) taken within the last three months with a neutral facial expression against a plain white background. 

4. Certificate of Eligibility (to be obtained from your academic institution)

5. Letter of Admission from the educational institution.

6. Academic/professional qualifications.

7. Proof of financial ability (approximately INR 10.6L for one year), which can include bank statements, scholarship proof, or sponsorship.

8. Additional documents, if requested, such as letters of invitation or guarantee.

These documents must be submitted to your academic institution, which will then apply for the Certificate of Eligibility.

Once you have the Certificate of Eligibility, you can proceed with the Japan Student Visa application:

1. Contact the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate.

2. Gather the required documents.

3. Submit the visa application, either directly or through an accredited agency.

4. Attend an interview or provide additional documents if requested.

5. Collect your visa and passport once processed.

Remember, the Certificate of Eligibility is not the visa itself but is required for the visa application process. The entire process, including obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility, can take 1-3 months.

Job Opportunities in Japan

As mentioned before, Japan is actively seeking to recruit 820,000 specialised skilled foreign workers over the next five years. Beyond these sectors, the industries offering the highest salaries provide a glimpse into the fields of study that could lead to high-paying jobs. 

In Japan, Private Practice Lawyers, Pharmacovigilance Directors, and Banking Managers are among the top earners, with salaries ranging from INR 12.72 crore to INR 15.9 crore.

Here is the list of top jobs in Japan available for Indian students:

Position	Industry	Annual Salary
Private Practice Counsel	Legal	INR 15.9 Cr
Pharmacovigilance Director	Healthcare and Life Sciences	INR 13.25 Cr
Country Manager	Banking and Financial Services	INR 12.72 Cr
	Renewable Energy – ESG and Sustainability	INR 10.6 Cr
	Engineering and Manufacturing	INR 10.6 Cr
	Industrial/Manufacturing Sales	INR 10.6 Cr
	Animal Health and Nutrition	INR 10.6 Cr
	Fast-moving consumer Goods (FMCG) and Retail	INR 8.48 Cr
Human Resources (HR) Director	Accounting and Finance	INR 11.66 Cr
	Engineering and Manufacturing	INR 11.66 Cr
	FMCG and Retail	INR 11.66 Cr
	Healthcare and Life Sciences	INR 11.66 Cr
	Legal	INR 11.66 Cr
	Procurement and Supply Chain	INR 11.66 Cr
	Secretarial	INR 11.66 Cr
	Technology	INR 11.66 Cr

In addition to this high-salary expertise, a basic grasp of Japanese will be a huge plus! Since English fluency is still less common in Japan, bilingual candidates are especially sought-after for positions in foreign relations. This combination of specialised skills and language proficiency can open doors to exciting career opportunities in Japan.

Top Recruiters in Japan

Japan’s leading companies offer a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors, making it an attractive destination for International students looking to make an impact in their respective fields.

Whether it’s engineering, technology, automotive, or retail, these top recruiters are actively seeking talented individuals to contribute to their innovative and dynamic work environments.

Here are the top 10 recruiters in Japan and their respective fields:

Recruiters	Field
Mitsubishi	Engineering, Technology
Toyota	Automotive, Engineering
Sony	Technology, Entertainment
Nintendo	Gaming, Technology
Honda	Automotive, Engineering
Panasonic	Electronics, Technology
Rakuten	E-commerce, Technology
SoftBank Group	Telecommunications, Technology
Fast Retailing (Uniqlo)	Retail, Fashion
Hitachi	Engineering, Technology

Conclusion

Japan emerges as a standout destination for international students in 2024, offering a unique combination of high-quality, affordable education. It’s no surprise that Japan’s tech titans, such as Sony, Toshiba, Casio, and Hitachi, dominate the world. The success of these tech giants is mainly attributable to their founders’ education and the culture of innovation deeply inherited within their home country.

The value of education here is immense, with considerably lower tuition and medical costs than other G7 nations. Beyond striving for personal success, you should consider studying in Japan as a chance to be part of a nation actively combating labour shortages. Assist Japan, a nation propelling technology to great heights, forever advancing humanity’s potential. With significant strides in reducing environmental impacts and promoting energy innovation starting at the university level, it would be a tragedy for such progress to be stalled by labour shortages!

With courses ranging from Healthcare and Life Sciences to Engineering and Economics, Japan offers opportunities for success in every field. But, remember, all university courses in Japan require an English Proficiency Test such as IELTS. If you envision a future in Japan, Leap Scholar’s online IELTS courses can help you. 

Explore Leap Scholar’s IELTS preparation courses here.

Frequently Asked Questions