Study in Japan
Study in Japan is a unique and fascinating destination for international students who wish to pursue their studies abroad. The country offers a wide range of educational opportunities, from traditional Japanese arts and culture to cutting-edge science and technology programs.
Japan has a highly respected education system, with many of its universities ranked among the top institutions in the world. The country is renowned for its excellence in science, engineering, and technology, as well as for its rich cultural heritage.
To study in Japan as an international student, you will need to apply for and obtain a student visa. The application process will vary depending on your country of origin and the type of course you wish to study. It is important to research the requirements and process thoroughly before applying to ensure you meet all necessary criteria.
In addition to academic requirements, you will also need to demonstrate proficiency in Japanese or English language, as most courses in Japan are taught in one of these languages. There are various language proficiency tests that you can take to meet the language requirement, such as the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
Overall, studying in Japan can provide you with a unique and valuable educational experience, as well as opportunities to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and language. It can also provide valuable connections and career opportunities in Japan and around the world.
Why study in Japan?
1. Japan takes education very seriously
The literacy rate in Japan is almost 100%. And that’s not all! It has the largest number of Nobel prize winners in Asia, and Japanese students are among the best when it comes to Mathematics and Sciences.
These examples highlight the high emphasis on education and why studying in Japan will be an intense and enriching experience.
2. Live and study in a safe environment
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and levels of violence. This is beautifully complemented by a well-established medical system, with affordable costs and modern practices — all playing an essential role in the high life expectancy of Japanese citizens.
3. Scholarships and grants
Various scholarships and grants help international students cover their tuition or living costs at Japanese universities. Some partly waive the tuition fees (30% or 50%), others waive the entire fees (100%).
You can apply for scholarships both before and after arriving in Japan, so take the time to explore your options.
4. Learn Japanese
It doesn’t matter whether you’re simply passionate about the Japanese language or you want to use it as a key asset on your CV — studying in Japan will provide all the opportunities you need to learn the basics and then slowly master this unique language.
5. Japan’s culture is fascinating
Being inhabited for thousands of years, it’s hardly surprising that the Japanese culture is so old, rich, and captivating. From its history to its temples, from modern habits to century-old traditions, from summer festivals to local ceremonies — everything is there, waiting to be discovered, understood and appreciated.
We recommend visiting top attractions like Kinkaku-ji, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, Mount Fuji, Sensō-ji — a historic Buddhist temple, the Tokyo Skytree, the Imperial Palace, the Osaka Castle, etc.
How to Apply in Japan
If you’ve decided to study a Master’s degree at a university in Japan, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in Japan?
To apply to a university in Japan you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:
- birth certificate;
- recent photos;
- your passport or national identity card;
- one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
- copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor’s degree;
- academic transcripts;
- letter of intent;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master’s, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.
The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Japan so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.
Prove your English skills
Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you’ll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for Japan
The deadlines for applying to a Master’s in Japan are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance
Living in Japan
Let’s take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Japan:
Tuition fees in Japan
Tuition fees depend on the type of Japanese university and the field of study. To give you a general idea, international students usually pay:
- 7,200 USD for the first year of a Bachelor’s at a national university
- 8,200 USD for the first year of a Bachelor’s at a local public university
- 9,700–14,400 USD for the first year of a Bachelor’s at a private university. Some exceptions are Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical degrees.
The total tuition (includes all years of study) for Bachelor’s programmes is around:
- 21,000 USD for full-time Bachelors at national universities
- 22,000 USD for full-time Bachelors at public universities
- 33,000–50,500 USD for full-time Bachelors at private universities
- 94,000–207,000 USD for full-time Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Bachelors at private universities
The total tuition (includes all years of study) for Master’s programmes is around:
- 11,800 USD for full-time Masters at national universities
- 12,600 USD for full-time Masters at public universities
- 13,000–23,300 USD for full-time Masters at private universities
Accommodation costs
Many universities in Japan offer accommodation for international students. There are rooms and apartments with low rents but availability is usually limited. A single room in a university dormitory is around 270 USD/month and a double room costs 180 USD/month.
Another option for affordable housing is sharing an apartment; a room in a shared apartment costs between 200 and 500 USD/month.
Healthcare
Foreign students who plan to live in Japan for more than 3 months need a health insurance plan. Once you arrive, register for the National Health Insurance at the nearest local office and pay the insurance premium.
You will have to pay the insurance premium (around 190 USD) monthly once registration is completed.
Food costs
Local supermarkets in Japan have affordable prices, and on average you only spend around 240 USD on your monthly groceries. Most restaurants have high prices; a three- courses meal costs on average 40 USD. However, you can find plenty of street food at lower prices.
Other living expenses in Japan
- monthly utilities: 50–65 USD
- commuting: 45 USD
- recreation and entertainment: 50 USD
Overall, international students should set aside between 600 and 900 USD for monthly living costs in Japan.
Work permits for Japan
Uh-oh!
It appears you have stumbled into a void of information.
For now, our team of scientist monkeys didn’t manage to create an exact guide on how and when to apply for a work permit in Japan, if you’re coming from Bangladesh.
However, you can always check with the local authorities and get some information about:
- Do you really need a residence or a work permit?
- Can you apply directly in Japan or do you have to go back home and apply before you can start working?
- Do you have enough time to apply?
- If you need to apply for a work permit, what documents will you need?
- Can you support yourself while looking for a job? Or can you support yourself even after getting a job?
- Check what taxes you’ll have to pay while working in the country. If you have any benefits that can make your life easier.
Well, that’s all we’ve got (so far), so good luck and be sure to work hard and be the best in your field in Japan.
Japan At a Glance
| Course Duration | Intake | Application Fee | Requirements |
| 3 Years (Bachelors) 2 Years (Masters) | January, April, September | 5000 (YEN) | IELTS-6.0 (5.5) Academics-Above 50% to 55% |
| Language Proficiency | Tution Fee (Yearly) | Living Cost (Yearly) | Visa Application |
| IELTS-5.5+, TOEFL-60+, PTE-50+, Det-90+ | 800000 To 1100000 (YEN) | 960000 To 1200000 (YEN) | 00 |
| Air Ticket | Processing Time | Part Time Work | Post Study Work Permit |
| 70000 To 90000 (BDT) | 3-6 Months | 28 Hrs (per Week) | 12 Months |
