Best Japanese Universities For International Students: A Study Abroad Guide
Japan is gaining popularity as a favorite study-abroad destination among international students. Students from Asian countries widely choose countries like Japan due to their affordability and education quality. Intra-regional mobility, diversity of academic programs, and lower costs are the major factors that attract Indian students to study abroad programs in Japan. We are here to provide you with all the details about studying in Japan. Through this blog, you will get to know more about the best Japanese universities for international students, popular courses, best student cities, scholarships, and all other essential information.
The government under Fumio Kishida has revealed its plan to increase international student intake. This was announced on March 17, 2023, during the fifth meeting of the Council of the Creation of Future Education. The Japanese PM, Kishida announced that the country plans to accept 400,000 international students by 2033. The government has also decided to expand the career opportunities for international students who graduate from certified vocational schools in Japan.
Top Reasons to Study in Japan
- Education Quality: Japan outperforms most of the OECD countries and consistently performs well on major education surveys. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data 2022, the country is a leading performer in science, reading, and mathematics. Japan consistently ranks among the top five in PISA results. This indicates the quality of the education system in Japan. The quality is maintained in the higher education sector too. Japanese universities for international students offer globally recognized academic programs .
- Culture and Life in Japan: The safety, healthy way of life, cleanliness, and hospitality attract global learners to the country. The efficiency of Japanese cities, modern infrastructure, and technological advancements are other factors that enhance its appeal to international students.
- Safest Country: Japan offers a safe environment for international students. Medical excellence, a student-friendly environment, and low crime rates make it a safe country to live in. The country also has excellent technological support to combat and recover from natural calamities. In short, the country offers a secure environment for international students to study and work in the country.
- Economy: As per the 2024 report Japan is the fourth largest economy in the world. The country excels in the fields of technology, manufacturing, and automotive. Japan is home to several renowned multinational companies. These factors along with the decreasing population of the country increase the employment opportunities for international students in Japan. The country faces a skill shortage in several fields. Japanese universities for international students offer courses in these areas to attract learners from around the world and tackle the skill shortage problem.
- Affordability: The cost of living and tuition fees for study abroad programs in Japan are much lower than in European countries. Part-time job opportunities and scholarships make it even less. Japan scholarship for international students will help cover the educational expenses. Affordability is a major factor that attracts Indian students to study in Japan.
- Part-time Employment Opportunities: The country offers multiple part-time job opportunities for international students. Japanese universities allow students from other nationalities to work up to 28 hours per week during regular sessions and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. Some of the most popular part-time jobs in Japan for international students are teaching or research assistant, babysitter, restaurant worker, delivery person, etc.
Popular Part-time Jobs in Japan for International Students
| Job Category | Ratio of Students Enrolled |
| Cafe/Restaurant | 35.00% |
| Teaching | 5.60% |
| Sales | 30.20% |
| Factory(Packing, Sorting) | 6.10% |
| Delivery | 3.50% |
Higher Education in Japan
The higher education institutions in Japan can be Private, National, and local public based on the governing body. The country has 5 different types of higher education institutes offering degrees, diplomas, or certificate courses of varying duration. The five different types of Japanese institutions, the types of programs offered, and their duration are given below for your reference.
| Type of Institution | Academic Program Offered | Duration |
| Colleges of technology | Associate degree | 5 years or 5.5 years |
|
Vocational schools |
Advanced Diploma | 4 years |
| Diploma | 2 to 3 years | |
| Junior colleges | Associate degree | 2 years or 3 years |
| Universities | Bachelor’s degree | 4 years or 6 years |
|
Graduate schools |
Professional Degree | 2 or 3 years |
| Master’s | 2 years | |
| Doctoral Program | 5 years |
The duration of the program depends on the course you choose to study in Japan. For, instance, A bachelor’s degree in general subjects lasts for 4 years whereas, a bachelor’s in medicine, dentistry, veterinary, etc. is of 6 year duration.
Top Japanese Universities for International Students
Japan has several top-ranking universities that offer a wide variety of study abroad programs for international students. You can apply to any of these universities based on your educational background and the university-specific eligibility requirements. Study abroad consultants in Kochi, Kerala will assist you in the admission application process to top universities in Japan. Abroad study consultants can help you easily understand the eligibility requirements of various Japanese universities and study programs in Japan.
Japanese universities are known for their strong research output in science and technology. Universities in Japan are ideal for International students who wish to pursue higher studies in the fields of materials science, robotics, and renewable energy. International students can choose from degrees, diplomas, associate degrees, master’s, and doctorate-level programs based on their budget, time, academic and career goals. Some of the best Japanese universities for international students are listed below:
- The University of Tokyo or Todai is the most prestigious university in Japan and is globally recognized for its contributions to the education and research sector. The university has produced several Nobel laureates in the fields of Nobel laureates literature, science, and peace.
- Osaka University focuses on interdisciplinary research and innovation. The university’s academic programs in Advanced Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Global Governance are popular among international students.
- Tokyo Institute of Technology or Tokyo Tech: This university is well-known for its study abroad programs in science and engineering disciplines.
- Kyoto University or Kyodai is acclaimed for its study-abroad programs in the fields of Environmental Studies, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Scholarships like the Kyoto University International Scholarship encourage meritorious Indian students to study at this university.
- Tohoku University: The university’s academic programs in Biomedical Research, Materials Science, and Disaster Science/ management attract international students from around the globe.
Nagoya University: This national research university is known for its international student programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. It also offers research in the fields of Quantum Physics, Nanoscience, Space Exploration, and a lot more.
Best Cities in Japan for International Students
Most students give importance to the university rather than the place of study. The city where you live while studying is equally important. Hence, while doing the initial research check whether your preferred university is located in a student-friendly city. Living in a city where your university resides is more convenient. Factors like cost of living, climate, lifestyle, and international student population must be considered while selecting a city to study abroad in Japan. International students should also check the popularity of English in the city for easier interactions with the residents. Here are the 5 best cities in Japan for abroad studies.
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Sapporo
- Nagoya
- Osaka
Application Process for International Students
The application process for Japanese universities may seem challenging, but with the right guidance, it can be a smooth journey. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
General Admission Requirements
Each university in Japan has its own specific admission criteria, but generally, international students need to meet the following requirements:
- Academic Qualifications: A high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs, and a bachelor’s degree for postgraduate programs.
- Entrance Examinations: Some universities require international students to take the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) or university-specific entrance exams.
- Language Proficiency: Depending on the program, students may need to demonstrate proficiency in Japanese (via JLPT) or English (via TOEFL/IELTS). Many universities offer English-taught programs, so you won’t necessarily need to know Japanese.
Application Documents
When applying to a Japanese university, the following documents are typically required:
- Completed application form (online or paper).
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Proof of language proficiency (Japanese or English).
- Statement of purpose or personal essay.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Passport copy and visa documents.
Language Requirements
- Japanese-Taught Programs: For programs conducted in Japanese, students must usually pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), typically at N2 or N1 levels.
- English-Taught Programs: Many top universities, such as the University of Tokyo and Waseda University, offer courses entirely in English, requiring an acceptable score on tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Visa Requirements
Once you’ve secured admission, you’ll need to apply for a student visa. Here’s how the visa process works:
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Your university will apply for this on your behalf. Once issued, you’ll use the COE to apply for a student visa at the Japanese consulate or embassy in your home country.
- Visa Application: Submit the COE, passport, visa application form, and a recent photograph to the embassy or consulate. You’ll receive your visa within 1-2 weeks.
- Residence Card: After arriving in Japan, you’ll receive a residence card, which allows you to stay and work part-time during your studies.
Japan Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships for international students in Japan are meant to cover the cost of tuition and other major educational expenses. Though it does not cover all the costs involved in your studies in Japan, it can greatly support you financially. Japanese universities for international students allow candidates to avail scholarships based on their merit, nationality, or other specific criteria. Government-funded, privately-funded, and university-funded scholarships are available for international students in Japan. A few of the scholarship options for Indian students and students from other nationalities include:
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship programs
- Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarships
- Private Foundation Scholarships
- Local Government / Local International Association scholarships
- On-campus scholarships
Research Thoroughly Before Enrolling
There are several factors to consider before applying for your preferred course in any of the top Japanese universities for international students. Now, you might have got an overall idea about studying in Japan, the best universities, and academic programs. Students should check the scholarship options available for various academic programs before finalizing the course and university. Gather genuine information from official websites or consult reliable study-abroad consultants for Japan before applying to top universities for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know Japanese to study in Japan?
Not necessarily. Many Japanese universities offer programs entirely in English, especially at the graduate level. However, learning basic Japanese can help you adjust to daily life and take full advantage of the cultural experience.
What scholarships are available for international students in Japan?
The most well-known scholarship is the MEXT Scholarship, offered by the Japanese government. Additionally, universities provide their own scholarships, and organizations like JASSO offer financial aid to international students.
How long does it take to get a student visa for Japan?
After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from your university, it typically takes 1-2 weeks to obtain your student visa from the Japanese consulate or embassy in your country.
Can international students work part-time while studying in Japan?
Yes, international students with a student visa are allowed to work up to 28 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during school breaks, as long as they obtain permission from the immigration office.
How much does it cost to study in Japan?
Tuition fees in Japan are generally lower than in countries like the US or UK. For national universities, annual tuition fees are typically around ¥500,000-¥600,000 (~$4,500–$5,500). Living costs vary by city, with Tokyo being more expensive than smaller cities like Kyoto or Osaka.
How can I apply for a Japanese university?
Most universities allow you to apply online through their websites. Ensure you meet the academic and language requirements, gather the necessary documents, and follow the specific application process outlined by each institution.