Study in Japan: Academic Excellence and Innovation

Study in Japan

Home to world-class universities with strong research output in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (STEM).
Known for cutting-edge innovation, robotics, and advanced technology.
Offers English-taught degree programs, especially at postgraduate level.
Affordable tuition fees compared to Western countries, with generous scholarships (e.g., MEXT, JASSO).
Safe, modern, and culturally rich society, blending tradition with innovation.
Strong career opportunities in Japan’s global industries, with pathways to long-term residency.

University	QS World Ranking (2025)	Known For
University of Tokyo	#28	Sciences, Engineering, Business
Kyoto University	#46	Research, Life Sciences, Medicine
Osaka University	#80	Engineering, Chemistry, IT
Tohoku University	#113	Robotics, Materials Science
Nagoya University	#123	Physics, Engineering
Tokyo Institute of Technology	#96	Technology, Engineering

Japan is ranked among the top 10 countries globally for research and innovation.

April (Spring Semester) – Primary intake for most universities.
September/October (Fall Semester) – Secondary intake, widely available for English-taught programs.

Deadlines:

Public Universities: ¥535,800 per year (~~USD $3,500 – $4,500) + admission fee (~~¥282,000).
Private Universities: ¥800,000 – ¥1,500,000 per year (~USD $6,000 – $12,000).
Living Costs: ¥100,000 – ¥150,000 per month (~USD $750 – $1,100), depending on city (Tokyo is more expensive).

Scholarships like MEXT (fully funded) and JASSO (monthly stipends) make Japan financially accessible.

English-taught Programs: IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 70–90.
Japanese-taught Programs: Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N2/N1 required).
Some universities accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) for English programs.

Undergraduate: The EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) may be required for Japanese-taught programs.
Postgraduate: GRE/GMAT may be required for certain programs (e.g., MBA, STEM).
Medicine/Health Sciences: Additional entrance exams/interviews may apply.

12–18 months before intake: Research programs via official sites (JASSO, university portals).
Prepare Language Tests: IELTS/TOEFL for English; JLPT/EJU for Japanese-taught programs.
Prepare Documents: Passport, transcripts, SOP, LORs, CV, financial proof.
Apply Online: Submit applications through university portals.
Entrance Exams/Interviews: Some universities require written tests or online interviews.
Receive Admission Offer: Usually 2–4 months after application.
Apply for Student Visa: Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from the university and apply at the Japanese Embassy.

Visa Type: Student Visa (Ryugaku Visa)
Visa Fee: ¥3,000 (single entry) / ¥6,000 (multiple entry)
Required Documents:
- Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from university
- Valid passport
- Admission letter
- Proof of financial support (~¥1,000,000+ for first year)
- Academic documents
- Visa application form & photos

Visa is typically valid for 1 year and renewable.

During Studies: Students can work up to 28 hours per week with a work permit from immigration.
After Graduation:
- Apply for a Job-Seeking Visa (Designated Activities Visa) to look for work.
- Transition to a Work Visa (Engineer, Humanities, Specialist in International Services) once employed.
Strong demand for international graduates in IT, Engineering, Research, and Business sectors.

Japan is now fully covered in the same professional structure.