Yett-DeeStudy Abroad

Study destination

Study in Japan

English-taught degrees in Tokyo and on international campuses, alongside a wide range of Japanese-taught programmes.

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Find your study options in Japan

Japan offers English-taught international programmes alongside a wider selection of Japanese-taught degrees. The academic year often begins in April, with September starts for many English-taught programmes. Tokyo generally has higher living costs than university cities such as Beppu.

Teaching language
English · Japanese

Confirm your programme’s language and accepted evidence.

Programme starts
April · September

Starts and deadlines vary by programme.

Study budget
Plan your total costs

Compare tuition, living costs and initial expenses.

After graduation
Explore your next step

Work and residence options have their own conditions.

Our team can help you compare courses, understand entry requirements and build a shortlist around your qualifications and budget.

Explore courses in Japan

Start with a subject you enjoy. Explore selected programme examples, then compare study levels and teaching languages in the course directory.

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Universities to explore

Explore university campuses and study options. Visit the official admissions pages for current programmes, entry requirements and fees.

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Browse universities in Japan →
University photo credits

Plan your study budget

Your budget has three parts: tuition, day-to-day living and the costs of getting settled. Use the references below to start planning, then confirm the figures for your course and city.

Tuition & fee references

Approximate first-year admission and tuition totals from Study in Japan. Later-year charges and individual institutions differ.

National living-cost reference

JPY 105,000per month · JASSO 2023 survey average

The national average published by Study in Japan excludes academic fees. Tokyo and other locations can cost more.

This is a historical survey reference. Obtain current accommodation and living-cost estimates for your university city.

Study in Japan: living costs (opens in a new tab)

Fees vary by programme, year and legal status. A semester fee, annual fee and full-programme fee cover different periods. Confirm what is included, payment dates and refund terms with the institution.

Allow for initial expenses

Include application and visa charges, document preparation, insurance, travel and accommodation deposits. Ask what is included before paying; any agency service charge is separate from university and government fees.

Check funding early

Review scholarships with the university or award provider. Check eligibility, deadlines and what an award covers. Build your plan around confirmed funds.

Entry requirements & how to apply

Requirements depend on your qualification, citizenship and chosen programme. Check the university’s current instructions before preparing your application.

Academic entry requirements

Undergraduate applicants need a secondary-school qualification. Many English-taught programmes also request an application essay and may hold interviews. Master’s applicants need a first degree.

Language & course requirements

Japanese-taught programmes require Japanese proficiency, while English-taught programmes set English language requirements.

For a master’s degree

Check the recognised first degree, relevant subject background and grades required by the programme. Some courses also ask for professional experience, a portfolio, research proposal or an interview.

Study in Japan: planning your studies (opens in a new tab)

Documents to prepare

  • Passport, qualification certificates and academic transcripts.
  • Accepted evidence of your programme’s teaching language.
  • A personal statement, references, portfolio or research proposal where requested.
  • Qualification assessment, legalisation and certified translations where required.

Qualification recognition

Check the programme’s educational-background requirements, entrance assessment and teaching language. English-track and Japanese-track degrees use different language evidence. Japanese can be important for daily life, placements and employment.

Recognition, legalisation and translation are separate steps. Confirm each receiving authority’s requirements.

Choose your intake before you apply

April is the main national academic start, while many English-track programmes offer September or October entry. Check each application round and scholarship deadline separately.

  1. Choose your programme

    Compare subjects, qualification, campus, teaching language and total cost. Confirm eligibility with the institution.

  2. Prepare and apply

    Check the application route, gather the required documents and complete any assessment by the course deadline.

  3. Plan your arrival

    After admission, follow the applicable immigration process and arrange funds, insurance and accommodation.

Visa, work & student life

Student status and visa

After admission, follow the institution’s Certificate of Eligibility process and the relevant Japanese mission’s student visa instructions.

Confirm financial evidence and arrival requirements, then complete the residence and local registration steps that apply after entry.

Study in Japan: immigration procedures (opens in a new tab)

Use the instructions for your actual citizenship and residence jurisdiction.

Working during and after study

A student’s residence status does not itself authorise ordinary employment. Obtain the required permission for activities outside that status and follow its limits.

Full-time work after graduation requires the appropriate change of residence status. Check the job and qualification requirements with the official guidance.

Study in Japan: immigration after graduation (opens in a new tab)

Prepare for your arrival

Confirm whether your programme starts in April or September and arrange accommodation or a university dormitory place before travelling. Carry your Certificate of Eligibility and visa.

Your questions about Japan

How much should I budget?

Add the exact tuition for your course and year to accommodation, food, transport, insurance and personal expenses. Include application charges, document preparation, travel and deposits. The figures above show what each reference covers; a housing example or visa funds requirement is only part of the total.

Study in Japan: living costs (opens in a new tab)

When should I apply?

April is the main national academic start, while many English-track programmes offer September or October entry. Check each application round and scholarship deadline separately.

Study in Japan: planning your studies (opens in a new tab)

Are these the only courses and universities available?

These are selected examples to help you explore. Universities offer many more programmes. Tell us your subject, study level and preferred destination so we can help you compare a broader shortlist.

Can I fund my studies through part-time work?

Plan tuition and essential living expenses using confirmed funds. Student employment can be restricted and a job is not guaranteed. Review the work guidance above and the conditions of your own immigration status before accepting employment.

Study in Japan: immigration after graduation (opens in a new tab)

Will my qualification be recognised?

Check the programme’s educational-background requirements, entrance assessment and teaching language. English-track and Japanese-track degrees use different language evidence. Japanese can be important for daily life, placements and employment.

Study in Japan: planning your studies (opens in a new tab)

Ready to explore studying in Japan?

Talk with our team about course options, entry requirements and the budget you’ll need. We’ll help you understand the next steps.

Request a free consultation. Our team will contact you to arrange a conversation.

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