Japan offers a unique blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge technology, world-class universities, and a fascinating cultural experience. With strong government support for international students through scholarships like MEXT and growing English-taught programs, Japan is an increasingly attractive destination. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Japan in 2026.
Why Study in Japan?
World-Class Education
Japan hosts many globally-ranked universities:
| University | QS Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|
| University of Tokyo | #28 |
| Kyoto University | #50 |
| Tokyo Institute of Technology | #84 |
| Osaka University | #80 |
| Tohoku University | #100 |
Growing English Programs
Japan now offers 800+ English-taught programs:
- Global 30 (G30) initiative universities
- MEXT-supported English programs
- Graduate programs especially available
- STEM and business programs growing
Unique Cultural Experience
Japan offers:
- Ancient traditions alongside modern innovation
- Safe, clean, efficient society
- Unique cuisine and cultural practices
- Anime, gaming, and pop culture hub
- Lifetime memories and experiences
Career Opportunities
Strong job market for international graduates:
- 30,000+ job openings for international talent
- Growing need for bilingual professionals
- Easy transition with work visa
- Global Japanese companies
Top Universities in Japan
National Universities
University of Tokyo (Todai)
- Japan’s most prestigious university
- Strong in all fields
- Notable programs: Engineering, Law, Science
- Research leadership
- Tokyo location
Kyoto University
- Japan’s second-ranked university
- Liberal academic atmosphere
- Notable programs: Science, Medicine, Engineering
- Nobel laureates
- Historic city setting
Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech)
- Leading STEM university
- Strong industry connections
- Notable programs: Engineering, Science, IT
- Modern campus
- High employment rates
Osaka University
- Third-largest national university
- Strong engineering and medicine
- Notable programs: Engineering, Medicine, Science
- Kansai region location
- Industry partnerships
Tohoku University
- Research-intensive, northern Japan
- Strong sciences and engineering
- Notable programs: Materials Science, Physics
- Lower living costs than Tokyo
- International focus
Private Universities
| University | Location | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Waseda University | Tokyo | Humanities, Social Sciences |
| Keio University | Tokyo | Business, Medicine |
| Sophia University | Tokyo | International Studies, Languages |
| Doshisha University | Kyoto | Law, Economics |
| Ritsumeikan University | Kyoto | APU - Asia Pacific University |
English-Taught Programs (G30)
13 universities offer full English programs:
- University of Tokyo (PEAK, GPEAK)
- Kyoto University (iUP)
- Osaka University (Human Sciences)
- Waseda University (Multiple programs)
- Keio University (PEARL, GIGA)
- And more…
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate (English Programs)
Academic Requirements:
- 12 years of education
- Strong high school grades
- SAT/ACT for some programs
- IB or A-Levels accepted
English Proficiency:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0-7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80-100 |
| Cambridge | FCE/CAE |
Graduate Programs
Master’s:
- Bachelor’s degree (16 years total education)
- Research plan for research students
- English proficiency
- Some require Japanese
PhD:
- Master’s degree (18 years total education)
- Research proposal
- Professor contact essential
- Publication experience helpful
Japanese Language Programs
Many students start with language study:
- 6 months - 2 years of language training
- Pathway to university
- Cultural immersion
- N2/N1 JLPT for Japanese programs
Student Visa (留学)
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) | Obtained by university |
| Financial proof | ¥2,000,000/year OR scholarship |
| Valid passport | 6+ months validity |
| Academic documents | Transcripts, diploma |
| Health certificate | If required |
Application Process
- Receive university acceptance
- University applies for CoE (4-8 weeks)
- Receive CoE by mail
- Apply for visa at embassy (1-2 weeks)
- Travel to Japan
Work Rights
Students can work:
- 28 hours/week during semester
- 40 hours/week during holidays
- Need “Permission to Engage in Activity” stamp
- Part-time jobs readily available
Cost of Studying in Japan
Tuition Fees
| Institution Type | Annual Fee (JPY) | ~USD |
|---|---|---|
| National University | 535,800 | ~4,000 |
| Public University | 500,000-800,000 | 3,700-6,000 |
| Private (Humanities) | 800,000-1,200,000 | 6,000-9,000 |
| Private (Sciences) | 1,200,000-2,000,000 | 9,000-15,000 |
| Private (Medicine) | 4,000,000-8,000,000 | 30,000-60,000 |
National universities offer exceptional value!
Living Costs by City
| City | Monthly Cost (JPY) | ~USD |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 120,000-180,000 | 900-1,350 |
| Osaka | 100,000-150,000 | 750-1,125 |
| Kyoto | 100,000-140,000 | 750-1,050 |
| Nagoya | 90,000-130,000 | 675-975 |
| Fukuoka | 80,000-120,000 | 600-900 |
| Sendai | 70,000-110,000 | 525-825 |
Budget breakdown:
- Rent: ¥30,000-80,000
- Food: ¥30,000-50,000
- Transport: ¥5,000-15,000
- Utilities: ¥10,000-15,000
- Health Insurance: ¥1,500-2,000
- Entertainment: ¥20,000-30,000
Scholarships
MEXT Scholarship
The Japanese Government Scholarship is highly valued:
| Program | Coverage | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Full tuition + ¥117,000/month + flights | 5 years |
| Research Student | Full tuition + ¥143,000-145,000/month | 2 years |
| Teacher Training | Full tuition + ¥143,000/month | 1.5 years |
| Japanese Studies | Full tuition + ¥117,000/month | 1 year |
Application routes:
- Embassy recommendation (apply at Japanese embassy)
- University recommendation (apply through university)
JASSO Scholarships
Japan Student Services Organization offers:
- Honors Scholarship: ¥48,000/month
- Short-term scholarships
- Various support programs
University Scholarships
Most universities offer tuition reductions:
- 30%, 50%, or 100% fee waivers
- Based on academic merit
- Application during enrollment
- Competitive but accessible
Private Scholarships
- Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship
- Panasonic Scholarship
- ADB-Japan Scholarship
- Many more available
Application Timeline
April Intake (Main Intake)
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| September-October | Research programs, contact professors |
| November-January | Submit applications |
| January-February | Receive results |
| February-March | CoE application |
| March-April | Visa application, travel |
October Intake
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| March-April | Research programs |
| April-June | Submit applications |
| June-July | Receive results |
| July-August | CoE application |
| September | Visa application, travel |
MEXT Scholarship Timeline
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| April | Embassy announcement |
| May-June | Application submission |
| June-July | First screening |
| August-January | Selection process |
| February | Final results |
| April | Departure to Japan |
Living in Japan
Accommodation
| Type | Monthly Cost (JPY) |
|---|---|
| University dormitory | 10,000-50,000 |
| Share house | 40,000-70,000 |
| Apartment (1R/1K) | 50,000-100,000 |
| Homestay | 80,000-120,000 |
Finding accommodation:
- University housing office
- Real estate agents (need guarantor)
- Online platforms: Suumo, Homes
- Share house companies: Oakhouse, Borderless
Health Insurance
- National Health Insurance mandatory
- Costs: ~¥1,500-2,000/month
- Covers 70% of medical expenses
- Register at ward office
Part-Time Jobs
Common jobs for students:
- Convenience store clerk
- Restaurant staff
- English teaching
- Translation work
- Factory work
Average wage: ¥1,000-1,500/hour
Career After Graduation
Work Visa Transition
After graduation:
- Apply for “Designated Activities” visa (6-12 months job search)
- Find employment
- Convert to work visa
Job Hunting
- Shushoku katsudo (job hunting season)
- Companies recruit 1 year before graduation
- Multiple rounds of interviews
- Japanese language advantageous
- Bilingual positions growing
Growing Industries
- IT and Technology
- Engineering
- Finance
- Tourism
- E-commerce
- Healthcare
Key Takeaways
- National universities are affordable - ¥535,800/year tuition
- MEXT scholarship covers everything - Apply through embassy
- English programs growing - G30 universities offer full English
- Work while studying - 28 hours/week allowed
- Unique experience - Culture like nowhere else
- Career opportunities - Growing international job market
Next Steps
Ready to begin your Japanese education journey?
- Explore Japanese universities in our school directory
- Check your eligibility with our admission calculator
- Compare costs using our cost calculator
- Get personalized guidance through our contact form
This guide is updated regularly. Last updated: January 2026.
Have questions? Chat with our AI advisor or contact us directly for personalized guidance.
Topics covered
Japan student visa universities MEXT scholarship 2026 study abroad Tokyo Kyoto
