Study in Japan
This is Your Cue to Earn an International Degree from Japan!
Japanese Educational System (日本語教育制度)
In Japan, students can begin their higher education after completing 12 years of schooling, which includes 6 years of elementary education and 6 years of secondary education, comprising 3 years of lower secondary school and 3 years of upper secondary school. International students who wish to study in Japan can enrol in five types of higher education institutions, including colleges of technology, specialised training colleges (post-secondary courses), junior colleges, undergraduate universities, and graduate schools. These institutions are categorised as national, local public, and private, based on their founding bodies. Numerous students choose to study in Japan, drawn by its high-quality education and academic recognition, as well as the possibility of exploring various educational prospects and cultural enrichment in a resourceful learning environment. Students pursuing their majors at a college of technology or a junior college certified by the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE) can obtain their bachelor’s degrees by applying to the NIAD-QE and passing an examination, ensuring a clear path to their academic goals.
Educational System (教育制度)
Individuals completing their majors at a junior college or college of technology certified by the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE) may obtain bachelor's degrees by applying to the NIAD-QE and passing an examination. Confirm further details at the school to which the application will be made.
Degrees and Titles You Can Obtain, and the Required Study Periods（日本の学位と修学年限）
*1 Graduate school doctoral programs are divided into two phases- the first phase and the second phase (two years + three years). For undergraduate studies in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and specific pharmaceutical programs, the required duration is six years, whereas the period for their graduate or doctoral program is four years
*2 Doctor’s and Master’s degree programs list the standard number of years.
*3 International students are granted admission from the third year, even though the required duration of study at a college of technology is five years.
Academic Year（学年暦）
Calculating the specific costs associated with studying in Japan and making a financial plan that includes personal funds will help you to live a steady life after studying in Japan. Please calculate the necessary expenses for studying in Japan to ensure your plan is feasible.
Individuals required to travel to Japan will also need to cover other expenses in addition to those mentioned above, such as airfare, accommodation, visa fees, and insurance.
The academic year in higher educational institutions in Japan is from April to March as they follow the semester system. Summer marks the long holiday season, from late July to early September. Meanwhile, in the winter and spring seasons, the holidays are from late December to early January, and from February to March, respectively. Most institutions in Japan follow the April admission system, with some offering admissions in the Autumn, providing students with flexibility in planning their studies and holidays.
Number of Higher Education Institutions （数 – 日本の高等教育機関数）
Necessary Expenses for Studying in Japan（ 日本での留学に必要な費用）
Academic Fees （学費）
Academic fees in Japan are generally lower than in the United States and the United Kingdom. Many Japanese schools also offer scholarships and tuition reductions/exemptions for international students, which helps make studying in Japan more affordable. The table below lists the average admission and tuition fees for the first year of study. Additionally, you may also need to pay for exams, teaching materials, and practical training, as well as other possible expenses. Admission and tuition fees, as well as other associated costs, may vary among different schools. Your place of residence may also affect the tuition rates. Be sure to check each school's website and application guidelines to find the exact fees.
*1. Candidates who meet the requirements for the third year will be eligible for the High School Tuition Support Fund.
* Fees for teaching materials, practical training, etc., may be required separately.
Overview of Scholarships in Japan (日本の奨学金概要)
Most scholarships are designed to provide candidates with partial support to cover accommodation expenses, tuition fees, and other related costs, rather than covering all the costs associated with studying in Japan. Hence, students must calculate a detailed total of their estimated study costs in Japan and develop dependable economic plans that do not rely solely on scholarships, but also include their own personal financial resources.
Types of Financial Aid (財政援助の種類)
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (日本政府（文部科学省）奨学金日本政府（文部科学省）奨学金)
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) in Japan has been offering scholarships to international students since 1954. These scholarships support students in several categories, including research, teacher training, undergraduate studies, Japanese studies, the College of Technology, specialised training, and the Young Leaders Program (YLP). Students interested in applying can contact Japanese embassies, consulates, or universities for more information.
· Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarships (日本学生支援機構（JASSO）奨学金)
JASSO provides the Monbukagakusho Honours Scholarship for privately financed international students. It also offers the Student Exchange Support Program for students who are accepted into Japanese schools through exchange agreements with their home institutions.
· Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarships
Local Government / Local International Association / Private Foundation Scholarships (地方自治体・地方国際協会・民間財団奨学金)
Local governments and international associations in Japan offer scholarships to students residing or studying in their respective districts. Private companies and organisations also offer scholarships through their own foundations. These scholarships may be available to students in specific districts, those studying subjects related to the company, or to students from countries or regions with ties to the organisation.
On-Campus Scholarships and the Tuition Fee Exemption/Reduction System (学内奨学金と授業料減免制度)
Many schools offer on-campus scholarships and tuition fee reduction or waiver options for international students enrolled in their programs.
· Other Scholarships and Financial Aid
How to Apply (申請方法)
The majority of scholarships become accessible to students upon their arrival in Japan. Various local governments, international associations, and private foundations accept applications from international candidates. Most scholarship applications are processed through the academic institutions where students enrol in Japan.
Application and Screening (申請と審査)
Look for the Scholarships for which You are Eligible (あなたが受給資格のある奨学金を探してください)
Check the eligibility criteria, such as school level, age, nationality, and significant, to determine which options you qualify for.
Find Out More Details. (詳細については、こちらをご覧くださ い。)
Contact the foundation or the school to obtain more information and request an application form.
Submit the Application (申請書を提出する)
Fill out the application form and submit it to the foundation or the school, along with the other required documents (e.g., curriculum vitae, student registration certificate, transcript, academic supervisor's recommendation, health certificate, photographs, and a copy of your resident card).
Screening Process (審査の流れ)
Screening occurs in various ways, including assessments based solely on documents or written tests (such as general education, knowledge of the major, and Japanese language proficiency), as well as interviews.
Screening Results (スクリーニング結果)
Applicants will be notified about the screening results by the foundation or through their host school.