Purpose of Studying Abroad and Schools
What is Japan Like?
If you have never been to Japan, what kind of image do you have about Japan? When foreigners who have lived in Japan are asked about their impressions of Japan, they often comment that ‟cities are clean,” ‟trains are convenient,” and ‟foods are delicious”. Here is a brief introduction about Japan.
Types of Schools and Universities
What kinds of schools are there in Japan? What kind of things can I study? There are many questions you may have. We will introduce the types of schools so that you can choose the one you want to go to according to your purpose.
Here is how much it costs to study in Japan.
What are the Costs and Income of International Students in Japan?
Costs and Income while Studying in Japan Do you know that it is difficult to earn money for living expenses and tuitions while studying in Japan by only working part-time? This section will give you an idea of how much it costs to live in Japan and how much you can earn by working part-time.
| Educational Institution | Purpose | Admission Requirements | Required Japanese Level *1 | Years of Study |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Language School | Learn Japanese | High school diploma | N4-N5 | 1-2 years |
| Vocational School | Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for jobs | High school diploma | N2-N3 | 2-4 years |
| Technical College | Study to become a practical engineer | Junior high school graduate *2 | Around N2 | Five years or five and a half years *2 |
| Junior College | Specialized research | High school diploma | Around N2 | 2 years |
| University | Specialized research | High school diploma | Around N2 | 4 years |
| Graduate School | Specialized research | University Diploma | N1-N2 when research in Japanese | 2 years (MA) Over 3 years (PhD) |
*1 Japanese Level is the average level required at the time of entrance.
*2 Normally, students at institutes of technology study for 5 years (institutes of marine technology for 5.5 years), but international students are accepted into the third year of study. If you want to transfer to the third year, you must be at least 17 years old as of April 1 of the year of admission and have completed (or expected to complete) 11 years or more of school education in a foreign country.
Many people first attend a Japanese language school when they come to Japan to study, but it is important to think carefully about where you will go on to study and what you will do after graduation, and to plan your future well in advance.
How much will it cost to study in Japan?
Tuition differs largely by school and region.
Check if there are tuition reduction/exemption system or scholarships once you find the school of your desire.
Average amount of Admission + Tuition Fee
Below is the table of the average amount of Admission Fee + Tuition paid in the first year of study abroad (JASSO survey). There may be other fees, such as textbook fees.
| National | Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate School | Approx. 820,000JPY | Approx. 900,000JPY | Approx. 1,100,000JPY |
| University | Approx. 820,000JPY | Approx. 930,000JPY | Approx. 1,100,000JPY |
| Junior College | – | Approx. 610,000JPY | Approx. 960,000JPY |
| Technical College (National) | Approx. 320,000JPY *1 | – | – |
| Vocational School | Approx. 890,000JPY | ||
| Japanese Language Institutions | Approx. 680,000JPY | ||
Source: JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization)（https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/ja/planning/academic-fees/）
*1 If you meet the requirements for the third year, you will be given a High School Tuition Support Fund.
In addition to the above, you may also need to pay for studying materials.
You can find information on tuition fees and other fees for each school at the links below.
⚫︎ Japanese Language School
⚫︎ Institute of Technology (KOSEN)
Institute of Technology in Japan | The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Japan
⚫︎ Universities and vocational schools
JPSS (JAPAN STUDY SUPPORT) | Asian Students Cultural Association
Relationship Between Major and Employment
In order to change your status of residence to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services after graduation, you will be screened on the relevance of your school specialty/major to your job.
There are many cases in which you cannot change your status of residence because you do not meet this requirement. Therefore, choose your faculty, major, and department carefully after considering the work you want to do in the future.
What is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) Status? What are the requirements?
For those who are interested in working full-time in Japan and want to know how they can start working, we would like to introduce the status of residence called Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) (generally called “gijinkoku” in Japanese).
If You are Planning to Remain and Work after Studying in Japan, Beware of Your Major!
Here are some tips for those who want to work in Japan directly after studying in Japan.
If you want to know more, check here!
