Japan is no longer just known for its cherry blossoms, sushi, anime, and bullet trains. It has transformed into one of the most popular higher education destinations for international students who want to combine academic excellence with cultural discovery.

Home to some of the world’s top-ranking universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and a society built on discipline, innovation, and respect, Japan offers Indian students a truly unique academic experience.

At ACHIVIA, we make your study abroad journey seamless – from helping you choose the right university and course, to assisting with visa applications, scholarships, and career guidance.

Why study in Japan?

Studying in Japan is more than just pursuing a degree; it’s about immersing yourself in one of the world’s most forward-thinking yet culturally rich nations. Here’s why thousands of Indian students are choosing Japan each year:

1. World-Class Education System

 Japan is globally respected for its rigorous academic standards, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), robotics, and IT. Universities like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University consistently rank among the top 100 worldwide.

b. Affordable Education Compared to the West

 While tuition fees in countries like the US or UK can go upwards of ₹20–30 lakhs per year, Japan’s average tuition ranges between ₹3–7 lakhs annually. This makes it a more budget-friendly destination without compromising on quality.

c. Safety and High Standard of Living

 Japan is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, with one of the lowest crime rates. The cities are clean, transport is punctual, and the healthcare system is top-notch.

d. Strong Industry Connections and Job Prospects

 Japan is a global leader in technology, automobile, electronics, AI, robotics, and biomedical research. For Indian students, this opens doors to high-paying jobs post-graduation.

e. Cultural and Life Experience

 From participating in traditional tea ceremonies to enjoying cherry blossom festivals, students get to experience both modern city life (Tokyo, Osaka) and rich traditions (Kyoto, Nara).

2. Is it the right choice to Study in the Japan for Indian students?

Yes, Japan is an excellent choice for Indian students looking for a balance between affordability, quality education, and career growth. Here’s why:

a. Alignment with Indian Values

  Respect, discipline, and community living are central to Japanese culture, making Indian students feel at home.

b. Opportunities in Technology and Research

  With booming industries in AI, IT, engineering, and healthcare, Japan offers Indian students not just academic knowledge but hands-on experience in cutting-edge sectors.

c. Scholarship Opportunities

  The MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship and JASSO scholarships make education accessible by covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

d. English-Taught Programs

  More than 800 programs are now offered entirely in English, allowing Indian students to study without being fluent in Japanese initially.

e. Post-Study Work Opportunities

  Japan’s workforce is ageing, creating huge demand for international talent. With language skills and technical expertise, Indian students have excellent long-term job prospects.

3. Popular courses to study in Japan

Japanese universities are especially strong in research and technical fields, but international students can pursue a wide variety of programs. The most popular include:

Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Robotics)

Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence

Business Administration & MBA

Environmental & Earth Sciences

Biotechnology & Life Sciences

International Relations & Political Science

Japanese Language, Culture & Arts

Many of these are offered in English-taught programs, especially at top universities. For students willing to learn Japanese, even broader opportunities open up.

4. Visa Requirements for Indian Students Top of Form

To study in Japan, Indian students need a “Student Visa (Ryugaku Visa)”. The process involves two main steps:

a. Certificate of Eligibility (CoE):

  Issued by the Japanese university after admission. This document is mandatory before applying for a visa.

b. Visa Application at the Embassy/Consulate in India:

  Once the CoE is issued, students must apply for a visa at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi or respective consulates (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru). 

Key Visa Conditions for Indian Students:

a. Must be enrolled full-time at a recognized institution

b. Must show proof of financial stability (bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor proof)

c. Can work part-time up to 28 hours/week with prior permission

5. Cost of Studying in Japan

The total cost of studying in Japan for Indian students depends on a mix of factors such as the university type (national, public, or private), program of study, and city of residence. Tuition fees in Japan are comparatively lower than in many Western countries, but students must also budget for accommodation, food, health insurance, and daily living expenses. Additionally, travel and language learning costs may add to the overall expenditure. Careful financial planning ensures that Indian students can enjoy both the academic excellence and cultural exposure Japan has to offer without unexpected financial strain.

6. Why do you want to study in Japan?

Students choose Japan because:

• It provides globally recognized degrees.
• The research opportunities are unmatched.
• It offers a safe and structured environment for international students.
• Exposure to new languages and cultural diversity enhances global employability.
• Japanese companies value discipline, problem-solving, and technical skills, which align with Indian students’ strengths.

7. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Unlike many Western countries, Japanese universities have two major intakes each year, making it flexible for international students to plan their admissions.

Major Intakes in Japan

• April (Spring Intake): This is the primary and most common intake in Japan, aligning with the Japanese academic year. Most universities and programs begin in April.
• September/October (Fall Intake): Increasingly popular among international students, especially for English-taught programs.

A few institutions may also accept students in January or July, but these are less common.

7.1. When to Apply?

• For the April intake, students should ideally apply by October–November of the previous year.
• For the September/October intake, students should apply by March–April of the same year.
• Some universities have rolling admissions, but applying early increases your chance of securing scholarships and housing.

Unlike in the UK, each university in Japan has its own application timeline and process, so students must carefully check the deadlines on official university websites.

7.2. Application Requirements

To apply for Japanese universities, international students generally need to submit the following documents:

1. Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Study/Research Plan

• This is a personal statement explaining why you want to study in Japan, your academic background, career goals, and (for postgraduate applicants) your intended research area.

2. Academic Records

• Complete transcripts of your previous academic qualifications (high school for undergraduate, bachelor’s for master’s, etc.)
• Must include subjects studied, grades, and percentage/CGPA.
• If documents are not in English or Japanese, a certified translation must be submitted.

3. Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

• Typically 1–2 letters from professors or employers highlighting your academic ability, character, and potential for success in Japan.

4. Standardized Tests 

For Japanese-taught programs:

• EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) is often required for undergraduates.
• JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) may be required to prove language ability.

For English-taught programs:

• IELTS/TOEFL are widely accepted for English proficiency.
• GRE/GMAT may be required for competitive postgraduate programs (like MBA, Engineering, or Research programs)

5. Additional Certificates

• Proof of work experience (for MBA or professional degrees).
• Certificates of achievements, extracurricular activities, or research work, if any.

7.3. COST OF STUDY

For international students, tuition fees in Japan are generally lower compared to Western countries, and costs vary depending on the type of institution (public vs private) and the course of study. Public universities are subsidized by the Japanese government, making them more affordable, while private universities usually charge higher fees.

7.3.1. Average Course Fees

1. Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Robotics)

• Public Universities: ¥535,800 – ¥900,000 per year

  (~₹3,20,000 – ₹5,50,000)

• Private Universities: ¥1,100,000 – ¥1,600,000 per year

  (~₹6,60,000 – ₹9,60,000)

2. Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence

• Public Universities: ¥700,000 – ¥1,000,000 per year

  (~₹4,20,000 – ₹6,00,000)

• Private Universities: ¥1,200,000 – ¥1,800,000 per year

  (~₹7,20,000 – ₹10,80,000)

3. Business Administration & MBA

• Public Universities: ¥800,000 – ¥1,200,000 per year

  (~₹4,80,000 – ₹7,20,000)

• Private Universities: ¥1,500,000 – ¥2,500,000 per year

  (~₹9,00,000 – ₹15,00,000)

  (Top MBA schools in Tokyo may exceed ¥3,000,000 / ~₹18,00,000 per year)

4. Environmental & Earth Sciences

• Public Universities: ¥535,800 – ¥900,000 per year

  (~₹3,20,000 – ₹5,50,000)

• Private Universities: ¥1,100,000 – ¥1,600,000 per year

  (~₹6,60,000 – ₹9,60,000)

5. Biotechnology & Life Sciences

• Public Universities: ¥700,000 – ¥1,000,000 per year

  (~₹4,20,000 – ₹6,00,000)

• Private Universities: ¥1,300,000 – ¥1,800,000 per year

  (~₹7,80,000 – ₹10,80,000)

6. International Relations & Political Science

• Public Universities: ¥535,800 – ¥800,000 per year

  (~₹3,20,000 – ₹4,80,000)

• Private Universities: ¥1,000,000 – ¥1,400,000 per year

  (~₹6,00,000 – ₹8,40,000)

7. Japanese Language, Culture & Arts

• Language Schools (1–2 years): ¥600,000 – ¥1,000,000 per year

  (~₹3,60,000 – ₹6,00,000)

• Undergraduate/Graduate Programs: ¥535,800 – ¥1,200,000 per year

  (~₹3,20,000 – ₹7,20,000)

7.4. Accommodation & Other Living Expenses

For visa purposes, international students are required to show proof of financial capability. On average, students should budget ¥80,000 – ¥100,000 per month (~₹48,000 – ₹60,000) to cover tuition, rent, food, and daily living costs.

Average Annual Living Costs by Location:

• Tokyo & Major Cities (Osaka, Yokohama): ¥1,000,000 – ¥1,200,000 per year (~₹6,00,000 – ₹7,20,000)
• Medium-sized Cities (Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo): ¥800,000 – ¥1,000,000 per year (~₹4,80,000 – ₹6,00,000)
• Small Cities & Rural Areas: ¥600,000 – ¥800,000 per year (~₹3,60,000 – ₹4,80,000)

7.4.1 How much you should expect to pay for your main needs:

Accommodation or Rent:

• Dormitory: ¥20,000 – ¥40,000 per month (~₹12,000 – ₹24,000)
• Shared/Private Apartment: ¥40,000 – ¥70,000 per month (~₹24,000 – ₹42,000)

Utilities (heat, light, water, internet):

•   ¥8,000 – ¥12,000 per month (~₹4,800 – ₹7,200)

Food & Groceries:

•   ¥30,000 – ¥40,000 per month (~₹18,000 – ₹24,000)

Transport (subway, bus, train):

•   ¥5,000 – ¥10,000 per month (~₹3,000 – ₹6,000)

National Health Insurance:

•   ¥1,500 – ¥2,500 per month (~₹900 – ₹1,500)

Personal Expenses (clothes, leisure, phone):

•   ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 per month (~₹6,000 – ₹9,000)

7.5. Visa Procedure

The most common visa for international students entering Japan is the Student Visa. This visa allows you to study full-time at a recognized Japanese university, language school, or vocational institution.

Unlike the UK’s points-based system, Japan requires students to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) issued by the Immigration Services Agency before applying for the visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate.

7.5.1. The student must be able to show that s/he is going to follow:

• A recognized full-time degree program at a Japanese university (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate), or
• A full-time course at a Japanese language school or vocational college (senmon gakkō), or
• A research or exchange program at a Japanese institution

7.5.2. The student must also:

Be able to prove sufficient financial resources to pay tuition and living expenses (self-funded or through scholarship/sponsor).

• Have a genuine intention to pursue studies and abide by Japanese immigration laws.
• Intend to leave Japan after completing the course (unless applying for work/stay extension legally).

7.5.3. Documents Required

At the Immigration Services Agency (for CoE):

• Application form (submitted by the university/language school in Japan)
• Passport copy
• Recent passport-sized photos (40mm x 30mm, white background)
• Admission letter from the Japanese institution
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor’s certificate of income, or scholarship letter)
• Previous academic records and certificates
• Resume (for postgraduate applicants/research students)

At the Japanese Embassy/Consulate (for Visa Application):

• Valid passport
• Visa application form (download from Embassy website)
• Recent passport-sized photo (40mm x 30mm)
• Original Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) issued by Japanese Immigration
• Visa fee (varies by country, usually payable in local currency)

7.6. Employment Options In Japan: 

 While Studying in Japan not only gives students a chance to experience world-class education and rich culture but also the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. International students can work part-time to support living costs and develop skills, provided they follow immigration rules.

7.6.1 Student Working Regulation

International students in Japan are allowed to work part-time only after obtaining a special permit called “Permission to Engage in Activity Other than That Permitted under the Status of Residence” from the local Immigration Bureau.

The conditions covering the hours and type of work are:

• Students may work up to 28 hours per week during term time.
• During long school holidays (summer, winter, spring breaks), students can work up to 40 hours per week.
• Students cannot work in businesses related to adult entertainment (bars, nightclubs, gambling, etc.), even if it is only cleaning or serving food.
• Self-employment or freelance work is not allowed under the student visa.

 7.6.2. Working Post-study

After completing studies in Japan, students who wish to stay and work may apply for a Change of Status of Residence to a working visa category (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services).

• Students must have a job offer in Japan that matches their academic background.
• The initial work visa is usually granted for 1–5 years and is renewable.
• For those seeking jobs after graduation, Japan also offers a special Designated Activities Visa (Job Hunting Visa), allowing up to 1 year stay to search for employment.
• Graduates from Japanese universities with a degree can sometimes qualify for a Highly Skilled Professional Visa, which offers faster permanent residency options.