education course in japan

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Best Courses to Study in Japan for International Students

Japan is a brilliant option for an international student because it is a diverse nation with an excellent educational system. Japan is renowned as a leading center of education alongside being a technology leader. The superb Japanese institutions that offer world-class opportunities for education, training, and research deserve praise for this. In this guideline, we run through a list of some of the best courses to study in Japan for international students along with some useful details on why these are the nation's strong suits and the benefits studying these courses bring you. We’re also listing the leading universities in Japan offering the best courses in each subject so you have everything you need to keep off your academic journey!

Why is Japan Excellent for International Students?

When it comes to academic opportunities and job chances, Japan offers you the best of everything. Japan offers everything—technology, a creative mindset, and career prospects. For many overseas students, living in Japan has been an enriching and life-changing experience. In a nutshell, here are some reasons to study in Japan for international students:

1. Quality of Education

Japan is a high-tech nation with some of the greatest STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs in the world. International students can pick from a wide variety of programs and courses in Japan. Each course is created to give students the highest possible academic advantage in their field. With a renowned educational system, Japan has several top-ranked universities due to their outstanding contributions to the academic world.

Below are a couple of Japanese institutions in the top 200 of the world’s best universities:

2.  Unique Culture

Japan has its own culture and way of life. Simple living, healthy habits, hospitality, and delicious Japanese food are all wonderful qualities to enjoy during your stay.

Young people from all around the world are drawn to Japanese pop culture. Many students first saw the Hiragana alphabet while reading Japanese manga, and many first encountered spoken Japanese while watching anime.

With one foot firmly planted in East Asian culture, Japan also has a significant Western and American cultural impact. But on top of that, Japan has a distinctive culture that is unlike anything you will experience anywhere else. As well as the more traditional culture of samurais, temples, hot springs, and old tales, Japanese fashion in general is also appealing and cosplay is a great modern iteration of it.

3. Naturally Diverse Country

Japan is a Pacific Ocean island nation that is part of East Asia. Japan, nicknamed the "Land of the Rising Sun," has over 126.7 million people. With approximately 7,000 distinct islands, Japan is an archipelago.

With majestic landscapes like Mount Fuji, the nation is renowned for its elegance and beauty. The varied terrain of Japan causes regional variations in the climate. Warm summers and chilly winters are trademarks of its four different seasons

4. Closer for Students in Other Asian Countries

Japan has grown to be one of the best countries for international students from other Asian countries. For students who are dreaming of studying abroad, but are not comfortable going too far, Japan brings the best of both worlds. Its excellent, world-class learning institutions are a couple of hours away from destinations like Bangladesh and India, compared to the other side of the world like North America. Alongside the proximity, Japan has diverse traditions, culture, and a unique quality of living. Among the other Asian countries Japan has the best ranked universities and technological advancement attracting many international students.

5. Stable Economy

Because of its strong economy, Japan offers a wide range of work prospects to overseas students. It is a location where your career may flourish. Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka are the most technologically advanced and finest places to find great jobs.

Many corporate giants are Japanese, including Sony, Mitsubishi, Capcom, Hitachi, and Toyota. And several more huge corporations have headquarters in Japan too! As one of the world’s leading economies, Japan creates innumerable opportunities you can take advantage of, both professionally and for a high quality of life.

6. Safe & Peaceful

Japan has an extremely low crime rate and the majority of its citizens are very courteous. Japan ranks as the ninth-safest nation in the world by 2022 according to the World Population Review, and it has spent 13 years in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index. Maintaining peace and harmony are important values in Japanese culture, and you’ll find living here a pleasant experience.

7. Affordability Compared to Other Destinations

The cost of attending a university in Japan is quite reasonable when compared to that in the UK and the USA. Private universities may determine their own tuition, although the best universities may not always charge the most.

Besides, the living cost depends on the state that you’re living in. So the popularity of courses depends on their location as well. Take a look at the section below covering a breakdown of Japan’s best student cities and the costs of living in each!

8. Scholarships for International Students

The great news is that there are numerous scholarships open to applications for overseas students. You may be eligible for a scholarship to help with the expense of your degree program at a Japanese university. Additionally, a number of collaborative scholarships are on offer. For example:

• Scholarships by MEXT
• Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
• Scholarships by private foundations and many more.

A good place to start looking is to the university’s website itself for international student scholarships. You can also look into whether the Japanese government or your home government offers relevant scholarships. For example, the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh highlights its MEXT scholarship opportunities for local students.

Best Cities in Japan for Students

There are a lot of alternatives accessible to you in terms of where to study if you wish to do so in Japan. Some of Japan's top cities for students are listed below, as well as the costs of living in each:

Best Courses to Study in Japan

The nation excels in cutting-edge commercial ventures, technology, and research, and has high rates of literacy and numeracy. Japan's emphasis on education not only enables the nation to prosper internationally but also provides wonderful chances for individuals who desire to study there.

Universities in Japan provide a vast variety of courses in several academic fields. They are all current and emphasize general progress. The following are some of the best courses to study in Japan for international students, as well as the most popular:

1. Engineering

Attending engineering courses in Japan is one of the quickest pathways to find a high-paying profession. This is particularly true for educated graduates who have the knowledge and skills required to work in the engineering industry. Because Japan is a technical powerhouse, businesses like Toyota, Nintendo, Sony, and others provide graduates the chance to join well-respected organizations right after graduation.

Japan is the global leader in earthquake engineering, and there are numerous chances for engineers that specialize in robotics engineering and computer science.

2. Business

Japan is the third-largest economy in the world and its consumers have high expectations for the quality of all goods and services. It provides good chances for students to continue their postgraduate business studies. Because the great majority of renowned Japanese organizations interested in internationalization are amenable to recruiting foreign students if they have a knowledge of Japanese culture, many students use an MBA degree in Japan to get employment. Through a variety of industry projects, internships, group presentations, and other activities that would help hone their creativity, communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills, business degrees in Japan are practice-oriented and introduce their students to real-world experiences in the professional setting.

You should pick an institution with a renowned business school if you're thinking about studying for a business degree in Japan. Consider looking at Keio University, renowned for its excellence in the business degrees!

3. Data Science

In terms of creativity and technology, Japan has been a worldwide giant. It is one of the nations that invests the most in technical research and advancement to solve the most important problems facing the nation to improve the lives of its citizens. Without the existence and appropriate management of data, these breakthroughs would not be feasible.

Data is the fuel that powers the globe, yet the majority of businesses have difficulty making sense of all the different types of data. Every organization's development and productivity may be significantly impacted by the capacity to turn and evaluate data into useful insights.

One of the top academic fields in Japan is data science. Here, you get to learn about sifting through unstructured data, doing analysis, and coming up with pertinent insights. Numerous colleges in Japan offer outstanding programs in the subject.

The Japanese government is taking several steps to improve data science research and education in its universities in order to give its students the necessary skills and knowledge to make them industry-ready and globally competitive. This is due to the exponential growth of data that is available in various industries.

4. Pharmaceutical Sciences

One of the largest markets for medicine in the world, experts expect Japan to expand even further in the years to come. One of the greatest fields to study in Japan is pharmaceutical sciences because of this.

These programs aim to develop a solid understanding of the various systems, mechanisms, and processes in the human body as well as the bodily reactions and potential side effects after drug ingestion. As a result, Japanese degrees in pharmaceutical sciences integrate expertise in chemistry, physics, biology, and information technology.

Through foreign training and exchange programs, students also get exposure to other cultures in order to develop the professional skills necessary to compete on the world pharmaceutical labor market.

5. Education & Training

Private schools and colleges in Japan pay the best wages to instructors, especially those who can teach English, making them some of the best-paid educators in the whole world. With this remuneration and one of the largest employment markets in the world for English instructors, Japan (and Tokyo in particular) are among the most popular destinations for foreign teachers.

There are several advantages to studying an education degree abroad in Japan.A degree in education and training may lead to rewarding work prospects as well as a satisfying career. The choice to delve further into several specialties and subject areas of instruction is also available.

6. Architecture

Functionality, simplicity, and elegant designs are hallmarks of Japanese architecture. The use of woods and natural light as a symbol of a strong relationship with nature is a prevalent element in traditional Japanese architecture.

When you study architecture in Japan, you will be able to observe and admire the lovely cohabitation of traditional and modern architecture, from wooden houses and temples to contemporary buildings and huge skyscrapers.

In Japan, architecture degrees seek to teach not just a solid understanding of the theory and methods of the field but also an awareness of many urban and environmental concerns so that students may study, discuss, and develop original and sustainable solutions.

Universities Offering the Best Courses to Study in Japan for International Students

Requirements of Universities in Japan for International Students

You must know the following entrance standards if you find your ideal pick among the best courses to study in Japan as an international student:

The requirements for each degree may vary according to different institutions.

What is EJU?

The EJU is an assessment created for international students who want to enroll and study as an undergraduate at Japanese institutions, etc. It evaluates fundamental academic knowledge such as Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics. There is no restriction on the number of times you can take the EJU or the examinee's age.

Student Visa in Japan

You will require a student visa if you intend to study in Japan for a period of time longer than three months. Obtaining a visa requires extensive form-filling, application processing, and visits to an intimidating-looking embassy complex, much like any immigration procedure. The great news is that getting a student visa for Japan is one of the simpler visa applications.

1. Decide Which Type of Visa You Need

• Short-term course up to 90 days - Numerous nations are eligible for visa-free stays in Japan of up to 90 days. You will receive a label in your passport indicating your 90-day visa upon arrival in Japan. You need a return ticket that is valid for 90 days if you are traveling on a visa waiver.
• More than 90 days - You should submit an application for a student visa if your course is 20 weeks or longer.

For a single entrance visa, the charge is around JPY 3,000; for a double entry or multiple admission visa, the fee is JPY 6,000. Please be aware that the cost of applying for a visa is variable and depends on the student's country and chosen degree.

3. Applying for the Visa

Applying for student visas in Japan is a multistep process. You fill out several visa application forms first, then provide them to the school. You must fulfill the following essentials-

• Form that you will have to fill up with information about you and the course
• A form for personal history that asks for information about your background in school and employment
• Explain in your application essay why you wish to study in Japan
• If required, a certificate from earlier Japanese study
• Photocopy of your passport
• Certified copy of your certificate and transcript from your most recent institution, translated into either English or Japanese
• Medical history - while some schools need it and others do not
• Proof of financial capability

Before rewriting and submitting your application to the Japanese immigration authorities, the school verifies that it is complete. A Certificate of Enrollment will be sent about a month before your course begins (CoE). When the CoE is ready and you have paid for the first semester, the school will send it to you.

What is CoE?

Students in Japan get this document from the Ministry of Justice. This is the reason you should apply for a visa through your program as you can obtain one of them through your university. Obtaining a visa will be significantly simpler and quicker with a Certificate of Eligibility.

Apply at the Japanese Embassy in Your Country

Making an application for a visa at the Japanese Embassy in your country is the last step to getting a student visa for Japan. To complete this, you must submit:

• An application for a visa with a valid passport
• One picture of you within the last three months
• Original copy and one photocopy of the COE

After the visa has been granted, don't forget to collect your COE back; you'll need it when you arrive in Japan.

4. Work Opportunities

Under the terms of the Japanese student visa, students are allowed to work 28 hours per week . However, note that you won’t automatically get work rights on your student visa. You have to separately apply for a work permit after arriving in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Is it possible to extend the period of stay.

The Minister of Justice determines each person's length of stay, which cannot be longer than 4 years and 3 months.

Is applying for internships allowed while studying?

International students are now participating in internship programs at different companies, in greater numbers than ever before they graduate. Inquire with your institution about the possibility of an internship program and seek the necessary permissions to do so.

Will it be possible to apply for a new scholarship or a scholarship extension while studying in Japan?

Consult the institution or the scholarship organizer if you want to prolong your scholarship while you are studying in Japan. You can submit a new scholarship application. Each scholarship provider has a different scholarship deadline and eligibility term. Speak to your school for further details.

What do Bangladeshi students go to Japan to study?

Engineering, Business, Data Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Education & Training, and Architecture are among the popular courses international students travel to Japan to study. Language training is another popular program among international students.

Our Concluding Thoughts

The best courses to study in Japan for international students will be those that provide you with the chance to continue your study outside of the classroom. Having fun while studying abroad should be part of the learning process, as should meeting new people and making lifelong friends. Therefore, pick your path carefully! Ensure that any decision you make will benefit you in the long haul.

Education System in Japan: The Complete Guide

Jamila Brown Updated on June 8, 2024 Education in Japan

Many of you reading this article would likely have finished university. However, it’s essential to understand the Japanese educational system, especially if you are in Japan or planning to move in with school-going kids or a foreigner looking for higher education in Japan.

In this article

Japanese School Education System

Japanese school education system consists of 12 years, out of which the first 9 years of education, from elementary school (6 years) to junior high school (3 years), is compulsory in Japan. After compulsory education, the next 3 years are for high school.

In Japan, compulsory education starts at age six and ends at age fifteen at the end of junior high school.

Japan performs quite well in its educational standards, and overall, the Japanese school educational system is divided into five sections. These are as follows:

• Nursery school ( hoikuen or 保育園) – Optional
• Kindergarten ( youchien or 幼稚園) – Optional
• Elementary school ( sh ō gakk ō or 小学校) – Mandatory
• Junior high school ( Chūgakkō or 中学校) – Mandatory
• High School (高校 or Kōkō) – Optional

Once students graduate from high school, they can opt for university (daigaku or 大学) or vocational school (senmongakk ō or 専門学校) for higher education.

Cram Schools in Japan

Many Japanese students also attend cram school (“juku” or 塾) to catch up on the academic competition.

These are specialized schools that help students improve their grades or pass entrance examinations. These extended programs start after school, around 4 p.m., and, depending on the program, can end well into the evening. 

Classes are held from Monday to Friday, with the occasional extra classes in schools on Saturdays. The school year starts in April and ends the following year in March.

Many Japanese schools have a three-semester system. These are as follows:

• First semester: From April to August
• Second semester: From September to December
• Third semester: From January to March

National and public primary and lower secondary Japanese schools do not charge tuition, making it essentially free for all students in Japan. Foreign children aren’t required to enroll in school in Japan, but they can also attend elementary and junior high school for free .  

However, if you wish to send your kids to international schools, you will need to pay a good amount of fees.

(Image credit: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), Japan

Types of Japanese School 

The typical age groups of students for elementary, junior high school, and high school in Japan are as follows:

• Elementary school for six years: (6 years old – 12 years old)
• Junior high school for three years (12 – 15 years old)
• High school for three years (15 – 18 years old)

Although high school isn’t compulsory, 99% of students nationwide pursue upper secondary education after graduating from junior high school.

There are public and private schools all across Japan. Public elementary and lower secondary schools are free, while private schools require much higher tuition fees.

All public schools are funded equally. Moreover, they have the same curriculum, and all schools have the same educational expectations nationwide. After World War II, education became more democratized to make education more accessible to low-income families. 

International Schools in Japan

International schools have become more popular across Japan due to the rise of foreign residents in Japan.

While Japanese schools primarily instruct in Japanese, international schools have instructions in English. These schools are largely for children of expats and bicultural children; however, Japanese residents can also attend if they choose to. However, International schools are much more expensive than Japanese public schools.

There are many international schools across Japan, but not every school is accredited by the Ministry of Education. Some schools lack proper accreditations for Western standards as well. Therefore, if you’re interested in enrolling your children in an international school, you should do your research to make sure your children can pursue further education upon graduation. 

Educational Facilities for Mentally Challenged

Physically and mentally challenged students can receive “special needs education.” This is called ‘tokubetsushienkyouiku’ (特別支援教育) and supports students in being self-reliant and enhancing their communication skills.

According to the National Institute of Special Education (NISE) 2022 report, 3.26% of the total number of students in Japan received special education in various forms. Children with more acute problems can attend specialized schools.

Most of these institutions are overseen by the local government and cater to children from kindergarten to senior high school. 

Japanese School Curriculum 

Students in Japan take all the basic subjects similar to those around the world. These basic subjects are math, science, Japanese, Physical Education (P.E.), Home Economics, and English. People might notice a difference between Japanese and Western schools focusing on etiquette and civics.

For the first three years of school, students don’t take exams. Therefore, the core focus of education is on establishing good manners and developing character. Students are taught to respect each other, be generous, and be kind to nature.

The curriculum becomes more academically focused once they enter the fourth grade. 

Japanese education heavily emphasizes equality above everything else. While many schools in the West quickly adopt the latest technology to give their students the upper hand, most National and Public schools across Japan are very low-tech.

Basic information technology courses are offered in national and public schools in Japan, but students are generally not allowed to use electronic devices in the classroom. This is to ensure equality among all students, regardless of income level. 

In some countries, if students fail to perform adequately, they will likely be held back from further improving their skills. However, in Japan, students always advance to the next grade regardless of their test scores or performance.

In Japan, even if students fail tests or skip classes, they can still join the graduation ceremony at the end of the year. 

School Life in Japan

Schools across Japan don’t have a janitorial staff. Students spend 10-15 minutes cleaning the school at the end of the school day. Similarly, right before any vacation, they’ll spend 30 minutes to an hour cleaning.

Once your child becomes a student, you’ll likely notice that they’ll start spending much of their free time at school due to their club activities.

School club activities ( bukatsu or 部活) are serious business in Japan. It’s a chance for students to create friendships and learn self-discipline, but they are known for taking up most students’ time. Students choose a club to join at the start of their first year, and they rarely change. Club activities happen all year round. 

Aside from school clubs, students will have other activities throughout the year, such as sports day, school marathons, trips, and school festivals.

Each school is different in what sort of activities they have, but most schools will have a school festival. It’s a chance for students to work together and show off their talents to their families and friends in the area. It is usually the year’s biggest event, and students spend months preparing for the big day. 

School Exams

Exams ( shiken or 試験) are a serious part of the Japanese education system. They measure not only a student’s overall learning of the material but also the schools they’ll be able to attend, starting from elementary school.

Students who want to attend junior high school, high school, and university must take entrance exams to get into those schools. And, of course, the very best schools require the highest test scores. 

University entrance exams in Japan can also be particularly tough. Every February, about half a million students across Japan sign up to take them. Students who pass can look forward to acceptance from the university they applied to.

After graduating from high school, students who fail to get admission to their desired academic institution for the next level of education are called Rōnin (浪人). Rōnin is an old Japanese term for a masterless samurai. Such students must study outside the school system for self-study to prepare for the entrance test during the next academic year.

However, the Ronin students have the option to take admission in yobikō (予備校). Yobiko is a privately run school that prepares students for college admissions.

Even if you fail to get admission during the next 2-3 years, you can keep preparing because even good universities will accept you once you pass the admission test.  

The education system is changing slowly as foreign companies introduce their own customs and practices. Since many Western companies hire based on skill, experience, and personality rather than test scores, many schools have adapted to de-emphasize the need for testing. 

University and Beyond 

After finishing high school, many students continue their higher education in Japan at a university or a vocational school.

There’s a saying that students study hard in high school to relax in university. Attendance often isn’t required in university. Unfortunately, since many students have to endure strict rules in high school, the university is seen as a time of rebellion, at least for the first two years. 

Many students start their job search (shuukatsu or 就活) at the start of their third year. It may look strange to some Westerners, but wearing black suits and changing their hair to its natural color are expected norms to secure a job upon graduation.

Vocational schools have also become more popular in Japan. These Japanese vocational schools are typically only two-year courses. These institutions focus more on teaching the skills needed for a specific occupation. Upon graduation, students are awarded the title of advanced professional. 

University Programs in Japan

Bachelor’s degrees.

Bachelor’s degree programs gakushi (学士) last at least four years. However, medical dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary program degrees extend to six years.

Most universities start their academic year in April and end in March the following year. The first semester is from April to September, and the second is from October to March .

Some Japanese universities offer flexibility in when international students can start their program, depending on the area of research. Bachelor programs require at least 124 credits to complete. 

Eligibility for a Bachelor’s program in Japan as an international student requires the applicant to have completed at least 12 years of formal education in their home country.

Those without a formal education must pass the National Entrance Examination Test. School transcripts, a personal statement, and one to two letters of recommendation are also required.  

Since many international programs are taught in English, prospective students must have completed 12 years of education in English.

Students who don’t qualify must prove their English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS .

Programs taught in Japanese are also available to international students. However, students must prove their Japanese language proficiency at an intermediate level through either the Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU) or the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) .

Master’s Degrees in Japan

Master’s programs or shuushi (修士) in Japanese universities combine lectures, research, student projects, and a written dissertation.

To be eligible for a Master’s degree, you must have completed a four-year bachelor’s program.

Along with university transcripts, applicants will likely need two letters of recommendation, a resume, and an outline of the research proposal.

Master’s programs in Japan last for two years and require 30 course credits to be completed.

There are several Master’s programs available in English in sciences, humanities, arts, and education. Before applying, you must provide proof of language proficiency for non-native Japanese speakers interested in enrolling in a Japanese-instructed program. 

Doctorate Degrees in Japan

Doctoral programs or hakase (博士) is the highest level of academic study available in Japan.

Japanese Ph.D. programs are based on quality research and high-tech teaching techniques. Most doctoral programs in Japan last for a minimum of three years. As in any other country, admission requires completing a bachelor’s and master’s degree. 

Japanese Research Programs

Students who don’t meet the university’s initial qualifications or are only interested in conducting research can enroll as a research student or kenkyusei (研究生) at a graduate school of their choosing.

Students are not eligible for academic credit or a degree upon completion of their research; however, this is an ideal route for students interested in enrolling in graduate programs before fully committing to a program.

Many students use this as an opportunity to improve their Japanese language skills before applying. To become a research student, applicants must receive approval from a prospective advisor of the school they wish to attend. 

Scholarship Opportunities for Higher Education in Japan

Compared to the cost of university in America and many other countries, university tuition in Japan is quite reasonable.

The average tuition fee for Japanese universities is about $10,000 per academic year, but it can vary depending on the school .

Many university students rely on their families for financial support, but that might not be possible for international students. Scholarships are quite rare in Japan, but several scholarships are available to international students for various programs.  

An important help during your scholarship application process is the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) . JASSO provides student services and is responsible for scholarships, study loans, and support for international students.

You may like to check the following links for more information about the scholarships for university education in Japan:

• Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarships 
• The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students 
• Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship 
• Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program
• Scholarships available through JASSO

Individual institutions also offer their own merit-based scholarships for international students. So be sure to check with the student offices for their qualifications.

Higher Education in Japan for Foreigners

Japan’s reputation for high educational standards makes it a great choice for international students to pursue higher education in Japan.

Japan is home to an array of technological innovations with a mix of traditional cultures, making it an attractive choice for higher education.

Although it’s not well known, many universities in Japan offer programs for international students. These programs are available primarily in English but also offer a chance for students to learn the Japanese language and customs. We do have an article about English university education in and around Tokyo .

Japanese universities offer programs for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in many different areas of study. 

Why Study in Japan?

Japan has held a strong reputation for being the center of technology and innovation for quite some time, which is well reflected in its universities.

International experience also gives applicants a competitive edge over their competition. More employers value international experience as it shows drive and willingness to experiment. If your end goal is to work in Japan, starting as an international student allows you the chance to build a professional network.

Despite Japan’s reputation as a monolithic culture, many opportunities exist for non-Japanese students to study for higher education in Japan. The reputation of Japanese universities is well reflected at each institution, so any program you choose will be well worth your time.

Conclusion About the Education System in Japan

Education in Japan may seem a little different compared to your own culture. However, there’s no need to be alarmed about the quality of education, as Japan is often cited for having a 99% literacy rate .

Despite its emphasis on testing, the Japanese education system has been successful. The Japanese education system’s strong educational and societal values are admired worldwide and produce some of the most talented students.

Moreover, for higher education, Japan offers a good mix of traditional and modern university programs that testify to its rich academic history and innovative future.

These programs provide top-notch education and a unique opportunity for foreigners to immerse themselves in the Japanese culture and way of life.

Pursuing higher education in Japan can be a transformative experience, bridging gaps between the East and the West. Japanese universities are a compelling destination for those seeking an academic adventure filled with learning, discovery, and personal growth.

Furthermore, Japan is a good destination for higher education if you wish to take advantage of its career growth prospects. With a continuously increasing demand-supply of talent because of its aging and declining population, Japan is a good destination for career growth prospects. Having a college education in Japan helps in achieving that goal more efficiently.

Jamila Brown is a 5-year veteran in Japan working in the education and business sector. Jamila is currently transitioning into the digital marketing world in Japan. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and writing about the culture in Japan.

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Sophia University

Sophia University, located in the heart of Tokyo, is one of the Japan's leading private universities with a student body of 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students

Undergraduate Program

Liberal Arts

• Science and Technology
• Global Studies
• SPSF（Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures）
• Foreign Studies
• Human Sciences
• Register to your "Likes"

Faculty of Liberal Arts - Comparative Culture, International Business and Economics, Social Studies Faculty of Science Technology - Green Science Program Faculty of Science Technology - Green Engineering Program Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures (SPSF) - Education, Sociology, Economics, Global Studies, Journalism, Management Summer Session

Graduate Program

• Languages and Linguistics
• Global Environmental Studies
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M.A. in Global Studies M.A. in International Business and Development Studies M.A. in Japanese Studies M.A. in Global Environmental Studies M.A. in Linguistics (TESOL) Ph.D. in Global Studies Ph.D. in Global Environmental Studies

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With a history of over 90 years, dating back to the founding of Musashino Girls' School by Dr. Junjiro Takakusa in 1924, Musashino University is a comprehensive university that has continued to show a precedent in changing with the times. A Faculty of Engineering was opened in April, 2015 and we have current plans for opening a Faculty of Global Studies in April, 2016. With 16 Departments over 9 Faculties, including literature, science and medicine, and 9 Graduate Schools, Musashino is a comprehensive University dedicated to continually evolving with the times.

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• Faculty of Sociology and Social Work
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of International Studies
• Faculty of Psychology

International Studies

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ)

Located in central Tokyo, TUJ is the branch campus of Temple University in Philadelphia, USA. TUJ is Japan's largest and oldest foreign university. All courses are taught in English and adhere to the same high standards as the main Temple University campus. TUJ was founded in 1982 and designated as the first Foreign University, Japan Campus by the Japanese Ministry of Education in 2005.

The Undergraduate Program offers 12 majors: Art, Asian Studies, Communication Studies, Computer Science 3+1 Program, Economics, General Studies, International Affairs, International Business Studies, Japanese Language, Political Science, Psychological Studies, Tourism & Hospitality Management (THM) https://www.tuj.ac.jp/ug

• Graduate College of Education
• Master in Management Program
• Beasley School of Law

Master in Management Program: Gain the business acumen needed for success in the global job market with the Master in Management (MiM) Program. This 30-credit master’s degree program is designed for students from all backgrounds who seek to supplement their undergraduate degrees with essential business skills. https://www.tuj.ac.jp/mim Beasley School of Law: Distinguish yourself in the real world by learning "real law" from our faculty of international lawyers at the Beasley School of Law at Temple University, Japan Campus - a full-time U.S. law school in Japan. The Programs we offer - LLM in U.S. Law, LLM in Transnational Law, Certificate and audit programs, and J.D. Study Abroad. https://www.tuj.ac.jp/law

Hiroshima University

Hiroshima University is a national institution founded in 1949, incorporating many different institutions of higher education. The university has been growing ever since; adding new schools, research institutes and centers. Today it is counted among the national universities and consists of 12 schools, 4 graduate schools, a research institute, research facilities, and an affiliated hospital. The university has approximately 11,000 undergraduate students and 4,500 graduate students currently enrolled, as well as 1,638 international students from 84 different countries and regions. Today, Hiroshima University is making steady progress as a global university, taking on worldwide challenges and strengthening its global educational network by signing international exchange agreements with universities around the world and opening overseas bases in strategic locations. The Department of Integrated Global Studies is a 4-year undergraduate program taught in English aiming to develop students' diverse perspectives through integration of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Studies focus on the three fields of Culture and Tourism, Peace and Communication, and Environment and Society. Knowledge and skills learnt through the curriculum should guide students to the exploration and solutions to issues that modern society is currently facing around the globe.

School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Department of Integrated Global Studies

• Integrated Arts and Sciences
• Applied Biological Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Informatics and Data Science

Eikei University of Hiroshima

Eikei University of Hiroshima (EUH) is a public university, which has been established by the prefectural government of Hiroshima in 2021. EUH is a single department university and the department name is Social System Design. We offer undergraduate liberal arts courses related to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and Practical programs such as Project Based Learning (PBL) and internship / volunteer programs with our over 100 partner organizations. in order to foster changemakers who create new value and positively change society by solving current local/global social issues. We are actively promoting global collaboration, and even in its third year of operation, has welcomed international students from 16 countries and concluded partner agreements for exchange programs with more than 20 universities around the world, all of which have contributed to the creation of a global environment at the campus.

Undergraduate program

Department of Social System Design

International Christian University

International Christian University (ICU) is a highly regarded liberal arts college providing outstanding bilingual education in both English and Japanese. ICU accepts students from all over the world and offers 31 majors as well as superlative Japanese Language Programs.

Aichi Shukutoku University

Be a part of the inaugural intake of international students at Aichi Shukutoku University—a university which nurtures your ability to survive the next generation by discovering your own identity through encounters with diverse values and expanding your own possibilities! Aichi Shukutoku University is a comprehensive university, with 10 faculties and 2 campuses, located in Aichi Prefecture. As we approach the 120th anniversary of the school's founding in 2025, we will begin accepting privately financed international students for the first time at the Faculty of Global Culture and Communication, the Faculty of Business, and the Faculty of Global Communication. In addition to our Center for Japanese Language and Culture, which has accepted students from many countries and regions since its establishment in 1992, we welcome you to join our inaugural intake of undergraduate international students and start a life of studying abroad where you can grow in your own way while interacting with the local community, society, and the world. It is also possible to go on to undergraduate studies from the Center for Japanese Language and Culture.

• Global Culture and Communication
• Global Communication
• Center for Japanese Language and Culture
• Human Informatics
• Creation and Representation
• Health and Medical Sciences
• Food and Health Sciences
• Human Services
• Education (tentative translation)
• Architecture (tentative translation)

Faculty of Global Communication Developing students who are “global citizens,” able to bridge gaps between people, regions, and the world. https://www.aasa.ac.jp/english/faculties/global-communication.html

International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University

The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University is a four- year liberal arts college where the language of instruction is English. iCLA students choose from a wide array of courses as part of our innovative Bachelor of International Liberal Arts degree program. iCLA offers majors in Global Business and Economics, Interdisciplinary Arts, Interdisciplinary Data Science, Japan Studies, Political Science, and Psychology, with electives offered in subject areas such as Sociology, Quantitative Reasoning and Natural Science, and Japanese Language. Located 90 minutes west of Tokyo and with its 70%+ international student body coming from 50+ nationalities, iCLA combines a multi-cultural, diverse, and supportive learning environment with a beautifully traditional Japanese setting. iCLA offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the very essence of Japanese culture, whilst acquiring a contemporary and globally relevant education at our state-of-the-art facilities. A Day in the Life of an iCLA Student https://youtu.be/zaWLfgKRZmo How to Apply to iCLA https://youtu.be/bpda4c8rxfo

• International College of Liberal Arts

Bachelor of International Liberal Arts

Tohoku University

Ranked No. 1 in Time Higher Education Japan University Rankings (2023), Tohoku University strives to provide world class education and research, utilizing the positive spiral of research, education, and social collaboration. The FGL (Future Global Leadership) Program offers 3 outstanding courses taught in English: Advanced Molecular Chemistry (Bachelor of Science), International Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Bachelor of Engineering) and Applied Marine Biology (Bachelor of Agriculture). Each course provides curriculums that help students to build a solid foundation in the fundamentals of their chosen fields and to encounter the very latest cutting-edge research. FGL students will often go on to further their research in our graduate programs, onto careers in research facilities and industries at the top of their field.

• FGL: Future Global Leadership
• Arts and Letters
• Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Agriculture

Future Global Leadership Program

YOKOHAMA National University

In April 2024, the YOKOHAMA Socrates Program (YNU Program for SOCially Resilient And susTainable EcoSystems) will be starting at YOKOHAMA National University. The new program will be centered around the issues and methodologies in the humanities and social sciences related to the twin themes of social resilience and social sustainability. It is a bilingual global education program in the YNU College of Urban Sciences enabling students to obtain a bachelor's degree with English (primary) and Japanese (Secondary) as common languages. Students will participate in small classes, including seminars conducted through the dialogue-based Socratic method. Graduation theses will be co-supervised by two faculty members who will advise students with the aim of enabling them to utilize appropriate methodology for thinking deeply with their own minds about issues of our times in completing their works.

• YOKOHAMA Socrates Program
• College of Economics
• College of Business Administration
• College of Engineering Science
• College of Urban Sciences
• YOKOHAMA Global Education Program (YGEP)

YOKOHAMA SOCRATES PROGRAM

Kwansei Gakuin University

Kwansei Gakuin is one of the most prestigious private schools in Japan, dating back to 1889, when it was founded in Kobe by the American missionary Reverend Walter Russell Lambuth, M.D. It is now a comprehensive and integrated educational institution spread across eight campuses. As one of Kansai's leading private universities, KGU offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees to around 25,000 students in over 80 different disciplines across 14 undergraduate schools and 14 graduate schools. Mission- Our mission at Kwansei Gakuin, as a learning community based on the principles of Christianity, is to inspire our members to seek their life missions, and cultivate them to be creative and capable world citizens who embody our motto, "Mastery for Service," by transforming society with compassion and integrity.

Institute of Business and Accounting

• Graduate school of Theology
• Graduate school of Humanities
• Graduate school of Sociology
• Graduate School of Law
• Graduate School of Economics
• Graduate School of Business Administration
• Graduate school of Science and Technology
• Graduate School of Policy Studies
• Graduate school of Language, Communication, and Culture
• Graduate School of Human Welfare Studies
• Graduate School of Education
• Graduate School of International Studies

International University of Japan

The International University of Japan (IUJ) aims to cultivate future global leaders capable of finding practical solutions to the various global issues facing the world. With the support from the economical and educational communities, as well as the local Niigata community, IUJ was founded in 1982 as the nation's first graduate school in which all courses are offered in English. Since its inception IUJ has implemented a September enrollment system, opening its doors to students from around the globe. On a campus rich in nature, students from over 40 countries and regions around the globe live together in an environment that fosters friendly competition around the clock, and the chance to build lasting friendships and networks that continue on long after course completion. The university boasts an alumni of over 3,600 students, from 115 different countries, currently working successfully around the globe.

• Graduate School of International Relations
• Graduate School of International Management

Graduate School of International Relations Graduate School of International Management

Waseda University

In today's increasingly global society, people are expected to contribute widely to Japan and the world, and to act as leaders for the next generation. Waseda University has produced many wonderful thinkers throughout its proud history. Now the university is focusing on developing global leaders. With your eyes to the world, it is you, the incoming class, who will build the new traditions of Waseda.

Schools with English Programs

• Political Science and Economics
• Fundamental Science and Engineering
• Social Sciences
• International Liberal Studies
• Culture, Media and Society
• Creative Science and Engineering
• Advanced Science and Engineering
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Sport Sciences

B(4yr): Political Science and Economics Social Sciences International Liberal Studies Fundamental Science and Engineering Creative Science and Engineering Advanced Science and Engineering School of Culture, Media and Society

Kyoto University of Advanced Science

Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) is a private university with a history of over 50 years and two campuses in Kyoto, the traditional capital of Japan. KUAS' mission is to equip students with practical, professional education to help them develop into versatile leaders of innovation, capable of taking on the diverse demands of global society. KUAS offers three September enrollment programs for international students seeking a future-oriented education, all of which operate under all-English curriculums. Faculty of Engineering KUAS-Eng focuses on mechanical, electrical and systems engineering and is designed to allow students to master a vast variety of the latest technologies within a single program. Its abundance of state-of-the-art facilities provides an ideal learning environment that stimulates students' creativity and imagination. https://www.kuas.ac.jp/en/academics/eng/ Faculty of Bioenvironmental Sciences (This program will open in 2025.) KUAS-Bio emphasizes life, environment, food science and agriculture to create a future in which all life forms can coexist. Engaging in practical studies at the full-scale laboratories, forests and fields of Kyoto Kameoka Campus, students can explore natural phenomena in depth through a wealth of fieldwork and experiments. https://www.kuas.ac.jp/en/academics/bio/ Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (This program will open in 2025.) KUAS-Biz (Global Business and Economics Program) allows students to learn under the guidance of business leaders from various specialized fields in Kyoto, a metropolis of world-class companies. Students can acquire real-world skills through collaboration with numerous longstanding enterprises. https://www.kuas.ac.jp/en/academics/gbe/ Join KUAS and evolve into a future leader of global society!

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The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Japan in 2024

Browse all online studies in japan.

• Apr-Feb Academic Year
• 3 Listed Institutes
• 123 Ranked Universities
• 203,000 Int. Students
• Unavailable Students
• 125,700,000 Population

Why study in Japan

Also known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan boasts a long-standing tradition of academic excellence that, together with its truly fascinating and unique culture, makes it the perfect destination for students worldwide searching to study abroad . With the country's safe, clean, and well-organised, you can easily understand why a quarter of a million students from over 170 countries choose to study in Japan. 

If you're looking to study at a university in Japan , you will find many diverse study programmes, known for their research and technology advancements.

Indeed, thanks to its strong emphasis on rigorous academic standards and deep respect for learning, many consider Japan among the best places to study in Asia. According to international rankings , several Japanese universities consistently rank among the best in the world, with top academic excellence, research output, and student satisfaction scores. For example, the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are in the Top 100 in THE, QS, and Shanghai Rankings.   

Why choose Japan for study

1. Japan has relatively low tuition fees compared to other developed countries.  

2. The exciting mix of ages-old traditions and cutting-edge technology  

As a country that values its past and future, Japan offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and technological innovation. Students can explore ancient temples and shrines, learn about traditional art forms like kabuki and ukiyo-e, and experience the latest technological advancements in robotics, AI, and biotechnology. This combo makes Japan a fascinating study destination for international students.  

3. Japan offers a wealth of job opportunities in the tech sector.  

4. Japan is known for its punctuality, cleanliness, and adherence to rules.  

With efficient transportation systems, well-maintained facilities, and strict adherence to rules and regulations, students can focus on their studies without worrying about daily life's practicalities. This aspect of Japanese culture can also teach students valuable lessons in discipline and responsibility. 

Culture in Japan

Japanese culture is unique in the world: a fascinating mix of pop culture (think about manga and anime) and Zen Buddhism (think about the many temples and peaceful lifestyle). Having limited contact with the outside world, given its location on an island, contributed to the strong cultural identity that is so famous around the world. 

Tradition is very important in Japan, and many customs and practices have been passed down for generations. Zen Buddhism is widely practised in the country and has a significant influence on Japanese culture, emphasising simplicity, mindfulness, and self-discipline. Closely related to this are aesthetics which are highly valued by Japanese people: the focus is also on simplicity and harmony, seeking beauty in all aspects of life, from art and design to food and clothing. 

At the same time, Japan is famous for its pop culture, which includes anime (animated TV shows and movies), manga (Japanese comic books), and video games. Fans worldwide enjoy the unique art styles, storylines, and characters. The popularity of Japanese pop culture has also led to the development of a subculture known as otaku, which refers to people passionate about anime, manga, and other forms of Japanese entertainment. This subculture has a significant presence in Japan and has also gained a following in other countries worldwide. 

Languages spoken in Japan

Japanese is the official language of the country, a complex language with a unique writing system, and the vast majority of people speak only Japanese in their daily lives. However, English is taught as a second language in most schools, so many people can understand basic English.  

There are also a few minority languages spoken in the country, such as Ainu spoken by the indigenous Ainu population from Hokkaido island, Ryukyuan spoken on Ryukyuan islands, Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese.  

Climate and weather in Japan

Japan has a temperate climate with four seasons. Because of its geography, the country also witnesses some extreme weather conditions such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Springs are warm in Japan and famous for breathtaking cherry blossoms; summers are hot and humid with occasional typhoons; weather starts cooling down in autumn, and you can expect snow during wintertime. 

Cultural diversity in Japan

Almost all of the people in Japan are Japanese (98.5%). While the country doesn’t have a lot of international diversity, it does boast rich regional cultures. Each part of Japan has its own unique customs, dialects, and traditions. For example, food, festivals, and clothing differ greatly from Kyoto in the south to Hokkaido in the north. Moreover, there are quite a few indigenous cultures in Japan, including the Ainu sea-people of Hokkaido and the Ryukyu people, who live on a group of smaller islands south of the main Japanese island.  

Japan is the best place to study if you are looking for a completely new experience alongside people from a culture quite different from what you may be used to.  

Japanese food culture

Food in Japan is a big part of the country’s cultural identity and reflects the Japanese way of life. Many Japanese dishes include fish and rice, using seasonal and healthy ingredients, taking simplicity to a level of perfection, eating consciously and with respect and gratitude for the gifts of nature, and eating as a ritual of connecting with other people.  

In fact, the Japanese promote a fifth taste (alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty), and they call it umami. In Japanese, umami means “essence of deliciousness.” In more practical terms, umami is the taste of an amino acid called glutamate which can be found in proteins and is experienced as a deep flavour in foods like cured meats, salmon, tomatoes, mushrooms, aged cheeses salmon, steak, anchovies, green tea, and more.  

Japanese cuisine perfected a few dishes which, in later years, became quite famous around the world: 

• Sushi: typically consists of vinegared rice topped with various ingredients, such as raw fish, seafood, or vegetables. Most of the time, it’s served with soy sauce, wasabi (a spicy green paste), and pickled ginger.  
• Miso soup: a dish always present in a typical Japanese meal. The soup is made with miso (a fermented soybean paste), dashi (a broth made from fish and kelp - important in Japanese cuisine), and various other ingredients like tofu, seaweed, scallions, and mushrooms. Miso is often part of a healthy Japanese breakfast. 
• Noodles: There are three types of popular noodles in Japan – Udon (thick, chewy noodles), Soba (thin, brown noodles with a nutty flavour), and Ramen (thin, curly noodles).  
• Rice: a simple ingredient that opens up a world of possibilities in Japan. You can make sekihan if you cook it with red beans, takikomi gohan if it’s cooked with seafood and vegetables, kayu which is a type of salty porridge used as a cold remedy, or onigiri which are rice balls with seafood or vegetables in the middle. You can also make mochi (rice cakes), senbei (rice crackers), and sake (rice wine). And, of course, rice is in all types of sushi.  
• Seafood and meats: seafood dishes are abundant in Japan, either raw or cooked, and in a much higher proportion than in other food cultures. Meat, on the other hand, was banned up until the 1870s and only recently became popular.  
• Soy products: soy products are a staple of Japanese food culture, and they are used in a wide variety of dishes, such as tofu, miso, soy sauce, natto, and edamame.  

One of the best places to enjoy food in Japan is Osaka. The city is renowned for its delightful casual cuisine and friendly locals, with a reputation for tasty snacks like takoyaki (a small and crispy ball-shaped snack made of flour and eggs, filled with small pieces of octopus, pickled ginger, and green onion and cooked in special moulds)  and okonomiyaki (a type of savoury pancake made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, mixed with other ingredients such as meat, seafood, or vegetables). 

How to choose a university in Japan?

As an international student, the first thing you need is to understand what are the different types of higher education institutions available in Japan: 

• Universities can be national, public, and private and offer undergraduate degrees, which usually take 4 years to complete (except for Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine which require 6 years).  
• Junior colleges focus on areas such as Economics, Education, Nursing, Humanities, and Sociology and can take only 2 or 3 years to complete.  
• Specialised/professional training colleges provide vocational and technology-related education and usually take 1 or 2 years to complete. 
• Colleges of technology offer courses in Engineering, Merchant shipping, and other related fields of study and take 5 years to complete.  
• Graduate schools offer Master's and Doctoral degrees.  

In addition, higher education institutions in Japan can be classified as national, public, and private, depending on how they were founded and who governs them. National universities are held in highest regard in Japan, especially the “National Seven Universities,” also known as the Imperial Universities, where admission is highly competitive. 

Deciding where you want to study is eventually a deeply personal choice, but you can start by considering a few factors first such as location, necessary budget, language requirements . To make things simpler for you, we made this Choosing a university checklist:  

1. Decide what’s the purpose of your studies in Japan (because that affects what institution you have to choose): 

a. To learn the language: in this case, you don’t need to apply to a university but a language school. 

b. To study any other subject than the Japanese language but in Japanese and then find a job in Japan: in this situation, you should start with the language school, and once you graduate, you can continue to university.  

c. To study any subject in English and leave Japan once you finish your studies: in this case, you must find programmes that are taught in English.

2. Consider the type of environment you want to be in:  

• A big city with vibrant social life, a dense population, modern architecture and technological advancements, as well as many large corporations where you could work. 
• A more traditional city with picturesque views, more nature, and a quieter way of living. 

3. Read student reviews to learn how other students feel at that university. If you access a programme of study on our portal , you can read tens of student reviews for each study programme. And if you're still in doubt, try chatting with students currently studying at universities you are interested in.  

4. Research how well a university performs in your particular field of study by checking QS Subject Rankings and THE World University Rankings by subject .

What are the best universities in Japan 

Highly respected for their quality of education and research, 49 Japanese universities feature in the most important World Rankings. Here are the top 5 universities in Japan: 

• The University of Tokyo has a declared focus on supporting international students, The University of Tokyo (also known as Todai or UTokyo) is considered the most prestigious university in Japan and the hardest to get into. Since 2021, the Institute for Cosmic Ray Research at the university has been working on the "Hyper-Kamiokande" device. This device is meant for a groundbreaking international research project that will start in 2027. 
• Kyoto University is the second oldest university in Japan. It has a prestigious reputation as one of Asia's top research-focused institutions and is ranked highly in the region. Notably, the university has produced many renowned scholars, including eight Nobel Prize winners, two Fields medalists, and one Gauss Prize recipient. 
• Tohoku University is committed to community engagement and is actively involved in the Tohoku region's social and economic development. The university is also home to several world-class research centres, including the Institute of Materials Research and the Research Institute of Electrical Communication. 
• Osaka University is among the first modern universities in Japan and became the largest national university after merging with Osaka University of Foreign Studies in 2007. Osaka University produced a lot of highly quality research, being home to many distinguished scholars and scientists.  
• Nagoya University started as a medical school and hospital in 1871 and today is known for its contributions to Physics and Chemistry, including the Sakata model, PMNS matrix, Okazaki fragment, Noyori asymmetric hydrogenation, and Blue LED. The university hosted the International Symposium on Innovative Nanobiodevices in 2012 and is a UN champion university for gender equality . 

What are the top student hubs in Japan? (H3) 

• Tokyo started off a few centuries ago as Edo, a fishing village, but grew to become the capital of Japan and the most densely populated city. Apart from several prestigious universities, including the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, and Keio University, you’ll also find the Emperor and the Government of Japan here. While home to 14 million, Tokyo is also very safe, ranking the safest city in the world in some indexes.  
• Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan and its cultural capital today. So if you want to fully experience Japanese traditional arts and culture and explore its natural beauty through numerous parks and gardens, then Kyoto is a perfect choice. Home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Buddhist temples, shrines, imperial palaces, Kyoto is also known for its traditional tea houses, geisha quarters, Japanese calligraphy, and origami - the art of paper folding.  
• Osaka . We talked about the current capital of Japan, Tokyo, and its ancient and cultural capital, Kyoto. Well, Osaka is Japan’s capital of food where you can enjoy some of the best food in Japan, especially street food. What’s more, Osaka is also famous for its lively and outgoing people who make the experience of eating out and trying all the delicious foods hard to forget. As a student, especially an international one, is hard not to love this atmosphere and want to spend every day here. And there are many students in Osaka attending several very good universities, of which Osaka University , Osaka City University , and Osaka Metropolitan University are the most noteworthy according to international rankings .  
• Sendai , “the city of trees,” is the perfect place if you want to study at one the best universities in Japan - Tohoku University - and enjoy outdoor sports and activities in your spare time.  The city was founded by a powerful samurai and feudal lord, and today features a lot of samurai history while being a modern-looking city: it sits between the ocean on one side and mountains on the other,  so you can fully enjoy what nature has to offer.  
• Sapporo . A great place for beer lovers who want to study at Hokkaido University , the 7th best university in Japan. The university’s campus is quite unique because it measures approximately 180 hectares, and it’s located in the heart of Sapporo, a city with a population of only two million people. Buildings cover only 12% of the campus, while the rest is open space with farms, forests, creeks, and pathways. As an extra, Sapporo is the birthplace of Sapporo beer, one of the oldest and most popular beer brands in Japan. And if you want to do more than drink it, you can visit the Sapporo Beer Museum.

Tuition Fees in Japan

The local currency in Japan is YEN so all prices you’ll encounter will be in YEN. However, to make it easier for you, we’ve calculated the approximate equivalent in Euros so you can get a better idea of what to expect. 1 Euro is approximately 144 YEN. 

Tuition fees for international students also differ according to the institution's type, which can be classified into national, public, and private. Private institutions outnumber the others, with 620 private universities, 295 private junior colleges, 101 public universities, 14 public junior colleges, and 86 national universities.  

On average, tuition fees in Japan for international students range between 4,000 EUR and 9,000 EUR per year. However, you can also find cheaper programmes at around 1,000 EUR per year or considerably more expensive ones at approximately 30,000 EUR per year.  

There are low tuition fee universities in Japan that offer Master’s degrees as low as 200 EUR per year, while elsewhere, price can go all the way to over 40,000 EUR per year. However, most programmes are in the range of 3,000 – 4,000 EUR per year. As for doctorate programmes, tuition fees for international students are between 3,000 and 5,000 EUR per year.  

Based on the type of universities, the average tuition costs are around 5,700 EUR for national universities, 6,500 EUR for public universities, and approximately 7,700 EUR for private universities. 

As you can see, tuition fees for international students in Japan are considerably lower than those in countries like the USA or the UK. In addition, students can benefit from a tuition fee waiver or even an exemption from paying tuition fees. This can apply to outstanding Bachelor’s or Master’s students who are in financial difficulties and can’t afford to pay tuition or to those who cannot pay because of unavoidable circumstances.  

>>> Use the ‘Tuition fee’ filter on the left menu of our Bachelor’s , Master’s or PhD search pages to find the programme best suited for your budget. You can also sort the list of available programmes by Lowest tuition fee by clicking the top right Sort button. 

Can I study in Japan for free?

Education is not free in Japan for international students, but you may qualify for a scholarship or grant covering your tuition costs.  

Several scholarships are available for international students, including the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, which covers tuition fees and living expenses, and the JASSO Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to students with financial needs. In addition, many universities also offer scholarships and tuition fee waivers for international students based on academic achievements or financial needs. 

Nevertheless, you should consider other expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and health insurance. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships in Japan

Only a few scholarships in Japan cover the entire cost of studying. At the same time, the majority only aim to cover a portion of the tuition fees and living expenses. This means it’s important to calculate the entire cost of your studies abroad well ahead of time and see how much financial help you need to afford it. 

You can apply to some financial aid opportunities both before and after starting your studies, while for others, you can only apply after you come to Japan or after the start of your programme.  

Types of scholarships on offer

There are four types of scholarships available to international students in Japan: 

• Monbukagakusho Scholarship for International Students addresses students with exceptional academic performance and character, who face financial difficulties. You can apply for this scholarship through your school after enrollment. The grant is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students (both Masters and PhDs). 
• Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Study in Japan under Agreement) covers only exchange programmes between Japanese universities and universities in countries with which Japan established diplomatic relations. An exchange, however, means that while you are enrolled at a university in your home country, you can come to study in Japan for a determined period of time out of your full study programme.   
• Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho MEXT) Scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and there are two paths to apply for it: with a recommendation from a Japanese embassy or a recommendation from a Japanese university. Postgraduate students and students training to become teachers can receive up to 1,000 EUR per month, undergraduate students approximately 800 EUR per month, and students who fit in the Young Leaders category (students coming from another Asian country, studying in one of the following areas: Public Administration Course, Business Course, Law Course, Local Administration Course, or Medical Administration Course) approximately 1,600 EUR per month.  
• Scholarships from Local Governments, International Exchange Organizations, etc. According to JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization), there are currently 123 scholarships for doctoral students, 134 for Master’s students, 104 for undergraduate students, 10 for students enrolled in a professional degree programme, 24 for students in technical colleges, 20 for those in specialised training colleges, and 36 from junior colleges. Of course, because several organisations are offering this type of scholarship, the application requirements and selection procedures differ from one organisation to another.  
• School Scholarships and Tuition Fee Waivers. Luckily, many higher education institutions in Japan provide scholarships and tuition fee waivers for international students. While the most accurate data about fee waivers is on the university’s page, JASSO provides a search page where you can check if your university offers any fee reductions.

Where can you find scholarships

An excellent starting point when trying to figure out where to apply for scholarships is the Mastersportal scholarship search .  

Other credible sources with up-to-date information about scholarships and financial aid: 

• Studyportals Scholarship – International Distinction Award, open to all international students – see FAQ about the award here. 
• JASSO (Japan Student Services Association) , where you can find a lot of helpful information about financial support, grants, and scholarships for international students in Japan. 
• Your preferred university's official website. They will likely award scholarships themselves or recommend partner organisations where to apply for financial aid. You can also check a database of all university scholarships and tuition fee waivers on JASSO’s website.   

How to apply

Once you’ve researched and shortlisted the scholarships you want to apply to, it’s time to get going with the actual application. Applying for a foreign university scholarship may be intimidating, but if you follow these steps, it won’t be that hard: 

• Check the eligibility criteria: ensure you meet all the requirements, including academic achievements, nationality, age, field of study, and more. Applying for a bursary or a university grant may have different rules from applying for a scholarship. 
• Gather the required documents: all financial aid providers have a how-to-apply for university funding or scholarship page. This is the place to find and check what documents you need, things like transcripts, a motivation letter for applying to the scholarship, and recommendation letters. 
• Complete the application: pay attention as you fill out the scholarship application form to ensure you include all required information. 
• Submit the application, a very important step: take a deep breath and click submit! 
• Screening process: for some scholarships, like the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, you will also have to take some tests in areas such as English and Japanese, as well as in your area of study. Moreover, an interview is very likely to follow. See our advice on how to do well in a scholarship interview.  
• Accept the scholarship: the best part! If you are selected, read through the terms and conditions and accept the scholarship offer if you are happy with the terms. 

What to include in your application 

The specific requirements for a scholarship application will vary depending on the type of financial aid or scholarship and the program you are applying to. However, a scholarship application will always ask you to explain why you are applying for financial aid and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals. This is usually done in a motivation letter or a request letter for your scholarship application, and it is the most important element of your application. That’s why it’s essential to Learn how to write a motivation letter for your scholarship .  

Other information to include in your application will likely be: 

• Personal information 
• Academic background, such as your academic transcripts, degrees, and certificates 
• Letters of recommendation, typically provided by teachers, professors, or employers who can vouch for your academic abilities and potential 
• Financial Information 
• Essays or writing samples that demonstrate your writing skills and ability to think critically 
• Other supporting materials, such as a portfolio of work or a list of awards and honours 

Apply to university in Japan

Universities in Japan typically have a separate admissions process for international students , known as the "gaikokujin ryuugakusei tokubetsu senkou" process. This process typically consists of two steps: "shutsugan" (application) and "nyuushi shiken" (entrance examinations).

1. Shutsugan / Application: during this step, the applicants are required to submit their application and other necessary requirements, such as 

• EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) scores 
• JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) scores for programmes taught in Japanese
• English proficiency exam scores for programmes taught in English or in Japanese

What is the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)

• Arts (bunkei), where applicants may be required to take Japanese, General Subjects, and Mathematics Course 1
• Sciences (rikei), where applicants must take Japanese, Mathematics Course 2, and two Science subjects.

How much does it cost to apply to university?

When to apply for japanese universities.

• Spring Semester from early April to late September
• Summer Break: late July to late September
• Fall Semester: from late September to late March
• Winter Break: late December-early January
• Spring Break: early February-late March
• November for the spring intake
• April for the autumn intake (less common than the spring one)

Documents needed to apply for university

• Application form 
• Copy of valid passport and/or personal ID
• Passport-sized photos
• EJU examination score certificate or voucher
• JLPT score certificate
• English proficiency certificate 
• High school diploma or equivalent and transcripts
• Personal statement ( learn how to write a good personal statement and don’t underestimate this requirement)
• Letter of recommendation
• Proof of payment of the application fee

Language requirements

The language requirements to study in Japan may differ depending on the language of instruction of your study program. If the programme is completely or partially in Japanese, you will be required to take the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), but it’s very likely that you will also be asked to prove your English language proficiency.   

English language tests

According to JASSO, most of the time, there are English language requirements for Japanese universities, whether the programme is taught in English or Japanese. 

• IELTS. You’ll get a score of 0 to 9 for each category (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), as well as an overall band score. Generally, Japanese universities ask for a score of 6.0 or 6.5.   
• TOEFL . The four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) have a score of 0 to 30 points each. You can get a maximum of 120 points. Many universities ask for a score of 90 to be admitted.  
• TOEIC is a standard English test designed to assess the practical English language abilities of people working in an international environment. The test is scored on a scale from 10 to 990. 
• Eiken (The Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency). EIKEN has been the most popular English test in Japan since 1963, being widely accepted at thousands of institutions within Japan and globally. The test result can range from Grade 1 to Grade 5, where Grade 1 is the highest level of competency.  

>> To learn more about the different tests you can take, read this comprehensive guide we’ve put together.  

Japanese language requirements

To have the best experience and the greatest range of opportunities in Japan, you should learn Japanese. If you want to apply to a university that requires proof of language proficiency, then you also have to take a standardised test, and the one most broadly accepted is JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test).  

The JLPT has five levels, from N5 (least advanced) to N1 (most advanced), and universities typically expect at least an N2 level for admission. This means upper-intermediate or advanced Japanese proficiency, and it would take you around 2,200 hours of study to get there. N1 requires even more hours of study, around 3,900. 

You can take the JLPT twice a year, in July and December, and it is available in almost 100 countries worldwide. If you take it in Japan, the cost is approximately 44 EUR, but it will differ in other countries. 

Student housing in Japan

Student accommodation in Japan comes in two forms, each with its respective benefits and disadvantages: 

• Student dormitories, provided by local governments and universities. This option is cheaper, and you don’t have to pay for a security deposit (shiki-kin), for gratuity money (rei-kin), or for renewal fees. They are usually furnished and equipped with the necessary appliances. However, there is a limited number of rooms available, you will have to share the kitchen and the bathroom, and the rules are stricter: there are curfews and wake-up times.  
• Off-campus student housing, the option chosen by 79% of international students. Privately rented apartments offer more freedom to live as you like, and you don’t have to share any of the amenities. On the other hand, you have a security deposit, equal to a few months' rent, the gratuity money, and the real estate agent's commissions in advance. Moreover, you also have to sign a rental agreement and find yourself a guarantor. Sometimes, you will probably have to buy your own furniture and appliances because most long-term rentals in Japan come unfurnished.  

When to apply for student accommodation

Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) recommends that you start searching for accommodation as soon as the university informs you that you were accepted because finding a room, especially in student dorms, can be quite competitive. 

Cost of living in Japan

Like in many other countries, the cost of living in Japan is different depending on the area where you live. Expenses in urban areas like Tokyo are generally higher compared to rural areas. In terms of housing, the average cost in Japan for students is around 260 EURO per month, but in Tokyo, it goes up to 340 EURO. Another thing to remember is that in big cities, it’s harder to find accommodation close to schools which means you will spend more on transport.  

Your monthly expenses, including housing, transport, food and utilities amount to a total of 630 EUR. Here is a breakdown of the monthly average cost of living in Japan, Based on information offered by JASSO: 

• Housing 260 EUR 
• Food 190 EUR 
• Utilities 48 EUR 
• Insurance and medical 20 EUR 
• Hobbies and entertainment 34 EUR 
• Transport 27 EUR 
• Other 55 EUR 

In addition, you can take advantage of many discounts offered to students, such as Student Travel Discount Certificates offered by your university and discounts at museums, restaurants, and entertainment activities.  

Cost of food in Japan 

Japanese cuisine is well known for being based on fresh and seasonal ingredients, with rice, seafood, and vegetables as very common ingredients in many dishes. This applies to school children and students alike, who can find nutritious and balanced meals on campus. As for eating out with friends, Japanese students prefer to make food and have drinking parties at home with friends, which reduces costs quite a bit. For example, if you go shopping in a supermarket, you can buy a 5 kg pack of rice for 15.10 EUR, while bread costs around 3,5 EUR, and ten eggs go for 1.7 EUR. When thirsty for a soda, you’re likely to pay 1.5 EUR for a drink, while a meal in a regular, not too expensive restaurant, costs on average 6.91€.  

You can see more specific prices for food on JASSO and Numbeo .  

Work and study in Japan

There are many opportunities for part-time work for students in Japan. Some popular options include working in restaurants, convenience stores, language schools, and customer service positions. However, you should remember that many part-time jobs in Japan require at least a basic understanding of the Japanese language. If that isn’t an option for you, you could look into work-from-home jobs for students, and you might find freelance work in English.   

Are international students allowed to work in Japan?

To gain permission to work, you must apply for a student Work Permit at a local Immigration Office in Japan. You are not allowed to work in Japan just with your Student visa.  

How many hours can a student work in Japan? 

Once you have your Work Permit, you can start searching for jobs, but you should remember that while on a Student visa, you are limited to working only 28 hours per week. Furthermore, some occupations, such as working in bars, clubs, adult stores or hotels, massage parlours, and so on. are prohibited. 

Where can I find jobs?

Here are some ideas for a good starting point in your search for part-time jobs in Japan: 

• Check your university’s career centre or job board, where students can find part-time job opportunities. Also, check your school's international office to see what resources they offer. 
• Search online: some popular options include GaijinPot , Jobs in Japan , and Yolo Japan . 
• Contact the Language Schools in your area because many hire international students to work as language tutors or conversation partners.  
• Networking is important in Japan, so consider joining clubs or organisations related to your interests or hobbies. 

Is Japan safe?

In terms of criminality and violence, according to the Global Peace Index 2022 , Japan is the 10th safest country in the world and the 3rd safest in the Asia-Pacific region! On the other hand, given its geography, Japan is exposed to a few natural disasters, such as earthquakes or typhoons. 

Here are a few specific things to consider: 

• Typhoon seasons from May to October, with a peak season in August-September. If you’re in the country during this time, pay attention to any weather warnings and keep a more flexible schedule.  
• Learn what to do in case of an earthquake because Japan is a seismically active country.  
• If you are a woman, you have the option to take a women-only subway car, marked in pink.  

In addition, you should also remember some common-sense personal safety measures that you would use anywhere else in the world: 

• 110 if you need to call the Police 
• 119 if you need to call an Ambulance or the Fire Department 

Student insurance in Japan

In Japan, there are several types of insurance policies available to students, including the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the Accident / Property Insurance and Mutual Aid (Kyosai). 

>>>>  Request an Aon Student Insurance online . For international students, researchers, Erasmus students and educational staff - we have the right insurance for your situation.

National Health Insurance (NHI) 

The NHI, also known as "Kokuho," is mandatory for all people who stay in Japan longer than 3 months. To register, you have to go to the local municipal office. When the cost of your student health insurance is calculated, things like age, residency, and employment are considered, especially your income from the previous year. This includes part-time jobs and any other form of income, no matter how small, so it’s very important to declare your income correctly.  However, the insurance cost may be reduced if your income is below a certain threshold. A typical insurance price for students is around 40 EUR per month.

The National Health Insurance covers 70% of the total medical cost, and you still need to pay for the remaining 30%. But if you require certain medical expenses which are not covered by insurance, then you have to pay them in full. To get the 70% coverage, you should remember to have your insurance card with you when going to the hospital or seeing a doctor.   

Finally, The NHI program has a refund system for medical costs that go over how much you can afford to pay, so the 30% can be reduced if your financial limits don’t allow you to pay for it.  

Accident/Property Insurance and Mutual Aid (Kyosai) 

As an international student, you can also choose a casualty insurance plan and a personal liability insurance plan to cover accidents or incidents not covered by the NHI. This kind of insurance for students is very helpful in situations such as fire accidents in your residence, injuring someone while riding a bike or driving, or theft of high-value personal belongings like your computer. 

Universities in Japan have a few options for such insurance plans:  

• Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research , also known as "Gakkensai;" the insurance is offered by JEES (Japan Educational Exchanges and Services) and covers injuries sustained during classes or commuting to and from school.   
• University CO-OP's Kyosai is another insurance system that students can enrol in while attending university.  

Private international student insurance 

If you want to have more peace of mind, you can also pick private insurance, which will help you cover the 30% you have to pay for medical expenses, as well as bring you other benefits. From a provider specialising in student insurance, like AON , you can buy a policy that also covers student dental insurance, emergency assistance, personal possessions, and student travel insurance. 

 >>> Learn more about this by visiting our Student Insurance Portal . 

Support services available for international students

There are several support services available for international students in Japan, offered by various organisations and institutions. Let’s see some examples of student support services: 

• International Student Services: many universities and colleges in Japan have an international office which provides support with admissions, housing, scholarships, and visa and immigration issues. These offices often offer orientation programs, language classes, and cultural events to help international students adjust to life in Japan. 
• Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) : the Japanese government offers support services to international students through JASSO which provides scholarships, financial aid, and information on living in Japan. They also offer programs like the Student Exchange Support Program and the Japan Language Education Center. 

  Japan Legal Support Center (JLSC) offers legal advice, consultation, and representation to international students in cases related to immigration, labour, and other legal issues. 

•  Career Services: many universities and colleges in Japan offer career services to help international students find employment opportunities. These services may include job fairs, career counselling, and assistance with resume writing and job applications. 

The role of these organisations is to provide student support services to international students with a range of services like information and advice, language classes, cultural events, and financial aid

Student organisations

There are several student organisations in Japan that cater to the needs and interests of international students. Here are a few examples: 

• Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) : a government-affiliated organisation that provides various services and support to international students in Japan. It also operates a student exchange program and offers scholarships to eligible students. 
• International Student Association (ISA) : a student-led organisation that aims to promote cultural exchange and diversity among international students in Japan. It organises various events and activities, such as language exchange sessions, cultural festivals, and study tours. 
• Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) : a non-profit organisation that provides training and education programs to international students and professionals. It also operates the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, which invites native English speakers to work as Assistant Language Teachers in Japanese schools. 

Things to do for students on a budget

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on entertainment, don’t worry, Japan offers many budget-friendly and free things for students to do. Let’s have a look over some ideas. 

Free Things to Do in Japan for Students: 

• Visit Parks and Gardens. Japan has many beautiful parks and gardens that are free to visit, such as Yoyogi Park in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto. 
• Winter festivals. Attending festivals is one of the best things to do in Japan in winter. Many cities in Japan have winter festivals; some of the best are the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in Hokkaido. 
• Onsen (Hot Springs). Winter is the perfect time to relax in an onsen and enjoy the warmth of the hot springs. There are many onsen resorts throughout Japan, for example, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. 

Top urban attractions for students

• Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. This is known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world and is a popular spot for students and tourists alike. The iconic crossing is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and nightlife, making it a perfect destination for a fun-filled day or evening out. 
• Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Taisha is a beautiful shrine located in Kyoto that features thousands of bright orange torii gates lining its pathways. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and it’s a great way to experience traditional Japanese culture. 
• Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. If you love theme parks and movies, Universal Studios Japan is a must-visit destination. The amusement park has attractions based on popular movies and TV shows, including Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and more. 
• Dotonbori in Osaka. Dotonbori is a lively street known for its neon lights, street food, and shopping. Here, you can enjoy local specialities like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), while having fun in the vibrant atmosphere of this district. 
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. For history lovers, this is a must-see.  Hiroshima Peace Memorial is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 and has a museum, monuments, and a peace flame that will burn until nuclear weapons are abolished.  

Top 5 Outdoor Attractions

• Mount Fuji. A symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji is an active volcano and the highest mountain in Japan, standing at 3,776 metres (12,389 feet) tall. It is located about 100 kilometres southwest of Tokyo and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. You can hike to the summit, which is open during the summer months, or enjoy the view from one of the surrounding lakes or hot springs. 
• Miyajima Island. Near Hiroshima is a small island known for its stunning scenery and friendly deer that roam freely. The island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, which is built over the water and is considered one of Japan's most iconic sights. You can hike and kayak around the island or take a cable car up to the top of Mount Misen for an awesome panoramic view. 
• Kamikochi. Kamikochi in the Northern Japan Alps is perfect for hiking on any level throughout an area of stunning beauty. The trails range from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks, and the views include snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and colourful trees. 
• Yakushima Island. Yakushima Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its ancient forests and unique wildlife. Here you can walk through the dense forests, which are home to some of the oldest trees in the world, or bathe in the island's hot springs and waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you see the Yakushima macaque and the loggerhead sea turtle, both endangered species. 
• Nara Park. Nara Park is home to over 1,000 tame deer that roam freely. You can feed them and interact with them. Deer are considered a national treasure in Japan. Additionally, you can also explore the many temples and shrines which are located within the park, such as the Todai-ji Temple, which houses the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha. 

Travelling in Japan 

Japan is amazing for travelling, whether you want to visit beautiful natural locations, ancient temples, or iconic pop-culture locations. However, as a student, your budget might be limited, so we’ve thought of some ideas to help you travel on a budget. 

• Plan ahead - one of the best ways to save money is to book flights, train rides, accommodations, and tours in advance.   
• Travel off-season - the peak travel season in Japan is during the cherry blossom season in late March to early April and during the fall foliage season in November. 
• Use budget airlines - Japan has several budget airlines that offer affordable flights within the country, like Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, and Vanilla Air.  
• Use public transport - it is well known that Japan has highly efficient public transport, and most cities have passes or other discounts for students. JR offers a 20% discount on train fares ; this is the national railway of Japan.   
• Stay in budget accommodations - consider hostels, capsule hotels, and guesthouses. These can be significantly cheaper than hotels and offer a unique cultural experience. 
• Take advantage of student discounts -websites like StudentUniverse and ISIC (International Student Identity Card) offer discounted travel options for students. 
• Consider travel credit cards for students - travel credit cards can offer rewards and discounts on travel expenses. Some cards offer bonus points for travel purchases, while others offer cash back or statement credits. 

If you want to remain in Japan after your studies, learning the language is a must. But even if you plan to leave the country at the end of your studies, Japanese is a gateway into the culture of Japan and will give you a full experience of studying there. Luckily, there are many options for learning Japanese both in Japan and outside of it: 

Language schools. This is perhaps the most popular choice for learning Japanese in Japan. For students who want to study a programme taught in Japanese but don’t know the language yet, a language school is the perfect entry point into Japan’s higher education. Language schools are also great because you get to meet and spend time with other students like you, so your accommodation will be much easier. Some examples include GenkiJACS , GoGoNihon , and the International Japanese Language Education Center . 

University programs. Many universities in Japan offer Japanese language programs for international students. These programs typically range from beginner to advanced levels and may also offer cultural experiences and field trips.  

Private tutors. If you prefer one-on-one instruction, hiring a private tutor can be a good option. You can find tutors through language schools, online platforms such as iTalki , Preply or through personal referrals. 

Online courses. If you want to start learning before going to Japan or simply prefer to learn from the comfort of your own home, there are many online courses available for learning Japanese. The most popular options are Duolingo , Rosetta Stone , and JapanesePod101 . 

Living as an expat in Japan

Living in Japan as an expat can be a unique experience. You will enjoy the rich cultural heritage, advanced technology, and unique way of life. Hyper-modern cities, peaceful and serene countryside and delicious food. 

One of the first things you will need to consider if you decide to stay in the country after your studies is finding suitable housing.  

Big cities like Tokyo have many housing options, from small apartments to spacious suburban houses. The cost of rent is higher in the city, especially near the city centre and public transportation.  

In Japan, it’s more common for rental properties to be unfurnished, but as an expat, you might prefer a furnished apartment. These expat apartments are more expensive, but they might have lower upfront costs as well as utility costs included in the rent. 

Something else you should expect is that most properties require a minimum 12-month contract and short tenancies are quite rare. Apart from that, it’s likely you will need a guarantor, usually your employer. 

Some neighbourhoods are more popular among expats than others. In Tokyo, for example, Minato-ku (Aoyama, Azabu, Roppongi and Shirokane), Meguro-ku (Nakameguro and Jiyugaoka), and Shibuya-ku (Hiroo, Daikanyama and Ebisu) are preferred among expats. Among the perks of these areas, you can count international schools, as well as shops and restaurants with English-speaking staff. 

Expat communities in Japan (H3) 

According to the Statistics Bureau of Japan, at the end of 2020, only 2.2% of the total population of Japan were foreign residents. Most expats in Japan are from China ( 27.8% of the total number of foreign residents), followed by “Korea” (15.6%), and “Vietnam” (13.4%). Other frequent expat communities in Japan come from the US, the UK, India, and France. 

Best place to live in Japan for expats 

The cities most preferred by expats are Tokyo, Kyoto, Yokohama, Osaka, and Sapporo.  

• Tokyo , the capital and largest city in Japan, which has the largest and most diverse expat community in Japan and numerous opportunities for work, entertainment, and cultural exploration.  
• Kyoto is another popular destination for expats, especially those who love history and the more traditional looks of Japan because the city is well-known for its beautiful temples, traditional architecture, and rich history.  
• Yokohama , located near Tokyo, is a modern and bustling city that offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Tokyo.  
• Osaka , the second-largest city in Japan, is another vibrant metropolis and has a thriving expat community, famous food, and lively nightlife.  
• Sapporo , located in northern Japan, is a beautiful city known where you can enjoy skiing and winter sports, thus an excellent choice if you love outdoor activities. Overall, all five cities have high quality of life, abundant job opportunities, and offer rich cultural experiences.  

>> You can join Internations to gain access to Japan’s expat forum, so you can join events and socialise with other expats from Japan.  

Japan Immigration rules

How your immigration status changes after graduation

Once you finish your studies, you will have to apply for a new visa. Japan has several types of visas, so you’ll have to choose the right one depending on your particular situation.  In general, the type of visa you need depends on your purpose for living in the country, such as further studying, working, or starting a business. 

Japan’s immigration process  

To find out about the immigration process in Japan, you need to go to the MOFA’s (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan) website . You will find the document you need for your application, including: 

• application form, available in English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish 
• letter of guarantee 
• letter of invitation 
• list of visa applicants  
• details of company/organisation 

Types of Visa 

These are the most common types of visas that would be suitable for a student who graduates university in Japan: 

1. Highly skilled professional visa : if you are a person with outstanding abilities and credentials. 

2. Working visa : suitable for a range of professions. 

• Professor  
• Artist  
• Journalist  
• Business Manager 
• Legal/Accounting services  
• Medical services  
• Researcher  
• Instructor  
• Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services  
• Nursing care  
• Entertainer 
• Skilled labour  
• Specified skilled worker  
• Technical intern training  

3. Start-up visa : this is the right visa for you if you want to start your own business. 

Immigrant visa application processing fee 

According to MOFA, the processing fee for a single-entry visa is equivalent in Japanese YEN of 20 EUR or  40 EUR for a double-entry visa. However, depending on your specific situation, these fees might be slightly different.    

Immigration processing times

The time required to process your Visa is typically 5 working days if there are no issues with the application. However, during periods of high application volume, processing time may be longer than usual. Also, if there are any issues with the application, it will be forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo in which case it can take up to a month or more. 

Moreover, keep in mind that for long-term stays in Japan, you should obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the regional Immigration bureau before submitting the visa application. If you submit the application without it, the visa may take one to three months to process. 

Job opportunities in Japan

For students in Japan, job hunting starts in the third year of university, so when they reach the fourth year, their future job is already guaranteed. 

Employers prefer candidates who speak Japanese fluently, so you should definitely focus on learning the language if you plan on looking for a job in Japan. Alternatively, you might still find specific jobs for expats, especially in fields like English teaching, IT, finance, and tourism.  

A few popular options for job opportunities in Japan for foreigners include: 

• Jobs in Japan , a website where you have the option to choose “no Nihongo,” meaning that you don’t speak any Japanese 
• Yolo Japan , with job opportunities and other useful information for expats in Japan 

Other websites where you can start searching for graduate jobs during your student years, especially if you learned the language, are Bizreach and Japandev . 

Continue your studies in Japan

If you want to continue your studies in Japan after you graduate from a Japanese university, you can: 

• Pursue a Master’s degree: you can apply for a Master's degree, which usually lasts for two years. Head over here to see over 300 Masters in Japan . 
• Apply for a PhD: pursuing your doctorate in Japan can be done in two ways: with a Master’s degree incorporated, in which case it will last for longer or without a Master’s if you already gained one before applying for your doctorate. Here’s a list of PhDs in Japan .   

Frequently asked questions

1. do international students need a visa to study in japan .

All international students who want to study at a university in Japan need to apply for a Student Visa before the start of their studies.  

2. Is studying in Japan worth it? 

Japan offers one of the best education systems in the world while being more affordable than other highly-desired countries like the US or the UK. Moreover, Japan is a very safe country and has a culture unique in the world, so your experience will certainly be worthwhile.  

3. What is the cost of studying in Japan? 

Tuition fees for an undergraduate degree cost on average between 4,000 and 9,000 EUR and 3,000-4,000 EUR for a Master’s degree. However, many scholarships are available, which means you might be able to reduce or cover the cost of tuition. Your other expenses, including food and accommodation, will amount, on average, to a total of 630 EUR per month. 

4. How much money is required to study in Japan? 

There isn’t an exact sum required in order to be able to study in Japan. However, as part of your Visa application, you will likely have to show evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses while studying in Japan. 

5. Can I study in Japan without IELTS? 

Some universities in Japan require proof of both Japanese language skills and English language skills, while others might only ask for one of the two, depending mostly on the language of teaching. For Japanese, you have to take the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) exam, while for English IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, and Eiken are accepted.  

6. What are the requirements to study in Japan? 

The requirements to study in Japan vary depending on the level of education and the program you are applying for. Generally, you will need to have completed secondary education and have proof of language proficiency (either Japanese or English depending on the language of instruction for your course), as well as meet any additional requirements set by your chosen university. 

7. What exams are required to study in Japan? 

To study in Japan, you have to pass the regular exams in your country when completing secondary education, such as A levels or the Baccalaureate. In addition, you have to meet the language requirements (for Japanese, English, or both, depending on each individual university), and you will likely also have to take an aptitude test called EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) which includes subjects like Japanese, Science, General Subjects, and Mathematics. 

8. How to get permanent residency while studying in Japan? 

You can apply for permanent residency after 1 year, 3 years or 10 years of continuous residency in Japan. The 10 year route is the most common and accessible for the majority of foreign residents.  

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Find distance learning programmes in japan, what subject to study in japan.

• Agriculture & Forestry 0 Masters
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Study a master programme from the comfort of your own home. The Studyportals platform offers the largest overview of online and blended study opportunities from all over the world. You now have the possibility to follow your dream study programme at one of the best universities in the world without having to relocate.

Distance education is the perfect solution for professionals looking to further their career. It offers the possibility for additional qualification while keeping the current job. With flexible schedule and resources available online, distance study programmes can be the key to your career development and a job promotion.

Online study is also a money saver, as the student does not have to spend money on moving or on a possibly expensive day to day life in a new country. So if you are in search for the best education, but do not want to relocate, give up your current life style or disrupt the comfort of your family, distance learning is the solution for you.

Looking at a growing demand for these study opportunities, combined with a lack of transparency in this quickly growing and exciting study mode, we decided to open up our portals and to also offer you information about these education options offered globally.

Please note, that for the time being this section does not yet include any on campus programmes offered in these parts of the world.

Learn below about the different countries and choose your online study from a growing selection of online studies offered by accredited institutions.

Distance Learning

Distance learning is a mode of study that allows the student to study most or all of a course without attending at a campus-based institution. The distance can refer to both material and interaction. Distance learning provides access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both.

The programmes often include a computer-based training system and tools to produce a virtual classroom. The tuition fees for distance learning vary from institution to programme to country. It is certain that the student saves expenses related to accommodation and transportation, because you can maintain the current living expenses. Distance learning is also a great solution for people that already have a job, and still want or need further education.

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Education in Japan

• Distinctive Features of Education in Japan
• Past and Present of Education in Japan

1. Education System

• Preschool Education and Care
• Primary School
• Lower Secondary School
• Upper Secondary School
• Higher Education
• Teacher Training and Certificate System
• Social Education System
• Educational Administration
• International Student Policy
• Special Needs Education
• Education in Remote and Isolated Areas
• Senmon Gakko (Professional Training Colleges)
• Science Education at the Stage of Compulsory Education in Japan
• Key Points of the Revised Foreign Language National Curriculum Standards (Course of Study) at Elementary School and Lower Secondary School Levels
• Foreign Language (English) Education in Elementary School
• The Safety of School Facilities in Japan
• Current climate of ESD in Japan
• The Work Environment of Teachers in Japan
• Private School in Japan
• Teacher Transfer and Appointment System in Japan
• Local Educational Administration System in Japan
• Parental and community involvement in school management
• Changing Profiles of Teachers
• Recent Developments in Public Financial Assistance for Formal Education
• Public Financial Assistance for Formal Education
• Daily Life of Primary School
• Information Security Education for Students
• Gender Equality in Education
• International Cooperation in Education
• Moral Education
• Schools for Special Needs Education
• School Lunch Program
• Education Statistics of Japan
• New Trends in Preschool Education and Childcare in Japan
• Course of Study

• MEXT Website Usage Policy

Guide for Studying in Japan

Understanding Study Abroad in Japan

Benefits of studying in Japan

• Acquiring high Japanese proficiency will lead to future career advancement.
• You can get high quality education at a high level educational institution cheaper than in Europe and the United States.
• In addition to general studies such as economics, law, and engineering, you can study various fields such as animation, games, and hospitality at a higher education institution.
• You can experience Japan's unique historical culture and rich food culture.
• Japan has few crimes and you can live a study abroad life in a safe environment.

Role of Japanese language school

The purpose of studying abroad in Japan varies from student to student, such as receiving higher education, finding a job, or wanting to learn Japanese culture. Especially in order to play an active role in Japan, it is important to have knowledge of lifestyle and unique manners as well as language skills. Therefore, international students generally go on to school or get a job from a Japanese language school. There are various conditions for going on to higher education (university, graduate school, vocational school) or getting a job in Japan. By enrolling in a Japanese language school and then proceeding to the next step, you will be able to clear the conditions for going on to university, graduate school, vocational school, and getting a job.

Japanese Language School Offerings (at TCJ)

• You can get a student visa by enrolling in a Japanese language school.
• The Japanese language school will support you from getting a student visa to arriving in Japan.
• The school provides extensive life and career guidance.
• You will have the opportunity to take the JLPT 4 times and EJU 4 times during your 2 years of study.
• Even outside of class hours, you can deepen your understanding of Japanese society and acquire communication skills through cultural experiences and part-time jobs.

Reasons why it is difficult to go on to a higher education institution or get a job in Japan directly from your home country(outside Japan)

Admission requirements for Japanese language school (TCJ)

• Completed a 12-year curriculum in your home country and have a high school diploma. Must have a high school diploma.
• If the education system in your home country is less than 12 years, Japanese language skills equivalent to JLPT N5 or higher or proof of learning 150 hours
• Have sufficient ability to pay tuition and living expenses in Japan

Status of Residence

When a foreigner wishes to stays in Japan, a status of residence suitable for the activity is required. If you come to Japan study, your status of residence will be "Student". *In addition, you can study abroad in Japan with a short-term stay (Tourist VISA: up to 3 months) or a working holiday visa.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document required to obtain a visa, and the host organization (Japanese language school) submits the document to the Immigration Bureau and applies for it. The date of application to the Immigration Bureau is set according to the admission period (You can only apply from one school at a time.).

This is what you need to present at immigration when entering Japan. You can apply at the embassy or consulate of your home country with a COE. If you are going to studying abroad, you will be granted a "Student visa", and the initial period of stay you can obtain is generally one year and three months (After that, the period can be renewed for up to 2 years.).

Short-term study abroad / Working Holiday

In addition to long-term study abroad, TCJ also accepts students who take Japanese language courses in the form of short-term study abroad and working holidays.

Short-term study abroad(Tourist VISA)

• Those in the designated 68 countries and regions can stay in Japan for 90 days as a traveler without applying for a visa (The period of residence permit varies depending on the country / region.).
• You are not allowed to work part-time.
• After staying for a short stay, you cannot change your visa directly to "student". You will need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility separately.

*The list of 68 Countries and Regions for Visa Exemptions

*We do not support to apply for visas for short term stay other than exempt countries.

Working Holiday

• This system has been introduced between Japan and 26 countries / regions.
• Those under the age of 30 can apply at the embassies and consulates of each region.
• You are allowed to work.
• It is possible to change to a student visa after a working holiday

*The list of target country

Please check with the Japanese embassy in each country for details regarding the application.

What you can achieve by studying in Japan

Going to graduate school in Japan

The graduate school is where research is conducted based on specialized knowledge. There are three types: master's program (2 years), professional degree program (master's program), and doctoral program (5 years consistent, or 2 years in the first semester + 3 years in the second semester) (medical and dentistry are different.). It is possible to go on to a famous graduate school / laboratory, pursue a specialized research field, and then grasp an academic career or business career in Japan.

Requirements for graduate school

• Completed 16 years of curriculum in home country (acquired bachelor's degree) *As a general rule, a graduation qualification from a 4-year university is required, but even if you graduate from a 3-year university, there is a chance to apply after the preliminary examination.
• Research field expertise *It is possible to change the specialty of the bachelor's program, but the difficulty will increase.
• Japanese ability (approx.) : About JLPT N1 level
• English ability (approx.) : TOEIC 720~, TOEFL ibt 90~, IELTS 6.5~, Test in Practical English Proficiency (EIKEN) Grade1
• EJU (approx.) : Japanese subject 260 points、Writing above 30 points

Entrance examination contents

• Submission of research plan / Statement of purpose / Interview with the professor / Written exam, essay, Oral Exam

Estimated tuition fee for 1 year

• National and public universities :about 800,000~950,000 JPY
• Private university liberal arts (Literature, law, economy, etc.) : about 800,000 ~ 1,000,000 JPY
• Private university science (Engineering, science, etc.) : about 1,000,000 ~ 1,800,000 JPY

1. You are required to have the ability to explain the research content of your specialized field in Japanese. Therefore, it is necessary to study the ability to output (communication skills such as writing and speaking) at a Japanese language school.

2. Some graduate schools allow you to enroll only in English, but Japanese proficiency is required for living in Japan. Also, if you wish to work in Japan after completing the course, you will need to have a high level of Japanese proficiency.

3. Every year, many students from TCJ go on to leading national and private graduate schools. Please check here for the results of going on to higher education.

Going to a university in Japan

In addition to specialized knowledge, you will acquire a general education and obtain a bachelor's degree in four years. (Some faculties, such as medicine and dentistry, have a six-year system) There are also junior colleges where students can earn a junior college degree in two years. After graduating from university or junior college, you can get a job in Japan or go on to graduate school.

Requirements for university

• Completed a 12-year curriculum in your home country and have a high school diploma. *If the education system in your home country is less than 12 years, you must have completed the course designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. For details, please check the application guidelines of each university.
• Japanese ability (approx.) : above JLPT N2 level
• Some departments require you to take General Subject, Mathematics I and II, and Science (Physics, Science, and Biology.).

*Other additional requirements by universities or faculty

• English ability (approx.) : TOEIC450~, TOEFL ibt 40~, IELTS 4.0~, Test in Practical English Proficiency (EIKEN) Grade2~
• Written exam (Japanese, English), Statement of purpose, Essay, interview (communication skills) *For international students, EJU results, attendance rate at Japanese language school, high school grades, etc. will be added to the selection.
• National and public universities : About 600,000 JPY
• Private university liberal arts (Literature, law, economy, etc.) : 800,000 ~ 1,500,000JPY
• Private university science (Engineering, science, etc.) 1,000,000 ~ 1,800,000JPY

1. For university entrance exams, you are required to have a high level of Japanese ability to handle the written exam, as well as the ability to speak and write in essays, statement of purpose, and interviews. Consequently, it is necessary to study firmly at a Japanese language school.

2. Application requirements differ depending on the university or faculty, so it is recommended that you research the university in your area of ​​interest in advance. While attending a Japanese language school, you can participate in open campuses and tour the university campus.

3. Every year, many students from TCJ go on to leading national and private universities. Please check here for the results of going on to higher education.

Going to a vocational school in Japan

A vocational school is a school where you can acquire skills and knowledge that are directly related to your profession, and study to acquire qualifications in your specialized field. You can obtain the title of Diploma (2 years or more) or Advanced Diploma (4 years or more, then you can go on to graduate school), and you can get a work visa by getting a job in the field you learned (If you have a bachelor's degree or higher in your home country, you can get a job in a different field.).

Fields you can learn (16 categories)

Requirements for vocational school

• Completed a 12-year curriculum in your home country and have a high school diploma. *If the education system in your home country is less than 12 years, you need to study at a school with a college preparatory program.
• Attendance rate 90% or more at Japanese language school
• Written Exam (Japanese), statement of purpose, Essay, interview (communication skills)
• 800,000 to 1,500,000 JPY (depending on the field)

1. At vocational schools, many practical lessons are included, so high communication skills such as speaking and listening are required. Consequently, it is necessary to study firmly at a Japanese language school.

2. There are some occupations which is difficult to obtain a work visa in Japan, such as beautician, music, and entertainment, but it is also possible to utilize acquired skills in your home country.

3. Many schools offer open campuses and hands-on lessons, and you can participate while attending a Japanese language school.

4. Every year, many students from TCJ go on to vocational schools that have strengths in each field. Please check here for the results of going on to higher education.

Finding a job in Japan

It is possible to find a job while attending a Japanese language school and seek employment at a Japanese company or a global company‘s branch office in Japan. Under the influence of the declining population, Japan is actively accepting human resources who wish to play an active role in Japan from all over the world, and opportunities for career advancement are expanding. *There are many students who return to their home countries and find employment in Japanese companies as well.

Types of employment available

Business management, sales, marketing, trade, finance, human resources, general affairs, planning, interpreter translation, language teacher, designer, IT engineer, design, production technology, production control, etc.

Requirements for getting a job in Japan

• Obtained a bachelor's degree or higher in your home country
• Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or above *More than 80% of Japanese companies are required to have N2 level or higher. In addition to JLPT, you may also see the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test. Both can be obtained while attending a Japanese language school.

Job hunting exam content

• Written exam, application form, interview

Career and income in Japan

• Career paths and income vary depending on the size of the company, industry, and occupation, but in general, the starting salary for new graduates for both Japanese and foreign-affiliated companies starts at around 3-4 million.
• Dismissal regulations are strict in Japan, and employees are well taken care of. Many Japanese companies have extensive training for new employees and OJT, which makes for a more stable work environment than in other countries.

1. Many Japanese companies value personality as well as skill and experience, so most of them seek face-to-face interviews. Consequently, it is important to have an interview after understanding the Japanese lifestyle and etiquette. Studying Japanese at a Japanese language school and becoming accustomed to life and manners in Japan will be a great advantage in your job search.

2. TCJ has a job hunting course, and offers classes to learn business Japanese for those who want to get a job in Japan, as well as specialized job hunting measures.

Japanese Language Tests

Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

Purpose / features.

• JLPT is a 5-level Japanese Language Proficiency Test from N5 (Beginner) to N1 (Advanced).
• This is the most well-known exam conducted in 86 countries and regions in addition to Japan. This is a very important exam used by many Japanese educational institutions and Japanese companies to prove their Japanese proficiency.
• It is a is a computer-scored multiple-choice test that is divided into a "reading" test (letter, vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension) and a "listening" test.

Test Schedule

• Twice a year, July and December

Examination Fee (in Japan)

• 6,500 JPY (All levels)

Testing Organization

• The Japan Foundation Japan Educational Exchanges and Services

Estimated level and study hours

Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)

• This is a unified test to measure whether international students have sufficient Japanese proficiency and knowledge of basic subjects to study at Japanese universities and graduate schools.
• Depending on the university / faculty, the designated subject, the score of the application criteria, valid test sessions, etc. will differ.
• Apart from Japanese subjects, you can choose the test language from Japanese and English. However, some universities and faculties may not accept scores taken in English, so be sure to check the application conditions of your desired university in advance.
• By taking the three subjects and obtaining high scores, students will be qualified to receive a scholarship (study incentive) for some universities after admission.
• Twice a year, June and November
• 1 subject : 10,000 JPY
• 2 or 3 subjects : 18,000 JPY
• Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)

Subjects and Score

BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test

• This test can measure skills such as business communication ability and information processing ability in Japanese, which cannot be measured by JLPT.
• Instead of "pass / fail", the evaluation is based on score of 0 to 800 points and 6 levels of J5 to J1 + according to the score.
• It is divided into three parts: listening comprehension, listening and reading comprehension, and reading comprehension.
• Computer Based Test (CBT), can take at any time
• The Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation

Estimated level

About Japanese Skills

• If you want to go on to a Japanese university, graduate school, vocational school, or want to get a job, high Japanese language ability is essential, and communication skills are especially required. It is very difficult to go on to higher education or get a job just by studying Japanese in your home country. For this reason, it is common for many students to first enroll in a Japanese language school, establish a living foundation, improve their linguistic knowledge and communication skills in Japanese, and take measures for going on to higher education and finding employment.High Japanese proficiency is the key to success after you go on to school or get a job.

About Japanese language school

• Depending on the time of enrollment, you can study at a Japanese language school for up to two years. Some schools enroll twice a year (April and October) and some schools enroll four times a year (April, July, October and January). *TCJ accepts students four times a year.
• The academic year in Japan is usually from April to March. *If you want to receive higher education in Japan, you will graduate from a Japanese language school in March and then go on to higher education in April, so the study period will vary depending on the time of admission to the Japanese language school (ex. : 1 year and 9 months for admission in July).
• While studying at a Japanese language school, some students (mainly Chinese-speaking) go to a separate cram school in preparation for going on to higher education, while others work part-time at the same time.
• Attendance rate at a Japanese language school is very important for maintaining your status of residence and going on to higher education. If the attendance rate is low, you may not be able to apply to your desired school, or you may have to return to your home country without being able to renew your visa (Many schools require an attendance rate of 90% or higher.).

Accommodation

• You can enter the Student Dormitory, which is affiliated with and owned by the school. You can also search for rental properties yourself and rent guest houses, share houses, condominiums, etc.

Required cost

• Studying in Japan requires other expenses in addition to tuition. Expense supporters (yourself or relatives) are required to submit a certificate of bank balance to prove their ability to pay. If you cannot prove the deposit amount of at least 1.2 to 1.5 million JPY that you can pay for the first year of study abroad, you may not be issued a certificate of eligibility. It is necessary to prepare funds in advance.
• Travel expenses to Japan (airline tickets, visas) : 50,000 to 100,000 JPY *Depends on region and distance
• Japanese language school tuition: 800,000-850,000 JPY for the first year, 750,000-800,000 JPY for the second year
• Living expenses : 1 million to 1.2 million JPY per year *Meals, accommodation, utilities, transportation, entertainment, etc.

Part-time Job

• With permission for engaging in part-time work, you are allowed to work part-time for up to 28 hours a week. However, if you exceed 28 hours a week even once, you will be forced to return to Japan without being able to renew your visa, so be sure to follow the time restrictions. *Estimated income from part-time job : 100,000 per month x 12 months = 1.2 million yen per year *It is possible to cover living expenses while studying abroad from a part-time job. *Part-time jobs such as restaurants (waiters, cooking), convenience stores, supermarkets, office work, language teachers, cleaning staff, etc. are options.

The steps to studying in Japan (Long-term study abroad)

Flow until the start of study abroad, please fill out the inquiry form and send it to us., you will be interviewed in person or online (zoom, skype, qq, etc.) with a tcj student affairs staff member. tell us as specific a goal as possible about your desired career path., complete and submit all necessary documents to tcj and transfer the application fee to the school., tcj will apply for a "certificate of eligibility" on behalf of the applicant to the immigration bureau. after examination by the immigration bureau, tcj will receive the applicant’s certificate of eligibility., we will issue an invoice for tuition fees. after confirming the payment, tcj will send the applicant a certificate of entrance and a certificate of eligibility., applicants are required to apply for and obtain a student visa at the japanese embassy or consulate in their home country., before coming to japan, you will prepare for your life and proceed with the booking of your airplane ticket., your study abroad life has begun, application schedule by admission period.

Documents required to obtain status of residence

The immigration bureau of japan requires different documents to be submitted for each nationality..

First, please check if your nationality is included in the list below.

Asia | 13 countries / regions

• Brunei, China, China [Hong Kong], China [Macau], Cyprus, Malaysia, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey

North America | 2 countries / regions

• Canada, United States

Europe | 47 countries / regions

• Albania, Andra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Kosovo, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkmenistan, Romania, Russia

Pacific Oceania | 9 countries / regions

• Australia, Fiji, Marshall, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu

Middle and South America | 28 countries / regions

• Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbatos, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Commonwealth of Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Guatemala, Grenada, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

Middle East | 10 countries / regions

• Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates

Africa | 9 countries / regions

• Algeria, Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa

Regarding the submission of documents, TCJ staff will carefully support you according to your situation, so please explain your situation firmly in advance and follow the staff's advice.

The school will prepare an application for status of residence based on the submitted documents and apply to the Immigration Bureau of Japan. Whether you are a nationality listed or not, you may be required to submit additional documents by the Immigration Bureau, so we may ask you to prepare in advance.

If your nationality is on the list above

• Personal Records (Designated form）
• Copy of passport (Pages with Japanese immigration stamps, if you have entered Japan previously) *It doesn't matter if you don't have a passport when you apply for COE.
• Original graduation certificate (The original diploma will be confirmed by the Immigration Bureau. We will definitely return it after the screening.)
• Japanese proficiency certificates(ex. : JLPT N5 or learning certificate more than150 hours) ★ See bellow
• Original academic transcript
• Letter of Paying Expenses (designated form)
• China : Notarial deed
• Other countries : Birth Certificates, notarial deed, Affidavit, etc.
• Deposit balance certificate
• Documents that prove income (previous year)
• 6 pieces of photographs (taken within 3 months)

If your nationality is not on the list above, the following documents are also required.

• List of Sponsor’s Family Members (Designated form）
• Demonstration materials for the funding process of the last three years (copy of account book, account activities statements, Monthly transaction reports, etc.)
• Documents to prove the sponsor’s occupation (Certificate of employment, Business registration, certificate of full registry records, etc.)
• Documents that prove income for the past three years (Income certificate, tax payment certificate, pay slip, etc.)
• *For those who have been more than 5 years after the graduation, explanation letter (A4 sheet 1 page or more) is required including the reason for studying Japanese and the plan after the graduation from Japanese language school.
• *All documents must be issued within three months of the date of application.
• *All non-Japanese documents must have a Japanese or English translation.

★ Japanese language test officially recognized by the Immigration Bureau of Japan

• JLPT N5 or above
• BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test above 300 points
• J.TEST above Ｆ Level or above 250 points on F/Ｇ Level test
• NAT-TEST above Level 5
• STBJ (Standard Test for Business Japanese) above 350 points
• TOP-J above Beginner A level
• J-cert above Beginner
• JLCT (Japanese Language Capability Test) JCT1 ~ JCT5
• PJC bridge A+ ~ C-
• JPT (Japanese Proficiency Test) above 315 points

In the case of learning proof only, a certificate that includes the following contents as much as possible (1)Length of study (Start date and end date), (2)Attendance rate, (3)Course content, (4)Course name, (5)Target level of the course, (6)Name of teaching materials used

All TCJ staff and faculty members are committed to providing you with the best possible support, from preparation for study abroad to day-to-day life in Japan, so that you can build a successful career through your studies in Japan.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us., student visa program course.

TCJ is located in Shinanomachi station, just 5 minutes by train from Shinjuku station, the heart of Tokyo. The school is conveniently located right next to the train station for excellent access and overlooks the beautiful outer gardens of Meiji Shrine, where the scenery changes with the seasons.

Address: 34 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Access: - 0 min from Shinanomachi Station on JR Chuo-Sobu Line - 7 min on foot from Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station on Toei Oedo Line

*All prices include 10% tax.

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The Japanese higher education system explained

Do you like the sound of studying in Japan, but have questions about how it all works? Our straightforward guide to Japanese higher education explains everything from the academic calendar to academic culture.

With an international student population of more than 230,000, and a plan to reach 400,000 by 2030, Japan is a top educational destination for people across the world. This nation of ancient tradition and technological advances is eager to welcome you into its globally respected universities, where memories of a lifetime can be made. First, though, you will want to know how studying there works. Read on as we explain, with our simple guide to Japan's higher education system.

Types of institution

Universities.

There are three main types of university in Japan, of which all are eligible to offer bachelor's degrees.

National universities receive funding from Japan's government, and are usually viewed as the most prestigious institutions in the country. There are around 86 in total, including the University of Tokyo – one of the top 30 in the world.

Public universities receive funding from local governments (municipal or prefectural). This means that while they are less prestigious than national universities, they often have stronger links with their community. There are almost 100 public universities in Japan.

Private universities make up the large majority of universities in Japan, with more than 600 of them currently in existence. As they do not receive government funding, they often have to charge higher fees. However, this also means that they have more freedom and flexibility with their curriculum and admissions policies.

Other types of institution

There are a number of other types of post-secondary educational institution in Japan, all offering qualifications that are not equivalent to a full degree. These include junior colleges , specialised training colleges and colleges of technology . Often, they focus on vocational education, meaning that courses there are aimed at preparing students for a specific type of work.

At such an institution, you can receive an associate degree or a diploma. You could use this to take you straight into the workplace, or a university. If that sounds good, you might also want to consider the other benefits. Fees and entry requirements are often lower, and courses often take less time to complete.

Not sure what subject you want to pursue? Discover the top fields to study in Japan .

Types of qualification

Undergraduate degrees.

In Japan, undergraduate degrees typically take four years to complete. Some medical courses last for six years. The qualification received upon graduation is known in the country as gakushi .

Postgraduate degrees

After the completion of an undergraduate degree, it will ordinarily take another two years to complete a postgraduate degree (or shushi ). Traditionally, these are less common in Japan than other countries, but that is changing. An increasing number of institutions now have graduate schools, with most postgraduate students enrolled in one at a national university.

A doctoral programme (or hakushi ) will take another three years to complete after obtaining a postgraduate qualification. There are currently around 70,000 PhD students in Japan, meaning that only around 3 per cent of its undergraduates will go on to study at this level.

If you would prefer to stay in the country for work after your first degree, we can help. Read our guide to finding a graduate career in Japan .

Academic year

The academic year in Japan traditionally runs from April until the following March, and this is the case at most of its universities.

The year is typically broken down into a system of two, three or four semesters, with holidays in summer, winter and spring. Most universities opt for two semesters, with the first ending in September, and the second starting in October.

At postgraduate level, there is more variation to the system. Some courses run from September or October into the following summer. This brings the year into line with that of many other countries, which can be a boost to international students coming to Japan for the first time.

When arriving in the country to study, you will need permission to do so. Find out how to get it with our guide to applying for a student visa in Japan .

Entrance exams

Entrance exams are a common feature of the application process for many university courses in Japan, and something to which international students can be subject.

Notably, the Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU) is used by many universities to assess international students' abilities in the Japanese language, as well as other subjects. While taking it is not required by every university – and especially rarely, for courses taught in English – it is something of which you should be aware in advance.

Alternatively, you may be able to take the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) to prove your abilities. Both exams have the added potential benefit of being used to assess applications for some Japanese scholarships .

Want to know more about how you could enrol in the country? Read our guide to applying to a Japanese university .

Grading system

Unlike in many countries, there is no standardised grading system in Japanese higher education. However, many universities use a four-point scale of A, B, C and F. Only the most exceptional work is given an A grade, while an F is a fail. Students who receive the latter may be able to retake the exam or assignment for which it was given.

In addition to the four-point scale, many universities now use the GPA system. This provides students with a numerical score which can range from 0.0 to 4.0, comparable to the system used in countries such as America.

When it comes to numbers, counting the cost of studying is also important. Explore this with our article on tuition fees in Japan .

Academic culture

Higher education in Japan is taken seriously, with tough competition for places at the best universities – which is where the hard work begins.

Nonetheless, there is a lot of time for fun. Student clubs and societies (known in Japan as circles) are important parts of university culture, offering a much-needed chance to relax and socialise with new friends.

While there are many aspects of life in Japan that may be new to you, there is no need to worry. If you embrace the country, it is likely to embrace you back. More than anything, Japan is keen to welcome more international students – and that includes you.

Has our guide to Japan's higher education system raised your interest in becoming part of it? You might want to look at our list of things to do in Japan , or our guide to student accommodation in Japan . If you're still unsure about attending university in the country, explore our top reasons to study in Japan .

Why study in Japan?

Enrol at a Japanese university, and you won't just leave with a degree: you'll take away lifelong memories of an incredible country that may just become your home. The high-quality education here is matched by world-renowned employers, culture and quality of life. However many of the country's 14,000 islands you manage to visit, you will always want to see more. If you still need convincing, though, keep reading. Here, we set out the reasons why studying in Japan is

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100 Best universities for Education Majors in Japan

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Japan ranked based on their research performance in Education Majors. A graph of 377K citations received by 46.7K academic papers made by 158 universities in Japan was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Tokyo

For Education Majors

2. Kyoto University

3. Osaka University

4. Nagoya University

5. Kyushu University

6. Keio University

7. Hokkaido University

8. Tohoku University

9. University of Tsukuba

10. Tokyo Institute of Technology

11. Waseda University

12. Hiroshima University

13. Kobe University

14. Tokyo University of Science

15. Chiba University

16. Kanazawa University

17. Ritsumeikan University

18. Okayama University

19. University of Electro-Communications

20. Kansai University

21. Nihon University

22. Shizuoka University

23. Tokyo Metropolitan University

24. Gunma University

25. Nara Institute of Science and Technology

26. Niigata University

27. Kumamoto University

28. Saga University

29. Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

30. Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

31. University of Tokushima

32. Doshisha University

33. Kanda University of International Studies

34. Kyushu Institute of Technology

35. Sophia University

36. Yokohama National University

37. Osaka Prefecture University

38. Kwansei Gakuin University

39. Aoyama Gakuin University

40. Tokai University

41. Tokyo Denki University

42. Ibaraki University

43. Tokyo Gakugei University

44. Chuo University

45. Osaka City University

46. Nagaoka University of Technology

47. Meiji University

48. Hosei University

49. Gifu University

50. University of Aizu

51. Tottori University

52. University of Fukui

53. Yokohama City University

54. Nagoya Institute of Technology

55. Tokyo Medical and Dental University

56. Hiroshima City University

57. International Christian University

58. Ochanomizu University

59. Saitama University

60. Rikkyo University

61. Toyo University

62. Yamaguchi University

63. Ehime University

64. Shibaura Institute of Technology

65. Fukuoka University

66. Toyohashi University of Technology

67. Kindai University

68. Utsunomiya University

69. Hyogo University of Teacher Education

70. Shinshu University

71. Tokyo University of Information Sciences

72. kanagawa university.

73. Kochi University of Technology

74. University of Yamanashi

75. Graduate University for Advanced Studies

76. Tokyo University of the Arts

77. Shimane University

78. Kagoshima University

79. Yamagata University

80. Iwate University

81. University of Toyama

82. Mie University

83. Akita University

84. Teikyo University

85. Nagasaki University

86. Akita International University

87. Kogakuin University

88. Kanazawa Institute of Technology

89. Kitasato University

90. Kagawa University

91. Hitotsubashi University

92. Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics

93. Tamagawa University

94. Kyoto Sangyo University

95. Meijo University

96. Hokkaido University of Education

97. Hiroshima Institute of Technology

98. Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)

99. Wakayama University

100. Nagoya University of Commerce and Business Administration

The best cities to study Education Majors in Japan based on the number of universities and their ranks are Tokyo , Kyoto , Suita , and Nagoya .

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences subfields in Japan

Study in Japan: how to apply and visa guidance

Japanese universities are becoming increasingly attractive to international students. This curated selection of links will help your students apply for a place, arrange a visa and secure funding

Caradoc Peters

• More on this topic

You may also like

Welcome to the world of Japanese universities – increasingly attractive to international students, thanks to their academic reputation and the availability of English-language programmes, as well as their cost-effectiveness, plentiful scholarships and streamlined visa process.

This helpful website for counsellors and international students contains information, links and a list of careers fairs (online and in person) and other events.

Japan has prominent universities, such as the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University (29th and joint 55th, respectively in Times Higher Education ’s World University Rankings ), as well as partnerships and exchanges with prestigious overseas universities.

The country is noted for technology, engineering and business, although this belies the diversity of choices available. Besides the top-ranking institutions, there are highly innovative universities, with excellence in particular areas, in a range of urban, campus and rural locations.

Japan has some very competitive, cost-effective universities, and is actively recruiting international students. Many programmes are available in English, and the number is likely to grow. Encourage your students to be open-minded about the innovative range of programmes available.

1. Applying to study in Japan

My experience with applications to universities in Japan is that they can involve hard copy, wet signatures (from school principals), school stamps and courier mail. Set up standard procedures by liaising with your senior leadership team, and ensure that students and staff know what to expect.

Deadlines vary from November to April, with differences between e-deadlines and postal deadlines.

Communicate with university admissions departments via email and even telephone if you are stuck.

Application forms

Here are some sample university application links:

• University of Tokyo
• Kyoto University
• Nagoya University
• Waseda University (the most internationalised university in Japan, with an excellent alumni network)
• Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (founded in 2000, not high ranking, but renowned for its rich, diverse campus life. NB: this is not the same as Ritsumeikan University)

Sometimes you can just fill out an online form; in other cases, you have to complete a downloaded form and courier it to the university, along with supporting documents. One tip: make a note of telephone helplines. In one case, I forgot my password and found no password recovery on the portal.

Supporting documents

Some universities might insist that these be sent in an envelope that has been stamped and signed over its seal, to authenticate the school’s approval. Others – such as the University of Tokyo – provide an online portal.

Supporting documents might include:

• Completed application form
• Certificate of graduation/expected graduation, signed by the principal (an example is here )
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Predicted grades
• Standardised tests
• Proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS ). Alternatively, if students are applying for programmes in Japanese, they will need to pass this examination
• Essays addressing a prompt
• Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counsellors
• Résumé or CV, detailing academic and extracurricular achievements
• Copy of passport or other identification documents
• Financial certification or proof of ability to pay tuition fees and living expenses
• Any additional documents required by the specific programme or university.

2. Visa guidance

Before applying for a visa, students must obtain a certificate of eligibility from the university or other sponsor in Japan. The visa application form should be submitted to a Japanese consulate or embassy in the student’s home country, with the following documents:

• Certificate of eligibility
• Photographs
• Proof of admission to a Japanese educational institution
• Financial documents demonstrating ability to cover living expenses
• Health insurance certificate
• Any other documents required by the embassy or consulate

There may be a follow-up visa interview. Then, if all goes well, the visa is issued.

3. Funding opportunities

Here are some links for application forms for international student scholarships to study in Japan:

• MEXT Scholarship (Monbukagakusho Scholarship)
• MEXT Scholarship for Young Leaders programme
• JASSO scholarship
• ADB-Japan scholarship programme
• Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship
• JICA scholarship programme
• Sophia University International Scholarship
• Keio University International Scholarship
• Rotary Peace Fellowships

Promotion of Educational Travel to Japan

• ABOUT JAPAN EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
• arrow_right WHY JAPAN?
• arrow_right Traditional culture
• arrow_right Modern culture
• arrow_right Natural environment
• arrow_right Japanese food
• arrow_right Sports
• arrow_right Made in Japan
• arrow_right Crisis management
• arrow_right Social systems and infrastructure
• arrow_right Peace and friendship
• arrow_right SCHOOL IN JAPAN
• arrow_right JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
• arrow_right SCHOOL LIFE IN JAPAN
• arrow_right PLAN YOUR TRIP
• arrow_right SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
• arrow_right SCHOOL EXCHANGES
• arrow_right TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE SCHOOL EXCHANGE
• arrow_right IN-PERSON EXCHANGES
• arrow_right ONLINE EXCHANGES
• arrow_right VISITOR'S VOICES

class JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

About Japanese Educational System and Japanese Schools.

Curriculum Outline

The Japanese school system primarily consists of six-year elementary schools, three-year junior high schools and three-year high schools, followed by a two-or-three-year junior colleges or a four-year colleges. Compulsory education lasts for 9 years through elementary and junior high school. School exchanges during Japan Educational Travel are mainly implemented in junior high and high schools. For physically or mentally challenged students, there is a system called “Special Needs Education” to support special students to develop their self-reliance and thus enhance their social participation.

School Education Chart

Introduction to Schools in Japan

Event school timetable.

Public schools in Japan have classes five days a week, from Monday to Friday. There are also schools that have classes on Saturday. In junior high and high schools, there are six class periods each day, typically lasting 50 minutes for each. After classes, students clean the classrooms in shifts and then start their club activities. There are a variety of clubs such as cultural and sports ones.

An Example of School Timetable

event Academic Calendar

In principle, the school year begins in April and ends in March of the following year. Most schools adopt a three-semester system, with the first semester from April to August, the second semester from September to December, and the third semester from January to March. There is also a summer break (from the end of July to the end of August), a winter break (from the end of December to the beginning of January), and a spring break (from the end of March to the beginning of April).

An Example of Academic Calendar

event School Organization

Each school has a principal, a vice principal, teachers, a school nurse, and other administration staff. As the chief executive, the principal assumes all responsibilities of the school, including the courses provided and related administrative work. The vice principal supports the principal to manage administrative affairs of the school and to be in charge of student’s educational activities and curriculum as well. Furthermore, in order to ensure school’s smooth operation, teachers take on various responsibilities, such as taking care of educational activities, students’school life, and employment guidance for students after graduation. Many schools also establish their own committees, for example a International Exchange Promotion Committee, and others.

Related Information

Special Features of Japanese Education

About Features of Japanese Education.

event Regarding the Level of Education

The level of Japanese education is high even by world standards. In OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) aimed at fifteen-year-olds, Japanese students recorded high levels of achievement, particularly in science related areas. Educational activities outside of school also flourish, and programs leading to advanced education are implemented. Enrollment in high schools, the second-half of secondary education, reaches over 90%, and the enrollments in college are also high reaching over 50%. Admission to high schools and colleges is mainly through entrance exams, held from January to March. Source: OECD

location_city Foreign Language Education

English is a compulsory subject in junior high and high schools. There are also elementary schools that introduce English education from intermediate grade classes. In some high schools, apart from English, students are also allowed to take courses in Chinese, Korean, French, German, etc.

location_city Student Clubs

Student clubs are a characteristic part in Japan’s school education. Under teachers’ guidance, students with the same interests in sports, cultural activities, or fields of study voluntarily gather together after classes and on days off. There are also numerous student clubs revolving around Japanese traditional sports and culture, such as judo, kendo(Japanese swordsmanship), sado (Japanese tea ceremony), kado (Japanese flower arrangement), shodo (Japanese calligraphy), etc. Club activities also provide students with the chance to participate in school exchange and friendly matches.

Sports Clubs

• Track and Field
• Kendo (Japanese swordsmanship)

Culture Clubs

• School Band
• School Choir
• Kado (Japanese flower arrangement)
• Sado (Japanese tea ceremony)
• Shodo (Japanese calligraphy)

check 学校交流する場合のポイント

Check_box 1～3月は受験シーズンのため交流は難しい.

海外における教育旅行は、それぞれの国・地域によって特徴が異なると考えられるが、日本で現在受け入れている教育旅行は、日本の修学旅行のように、教師等の引率者と児童生徒で構成される団体旅行として実施されることが多い。

check_box 英語での交流が可能

Check_box 部活動も充実, stories of school exchanges.

Learn About School Life in Japan

• Universities
• Career Options
• Distance Education
• Education Funding
• International Tests
• » K12

Elementary and Secondary Education in Japan

• National Schools that are set up and financed by the national government.
• Local Schools that are set up by the municipal government and financed by all 3 levels of government.

Structure of K-12 Education in Japan

• Pre-Schools (yochien) and Day care Centres (hoikuen).
• 6 years – of Elementary Schools (shogakko),
• 3 years- of Lower Secondary Schools or Middle Schools (chugakko)
• 3 years- of Upper Secondary Schools or Highe Schools (kotogakko)
• Special Needs Education Schools

Compulsory Education

School year in japan.

• Begin in April and end in July
• Begin in September and end in December
• Begin in January and end in March

Language of Instruction

K-12 education facts.

• Academic- The academic juku provide lessons in school studies such as Japanese language, math, social studies, science, and English. 
• Non-Academic: Focuses on a broad scope of disciplines such as piano, arts lessons, abacus, swimming, and calligraphy. 

Preschool Education

• Preschools (yochien): Generally staffed by young female junior college graduates, and are administered and overseen by the Ministry of Education. 
• Day-care centres (hoikuen): These are managed and run by the Ministry of Labour and also offer preschool education. 

Primary Education 

• Academic Subjects: Include the basics of reading and writing in Japanese and English, math, social studies and science.
• Non-Academic Subjects: Include Music, Physical education, environment studies, arts and handicrafts, homemaking and moral education

Secondary Education

Lower secondary school (chugakko), upper secondary education (kotogakko).

• Duration:  3 years 
• Credits required: At least 80 credits
• Course of Study : Japanese language, English, Science, Math, History, Civics, geography, Politics and economics, physical education, world history, music, fine arts, homemaking, crafts, and a foreign language
• Leaving Certificate/Credential:  Certificate of Secondary Education (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho).
• Duration: 3 years  
• Credits Required: At least 80 credits
• Curriculum/Syllabus:  Agriculture, Information processing, fisheries, business English, ceramics, industry, home economics, Navigation, nursing, and welfare.
• General subjects: Japanese language, math, social studies, arts, science, physical education, and a foreign language.
• Leaving Certificate : Certificate of Secondary Education (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shosho).

Special Needs Education

Application procedure , grading mechanism of elementary and secondary schools, related links.

• Japanese Language Institutions
• Education System
• Higher Education
• Admission Requirements
• International Students

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Access to education, participation and progress

Financial resources invested in education, teachers, the learning environment and the organisation of schools, more information, key facts for japan in education at a glance 2023, diagram of the education system.

This country note provides an overview of the key characteristics of the education system in Japan. It draws on data from Education at a Glance 2023 . In line with the thematic focus of this year’s Education at a Glance, it emphasises vocational education and training (VET), while also covering other parts of the education system. Data in this note are provided for the latest available year. Readers interested in the reference years for the data are referred to the corresponding tables in Education at a Glance 2023 .

Vocational programmes at the upper secondary level attract a relatively small share of young people in Japan. Amongst those aged 15-19, only 12% are enrolled in upper secondary vocational programmes, while the average in OECD countries is 23%.

Short-cycle tertiary programmes are the second most common level of education for new entrants into tertiary education among OECD countries, but their importance differs widely across countries. Such programmes are popular in Japan, with 35% of first-time entrants to tertiary education choosing this level of education, compared to 19% on average across the OECD.

In spite of challenges to international movement resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, international student mobility persisted in many OECD countries. In Japan, although the number of international students decreased due to the pandemic, the share of these students at tertiary level remained between 5% and 6% in 2019-2021.

Across all levels from primary to tertiary education, Japan spends USD 13 006 annually per full-time equivalent student (adjusted for purchasing power), compared to the OECD average of USD 12 647. In 2020, Japan spent 4.1% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on primary to tertiary educational institutions, while OECD countries spent 5.1% of GDP on average.

On average across OECD countries and other participants, instruction in reading, writing and literature and in mathematics accounts for 41% of compulsory instruction time at primary level and 27% of compulsory instruction time at lower secondary level. In Japan, these subjects account for 39% of instruction time for primary school students and 24% of instruction time for lower secondary school students. At the same time, a relatively large share of instruction time at these levels in Japan is devoted to “other subjects,” including, among others, the Period for Integrated Studies and student-led activities ( Tokkatsu ). At primary level, 13% of instruction time is devoted to other subjects, while other subjects account for 12% of instruction time at lower secondary level, compared to OECD averages of 4% and 3%, respectively.

The salaries of upper secondary teachers (with the most prevalent qualification and 15 years of experience) decreased in real terms in many OECD countries between 2015 and 2022. This was also the case in Japan, where they decreased by 2% in real terms between 2015 and 2022.

Participation in high-quality early childhood education (ECE) has a positive effect on children’s well-being, learning and development in the first years of their lives. In Japan, 9% of 2-year-olds are enrolled in ECE and 53% in other registered Early Childhood Education and Care services. This increases to 89% of 3-year-olds, 98% of 4-year-olds and 97% of 5-year-olds.

Compulsory education in Japan starts at the age of 6 and continues until the age of 15. Students can typically graduate from age 17 from general upper secondary programmes. (Here, the typical age refers to the age of the students at the beginning of the school year; most students will be 18 when they graduate at the end of the school year.) Students also typically graduate from vocational upper secondary programmes at age 17 onwards. This is different from most OECD countries, where graduates from vocational upper secondary programmes have a wider age range, reflecting the greater diversity of pathways into these programmes than for general ones.

Bachelor’s programmes are the most popular programmes for new entrants to tertiary education. On average across the OECD, they attract 76% of all new students compared to 63% in Japan. Short-cycle tertiary programmes are the second most common level of education for new entrants into tertiary education, but their importance differs widely across countries. In Japan, they are chosen by 35% of all new entrants.

Perhaps surprisingly, the share of international students at tertiary level has not been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in many OECD countries. However, a few countries experienced double digit declines in the share of international students. Japan is not one of them, as the share of international students remained between 5% and 6% between 2019 and 2021.

All OECD and partner countries devote a substantial share of their domestic output to education. In 2020, OECD countries spent on average 5.1% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on primary to tertiary educational institutions. In Japan, the corresponding share was 4.1% of GDP, of which 29% was dedicated to primary education, 17% to lower secondary education, 19% to upper secondary and post-secondary education combined, 5% to short-cycle tertiary programmes and 29% to bachelor's, master's and doctoral or equivalent programmes (Figure 1). Of note, spending on short-cycle tertiary programmes as a share of GDP devoted to educational institutions was higher in Japan than in all but three other OECD countries with available data.

Funding for education in absolute terms is strongly influenced by countries’ income levels. Countries with higher per capita GDP tend to spend more per student than those with lower per capita GDP. Across all levels from primary to tertiary education, Japan spends USD 13 006 annually per full-time equivalent student (adjusted for purchasing power), compared to the OECD average of USD 12 647. Annual expenditure per student is equivalent to 30% of annual per capita GDP, which is above the OECD average of 27%. Strong expenditure at tertiary level helps to explain this, with expenditure per student equivalent to 49% of per capita GDP in Japan, compared to the OECD average of 38%. At all other levels of education, Japan is either at or slightly above the corresponding OECD average.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for education systems across the world. On average across the OECD, expenditure on primary to tertiary educational institutions per full-time equivalent student (including expenditure on research and development) grew by 0.4% from 2019 to 2020 (the first year of the pandemic and the latest period with available data). In Japan, it increased by 1.4%. This change in expenditure per student is the result of total expenditure on educational institutions increasing by 0.7% and the total number of full-time equivalent students decreasing by 0.8%.

1. Year of reference differs from 2020. Refer to the source table for more details.

2. Upper secondary vocational programmes include lower secondary vocational programmes.

3. Upper secondary programmes include lower secondary programmes.

4. Primary education includes pre-primary programmes.

Countries are ranked in descending order of total expenditure on primary and lower secondary institutions.

Source: OECD/UIS/Eurostat (2023), Table C2.1. For more information see Source section and Education at a Glance 2023 Sources, Methodologies and Technical Notes (OECD, 2023 [1] ).

Government sources dominate non-tertiary education funding in all OECD countries, while the private sector contributes 9% of the total expenditure on educational institutions on average. Private funding in Japan accounted for 7% of expenditure at primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary levels.

On average across OECD countries, more than half of government expenditure on primary to post-secondary non-tertiary education comes from subnational governments. In Japan, 1% of the funding comes from the central government, after transfers between government levels, 29% from the regional level and 70% from the local level.

The total compulsory instruction time throughout primary and lower secondary education varies widely from country to country (Figure 2). Across the OECD, over the course of primary and lower secondary education, compulsory instruction time totals an average of 7 634 hours, distributed over nine grades. In Japan, the total compulsory instruction time is lower, at 7 338 hours, over nine grades.

Note: Instruction hours for each grade refer to average hours per grade for the level of education. Numbers in square brackets refer to the total number of years for primary and lower secondary education.

1. Estimated number of hours by level of education based on the average number of hours per year, as for some subjects, the allocation of instruction time across multiple levels is flexible.

2. Year of reference 2022.

3. The number of grades in lower secondary education is three or four, depending on the track. The fourth year of pre-vocational secondary education was excluded from the calculation.

Countries and other participants are ranked in ascending order of the total number of compulsory instruction hours.

Source: OECD (2023), Table D1.1. For more information see Source section and Education at a Glance 2023 Sources, Methodologies and Technical Notes (OECD, 2023 [1] ).

On average across OECD countries, 25% of the compulsory instruction time in primary education is devoted to reading, writing and literature and 16% to mathematics. In lower secondary education, the share is 15% for reading, writing and literature and 13% for mathematics. In Japan, 23% of instruction time is devoted to reading, writing and literature and 16% to mathematics at primary level compared to 12% each to both subjects at lower secondary level. The relatively low share of instruction time devoted to reading, writing and literature and mathematics is due in part to the relatively large share of instruction time devoted to “other subjects,” which include Home Economics, Living Environment Studies, the Period for Integrated Studies and student-led activities ( Tokkatsu ) at primary level and Technology and Home Economics, the Period for Integrated Studies and student-led activities ( Tokkatsu ) at lower secondary level. At primary level, 13% of instruction time is devoted to these other subjects, while other subjects account for 12% of instruction time at lower secondary level, compared to OECD averages of 4% and 3%, respectively.

Teachers’ salaries are an important determinant of the attractiveness of the teaching profession, but they also represent the single largest expenditure category in formal education. In most OECD countries, the salaries of teachers in public educational institutions increase with the level of education they teach, and also with experience. On average, annual statutory salaries for upper secondary teachers in general programmes with the most prevalent qualification and 15 years of experience are USD 53 456 across the OECD. In Japan, the corresponding salary adjusted for purchasing power is USD 47 349, which is equivalent to JPY 5 549 000.

Between 2015 and 2022, statutory salaries of upper secondary teachers in general programmes (with the most prevalent qualification and 15 years of experience) declined in real terms in roughly half of all OECD countries with available data. In Japan, upper secondary teachers’ salaries decreased by 2% between 2015 and 2022.

National/central assessments (standardised tests with no consequence on students’ progression through school or certification) are more common at primary and lower secondary levels than at upper secondary level, while most OECD countries conduct national/central examinations (standardised tests with formal consequence) in the final years of upper secondary education. These national/central assessments and examinations take place at different grades and can have different periodicities, and their contents may vary over years and/or across students and are not necessarily compulsory for students. In Japan, there is one national/central assessment at primary level and one at lower secondary level. At upper secondary level, there is no national/central assessment that all students are expected to take. There is no national/central examination at any level.

OECD (2023), Education at a Glance 2023 Sources, Methodologies and Technical Notes , OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/d7f76adc-en .

OECD (2023), Education at a Glance Database, https://stats.oecd.org/ .

OECD (2023), Education at a Glance 2023: OECD Indicators , OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/e13bef63-en .

For more information on Education at a Glance 2023 and to access the full set of indicators, see: https://doi.org/10.1787/e13bef63-en .

For more information on the methodology used during the data collection for each indicator, the references to the sources and the specific notes for each country, see Education at a Glance 2023 Sources, Methodologies and Technical Notes ( https://doi.org/10.1787/d7f76adc-en ).

For general information on the methodology, please refer to the OECD Handbook for Internationally Comparative Education Statistics 2018 ( https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264304444-en ).

Updated data can be found on line at https://doi.org/10.1787/eag-data-en and by following the StatLinks   2 under the tables and charts in the publication.

Explore, compare and visualise more data and analysis using the Education GPS:

https://gpseducation.oecd.org/ .

Questions can be directed to:

Directorate for Education and Skills

[email protected]

This work is published under the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the OECD. The opinions expressed and arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of OECD member countries.

This document, as well as any data and any map included herein, are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area.

The statistical data for Israel are supplied by and under the responsibility of the relevant Israeli authorities. The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of international law.

The use of this work, whether digital or print, is governed by the terms and conditions to be found at www.oecd.org/termsandconditions/ .

Source: OECD (2023), “Japan: Diagram of education system”, OECD Education GPS, http://gpseducation.oecd.org/Content/MapOfEducationSystem/JPN/JPN_2011_EN.pdf

Please refer to “Japan: Diagram of education system” for information on the keys.

This document, as well as any data and map included herein, are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area. Extracts from publications may be subject to additional disclaimers, which are set out in the complete version of the publication, available at the link provided.

https://doi.org/10.1787/e13bef63-en

© OECD 2023

The use of this work, whether digital or print, is governed by the Terms and Conditions to be found at https://www.oecd.org/termsandconditions .

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Education System Profiles

Education in japan.

Sophia Chawala, Knowledge Analyst, WES

Japan’s economy was once the envy of the world. From the ashes of World War II rose a nation that, in a little over two decades, became the world’s second-largest economy. The Japanese Miracle, a period of rapid economic growth lasting from the post-World War II era to the end of the Cold War, made Japan the global model to emulate in industrial policy, management techniques, and product engineering. The postwar period left no room for the country’s continued reliance on military-industrial production and development. To effect a rapid transformation, Japan had to reimagine and redefine its national image beyond its militaristic and industrial past, which for centuries had been the cornerstone of its economy and national identity.

But by the 1990s, Japan found itself beleaguered, stuck in its worst recession since World War II. Years of rapid economic growth had given way to decline and eventually stagnation. While Japan’s economy has improved marginally since that “Lost Decade,” many of the conditions underlying that decline remain. Others, most notably the growing economic and military threat from China and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, have only grown.

Many analysts attribute Japan’s recent problems, particularly its slowing economy, to the country’s declining birthrates. In the 1970s, with the hyperactive economy causing the cost of living to rise and encouraging young men, and increasingly, women , to focus on their careers, birthrates began to fall. As a result, population growth slowed and eventually declined. According to the Statistics Bureau of Japan , 2019 marked the ninth year in a row of population decline. The population fell that year to 126.2 million, a decrease of 276,000 (0.22 percent) from the previous year. At the same time, improved health care caused life expectancy to rise—Japan’s population today enjoys one of the longest life expectancies in the world—and Japan’s elderly population numbers to swell. Around 28 percent of Japan’s population is over the age of 65, the highest proportion of that age cohort of all the countries in the world.

These demographic trends have had serious economic consequences. A shrinking workforce has complicated efforts to recover from the 1991 collapse in asset prices, leading to a prolonged economic recession, the effects of which are still being felt today. The employment outlook for many of the country’s youth has also deteriorated, with weak economic growth, an aging workforce, and the unique employment practices of most Japanese companies—workers in Japan are often hired for life with salaries highly correlated with seniority—forcing Japanese companies to “ refrain from hiring new regular workers and to increase their reliance on irregular workers.” The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues, with one analyst predicting a “steep recession” and warning that the health crisis would deal the “final blow” to Japan’s economy.

Its sluggish economic performance has afforded Japan’s rapidly developing neighbors time to catch up to and, in China’s case, surpass Japan. In 2010, China succeeded Japan as the world’s second-largest economy , a status Japan had held since 1968. This milestone also symbolized a rebalancing of power in East Asia, with China increasing its pursuit of foreign policy goals that Japan views as a threat to its national security. China has increased its military presence around the strategically important Senkaku Islands, or as they are known in China, Diaoyu Islands , control over which Japan and China have disputed for decades. China’s growing economic strength has also allowed Beijing to pursue its strategic goals through trade agreements, international investment, and access to supply chains and its massive domestic market.

To counter the rising influence of China, Japan has turned its eyes to the rest of the world, nurturing strategic alliances with large Western powers like the United States. It has also introduced measures aimed at fueling economic growth and innovation. The Japanese government has sought to promote technological advances, increase economic links with other East and Southeast Asian countries, and diversify its workforce for a more globalized and fast-paced future. Like many other countries that have sought to diversify their workforce in the face of global crises, the Japanese government has investigated reforming certain components of its education system.

The Backdrop to Reform: Japan’s Educational Performance

Education is one of the most important aspects of Japan’s national identity and a source of pride for Japanese citizens. The country’s high-quality education system has consistently won international praise. An emphasis on the holistic development of children has for decades led Japanese students to achieve mastery in a variety of academic disciplines—their performance in science, math, and engineering is particularly noteworthy. In the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2015, Japan ranked second in science and fifth in math among 72 participating countries and regions .

The school system also still embodies the values of egalitarianism, harmony, and social equality, which were highlighted as early as the first postwar education law, the 1947 Fundamental Law of Education , also translated as the Basic Act on Education. According to the OECD, Japan ranks highly among wealthy nations in providing equal opportunities to students of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Only 9 percent of variation in performance among compulsory school students is explained by socioeconomic hardship, about 5 percent below the OECD average.

Despite international praise for Japan’s educational system, many of the system’s underlying principles have come under increasing scrutiny in recent decades. The educational system has become the focus of increasing discontent because of its perceived rigidity, uniformity, and exam-centeredness. The extent to which the country has succeeded in providing equal access to education is also being questioned, especially when its selective, competitive tertiary level is considered. The gap in access to higher education between the upper and lower classes is widening alongside growing income inequality. While most obvious at the higher education level, this inequality is growing at each educational stage and is driven by several variables including the proliferation of private preschools and senior high schools, the growth of exclusive institutions aimed at preparing students for university and high school entrance examinations, and rising tuition fees at higher education institutions (HEIs). These challenges, combined with the need to provide education and training relevant to the expanding knowledge economy, have prompted renewed calls for education reform.

Education Reform: Past and Present

Education reform in Japan is not new. Western education systems came to influence Japanese education shortly after the 1868 Meiji Restoration, which transferred effective political power from the Tokugawa shogunate to the emperor, ushering in an era of modernization across all sectors of Japanese society. In 1872, Japan’s newly established Ministry of Education adopted from the American school system the three-tier elementary, secondary, and university structure, and from the French, strong administrative centralization. A group of newly established Imperial Universities took on certain aspects of the German university model . Despite those early international influences, domestic resistance to outsiders quickly followed, intensifying sharply during World War II.

But following Japan’s surrender in 1945, foreign influence on the educational system resumed, with all national reform and revitalization efforts falling under the aegis of the occupying Allied powers, led largely by the U.S. Of all the areas identified for reform, Allied personnel and the newly installed Japanese cabinet considered educational reform to be the most important, expecting it to play a principal role in channeling the thoughts and beliefs of the Japanese people in a more liberal and democratic direction. In 1946, the Educational Reform Committee laid out what would remain the core issues for Japanese education ministers until well after the years of occupation. The committee identified three issues as top priorities: the decentralization of educational administration, the democratization of educational access, and the reform of the educational curriculum.

Although occupation ended in 1952, it was not until the late 1980s and early 1990s that Japan’s economic slowdown and growing integration in the global economy solidified these priorities as essential cornerstones of Japanese policy and national identity. The unexpected economic decline made it clear to Japanese policymakers that remaining competitive on the global stage would require a highly skilled and educated workforce, able to increase worker productivity and drive technological innovation. In response, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) stepped up its reform efforts, focusing on democratization, decentralization, and internationalization with the goal of developing a new generation of globalized and resilient Japanese youth. As occurred at earlier stages in the country’s history, these reforms have sought to balance modernization with respect for tradition. Current reforms are shaped both by an openness to ideas found in the educational systems of other countries and a deep respect for long-held values and principles, especially those of societal honor, communal harmony, and self-sacrifice.

While the reforms have produced some positive results for Japan, they are not without their shortcomings. The OECD’s 2018 report, Education Policy in Japan: Building Bridges towards 2030 , warns that the reforms, though well regulated and well-intentioned, risk being “adopted only as superficial change.” The content and success of these reforms will occupy much of the discussion below.

Student Mobility

For years, Asian countries have sought to even out imbalances in inbound and outbound student flows—historically, the region has sent out more students than it brings in. For many of the region’s countries, such as China, the effort to erase that imbalance has meant putting in place policies and programs aimed at effecting a transformation from mere sources of international students to educational destinations of choice in their own right. Japan is no stranger to the desire to balance inbound and outbound numbers. However, with more inbound than outbound students, Japan has, somewhat uniquely, often had to work harder to promote outbound mobility than many of its neighbors.

One notable priority of the MEXT’s 2013 National Education Reform Plan was the promotion of internationalization by raising total numbers and softening the imbalance between outbound and inbound student mobility, among other initiatives. To increase outbound mobility, the government set a goal of doubling the number of Japanese students studying abroad , from 60,000 in 2010 to 120,000 in 2020. For inbound mobility, the government sought to attract 300,000 international students by 2020 . Observers view increasing the number of inbound and outbound students as central to the nation’s economic development plans . After graduation, talented international students can help fill positions left empty by Japan’s shrinking domestic workforce, while the internationalized education received by Japanese students studying abroad can be leveraged by the country’s corporations and national government to further trade and diplomatic ties.

Inbound Student Mobility

With Japan’s aging population causing university admissions to decline, the Japanese government has launched several initiatives to attract foreign students; the Study in Japan Global Network Project (GNP) is one. A global recruiting initiative co-managed by MEXT and the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), the GNP helps Japanese universities establish overseas bases in key regions, such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and South America, from which they can directly promote the benefits of studying in Japan to prospective international students. GNP also allows staff members of university overseas offices to visit high schools in various countries to recruit students, prioritizing those schools that have previously sent students on exchange trips or study abroad programs to Japan.

Other initiatives include CAMPUS Asia , an East Asian regional initiative aimed at promoting the cross-border mobility of students from Korea, Japan, and China through student exchanges and institutional partnerships. Internationalization efforts undertaken by individual universities and educational associations, such as the Global 30 Project , also seek to attract international students to Japan. Currently, the Top Global University project, an initiative of MEXT, supports internationalization efforts at 37 of the country’s top universities. At the selected universities, the project seeks to promote international academic and research partnerships, increase the number of courses offered in English, and facilitate the recruitment of international students and faculty, among other objectives.

Some Japanese universities have also begun adding study abroad requirements to their programs and adopting an academic curriculum and semester system conducive to overseas study. For example, in 2016, Chiba University made overseas study a graduation requirement for all students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, introducing at the same time a six-semester academic calendar to accommodate it. In 2020, the university made study abroad mandatory for all students university-wide.

These initiatives have been met with considerable success. By one measure, Japanese universities reached the 2020 enrollment targets set by the government a year early. According to JASSO , which includes in its measures international students enrolled in non-university, Japanese language institutes, more than 312,000 international students traveled to Japan to study in 2019.

Measuring just university enrollments, the number enrolled in HEIs reached more than 228,000 that same year, up nearly 70 percent from 2013. Over 90 percent of those students came from other Asian countries, with students from China and Vietnam alone accounting for nearly two-thirds of all international students in Japan.

Still, despite these promising results, Japan’s inbound mobility rate remains low compared to that of other developed countries. Although increasing by more than a third over the previous decade, Japan’s inbound mobility rate stood at just 4.7 percent in 2018. Several obstacles hinder efforts to increase international student enrollments, most notably, language. Despite attempts to increase their English language offerings, few programs in Japanese universities are taught in English, a situation that forces many interested international students to undergo intense Japanese language training prior to the start of their studies. Another barrier is student uncertainty surrounding the in-country employment pathways available to international students earning Japanese credentials, a lack of clarity that raises concerns about the value of Japanese higher education to international students. To facilitate international students’ transition from the university to the workplace, national universities have begun hosting monthlong internships in cooperation with local governments and private companies.

Differing Measures of Student Mobility: Short Term vs. Full Time

Various organizations in Japan differ in how they define international students and in how they measure outbound and inbound student mobility, so reported international student numbers can differ widely. Some organizations, such as JASSO, consider short-term study abroad programs as a barometer of success, and measure student mobility numbers accordingly. JASSO defines the act of studying abroad as participation in any post-secondary educational program, a definition that includes not only formal university programs, but also language and cultural programs. While government agencies like MEXT and intergovernmental organizations like UNESCO are primarily concerned with full-time higher education enrollment, JASSO’s numbers also reflect Japanese university students pursuing short-term exchange programs abroad, often for six months or less. The pool of students measured by the Japan Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS) is even broader. When measuring and reporting outbound student mobility numbers, JAOS includes students going abroad for secondary education in addition to those in degree programs and short-term language and exchange programs. Another common means of evaluating Japanese outbound mobility rates is through the lens of university exchange agreements. As of 2017, the top three destinations for Japanese students participating in institutional exchange programs were the U.S., Canada, and China.

Chinese Students in Japan

China’s economic growth since the start of the millennium has greatly benefited Japan’s education sector. Despite long-standing tensions between East Asia’s two largest economies, Chinese students currently make up the largest portion of international students studying in Japan. In 2019, four in ten international students in Japan were from China.

Per the UNESCO Institute of Statistics , the number of Chinese students studying in Japan peaked at 96,592 in 2012, up from 28,076 in 2000, an increase of more than 300 percent. Analysts attribute this growth to “ a nexus of factors ,” including “the popularization of educational mobility during China’s reform era” and “Japan’s efforts to attract students from overseas.” China’s cultural and physical proximity to Japan likely also plays a role, as do regional exchange initiatives, such as CAMPUS Asia, discussed above.

Given China’s growing middle class, the latest generation of Chinese students in Japan is more affluent and aspirational, largely self-financing their overseas studies. However, China’s economic growth and own improving HEIs mean that more students are willing and able to study further afield or at home. Since their peak in 2012, Chinese enrollments in Japan have declined, falling to 84,101 in 2018.

Outbound Student Mobility

Outbound mobility, as measured by JASSO, is just under the government’s goals. According to JASSO , more than 115,000 Japanese students studied overseas in 2018, up from just under 70,000 in 2013. However, far fewer Japanese students are pursuing a full degree program at an overseas university. According to UNESCO, less than 32,000 degree-seeking tertiary students studied overseas in 2018, less than 1 percent of all Japanese tertiary students .

Japan has never been a major source of globally mobile students. But, around 2005, after decades of low population growth, outbound mobility began a sharp and swift decline. According to UNESCO data, by 2018, outbound student numbers had fallen by nearly half their 2005 level (63,492).

While low birthrates are widely recognized as a key driver of Japan’s low outbound mobility rate, some experts also attribute the low rate to some of the country’s unique cultural characteristics. Students from other Asian countries that have low and declining birthrates, like South Korea and China, study overseas at far higher levels than those of Japanese students. Some Japanese experts , including government officials, attribute the low rates of study abroad to the “inward-looking mindset” of the country’s students, a state of mind known in Japanese as Uchimukishikou . In everyday usage, the term describes an internal, psychological state stemming from personal lack of interest; a state that combines intimidation, fear, and inhibition typically felt when confronting an uncertain and highly consequential event. But the Japanese government has elevated the term to national prominence, employing it to explain a lack of overall interest among Japanese students in overseas study or work. Other trends within Japan’s borders likely contribute to low outbound student numbers, such as the growth of domestic higher education opportunities, the expansion of doctoral programs and student grants, and the increasing availability of English language training in Japan.

Those students who do study overseas tend to head to English-speaking countries. According to UNESCO, four of the top five destinations in 2018 were English speaking: the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In Germany, the only non-Anglophone country in the top five, English language university programs are widely available. In recent years, German universities have greatly increased the number of master’s and doctoral programs taught in English .

Japanese Students in the U.S. and Canada

Historically, Japan has been one of the leading countries of origin for international students studying in the U.S. Each year since 2000, according to IIE Open Doors data , Japan has been one of the top 10. The popularity of the U.S. among Japanese students stems in part from long-standing ties between the governments of both countries. Since the signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the United States and Japan in 1951, Japan has been aligned strategically and militarily with the U.S. The resulting atmosphere of cooperation and mutual goodwill has helped nurture an abundance of educational exchange programs , such as the U.S. Embassy’s TeamUp campaign which fosters “institutional partnerships between U.S. and Japanese colleges and universities to facilitate student exchange.” Another project, the TOMODACHI Initiative , a public-private partnership developed in the wake of the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, has facilitated thousands of educational and cultural exchanges for American and Japanese citizens.

That said, since 2000, Japanese enrollment in U.S. higher education institutions (HEIs) has declined sharply. According to Open Doors , the number of Japanese students studying in the U.S. during the 2019/20 academic year was 17,554, falling from a high of 46,810 in 2001/02. Growth has been negative in all but two years since 2000/01.

Nearly half (49 percent) of the Japanese students that are in the U.S. are enrolled at the undergraduate level , while 26 percent are registered in non-degree programs, 16 percent in graduate programs, and 8 in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs (18 percent) are the most popular field of study for these students , followed by business and management (17 percent) and intensive English (14 percent) programs.

There has been much speculation on the reasons behind the downturn in the number of Japanese students in the U.S. Among the proposed theories are feelings of hesitation and unease about studying abroad stemming from crucial differences between Japanese and U.S. education systems.

Differences in the academic calendar may prove an obstacle to Japanese students hoping to study abroad. Since the beginning of the Meiji era, Japan has always matriculated and enrolled students in the spring, a season closely associated in Japanese culture with new beginnings. There have been recent debates on whether schools should shift the start of the year to the fall to align with most other countries in the world. However, such plans have never come to fruition because of the heavy cultural implications associated with the start of the school year and the uncertainty surrounding the consequences that such a change would bring. A change to the academic calendar would not only complicate the graduation timeline of Japanese students, it would also complicate their job search. Traditionally, the job-search process for Japanese college students starts in the fall of their penultimate year of study, or the second semester of their junior year.

For Japanese students choosing to study in the U.S., the country’s fall to spring academic calendar could delay the job-search process. Furthermore, students who studied abroad or possess a degree from the U.S. are not guaranteed a leg up in the domestic job market in Japan. Rather, potential employers in Japan have negatively judged returning students for their inability to readjust to the norms of the Japanese workplace.

Another challenge for Japanese international students on short-term study abroad programs is the recognition of their international academic coursework. Credits earned at overseas universities through exchange or short-term study abroad programs are often not recognized at Japanese universities. Finally, soaring tuition fees at HEIs worldwide, and especially those in English-speaking countries, are of great concern to Japanese students.

These differences are also likely to present obstacles to Japanese students thinking about studying overseas in countries other than the U.S. Still, the recent experience of Canada seems to tell a different story.

In contrast to the U.S., where the number of students has continued a long-standing decline in recent years, the number of Japanese students studying in Canada has increased, albeit at an uneven rate. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the number of Japanese students with study permits reached a high of more than 10,000 in 2001, before a nearly unbroken, decadelong decline brought numbers to a 20-year low of less than 6,000 in 2010.

Enrollment numbers began to rebound in 2011. They were given an additional boost by then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s 2013 policy goal of doubling outbound student mobility, mentioned above. MEXT, which measures international student numbers differently from Canada’s IRCC, reported that between 2013 and 2015, there was a 24 percent increase in outbound mobility to Canada, from 6,614 to 8,189 students. The increase in outbound mobility to Canada outpaced both overall Japanese outbound mobility growth and Japanese mobility growth to the U.S., which grew 21 percent and 11 percent, respectively.

Several factors are likely driving the divergence in growth trends between the U.S. and Canada. Canadian universities offer many of the same benefits of U.S. universities, with few of the drawbacks. Japanese students, like students from other countries around the world, are increasingly drawn to Canada’s high-quality and relatively affordable colleges and universities. A 2017 MEXT survey also found that Japanese students and parents prioritize public safety. Canada is widely perceived as a safer study destination than the U.S. Previous WES research revealed widespread concerns among international students in the U.S. about gun violence both at their institution and in the surrounding community.

In Brief: The Education System of Japan

The structure of Japan’s education system resembles that of much of the U.S. , consisting of three stages

of basic education, elementary, junior high, and senior high school, followed by higher education. Most parents also enroll their children in early childhood education programs prior to elementary school. Children are required to attend school for nine years—six years of elementary education and three years of lower secondary education. At the primary and secondary levels, the school year typically begins on April 1 and is divided into three terms: April to July, September to December, and January to March.

High educational outcomes have earned Japan’s educational system a sterling reputation on the global stage, especially at the elementary and secondary levels. On worldwide assessments of educational attainment, the country consistently scores above average in educational performance, participation rates, and classroom environment. In the OECD’s 2018 PISA , 15-year-old Japanese students scored 16 points above the OECD average in reading and literacy, 36 points higher in mathematics, and 38 points above in science.

That said, Japan’s education system faces a number of challenges, among the most significant of which are demographic aging and enrollment declines. Elementary and secondary enrollment peaked in the 1980s, with elementary enrollment reaching a high of nearly 12 million in 1982, and secondary enrollments, a high of over 11.4 million in 1988.

Since then, enrollment at both levels has declined sharply. In 2018, the latest year for which data were available, elementary enrollment had fallen to just under 7 million, and secondary enrollment to around 6.5 million. That decline has closely tracked the country’s aging population. After reaching 24 percent in 1976, the percentage of the Japanese population age 0 to 14 declined steadily, falling to 13 percent in 2018.

The ramifications of these declines have rippled outward to affect nearly all aspects and levels of Japanese education, society, and economy. The following sections will not only explore the varying impact of demographic trends on different levels of education in Japan, they will also outline the structure and content of each level of education, other current challenges, and important reforms and modifications that are aimed at mitigating internal and external pressures.

Administration of the Education System

Responsibility for educational administration and policy development is divided between government authorities at three levels: national, prefectural, and municipal. At the national level, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), or Monbu-kagaku-shō , is responsible for all stages of the education system, from early childhood education to graduate studies and continuing, or lifelong, learning. MEXT ensures that education in Japan meets the standards set by the 1947 Fundamental Law of Education which stipulates that the country provide an education to all its citizens “that values the dignity of the individual, that endeavors to cultivate a people rich in humanity and creativity who long for truth and justice and who honor the public spirit, that passes on traditions, and that aims to create a new culture.” To fulfill that mandate, MEXT sets and enforces national standards for teacher certification qualifications, school organization, and education facilities, among others. It provides a significant portion of the funds for public schools, universities, research institutions, and, under certain circumstances, issues grants to private academic institutions. MEXT is also typically responsible for the development of national education policies, although in recent decades prime ministers have often convened ad hoc councils to determine education policy.

At the elementary and secondary levels, MEXT develops national curriculum standards or guidelines ( gakushū shidō yōryō ) which contain the “ basic outlines of each subject taught in Japanese schools and the objectives and content of teaching in each grade.” Typically, private educational publishers develop and print textbooks following these guidelines. Elementary and secondary schools can only use textbooks reviewed and approved by MEXT, which provides textbooks to students free of charge.

Although MEXT revises the curriculum guidelines roughly once every 10 years, their overall structure and objectives have remained more or less the same since 1886. Since then, curriculum guidelines have emphasized standardization, objectivity, and neutrality to avoid divisive political, factional, and religious issues. While this emphasis may lead one to assume that the national government strictly limits and controls educational content and teaching methods, in theory, these guidelines are only intended to establish nationally uniform standards of education, allowing students throughout the country access to an equal education. The system is designed to give teachers the freedom to develop individualized lesson plans and tests. Still, comparisons with other OECD countries suggest that Japanese teachers have limited control over classroom instruction and curriculum. Among the recent concerns cited as limiting the freedom of Japanese teachers is the 2007 introduction of a national academic achievement test. Observers note that in order to reach achievement test targets, local schools and educational authorities have tightened control over teaching methods and educational content.

At the prefectural and municipal levels, the external influences mentioned in the introduction are readily apparent. In the post-World War II era, democratization and the decentralization of education were core issues of educational reform, spurring the Japanese government to adopt the system of boards of education common in the U.S.

Japan is divided into 47 prefectures, each of which is composed of smaller municipalities, such as cities, towns, and villages. Boards of education, representative councils responsible for the supervision of education at the elementary and secondary levels, exist at both the prefectural and municipal levels. At the prefectural level , governors appoint members to five-member boards of education for terms of four years. Prefectural boards are responsible for appointing teachers and partially funding municipal operations and payrolls, including funding for two-thirds of teachers’ salaries, with the remaining third financed by the national government. At the municipal level, members are appointed by local mayors. Municipal boards are responsible for the supervision of day-to-day operational tasks at elementary and junior high schools, the management and professional development of teachers, and the selection of MEXT-approved school materials.

A 2015 reform of the board of education system—the first such reform in nearly 60 years—expanded the control of local chief executives, such as governors or mayors, over educational administration and planning, and reduced the role of boards of education. Authority to appoint the superintendent, the most powerful local educational authority, was transferred from the board of education to the local chief executives. The reform also increased their authority to determine local policy goals—it transferred authority to establish the local education policy charter to chief executives, reducing boards of education to an advisory role. Reformers hope the changes will lead to improvements in a system long criticized for its lack of transparency, accountability, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

Early Childhood Education

Traditionally, two principal forms of early childhood education (ECE) have existed in Japan: kindergarten ( yōchien ) and day care ( hoikuen ). Under the jurisdiction of MEXT, yōchien is a non-compulsory stage of the country’s educational system, coming immediately before elementary school, providing preschool education to children from the ages of three to six. Children typically attend yōchien for around four hours each day. As at other levels of Japan’s basic education system, MEXT develops and publishes curriculum standards for kindergartens, which must meet criteria necessary for the curriculum to realize the nation’s educational goals. The latest, issued in 2017 , seeks to foster a “zest for living,” a goal pursued at all levels of the educational system, and lay the groundwork for learning at the elementary level and beyond.

Administered by a different ministry, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare , hoikuen exists outside the Japanese educational system. Its principal function is to provide basic childcare services for children age one to six while their parents are at work. Typically lasting for eight hours, or the length of a typical working day, hoikuen often include some educational elements like reading and math.

Both yōchien and hoikuen centers can be owned and operated by public or private bodies, such as local municipalities, educational corporations, or non-profit organizations. However, the majority of students enroll at private institutions, some of which are highly selective and expensive. Many parents believe that enrolling their children in these highly selective institutions increases their children’s chances of being admitted to more selective institutions later in their educational career. In fact, some yōchien and hoikuen centers even prepare students for admissions tests at private elementary schools.

With more and more Japanese mothers entering the workforce, yōchien kindergarten programs, which have traditionally provided educational supervision for only part of the day, have in recent years faced

difficulty maintaining enrollment numbers. For the same reason, the demand for full-day hoikuen services has been on the rise. Historically, there have been long, persistent waitlists for parents hoping to enroll their children in hoikuen centers.

Given the clear demand for full-day childcare services, more and more yōchien have begun to adopt the day care elements more typical of hoikuen centers. For example, some yōchien have begun to offer extended hours to meet the demands of working parents, not ending their classes until the end of the workday. Some local governments have also started combining yōchien and hoikuen centers and mandating enrollment for all children prior to elementary school. The national government has even introduced measures merging childcare and early childhood education services into a single facility known as nintei-kodomoen . However, because of conflicting ministerial jurisdictions, reform efforts have often been stymied by administrative complications and are yet to achieve widespread success.

Still, early efforts at reform, combined with declining birthrates, have proved effective in reducing hoikuen waitlists. In 2019, waitlists for day care facilities reached an all-time low, with just under 17,000 children waiting to enter day care, a decrease of more than 3,000 children from the previous year.

Elementary and Lower Secondary Education

Elementary education marks the beginning of compulsory education for all Japanese children, lasting six years and spanning grades one to six. Children enter elementary education provided they reach age six as of April 1.

The elementary curriculum emphasizes both intellectual and moral development. All students must take certain compulsory subjects , like Japanese language, mathematics, science, social studies, music, crafts, home economics, living environment studies, and physical education. For public school students in grades five and six, English has been a compulsory subject since 2011. Since 2020 , English has been mandatory starting in third grade. Moral development is promoted through a moral education course and informal learning experiences designed to inculcate respect for society and the environment. The importance of moral education—long a taboo subject given its association with the nationalistic excesses of Imperial Japan—to Japan’s educational policies has increased over the past few decades. In recent years, the reintroduction of moral education as a formal course was spurred by reports of rampant student truancy, bullying, and school violence.

Classes remain large by international and OECD standards , despite efforts by MEXT to improve student-teacher ratios and recruit additional instructors. In 2011, MEXT limited first grade classes to 35 , down from 40, although intentions to extend similar limitations to other grades subsequently failed. Nearly all the country’s elementary schools, known as shōgakkō , are public. Enrollment at public elementary schools is free.

Students completing the elementary education cycle are awarded the Elementary School Certificate of Graduation (s hogakko sotsugyo shosho ) and automatically accepted into public junior high school.

Lower secondary education, the final stage of compulsory education, lasts three years, comprising grades six to nine. Instruction is conducted at junior high schools, or chūgakkō , 90 percent of which are public and tuition-free. Some municipalities have established nine-year unified compulsory education schools which combine primary and lower secondary education. Students hoping to enroll in private junior high schools or national junior high schools affiliated with national universities are required to sit for admissions examinations administered by the institution.

All public junior high schools follow a standard national curriculum which comprises the compulsory subjects previously taught at the elementary level. In addition to compulsory subjects, students can also choose from a wide range of electives and extracurricular activities in fields such as fine arts, foreign languages, physical health and education, and music.

Lower secondary education is a critical stage in a typical student’s educational journey, as grades partially determine whether a student will be accepted into a good senior high school, and consequently, into a top university. It also culminates in the first significant stage of what is colloquially referred to as “ examination hell ,” a series of rigorous and highly consequential entrance examinations that are required for admission to senior high schools and universities. Many students in the final two years of junior high school attend Juku , or cram schools, in preparation for the competitive senior high school admissions examinations.

Students completing junior high school are awarded the Lower Secondary School Leaving Certificate and are eligible to sit for senior high school admissions examinations.

Yutori Kyōiku: Compulsory Education Reform

Since the 1990s, the direction that education reform in Japan should take has been a hotly debated topic. Experts have long criticized Japanese education for its “strict management” which “places excessive emphasis on standardization and student behavioral control.” They have also voiced concerns about the “the widespread practices of rote memorization and ‘cramming’ of knowledge,” which have been accused of “depriving pupils of opportunities to develop their intellectual curiosity and creativity.” Finally, experts allege that the “intense competition among students vying for admission to prestigious senior high schools and universities has caused tremendous psychological pressure for these students and their parents.”

To address these concerns, the government issued national curriculum standards in 2002 that put in place a concept known as yutori kyōiku, which roughly translates as “relaxed education.” The updated guidelines brought about significant changes, reducing the length of the school week from six to five days and cutting curriculum content by 30 percent. The guidelines also mandated the creation of a new “Integrated Studies” course, which granted schools and municipalities discretion to create their own courses to provide students with a “ learning space outside the traditional bounds of the curriculum that would not be closely associated with entrance tests or tightly defined learning outcomes.”

But a year after the new curriculum guidelines were introduced, yutori kyōiku policies faced intense criticism. The disappointing results of Japanese students in the OECD’s 2003 PISA study shocked the nation. In the study, the average performance of Japanese 15-year-olds dropped from first to sixth rank in mathematics and from eighth to 14 th in reading. In just three years, mean performance had dropped from 557 to 543 in mathematics, from 522 to 498 in reading literacy, and from 550 to 548 in science.

Experts also highlighted the results of the 2003 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), an assessment that measures U.S. eighth grade student performance comparatively with that of other secondary students around the globe, as a sign of the country’s declining educational quality. While Japanese students again performed well overall, outperforming the global average in mathematics, when compared with other high-performing Asian countries, Japan’s performance was disappointing. Between 31 percent and 44 percent of students from Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong scored at the advanced benchmark for math, compared with just 24 percent of Japanese students. Many Japanese scholars attributed the Japanese students’ relatively poor performance in these international education assessments to the more relaxed nature of the yutori kyōiku reforms.

Public concern over declining performance prompted the Japanese government to review the yutori kyōiku reforms. What followed were a number of reforms aimed at maintaining some of the benefits of the educational reforms of the 1990s and early 2000s while increasing the academic rigor of Japanese compulsory education. MEXT issued new curriculum standards in 2008 and 2009 which increased academic lesson hours while reducing Integrated Study and elective hours, and a number of municipalities, supported by MEXT, reintroduced Saturday classes. MEXT also introduced mandatory foreign language courses to the elementary school curriculum, as mentioned above. More recently, reform in Japan has avoided the yutori kyōiku concept, instead promoting “ Active Learning ” with the aim of developing “students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes compatible with the new visions of learning for a knowledge-based society in the twenty-first century.”

Upper Secondary Education

After nine years of compulsory education, students have the option of enrolling in senior high schools ( kōtō-gakkō ), widely regarded as the most strenuous stage of Japanese education. Despite being a non-compulsory level of education, the transition rate from junior to senior high school is extremely high, in part due to the integral role a student’s performance in senior high school plays in determining future access to higher education and employment. Per MEXT , as many as 98 percent of Japanese junior secondary students choose to move on to upper secondary schooling.

Admission to senior high school is typically determined by three criteria: an entrance examination, an interview, and junior high school grades. Of these criteria, the fate of a student’s placement in higher education—and even of their career in the years beyond—is determined most heavily by the entrance examination ( kōkō juken ). Students take these examinations, which are administered by their senior high school of choice, between January and March. Typically, entrance examinations test a student’s proficiency in the core subjects of Japanese, mathematics, science, social studies, and English.

Students hoping to enroll in public high schools take entrance examinations standardized by the prefectural board of education which has jurisdiction over the school. If students fail the entrance examination for a public school, they will often opt to apply to a private school. Unlike public schools, private senior high schools typically create their own examinations. Although nearly three-quarters of the country’s senior high schools are public, the proportion of private senior high schools has been growing in recent years. Students enrolling in the country’s limited number of unified junior high and senior high schools ( chuto-kyoiku-gakko ) are spared the entrance examination. Since reforms introduced in 2010 , students have been able to attend public high schools free of charge, while students attending private high schools receive government subsidies.

The employment prospects of students who fail to gain admission to either a public or private senior high school are often grim, with many forced to find work as unskilled blue-collar laborers, an occupational category traditionally thought of as low status. Given the highly competitive nature of senior high school admissions and coursework, it is no surprise that senior high school is perceived as a vehicle toward higher social status. This exclusivity, however, has long raised concerns about equity and access. Since the 1980s, MEXT has attempted to rectify these concerns through a series of reforms, the most significant of which was the introduction of the credit system to senior high schools . In the late 1980s, MEXT implemented the credit system for part-time and distance education learners, allowing them to learn at their own pace and graduate when they completed the required number of credits. In the early 1990s, the credit system was expanded to full-time senior high school students as well.

Senior high school lasts for three years, comprising grades 10 to 12, with students receiving 240 days of instruction each year. Following recent yutori kyōiku-inspired educational reforms, the school week is officially five days long, from Monday to Friday. Still, as mentioned above, workarounds exist, with educational authorities issuing special approvals to public schools to hold Saturday classes, while many less regulated private schools have reintroduced Saturday classes at monthly or bimonthly intervals.

As at the lower secondary level, the senior high school curriculum comprises three years of mathematics, social studies, Japanese, science, and English, with all the students in one grade level studying the same subjects. Electives are also similar to those offered at earlier levels, including physical education, music, art, and moral studies courses. However, the high number of required courses often leaves students with little room to fit in electives or subjects matching their personal interests. Although MEXT has pushed to expand the types of courses taken in high school to promote individuality, purpose, and inspiration, implementation has proved difficult because of a lack of qualified teachers.

Students must obtain a minimum of 74 credits to graduate. Students who graduate are awarded the Senior High School Graduation Certificate ( sotsugyo shomeisho ) and are eligible to sit for university entrance examinations.

Senior high schools use a numeric grading scale ranging from 1 to 5.

Technical, Professional, and Vocational Education

Amid Japan’s current economic challenges, technical and vocational institutions have attracted considerable attention from reformers and government planners. Concerns that the education system is “ obsolete and dysfunctional , with the curricula lacking relevance to the realities of society and the economy,” has led to calls to expand and strengthen vocational and professional education. A 2017 MEXT white paper , which laid out key priorities in education reform, included a call to strengthen and reform the country’s technical and vocational education. To meet the challenges of globalization, economic transformation, and declining birthrates, the paper highlighted the importance of diversifying the country’s education system by increasing the availability of vocational schools and junior colleges. That paper followed a 2016 revision to the 1947 School Education Act; the revision urged professional institutions to collaborate with industry leaders to develop curricula that better balance practical and theoretical components.

Government planners are hoping that these efforts will expand and strengthen what is an already diverse landscape of vocational and professional institutions. Japan possesses a wide variety of institutions offering specialized education and professional and technical training to Japanese students at the secondary, post-secondary, and continuing education levels. Given the unique recruitment practices of Japanese employers—discussed further below—these institutions are attracting a growing number of university students who choose to study in a vocational institution either simultaneously or after graduating from university, to increase their employability, a phenomenon known in Japan as “double schooling.”

Specialized Training Colleges ( senshu gakku )

First introduced in 1976 , specialized training colleges ( senshu gakku ) offer courses of study aimed at developing skills and competencies that are needed for specific occupations. Three categories of specialized training colleges exist : general, upper secondary, and post-secondary, each maintaining different requirements for admission and offering training programs that vary in content and intensity.

Most specialized training colleges are privately owned and operated. New specialized training colleges must meet minimum quality requirements set by MEXT, after which they can be granted approval to operate by the prefectural government in which they are located.

Specialized Training College, General Course (senshu gakko ippan katei)

The lowest level of specialized training college offers courses in general vocational subjects such as Japanese dressmaking, art, and cooking. MEXT does not set admission requirements for entry to general courses, instead allowing individual institutions to set their own. As of 2017 , there were 157 colleges offering general courses to around 29,000 students.

Specialized Training College, Upper Secondary Course (koto-senshu-gakko)

More popular are the specialized training colleges offering courses at the upper secondary level. As of 2017, 424 institutions offered upper secondary courses to around 38,000 students. Admission to courses at this level requires possession of the Lower Secondary School Leaving Certificate. Courses typically last between one and three years. Those completing a course lasting three years or more that meets minimum academic requirements set by MEXT are eligible for enrollment in a university or a professional training college. Students graduating from these courses are awarded a Specialized Training College Upper Secondary Certificate of Graduation.

Professional Training College (senmon gakko)

The highest level of specialized training college is the professional training college, which offers courses at the post-secondary level. Admission is open to graduates of senior high schools, with courses lasting between one and four years. Students who graduate from specialized vocational schools are able to enroll in a traditional four-year university but can also use their degrees directly toward careers in their specialty. Options for specialization are vast but are typically classified into eight fields of study : industry, agriculture, medical care, health, education and social welfare, business practices, apparel and homemaking, and culture and the liberal arts.

Students completing a MEXT-approved course of at least two years and 62 credits (1,700 credit hours) are awarded a diploma (s enmonshi ). Those completing a MEXT-approved course of at least four years and 124 credits (3,400 credit hours) are awarded the advanced diploma ( kodo senmonshi ).

With birthrates falling and universities accepting a higher percentage of applicants, professional training colleges have struggled to maintain enrollment levels . Still, as of 2017, 2,817 professional training colleges existed, offering courses to around 660,000 students or around 15 percent to 20 percent of senior high school graduates . To encourage enrollment, some professional training colleges have adopted a dual education approach, organizing class schedules in a manner that allows students to study for a vocational diploma and a university degree simultaneously (the double schooling mentioned above).

Colleges of Technology ( kōtō-senmon-gakkō or KOSEN)

Unlike other vocational institutions, colleges of technology, which were introduced in 1961, provide education and training that straddles the secondary and post-secondary levels. Students who are 15 years of age, or those completing junior high school, are able to study in these colleges, which primarily offer courses in engineering, technology, and marine studies. Programs typically last for five years, requiring 167 credits. Students who complete programs from colleges of technology are awarded a title of Associate ( jun gakushi ).

Colleges of technology are growing in popularity among university graduates who fail to secure employment immediately after graduation.

Professional and Vocational Junior Colleges ( tanki daigaku )

A subset of junior colleges, discussed below, professional and vocational junior colleges (PVJC), pursue “teaching and research in highly-specialized fields with the aim to develop practical and applicable abilities needed to take on specialized work.” Programs at PVJCs are two or three years in length, requiring 62 to 93 credits, one-third of which must be earned in “practicum, skills training, or experiment,” including “on-site training conducted off-campus.” Students completing their studies are awarded the associate degree (professional) and are able to transfer to a general university or a professional and vocational university.

Professional and Vocational Universities ( senmon shoku daigaku or PVU) and Professional Graduate Schools ( senmon shoku daigakuin )

Other HEIs include professional and vocational universit ies ( senmon shoku daigaku , or PVU), which offer courses similar to those offered at PVJCs and award four-year, 124 credit bachelor’s degrees (professional) .

Professional Graduate Schools ( senmon-shoku-daigakuin ), which “specialize in fostering highly-specialized professionals who will be active internationally” and include law schools and schools for teacher education, award graduate professional degrees , such as the Juris Doctor and other professional master’s degrees. Programs range from one to three years in length with widely varying credit requirements. These professional degrees often meet eligibility prerequisites to sit for professional examinations; for example, a Juris Doctor is required to sit for the national bar examination.

Nursing Education

Before sitting for their national licensing examinations, nurses in Japan must complete at least three years of post-secondary education and training . Midwives and public health nurses must study for an additional year in a specialized program. Nursing programs are taught at a variety of institutions; universities, junior colleges, and nursing schools ( kangoshi-senmon ), which are overseen by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW), offer three-year programs in general nursing and one-year specialized programs in public health or midwifery. Universities are the only institutions authorized to offer four-year nursing programs, which often include a year of specialized training in midwifery or public health and lead to bachelor’s degrees in nursing.

Nursing programs typically follow a standard curriculum set by MEXT and MHLW. Students who successfully complete three years of general nursing education are eligible to sit for the National License Examination for Nursing; a high passing score allows them to begin practicing. After receiving their general nursing license and completing an additional year of specialized training, students can sit for National Public Health and National Midwifery Examinations.

Higher Education

Japan offers a wide and diverse landscape of HEIs that comprises junior colleges, universities, and graduate schools in addition to the post-secondary professional and vocational institutions touched on above. The country has one of the largest higher education sectors in the world, with around 3.9 million students enrolled in post-secondary education in 2018. That same year, a total of 2.9 million students were enrolled in universities, with 2.6 million enrolled in undergraduate programs and 254,000 in graduate programs. Enrollment rates are also high; according to MEXT , in 2017, the percentage of 18-year-olds studying at the post-secondary level was 81 percent, with 53 percent studying at a university, 22 percent at a specialized training college, 4 percent at a junior college, and 1 percent at a college of technology.

Three categories of Japanese universities exist: national universities, established by the national government; public universities, established by prefectures and municipalities; and private universities, established by educational corporations. One noteworthy characteristic concerning the composition of Japanese HEIs is the country’s high proportion of private institutions, which expanded rapidly in response to growing demand for higher education in the postwar economic boom years. In 2018 , less than a quarter of Japan’s 782 universities were public or national—with just 86 national and 93 public universities, compared with 603 private universities. That same year, private institutions enrolled nearly four-fifths of all higher education students , giving Japan the seventh-largest private higher education student population in the OECD.

However, despite making up the majority of Japanese HEIs, private universities are often considered less prestigious than their national and public counterparts. Even today, national and public universities typically rank higher on domestic and international league tables and are responsible for the bulk of Japan’s academic research output. Of the 11 universities making up RU11 , a consortium of Japan’s top research universities, only two are private, Keio University and Waseda University. Even more prestigious are the National Seven Universities , a group of national universities established and operated by the Empire of Japan until the end of World War II, the oldest and most prestigious of which is the University of Tokyo.

Recent reforms have helped modernize Japan’s highly respected national universities. The National University Corporation (NUC) Act , implemented in 2004, reorganized this HEI category, which had previously been managed directly by MEXT, transforming national universities into public corporations, a move that expanded their autonomy in academic, budgetary, and other matters. The NUC reforms also empowered national university presidents, allowing them to make important organizational, strategic, and academic decisions without statutory or MEXT approval.

Still, despite its size and diversity, higher education in Japan remains more challenged than any other stage of the country’s educational system. Problems include quality concerns, growing inequality, and shrinking enrollment. Japan’s population decline has meant that fewer and fewer students graduate from senior high school and that fewer are eligible to enroll in universities. Although the population of 18-year-olds has remained more or less steady for the past decade, MEXT projects that from 2021 onward, the decline, which was uninterrupted from 1991 to 2009, will begin again. The decline has had and will likely continue to have far-reaching ramifications in the higher education sector. As mentioned above, the decline has also prompted the Japanese government, universities, and higher education associations to look overseas for students to fill empty university seats. It has also driven some universities to ease admissions standards , replacing strenuous entrance examinations with interviews and student essays.

Educators have long been concerned with the quality, rigor, and purpose of education at Japanese universities. In contrast to the rigor of secondary education, university studies are typically considered easy , with students sailing through the first two and a half years before focusing on the job search in their final year and a half. The unique Japanese system of shūshoku katsudō (job hunting), long the country’s predominant recruitment practice, has meant that university education and the job market are more intimately connected in Japan than they are almost anywhere else in the world. Under the system, companies recruit exclusively from among new or soon-to-be university graduates, rarely hiring older job seekers. Once hired, these new university graduates often remain at the same company for life, with pay highly correlated with seniority, a system of employment known as s hūshin koyō . As new graduates typically have little to no practical experience, recruiters place enormous emphasis on the prestige of a job seeker’s university and senior high school. Top employers, such as the Japanese government and the country’s largest companies, hire almost exclusively from Japan’s most prestigious universities. Job seekers who do not have a university education, and students attending an overseas university that follows a different academic calendar, face extreme difficulties obtaining employment.

The importance of a university education is reflected in employment rates. According to a 2012 OECD study , the employment rate for both men and women who hold a university education is significantly higher than for those with just an upper secondary education. The study also revealed a large gap in employment between men and women. Among men, 92 percent of those with a university education and 86 percent of those with an upper secondary education were employed, compared with just 68 and 61 percent of women with a university and an upper secondary education, respectively. Gender inequality is a widely recognized issue throughout Japan, not only in the workplace, but also in higher education. In a series of investigations, beginning at Tokyo Medical University in 2018, found that a handful of universities were systematically manipulating their entrance examination scores, lowering the test scores of women to ensure that they made up only a small minority of all admitted students. After the scandal forced Tokyo Medical University to make corrections, more women than men passed the entrance examination.

Japan’s singular reliance on private sources to fund higher education further exacerbates concerns about unequal access to a university education. As students at all universities, whether national, public, or private, pay tuition fees, private sources , such as students and their parents, fund a comparatively large share of Japanese higher education. The share of private expenditure on higher education, reaching nearly 69 percent in 2017 , is among the highest in the OECD. Additionally, few scholarships or grants are available to students who need them, and a large proportion of Japanese students take out private or government-sponsored loans to fund their studies, raising concerns about the ability of less well-off individuals to obtain a university education and a comfortable post-graduation career.

Critics have also highlighted a mismatch between the education and skills imparted at the country’s universities and those needed to prosper in the modern world. In response, policymakers in Japan have called for the “internationalization” ( kokusaika ) of universities to better prepare students to navigate and succeed in an interdependent global economy. In many cases, these internationalization efforts have gone furthest in private universities, while national and public universities have struggled to adapt. In a 2008 survey conducted by MEXT , only 5 percent of faculty members in Japan’s most prestigious public institutions came from overseas.

University Admissions

“Thus there is a general belief that a student’s performance in one crucial examination at about the age of 18 is likely to determine the rest of his life. In other words: the university entrance examination is the primary sorting device for careers in Japanese society. The result is not an aristocracy of birth, but a sort of degree-ocracy .”

Despite the passage of half a century, those words, written in a review of Japan’s national education policies that was published by the OECD in 1971, still ring true today. Attending a prestigious university has a direct impact on one’s employment and life prospects, making the university admissions process one of the most significant stages of Japan’s educational system. While MEXT encourages universities to consider a range of factors when making admissions decisions, such as interviews, essays, and secondary school grades, entrance examinations are far and away the most important factor.

Students with a Senior High School Graduation Certificate who want to enroll at public universities or certain private universities typically take two entrance examinations: the National Center Test for University Admissions ( daigaku nyūshi sentā shiken ), more often referred to simply as the National Center Test or Center Test; and a university-specific entrance examination. National Center Tests, administered by the National Center for University Entrance Exams , are held annually over two days in January. There are 30 tests total, all multiple-choice, in six subjects : geography and history, civics, the Japanese language, foreign language, science, and mathematics. Students can sit for up to 10 examinations over the two days, typically choosing subjects required by their preferred universities for admission.

Institution-specific examinations at prestigious universities are often even more difficult than the National Center Tests. Students often elect to sit for multiple institution-specific examinations at several universities in case they do not get in to their preferred university. Prior to both examinations, universities distribute booklets to students to help them prepare for the subject examinations.

Criticism and Reform: The Common Test for University Admissions

Many Japanese policy experts have criticized the National Center Test, alleging that the test’s outdated emphasis on rote memorization contributes to a lack of independent and critical thinking in Japanese students. They also contend that the high-stakes nature of the test inflicts significant psychological distress on students and their parents, even going so far as to assert that the test reinforces a centuries-old cultural stigma that associates failure with being ostracized. For example, a large number of students who fail to achieve scores high enough for admission to their preferred university elect to retake the entrance examinations the following year. These students, who made up one-fifth of all students sitting for the National Test in 2011, are known as rōnin , a term that historically referred to wandering samurai stripped of their social status by the loss of their feudal master. Rōnin opting to study in a Juku , or cram school , which students can attend both before or after they sit for an entrance test, are typically relegated to a specific section of the school, segregated from other students. There, they subject themselves to long, grueling hours of study in hopes of raising their test scores high enough to gain admission to the college of their choice.

The test has also been decried for its lack of accessibility. Test prices are high and can cost students up to 18,800 Japanese yen , or around US$180, for just three subjects. 1  Cram schools can cost far more. Yobikō , which like Juku prepare students for entrance examinations, can cost as much as a year of university tuition. These high costs exacerbate economic inequality in an already-stratified Japanese society, stirring up tensions by furthering the impression that only the most socially and financially fit will be admitted to top-tier universities and, in turn, be guaranteed high-paying jobs in the future.

To address some of these issues, the Japanese government plans to replace the National Center Test with the Common Test for University Admissions, or Common Test, scheduled to be held for the first time in 2021. MEXT hopes that the new Common Test will select “ entrants based on a multifaceted methodology that ‘fairly’ evaluates the skills that individuals have built up for themselves,” encouraging critical and independent thinking and deep analysis of problems instead of rote memorization. One means of achieving these goals is the introduction of written sections for mathematics and Japanese language tests. The significance of the new Common Test is enormous. It not only reveals a willingness to adapt to the demands of an ever-more globalized, knowledge-based world, but also signals a reevaluation of deep-seated cultural values, especially those of success, fairness, and individuality.

Higher Education Institutions, Programs, and Degrees

The structure and requirements of Japan’s higher education programs strongly resemble those of the U.S. The academic year for most HEIs is split into two semesters, April to September and October to March, although some institutions operate on a trimester or quarter system. Although the government and university officials in recent years have debated beginning the academic year in the fall to better align with international practices, no nationwide action has yet been taken. The language of instruction in most programs is Japanese, although a small number are taught in English.

Junior Colleges (tanki daigaku)

Junior colleges ( tanki daigaku ), sometimes referred to in English as community colleges, offer two- to three-year programs in a variety of fields. Two-year courses require the completion of a minimum of 62 credits; three-year courses require a minimum of 93 credits. Between 1991 and 2005, junior colleges awarded their graduates the title of Associate. Since 2006, students have been awarded an associate degree ( tankidaigakushi ) which allows them to transfer to an undergraduate program at a university. At times, credit exemptions are awarded.

The vast majority of students enrolled at junior colleges are women . In 2009, women made up nearly 90 percent of junior college enrollments . With more and more women choosing to study at four-year universities, however, enrollment at junior colleges has declined sharply.

Universities (Daigaku)

Universities offer bachelor’s degree programs ( gakushi ) requiring a minimum of four years of full-time study. They are offered in a variety of fields, including the humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, and agriculture. Bachelor’s degree programs typically require the completion of a general education component, which usually comprises 30 to 60 credits taken in the first two years of the program. Students must earn a minimum of 124 credits to graduate. Medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and veterinary sciences programs require six years of study and between 182 and 188 credits.

Curricula in medical programs generally consist of subjects in biology, physics, mathematics, and chemistry, with four years dedicated to academic study and two years dedicated to clinical practice and training. Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a Bachelor of Medicine. Graduates passing a national licensing examination are legally authorized to practice, beginning with a two-year rotating residency. A Bachelor of Medicine is required for admission to a three-year Doctor of Medical Science program.

Master’s degrees ( shushi ) typically require two years of full-time study and the completion of 30 credits. Master’s degree programs are offered in a variety of subjects and consist of coursework, a thesis, and an oral examination. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree or 16 years of school.

Doctoral degrees ( hakase ) require three to five years of full-time study. Graduation from a master’s or professional degree program is typically required, although some institutions also demand that applicants pass an additional entrance examination. Students admitted to a doctoral program with just a bachelor’s degree are typically required to complete 30 credits of coursework in their first two years.

Both master’s and doctoral degrees are taught at graduate schools , which are usually divisions of universities, although some are operated as independent institutions. Relatively few Japanese students pursue graduate education, in part because of the perception among employers that graduate students are not much more qualified than undergraduate students. Unlike enrollment at the undergraduate level, where most students attend private institutions, graduate level enrollments are concentrated in national universities.

National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE)

Since 1991, the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE), known prior to 2016 as the National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation (NIAD-UE), has also awarded degrees on the basis of accumulated credits or the completion of a NIAD-QE-approved academic program. For example, a graduate of an associate degree program who has earned at least 62 credits from a university over a two-year period can apply to NIAD-QE, which, after evaluating and approving the student’s academic coursework, awards a bachelor’s degree. NIAD-QE also awards bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to students completing a course of study at an educational institution run by a government ministry , such as the National Defense Academy of Japan or the National Defense Medical College . Students in master’s and doctoral programs also sit for an examination conducted by a committee of experts convened by NIAD-QE.

Quality Assurance and Accreditation

Japan’s current system of quality assurance and accreditation is complex. It consists of government control over the establishment of new HEIs, external accreditation, and institutional self-monitoring and self-evaluation.

MEXT has sole statutory power to charter new universities , with the decision of whether to approve the establishment of a new university based on the outcome of a review conducted by the Council for University Chartering and School Corporation, a MEXT agency. The council evaluates the compliance of proposed universities in light of standards set by the government in areas like the organization and administration of the university, staff qualifications, student-to-faculty ratios, facilities, and educational programs, among others. After the institution has begun operations and before the first cohort graduates, the council conducts a “Survey to Track Implementation of University Foundation Plans” to ensure that the university has continued to uphold the standards set by law.

Since 2004 , Japanese HEIs have been subject to the certified evaluation and accreditation (CEA) system. Under this system, all HEIs must undergo a comprehensive evaluation of their education, research, and facilities by MEXT-approved CEA organizations at fixed time intervals. As of 2020, MEXT had approved 15 CEA organizations , each of which develops and applies its own evaluation criteria. CEA organizations are approved to evaluate only certain institution types, such as universities or colleges of technology, or professional programs, such as law and business management. While the CEA evaluation is mandatory, HEIs are free to choose from among the list of approved CEA organizations. The evaluation results are published publicly.

All public and private universities, junior colleges, and colleges of technology are required to undergo CEA evaluation once every seven years. Besides comprehensive institutional evaluations, professional programs offered by PVJCs, PVUs, and professional graduate schools are required to undergo evaluation once every five years. For universities, MEXT has approved five CEAs, the largest of which is the NIAD-QE , which also maintains a searchable database of recognized HEIs and programs.

Universities, junior colleges, and colleges of technology are also required to conduct internal quality assurance and self-assessment reviews, the results of which are published publicly. Following the 2004 NUC reforms, national universities are subject to additional evaluations by MEXT to monitor their progress in achieving previously determined goals. The results of these evaluations determine the level of funding national universities receive from MEXT.

Grading Scales

Although grading scales vary by institution, most national universities employ a variation of a five-scale grading system, with most using letter grades ranging from S (superior) to F (fail). Other universities use a numeric 0 to 100 grading scale, with a 60 being the minimum pass for each course. Students performing at an inadequate level are given an F and are encouraged to retake the same subject(s) in the following semesters. As of 2016 , most Japanese universities had also adopted a grade point average (GPA) system.

Teacher Training

Despite Japan’s large student population, the country employs relatively few teachers. As mentioned above, student-teacher ratios are well above the OECD average. Despite recent attempts by MEXT to reduce these ratios, a national drive to cut public sector spending has negatively impacted the hiring of new teachers. Between 2014 and 2015, the total number of teachers declined .

Working conditions for teachers are also far from ideal. Teachers are overworked, employed for an average of about 54 hours a week, and, as is the case for the rest of the Japanese workforce, their terms of employment have become increasingly precarious. In 2012, around 16 percent of Japanese teachers were employed on short-term or part-time contracts, up from less than 9 percent in 2005. Irregular employment often hinders teachers’ professional development, limits the time available for lesson planning, and lowers morale, all of which can have a detrimental impact on educational quality.

Outside of higher education, teachers at all educational levels must hold teaching certificates in order to practice. Prefectural boards of education issue these certificates to candidates who have earned a minimum number of credits as set by MEXT-approved academic programs. Candidates typically study at general universities and junior colleges, although graduate schools of education have recently been established to provide advanced teacher education and training. Academic teaching programs include courses on pedagogy as well as those related to the subjects that prospective teachers intend to teach.

A separate teaching certificate is required to teach in different stages or types of education—kindergarten, elementary, lower secondary, upper secondary, and special needs teachers must all obtain different teaching certificates. Three different classes of certificates are awarded—advanced, class I, and class II—and each requires different academic credentials. A master’s degree is needed to earn an advanced teaching certificate, a bachelor’s degree for a class I certificate, and an associate degree for a class II certificate. The class II certificate is not an option for teachers at the upper secondary level, and those teachers who hold a class II certificate at other levels are urged to continue their studies and obtain at least a class I certificate. Teachers are required to renew their licenses every 10 years by completing a set of courses developed by MEXT and taught at MEXT-approved universities or teacher training institutions.

WES Document Requirements

Secondary education.

• Academic transcript—issued in English and sent directly to WES by the institution attended
• Graduation certificate—a clear, legible photocopy of the graduation certificate or diploma issued in English by the institution attended
• For completed doctoral degrees, a letter confirming the award of the degree—sent directly by the institution attended

Click here for a PDF file of the academic documents referred to below:

• Senior High School Graduation Certificate
• Associate degree
• Title of Associate (College of Technology)
• Diploma (Professional Training College)
• Advanced Diploma (professional Training College)
• Bachelor’s degree
• NIAD-QE bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree
• Doctor of Philosophy

1.  University-specific entrance examinations raise costs even more, adding around 17,000 yen per exam to a student’s total expenditure.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of World Education Services (WES).

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Masters in Japan: Popular Courses, Universities, Tuition Fees, and Admissions

Shahid Murshed

Study Abroad Content Writer at Collegedunia.com | Updated On - May 18, 2024

• You can apply for Masters in Japan in the Fall (September or October) and Spring (April) intakes
• Some popular Masters program in Japan include Health, Engineering, Humanities, Business and Economics
• A bachelor degree and an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent are required for masters in Japan
• You also need to have a JLPT score (Japan Language Proficiency Test score) along with IELTS, TOEFL scores . The minimum JLPT score is N1 level

Japan is becoming a very popular study-abroad destination among international students. It has lower tuition fees as compared to other developed study-abroad destinations. The yearly tuition fees for MS in USA can range from INR 20 to 52 lakhs, whereas in Japan, it is INR 4.80 lakhs. Masters in Japan is a 2 years long program. The minimum requirements for masters programs in Japan are as follows

• Bachelor degree
• IELTS score of 6.0
• TOEFL score of 75-80
• JLPT N1 level or equivalent GRE score

Remember, admissions to Masters in Japan are highly competitive. Most Japanese universities require Japanese language proficiency along with English language proficiency. As per the Ministry of External Affairs, 1302 Indian students are studying in Japan. The tuition fees for masters programs in Japan are determined by the type of university and the course you choose. Masters in Japan cost for the first year is approximately 820,000 YEN for national universities. It can go up to 900,000 YEN for public universities, and 1,100,000 YEN for private universities (excluding medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs).

Table of Content

Popular Masters Programs in Japan

Masters in japan admissions, cost of living in japan, why study masters in japan.

You can consider the below-mentioned reasons if you are choosing masters in Japan for international students

• Japan is the world leader in technological innovation, particularly in electronics, robotics, and automotive engineering. Global companies like Sony, Toshiba, and Toyota are based in Japan.
• Japan has over 780 universities, hundreds of junior colleges, and an unlimited number of vocational schools. You will definitely find a suitable university here.
• You can get the Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarships which is the most prestigious scholarship in Japan. Additionally, you can get the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship, Scholarships provided by JASSO, etc. This indicates, Japan offers numerous scholarships to international students.

Degree programs at Japanese universities are normally conducted in Japanese. Due to the globalization of higher education, many universities offer master's degrees in Japan taught in English. But which are the popular English taught masters in Japan? Find out below

Universities in Japan for Education and Teaching

Here, we have mentioned a few of the best universities in Japan for masters for education and teaching, along with tuition fees.

Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024

Universities in Japan for Masters in Health

Few universities for Masters in Japan for health, medicine and nursing are tabulated

Universities in Japan for Masters in Engineering

Some of the popular universities in Japan for engineering masters programs are tabulated below

Universities in Japan for Masters in Humanities

Top universities in Japan for Masters in Humanities are provided below

Universities in Japan for Masters in Business and Economics

Few top universities for masters in Japan for economics are stated below

Universities in Japan for Masters in Social Sciences

Here are the top universities in Japan for Masters in Sociology

Universities in Japan for Masters Program in Law

Few top universities for masters program in Law in Japan are provided below

Universities in Japan for Masters in Management

Some popular universities for masters in management in Japan are presented below

To be eligible for admission to universities in Japan for masters, you need to have a bachelor degree. For this you need to satisfy any of the following

• Graduated from a four-year university
• Students completed 16 years of formal study in their country
• Candidates completed at least 3 years of study at a foreign university and earned a bachelor's degree
• Aspirants with a bachelor's degree from the National institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education
• Students completed 16 years of formal education in Japan via an online curriculum offered by a foreign school

Documents Required for Masters in Japan for Indian Students

When seeking admission to a graduate program, you'll need to provide the following documents. For any additional requirements, please refer to the specific guidelines provided by the institution you intend to apply to.

• University (undergraduate) graduation diploma or certificate
• Transcript from the last school attended
• Letter of recommendation
• University research/graduation thesis and an abstract
• English language proficiency scores
• Research proposal
• Others if any

The rents in Tokyo and other large cities are higher than in other more rural areas. As an example, while the national average for monthly rents is 38,000 YEN, it is 50,000 YEN in Tokyo. It is also difficult to rent apartments or other accommodations near schools in metropolitan areas. So the community costs are also higher. The average monthly cost of living in Japan is as follows

Scholarships for MS in Japan for Indian Students

Japanese universities and Government work together to offer scholarships to international students. Some of the popular scholarships for masters degree in Japan for international students are given below

Job Outcomes After Masters Program in Japan

A postgraduate degree from Japan adds immense value to your professional and personal career. IT and Engineering, Finance & Banking, Hospitality, Marketing and Medical are among the top paying sectors in Japan. Some common job roles and average annual salary after postgraduate in Japan are given below

Work Permit in Japan

Your Japanese student visa does not allow you to work in the country. There are few work visas for occupations, artists, instructors, journalists, professors, skilled laborers, and more. The validity of each visa varies from 3 years to 5 years, and this depends on the type of work permit an employee chooses. The different types of work visas are listed below:

• Specified Skilled Worker Visa
• Specified Skills Visa 1-SSV1
• Specified Skills Visa 2-SSV2

After receiving your Work Permit, you're ready to explore job opportunities. Just keep in mind that under a Student visa, your working hours are capped at 28 per week. Additionally, certain job sectors like bars, clubs, adult stores, hotels, massage parlors, etc., are off-limits. Documents required for a Japan Work visa are as follows

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Visa application form that is completely filled
• Recent Photographs (4cm * 3cm)
• A copy of your passport with an expiry date
• Job Offer from a Japan-based company
• Provide a return mail envelope with a JPY 392 stamp
• CV and Original degree certificate

You can consider the aforementioned details while choosing to study MSC in Japan. The cost of MS in Japan for Indian students is around 3 lakhs to 5 lakhs per year. Hence, Japan universities for international students offer better ROI than other countries. There are many master degree in Japan taught in English.

Ques: What are the admission requirements for a Master's program in Japan?

Ans : Admission requirements vary by university and program. You will need a bachelor's degree, proficiency in English or Japanese (depending on the program), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs may require standardized test scores like the GRE or JLPT.

Ques: How do I find scholarships or funding for my Master's studies in Japan?

Ans : Many universities offer scholarships for international students. Additionally, you can explore government scholarships like the MEXT Scholarship or private scholarships offered by organizations like the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) or other foundations.

Ques: What is the cost of living for international students in Japan?

Ans : The cost of living varies depending on the city, but on average, it ranges from ¥100,000 to ¥150,000 per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.

Ques: Can I work part-time while studying for my Master's in Japan?

Ans : Yes, international students can work part-time for up to 28 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks, provided they obtain permission from the Immigration Bureau.

Ques: Are Master's programs in Japan taught in English or Japanese?

Ans : Many universities offer Master's programs taught entirely in English, especially in STEM fields and international relations. However, proficiency in Japanese may be required for programs taught in Japanese.

Ques: What are the visa requirements for international students pursuing a Master's in Japan?

Ans : You'll need a student visa to study in Japan. To obtain a student visa, you'll need a Certificate of Eligibility issued by your university, proof of financial support, and a valid passport. You must also meet certain health and character requirements.

Ques: What are the job prospects for international students after completing a Master's in Japan?

Ans : Japan has a high demand for skilled professionals, especially in industries like technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance. Networking, internships, and proficiency in Japanese can improve your job prospects.

Ques: Is it possible to extend my stay in Japan after completing my Master's degree?

Ans : Yes, you can extend your stay in Japan to seek employment after completing your studies. You may be eligible for a job hunting visa (designated activities visa) for up to 6 months to search for a job.

Ques: How can I adapt to the cultural differences in Japan as an international student?

Ans : Cultural adaptation is important when studying abroad. Engage in cultural activities, join student clubs, learn the language, and be open to new experiences. Japanese people are generally welcoming and understanding of cultural differences.

Ques: What support services are available for international students in Japan?

Ans : Japanese universities offer various support services for international students, including Japanese language courses, academic advising, counseling services, and assistance with accommodation and visa matters. Additionally, many cities have international student associations that provide support and organize cultural events.​

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• Schools in Japan
• Professional Training Colleges / Vocational Schools
• Vocational Schools - Professional Training Colleges in Japan

Professional Training Colleges (Vocational Schools) in Japan

In Japan, there are various professional training colleges (vocational schools), with a number exceeding 2,700. Schools that offer specialized courses as higher education institutions are referred to as "senmon gakkō" (professional training college in English). The major characteristic of these schools is the opportunity to focus on acquiring knowledge specifically relevant to the desired profession and obtaining the necessary qualifications. Foreigners can also enroll in professional training colleges by passing required examinations that demonstrate their suitability. This article provides a detailed explanation of vocational schools in Japan.

What is a Professional Training College (Vocational School)?

Professional training colleges are higher education institutions in Japan that provide practical vocational education. They aim to acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for professions and practical life, and to enhance one's education. Professional training colleges are divided into eight main fields: 1) Industry, 2) Agriculture, 3) Medical, 4) Hygiene, 5) Education and Social Welfare, 6) Business and Commerce, 7) Fashion and Home Economics, and 8) Cultural and Liberal Arts.

Professional training colleges are positioned as "higher education institutions" similar to universities and junior colleges, and they play a role in vocational education at the higher education stage in Japan. Currently, upon completion of a program of at least 2 years of study (with a total of 1,700 or more class hours), the title of "Diploma" is conferred, and upon completion of a program of 4 years or more of study (with a total of 3,400 or more class hours), the title of "Advanced Diploma" is conferred. "Diploma" holders can transfer to universities, and "Advanced Diploma" holders can enroll in graduate schools.

The greatest advantage of Professional training colleges in Japan is their direct connection to employment. These educational institutions aim to provide high-level specialized skills in various occupational fields and now play a significant role as important higher education institutions, second only to universities.

You can pursue learning necessary for various professions, such as interior designer, architect, system engineer, automotive mechanic, nurse, nutritionist, chef, pastry chef, beautician, certified public accountant, interpreter/translator, flight attendant, hotel staff, childcare worker, home helper, fashion designer, animator, film director, director, game creator, jewelry designer, and more.

> Recruitment Agencies in Japan > Hello Work in Japan: A Handy Employment Service Center

How many years do a student attend a professional training college?

Professional training college are primarily 2-year programs. However, there are also 1-year, 3-year, and 4-year programs available, each with different study durations and curricula. Even within the same field of study, vocational training colleges can have various characteristics and features.

In fields such as industry, nutrition, beauty/hairdressing, childcare/elderly care, hotel/bridal/business/airline/international/language studies, fashion, entertainment/arts, and others, many departments are established based on a 2-year system.

If a student graduates from high school at the age of 18 and enrolls in a 2-year program at a vocational school, they would graduate at the age of 20. This allows them to become independent as working professionals at an early stage and actively contribute to society.

In fields particularly related to healthcare, it is common to adopt a 3-year system for certain disciplines. This is because there are predetermined curricula required to take national examinations. For example, the majority of departments that train nurses, veterinary nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, clinical laboratory technicians, clinical engineers, speech therapists, dental hygienists, acupuncturists, and orthopedic practitioners are 3-year programs.

There is also an increasing trend in 4-year programs, especially in disciplines that aim for certifications requiring higher-level knowledge, such as first-class automobile mechanics, registered dietitians, architects, and legal professionals who need to pass the bar exam. Information technology-related programs that focus on learning IT skills are also seeing an increase in four-year programs.

How can a Foreign Student Enroll in Professional Training College?

Higher education in Japan begins after completing a total of 12 years of schooling, including 6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, and 3 years of high school. This means, in order for foreign students to enroll in higher education institutions in Japan, they are required to have completed the 12th year of formal schooling in their home country. If the number of years of study in their home country is less than 12 years, they may need to study for 1 to 2 years in preparatory education programs or similar courses before progressing to universities or other higher education institutions.

The classes at professional training colleges are conducted in Japanese, so Japanese language proficiency is required. You must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Completion of at least 6 months of Japanese language education at a Japanese language institution designated by the Minister of Justice.

2. Passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at N1 or N2 level, administered by the Japan International Education Support Association or the Japan Foundation.

3. Completion of at least 1 year of education at a Japanese elementary, junior high, or high school.

4. Achieving a score of 200 or higher in the Japanese Language subject (Reading and Listening-Reading Comprehension) of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU).

5. Obtaining a score of 400 or higher in the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test conducted by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation.

About a year before enrollment, research and select the desired school . Then take the necessary exams (JLPT, EJU, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, IB, and so on), submit the required documents and pay the examination fees to the chosen school about 6 to 9 months before enrolling. After passing the document screening, interviews, and entrance exams, pay the tuition fees and apply for a visa. Please check JASSO website for more details.

Those with the status of residence of "student" are also permitted to work part-time up to 28 hours per week by applying for a "Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence" at a local immigration office. There are also scholarship programs available for foreign students. 

How to Find a Professional Training College

The Association for Technical and Career Education provides a list of vocational schools accepting international students. You can search by prefectures, fields and subjects in English. https://study-japan-ptc.jp/search/index_en.html

Genki Schools provides school lists in English assorted by fields, you can also find a required Japanese level. https://www.genkijacs.com/studying-at-a-japanese-college.php

JASSO provides practical information about professional training college in Japan. https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/other/sgtj/

Access Ranking

Affordable or Even Free Japanese Language Classes in Tokyo

How Hard Is It to Learn Japanese? A Look at Why It's So Complex

Culinary Schools (Professional Training Colleges) in Japan

International Boarding Schools in Japan

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45 Degrees in Education in Japan for 2024

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Degrees in Education

Those who pursue education as a career will undergo courses that are designed to train future educators. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of courses designed for students who wish to supplement any teaching credentials. These courses are offered at various institutions across the globe.

Japan has one of the highly integrated higher education systems in Asia. Japans approach to science and technology is highly rated thus their education levels very structured from childhood to primary through secondary to tertiary levels. With 126 million people living in Japan it has a cultural rich environment. Greater Tokyo area is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million residents.

Learn Japanese Language

The Japan Foundation provides both direct and indirect support for language learners. Indirect support involves efforts to enhance the learning environment, including creating learning materials and training future teachers. Direct support involves training programs for learners invited from overseas to study Japanese language and culture (programs for specialists and programs to encourage learners).

Message for Japanese-Language Learners ― It’s fun to study Japanese!

The Japan Foundation works to create and enhance Japanese-language education environments around the world to give more people opportunities to study Japanese. What is the motivation to study Japanese? We introduce the messages from people studying Japanese: their Japanese-learning methods to improve Japanese, their relations to Japanese, and the appeal of the Japanese language for them. We also have a message from Japan.

JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education

The Japan Foundation continues to develop original tools to examine teaching, learning, and assessment, and it plays a core role in improving infrastructure for overseas Japanese-language education.

• JF Language Course

The Japan Foundation offers a new type of Japanese-language course based on the "JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education" as an easier way to learn and teach Japanese. The course places emphasis on the comprehensive learning of language and culture, and aims at promoting mutual understanding through Japanese language.

• Learning Materials

The Japan Foundation develops, manages, and deploys online and audio-visual Japanese-language teaching materials.

• Training Programs

The Japan Foundation provides training programs for those who are influential in bonding ties between Japan and their countries, such as diplomats, public officials, researchers, and graduate students. To encourage Japanese-language education overseas, the Foundation also invites foreign university and high school students who excel in learning to Japan.

• International Speech Contest in Japanese

The Japan Foundation has been hosting International Speech Contest in Japanese in cooperation with International Education Center.

• The JF Nihongo Network

The JF Nihongo Network as “The Sakura Network” is a global network linking the core Japanese-language institutions and teacher associations to promote the language and improve the quality of education. The Japan Foundation's overseas offices and influential organizations in educational activities in the whole country/region join forces to support effective education in each country.

Study or Work in Japan

Useful links for Japanese-language learners abroad who would like to study or work in Japan.

• Moving to Japan for study “Study in Japan,” operated by Japan Student Services Organization
• Moving to Japan for work “Open for Professionals,” operated by Japan External Trade Oraganization
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• Overseas Office Publications
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• The Japan Foundation Asian Art Archive

13 Best Animation Schools in Japan

What better place to learn animation than Japan? A place where anime is a culture more than it is an art. In this article, I will walk you through the best animation schools in Japan providing relevant info on each of the schools and how they operate.

The first popular Japanese animation, popularly known as Anime, I ever watched was Dragon Balls but it was too noisy so I stopped watching it. Years later, my friend was finally able to convince me to watch Naruto and I fell in love from the first episode. One month later, I had watched all 720 episodes of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. It was the best thing I ever watched in my entire life to date.

The storyline and animation were so good but at the beginning the animation was terrible as the episodes stretched, the animation quality advanced just like every other anime that began in the 90’s.

The Japanese are known for their futuristic technologies, advanced medicine, and art – anime – which is a huge part of their culture. Yes, that’s right! Animation is a huge part of the Japanese and you can find manga and anime in nearly every store, the art is all around you and this is what makes Japan the best place to study animation.

Going to Japan to study animation puts you right in the middle of a culture that has been in existence for over a hundred years and continues to grow and evolve into a trillion-yen industry.

If you’re intrigued about anime and want to learn how to make beautiful animations that tell a story to earn a degree or a certificate, I have curated a list of the best animation schools in Japan.

Japan is a hub of technological and scientific advancement. They are the world’s highest producers of many of the machines and technological innovations we see around. The fact that they are such intelligent, sophisticated people does not make them dull. The Japanese have one of the most colorful, fun arts in the world.

Growing up we watched a lot of anime shows such as Naruto, Dragonball Z, One Piece, Bleach, Seven Deadly Sins, Jujutsu Kaisen, etc. And as you must have already known, the Japanese is the mastermind behind these action-packed, fun, lively animations. It is part of the Japanese culture and most of them even talk about Japanese mythology and beliefs.

It is an interesting form of art that is currently making waves all over the world. Due to the many opportunities that the field presents, there has been a lot of interest, especially among the youth, to become animators and manga illustrators. Also, universities and colleges in Japan and other countries have seen this interest and are now teaching it as a program.

Yes, that’s correct. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in animation right where it all started – Japan – and where the culture is just pure and authentic. The field is growing at a fast pace and it is one of the fun jobs that pay well . If you have artistic skills or are passionate about animation, you shouldn’t be shy or scared to enhance the skill.

Rather, you should look for a good school to sharpen your skills, build a network of connections, and meet people already in the field and learn from their experience. While higher institutions in other countries may teach animation, this article is focused on discussing the best animation schools in Japan.

You may want to consider going to Japan to pursue a degree in animation. Firstly, this is where it originated, therefore, they are much better at it and have the right tools and people to teach you effectively. Also, the universities in Japan are much cheaper for international students than in the rest of the world.

How to Study Animation in Japan

Studying animation in Japan does not require any special or unique process. Simply go through a list of animation schools in Japan that accept international students. Contact the school either via telephone call or email to enquire about the tuition and their entry requirements. Make a list of your top choices and do further research on their academic quality, graduation rate, employment rate, and so on.

This could be quite a rigorous process for you this is why we have provided you with the list and details of the best animation schools in Japan so that you don’t have to go through the daunting task of looking for them yourself.

When you’ve finally made your choice, begin the application process this is usually online. I have listed some of the documents you may need for admission application into an animation school in Japan.

Admission Requirements for Animation Schools in Japan

Interested in attending an animation school in Japan? Then ensure you meet or possess the following admission requirements:

• Prospective students must have finished 12 years of formal education in their country and earned a high school diploma.
• Possess a valid passport and passport photos
• Proof of financial records to show that you can afford the cost of education and live in Japan.
• Health insurance
• Recommendation letters from past teachers and professors
• Take the TOEFL or IELTS test
• Statement of purpose
• All academic transcripts from past schools attended
• A letter of good standing from the Ministry of Internal Affairs in your home country
• Pass the university entrance exam

These are the basic requirements for animation schools in Japan

How to Get a Scholarship for Animation in Japan

To get a scholarship for animation in Japan you need to check in with the particular school you are applying for to know whether they offer scholarships or not. There are scholarships in Japan for international students mostly offered by universities to attract international students and make Japan among the destination hubs for international students.

To verify whether the animation school you are applying for offers scholarships, you simply need to contact the admissions office or check their websites for scholarships and financial aid opportunities. If any scholarships are available, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.

With all the clarity observed, let’s get into the best animation schools in Japan.

List of Best Animation Schools in Japan

There are many animation schools in Japan but only the best ones have been outlined and discussed in this post. Links to each of the schools have been provided to offer you further guidance in case you see any of the schools that pique your interest. Through the links, you will also learn the application process, deadline, and available scholarship opportunities. Have a great read.

• Kyoto Seika University
• Osaka Animation College
• Tokyo Designer School
• Tokyo University of the Arts
• Yoyogi Animation Academy
• Aoba-Japan International School
• Amusement Media School
• Tokyo College of Anime
• Osaka Amusement Media College
• Sapporo College of Anime
• Tokyo Animator Academy College
• Toei Animation Institute
• Tokyo Media Academy

1.      Kyoto Seika University

On our first list of best animation schools in Japan is Kyoto Seika University, a private college located in Iwakura, Kyoto, Japan, and popular for its quality academic offerings in animation. The university has a Department of Animation under the Faculty of Manga that offers animation courses to international and domestic students.

Students are trained and equipped with adequate skills to become successful animators and manga illustrators in the future. Some of the courses offered are cartoon art, comic art, oil painting, animation, digital design, and graphic design. All the courses are taught in Japanese and international students are accepted.

School website link

2.      Osaka Animation College

Whether you want to be a voice-over artist, graphic designer, animator, or cartoonist, the Osaka Animation College is the place for you. You will gradually learn the basic skills improve your abilities to a practical level and become a professional animator with good knowledge in both analog and digital techniques.

All courses are taught in Japanese and a handful are taught in English. The courses taught in English are Anime Production, Animator Course, Complete Comic Course, Story Comic Course, and Character Design Course. Cutting-edge facilities are available for students to enhance their practical skills and work with professionals in the field.

3.      Tokyo Designer School

Tokyo Designer School is one of the best animation schools in Japan offering a wide range of academic programs that cover animation and all forms of design. The institute nurtures designers with a wide field of vision and skills and a practical curriculum that meets the demands of the current field of design.

The school houses 11 departments that cover all aspects of design, offering highly specialized courses that create capable professionals. The courses offered are animation, game creation, manga, character design, and computer graphics.

4.      Tokyo University of the Arts

Tokyo University of the Arts is a prestigious art school in Japan offering programs in animation and other genres of illustration and design. It is a public school located in Taito, Tokyo, Japan but has facilities in Toride, Ibaraki, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Kitasenju, and Adachi all in Tokyo. The courses offered here lead to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

The university is divided into the Faculties of Fine Arts, Music, and Graduate Schools of Fine Arts, Music, Film, and New Media. Scholarships and financial aid opportunities are offered to students to reduce their tuition load and encourage them to follow their dreams.

5.      Yoyogi Animation Academy

This Japanese animation school is Japan’s largest animation and art institution with a high reputation. It is among the best animation schools in Japan and all courses are taught in Japanese therefore students must have the ability to fully understand the Japanese language to attend Yoyogi Animation School.

The institute has facilities in Miyazaki, Takamatsu, Sendai, Sapporo, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Harajuku, Osaka, Hachioji, Nagoya, and Wakayama. Each of these facilities or campuses has features and courses are taught differently. The courses offered include animation, multimedia creation, illustration, animation AV operator, and digital animation artist.

6.      Aoba-Japan International School

Aoba-Japan International School is another of the best animation schools in Japan with two campuses in Hikargoaka and Meguro. Students can decide to apply to either of them, they offer the same programs but the environments are different which is what students need to look out for before sending out applications. Ensure it is an environment that fits your needs.

The institution accepts international students and uses an international curriculum to develop future leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the fields of animation design, voice acting, and game design. A handful of courses are taught in English to satisfy the needs of incoming international students and cutting-edge facilities and resources are constantly available to support students’ experiential learning.

7.      Amusement Media School

Amusement Media School was established in 1993 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, and continues to offer quality academic offerings and innovative curriculum to meet students’ needs and fit the current business model and needs of the animation field. The multimedia school provides training programs in various genres of design such as computer and graphics design, animation, game design, manga illustration, and voice-over.

The school equips students with the latest animation design techniques and connects them to a professional network of successful individuals in the field to gain business ideas that can be efficient in turning your skill into a successful career.

8.      Tokyo College of Anime & E-Sports

Tokyo College of Anime is located at Nishikasai, Edogawa-Ku, Tokyo and it is one of the best animation schools in Japan that you should add to your list. You can take courses in voice acting, anime design, or e-sports which typically take 2-3 years to complete, and join the growing community of animation designers to make your work known in Japan and the world.

International students are accepted and there is an office for international students where you can get all the details you need to apply. Other programs offered include a Digital CG animation major, anime sound, novel & scenario major, super pro gamer major, e-sport management major, and illustration & character design major.

9.      Osaka Amusement Media College

Osaka Amusement College is one of the best animation schools in Japan. It is located in Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka. The college is designed to train and develop your ability in various art forms ranging from voice acting and animation to character design and game programming. These courses are offered via its 8 departments of;

• Game programmer
• Game creator
• Character design
• Game/animation 3DCG
• Manga illustration
• Novels literary arts
• Voice actor

Innovative programs are offered through these departments to enhance your skills and develop your abilities to make you number 1 in the industry.

10. Sapporo College of Anime

On our tenth list of best animation schools in Japan is the Sapporo College of Anime, a prestigious animation and graphics school in Japan. The school is mainly focused on anime and manga illustration and doesn’t offer gaming design/programming courses like the others. Students here can easily meet like minds, as the program offering isn’t very broad, and share ideas that can uplift them in the industry.

International students are welcome to apply for any of the courses offered at Sapporo. These courses are Manga Major, Comic Illustration, Major Voice Actor, Anime Song, and Animator.

11. Tokyo Animator Academy College

Next on our list of best animation schools in Japan is the Tokyo Animation College. The college offers four professional courses in voice acting, animation, cartoonism, and illustration. These courses are designed to equip students with the skills and connections they need to succeed in their respective careers.

The application process and deadlines can be found in the link below.

12. Toei Animation Institute

Toei Animation Institute offers an outstanding animation education in Japan. It is owned by the company that produces One Piece, Gegege no Kitaro, Dragon Ball, Slam Dunk, and many others. As a student here, this allows you to work alongside reputable professional creators and draw inspiration from their work and experience as animators.

The courses offered by the institute are director, digital animation artist, writer, producer, animation, planning, and background artist.

13. Tokyo Media Academy

Tokyo Media Academy is a reputable school that supports students who want to pursue careers in animation, writing, and voice acting. This is a place where you can turn your dream into reality as you work alongside experienced and professional animators, writers, and voice actors.

Tuition at Tokyo Media Academy is between 50,000 Yen to 300,000 yen per year and the program takes 2 years to complete.

This brings an end to the best animation schools in Japan and I hope they help you to achieve your dreams of being an animator, voice actor, or manga illustrator. This is an interesting, fun field and it is obvious from the manga and anime we see around if you have a talent or passion for it, do not hesitate to pursue it further.

How much does it cost to study animation in Japan?

The cost of studying animation in Japan ranges between 50,000 yen to 300,00 yen depending on the school you attend.

How many years of college do you need to become an animator in Japan?

2-3 years is the required time to complete an animator program in Japan

Can international students study animation in Japan?

Some animation schools in Japan accept international students but students have to be fluent in English or Japanese.

Can I study animation in Japan in English?

Yes, you can study animation in Japan in English. A handful of international animation schools in Japan offer animation programs in the English language to satisfy the needs of international students.

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Akiko Fujii, Teaching and Learning English in Japanese Classrooms: Teachers’ Perspectives, ELT Journal , 2024;, ccae028, https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccae028

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In Japan, learning English is of life-changing importance, as it is in many other countries all over the globe, and English is used for gatekeeping at key points in education and career paths. In a country where the high school enrolment rate is 97%, and enrolment in some form of higher education is 84% ( Ministry of Education, Culture Sports, Science and Technology-Japan (MEXT) 2023), approximately 480,000 high school students took the English section of the national university entrance exam in 2022 ( National Center for University Entrance Examinations n.d.). Also in 2022, approximately 35,000 university students took the TOEIC exam as preparation for career placement ( Institute for International Business Communication (IIBC) 2023). Supporting these endeavours involves an enormous workforce of English teachers, including teachers with native-level proficiency from outside of Japan. Teaching and Learning English in Japanese Classrooms: Teachers’ Perspectives consists of articles written primarily by such English language teachers in higher education with diverse backgrounds, and highlights a truly wide range of pedagogical issues related to English language teaching and learning in Japan from the perspective of practitioners (Chapters 2–9, 11), learners (Chapters 10 and 12), and teachers (Chapter 13). These chapters are based on presentations given at Nanzan Language Education Seminars at Nanzan University, located in the Nagoya area of central Japan, and are authored by practitioners working mainly in public and private universities in and around this region; six of the authors are in fact affiliated with Nanzan University. The book also includes an introductory chapter by the editor (Chapter 1) that describes the aims of the volume, and an epilogue (Chapter 14) that situates the book within a larger theoretical context.

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Liberal education and the liberal arts

Flashbacks/insights.

DISCUSSING liberal education and the liberal arts in this century makes us more aware of the "tremendous impacts of massification and vocationalism, which are powerful pressures against liberal education and its disciplines. In some ways, the rise of massive open online courses (MOOCs) pushes higher education in a more vocational direction as well." We are witnessing varied forms of liberal education and the liberal arts that go along this kind of education. The so-called liberal education we read about in curricula of various universities "focus more on the sciences with a modicum of the humanities." The same source notes, "Much of the Asian region (especially China, India, Japan and Korea) is known for having highly competitive universities focused on technology and science with rigorous admissions and graduation examination systems. These characteristics conventionally hinge on an agenda of utilitarian curricula and career-oriented postsecondary training," where only a modicum of the liberal arts remains.

Liberal education and the liberal arts. "Liberal education boasts a long history, beginning in ancient Greece." The term liberal originates "from the Latin word liberalis, meaning suitable for a free man." Liberal education is composed of the liberal arts to attain its learning outcomes. The ancient world contrasted the liberal arts with "the servile arts, that is, what we would call today vocational education." In Latin, the word "arts" refers to both the arts and sciences.

The Middle Ages recognized seven liberal arts: grammar, rhetoric, logic, geometry, arithmetic, music and astronomy. When people talk about a liberal arts education, they are generally referring to undergraduate education that stresses a broad study of the arts and sciences rather than pre-professional training in such subjects as business, law, medicine, or engineering. They also emphasize a collegiate form of education, in which students and faculty pursue many disciplines together in the context of a shared community. Its curriculum includes the academic study of the humanities, the social sciences, the physical sciences and mathematics.

Humanities are academic subjects that focus on human culture. Majors include English, Creative Writing, Linguistics, language acquisition (Spanish, French, German, Greek, Mandarin, etc), History, Literature and Composition, and Geography. The Social Sciences focus specifically on human society and interpersonal relationships. Majors include Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, and Economics. Then there are the Physical Science and Mathematics where the curriculum seeks to combine practical and philosophical knowledge. Physical science and math majors include Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Geophysics, and Mathematics (broadly, usually encompassing algebra, geometry, calculus, etc.)." As our source explains, disciplines in liberal education are the liberal arts — "the products of human creativity, ingenuity and expression — and the foundation for understanding key aspects of our common humanity and our place in the universe."

Gains from liberal education. Liberal education, composed of the liberal arts, is intended to give students general knowledge and the ability to think critically and learn any subject. A liberal arts degree fosters key skills — critical thinking and communication. Liberal education comprises "general education and attempts to shape students' characters through engagement in a shared community shaped by conversations across various disciplines and points of view." Learning areas in liberal education "cultivate general intellectual ability rather than technical or professional skills."

Our source stresses that liberal education helps students gain "the ability to solve complex problems, and an understanding of ethics, and shaping their moral compass, as well as instilling a desire to continue to learn." The 21st century will continue to emphasize the intrinsic value of the major areas of human achievement even as the boundaries continue to expand. Expressed in other words, as an approach to learning, liberal education breeds "intellectual skills that develop a disciplined understanding of standards while at the same time problematizing the assumptions and practices we've inherited. These skills that broaden the mind and are often identified as 'critical thinking' or 'problem-solving' or effective communication have proven powerful in the long term." Liberal arts are increasingly important in the diversified job market, with employers choosing to hire liberal arts majors because of their ability to handle complex situations and solve problems with ease.

Liberal Arts teaching methods and outcomes. Subjects in liberal education, including those not in the liberal arts, use pedagogy in classroom settings to encourage group participation and discussion. For example, the Socratic Method, often used beginning in pre-law and law proper curricula, is a type of teaching in which "students present and defend arguments and teachers talk very little, acting as arbiters of the conversation. The purpose of this method is to develop critical and analytical thinking skills across disciplines." The book "A New Case for the Liberal Arts: Assessing Institutional Goals and Student Development" (Winter, McClelland, & Stewart, Citation 1981) found the liberal arts learning outcomes to be the following: "(1) Critical thinking and broad analytical skills; (2) Learning how to learn; (3) Empathy-seeing all sides of an issue; (4) Independence of thought; (5) Self-control for broader loyalty; (6) Self-assurance in leadership ability; (7) Mature social-emotional judgment, personal integration; (8) Equalitarian, liberal values; and (9) Participation in and enjoyment of cultural experience."

Takeaway. We do need liberal education in this century. We need an education that promotes "integration of learning across the curriculum and co-curriculum, and between academic and experiential learning, to develop specific learning outcomes that are essential for work, citizenship, and life." Such education can be delivered to our students with learning outcomes independent of the subject matter. Contemporary liberal education links discipline with one another — that is "how" the liberal arts are taught.

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