Study in Japan

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Overview

Japan is not just a land of martial arts and culture; it also boasts one of the world’s best education systems. With a population of over 37 million residents in the Greater Tokyo Area alone, Japan is highly urbanized and densely populated. As the world’s third-largest economy, studying in Japan provides the unique opportunity to live in a major financial power.

Over the years, more than 300,000 international students have chosen Japan as their study destination for various reasons. Whether you’re interested in engineering, arts, business, or any other major, Japan offers a range of universities with national and international importance. Enrolling in a program in Japan can be an excellent way to gain international experience and work towards your career goals.

Why Japan

Japan is renowned for its highly regarded educational system, consistently ranking among the top ten countries for educational quality. The country’s commitment to education extends from elementary to secondary levels, offering fantastic opportunities in STEM fields and technology studies. Japan’s status as a major economic and business hub makes it ideal for students interested in these sectors.

With the world’s second-largest developed economy, the largest electronics sector, and the third-largest vehicle manufacturer, Japan offers abundant job opportunities. The dynamic Japanese corporate market values international-mindedness and language skills, with nearly half of Japanese companies planning to hire foreign graduates in the future. This makes studying in Japan a pathway to diverse and promising career prospects.

Japan’s cities boast excellent and efficient public transportation systems, making commuting a breeze for students. The reliable and swift trains are a convenient mode of travel, ensuring that getting to class is efficient and stress-free.

Immersing oneself in Japanese culture is an enriching aspect of studying in Japan. The country’s flamboyant, high-tech, and entertaining culture, intertwined with a rich historical heritage, offers a unique cultural experience. From traditional tea ceremonies to cutting-edge technology, students in Japan are at the heart of a vibrant cultural landscape.

For international students, Japan offers affordable tuition fees and generous scholarships. High-achieving students can benefit from partial or full tuition fee waivers, and a variety of scholarships are available from universities, governmental, and private organizations. These scholarships are often targeted towards specific groups, such as ethnicities, women, minorities, or those with advanced Japanese language skills.

Studying in Japan also provides an excellent opportunity to learn the Japanese language. Immersion is one of the best ways to become fluent in Japanese, a language known for its complexity. Proficiency in Japanese can enhance a CV significantly, especially for those seeking employment in Japanese companies. With the global economy’s globalization, bilingual and internationally experienced applicants are highly sought after by Japanese companies, making language learning during study abroad programs in Japan highly beneficial.

“Study abroad is the single most effective way of changing the way we view the world.”

– Chantal Mitchell

Admissions

Here are the steps to follow when applying for admission to a university in Japan:

  1. Decide the Course and Choose the University: Spend time researching and deciding on the university and course you want to pursue.

  2. Find Out Where to Submit Your Application: There is no centralized platform for online applications in Japan, so you’ll need to submit your application directly on the university’s official website.

  3. Go Through the Admission Criteria: Carefully review the admission criteria for your chosen university and course. Contact the university for more details if needed.

  4. Prepare Your Documents: Ensure you have all the required documents in the proper order and sequence as specified by the university. This can greatly impact your chances of admission.

  5. Entrance Exam (EJU): Many universities in Japan require the Examination for Japanese University (EJU) to assess the academic and Japanese language skills of international students. The EJU consists of four subjects:

    • Japanese as a foreign language
    • Mathematics (basic skills)
    • Science (basic biology, physics, and chemistry)
    • Japan and the world (logical ability, liberal arts, critical thinking)

  6. Final Steps:

    • Receive the acceptance letter from the university confirming your enrollment.
    • Apply for the Japanese Student Visa to study in Japan.

Following these steps will help you navigate the process of applying for admission to a university in Japan. It’s important to stay organized, meet deadlines, and prepare thoroughly for any required exams or documents.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela
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Universities

The United States is renowned for its elite universities, including the prestigious Ivy League institutions. With approximately 4,000 universities and colleges nationwide, the U.S.A welcomes students from around the globe. QS World University Rankings place 50 U.S. universities in the top 200 globally.

University of Tsukuba

The University of Tsukuba, a national research institution situated in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, boasts 28 college clusters and schools, serving approximately 16,500 students as of 2014. Its main campus in Tsukuba spans an impressive 258 hectares (636 acres), ranking as the second largest single campus in Japan. Additionally, the university operates a branch campus in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, catering to graduate programs for working professionals in the capital and overseeing K-12 schools affiliated with the university in Tokyo.

Know More

Waseda University

Waseda University, also known as Waseda or Sōdai, is a renowned private research university located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Established in 1882 by Ōkuma Shigenobu, the fifth Prime Minister of Japan, as the Tōkyō Professional School, it officially became Waseda University in 1902.

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Tokyo Medical and Dental University

Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) is a prestigious Japanese national university situated in Bunkyō, Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1928, it holds the distinction of being the first national school of dentistry in Japan.

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“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength of the nation.”

John F. Kennedy
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When to Apply to Study in Japan

The universities in Japan have various application deadlines, so candidates must check the specific deadline for the course they wish to pursue on the university's official website. Generally, for universities with two intakes, the application deadline for the Spring intake is in November, while for the Autumn intake, it is in April. For universities with three intakes, the Spring intake deadline is usually between October and November, the Summer intake deadline falls between February and April, and the Autumn intake deadline is typically between June and July.

“There are obviously two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.”

James Truslow Adams
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Finances

approximate annual tuition fees for different types of degrees in Japan:

  • Bachelor’s Course: $21,000 to $22,000
  • Master's Degree in Japan: $7,645
  • PhD in Japan: $7,808

“Education is not the means of showing people how to get what they want. Education is an exercise by means of which enough men, it is hoped, will learn to want what is worth having. ”

Ronald Reagan
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Scholarships

  1. MEXT Scholarships
  2. Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) Scholarships
  3. Waseda University Japanese Government Scholarship
  4. Japan Foundation of UNU Scholarships
  5. KUAS Undergraduate Scholarship

“Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in. That every man may receive at least a moderate education...appears to be an object of vital importance...”

Abraham Lincoln
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Requirements to Study in Japan for International Students

Here is a list of generally required documents for admission to Japanese universities:

  1. Valid passport
  2. Receipt of application fees
  3. Proof of financial ability to live and study in Japan
  4. Transcripts from previous education
  5. High school degree for Bachelor's program application
  6. Bachelor's degree for Master's program application
  7. Six passport-size photographs
  8. Health certificate
  9. TOEFL exam score
  10. Clearing the entrance exam of the Japanese university
  11. Letters of recommendation (LOR)
  12. Motivation letter

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

Aristotle
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Post Study Work Visa in Japan

The Designated Activities visa in Japan permits international university graduates to stay for up to 360 days to seek employment. To transition from a Student visa to Designated Activities, obtaining an official letter of reference is necessary for accessing job opportunities. The specific work permit or employment visa required depends on the nature of the job. Around 30 different work and long-term visas are available in Japan, tailored to various occupations. It's crucial to note that each visa is valid only for a specific field, and a change in job field necessitates a change in residency status.

    “The Best way to predict your Future is to create it.”

    Abraham Lincoln
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    Work Opportunities

    There are certain factors that are observed for getting a work visa in Japan like your educational background and the occupation you want to work in. International students who want to work in Japan after completing their education must have either a Senmon Gakko Diploma or an undergraduate degree from a University in Japan or abroad.

    “Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.”

    Oprah Winfrey
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    FAQ's

    Yes, Japan is a very good country to study abroad. There are a number of public and private universities in Japan. Japan offers high quality education as well as an attractive lifestyle and culture to its national and international students. Over 2,50,000 international students enroll in Japanese universities every year.

     

    Yes, the Universities of Japan offer a welcoming environment to their international students. As the majority population of Japan is of aged people, Japan is now interested in gaining the attraction of talented international students to pursue their studies in Japan in order to replenish the declining workforce of Japan

     

    Yes, it is very safe to study in Japan. Japan offers an extremely safe and exceptionally comfortable environment to its national and international students. Japan has the lowest crime rates in the world.

     

    Yes, Candidates who are applying to the universities of Japan must know that there are a number of scholarships offered to them. Following are some of the best scholarships in Japan for international students:

    • MEXT Scholarship
    • Japan Educational Exchange and Services Scholarship
    • Waseda University Japanese Government Scholarship
    • Japan Foundation of UNU
    • KUAS Undergrad Scholarship