An incredibly diverse country with a high quality education system, Japan is a great choice for an international student. As well as being well developed in the fields of technology and education, it is also a beautiful and vibrant country. The Japanese government is extremely keen to attract more international students, so you will be more than welcome.
Japan has an increasingly fast-paced economy, and its social system has advanced at an incredible rate because of this. The educational system is relatively new and streamlined, and you will get a modern and relevant higher education. The government has set a target of welcoming 300,000 international students by 2020. This has led to the universities making the application process much easier for students. You will find both public and private institutions in Japan, offering a wide range of courses in a variety of fields.
There are over 700 higher education institutions in Japan, with a large majority of them being private. You will find 15 of Japan’s institutions in the 2023 QS World University Rankings top 500. The highest ranked of these is the University of Tokyo, which is placed at 23rd. The next highest ranked is Kyoto University, which is placed at 36th. Of these 17 top 500 ranked institutions, 5 are also in the top 100.
The fantastic education system is complemented by the uber-modern cities and beautiful countryside. The deep traditions and fascinating history offer exploration opportunities to tourists and students alike, with the intrigue of the Japanese culture drawing people in. Japan is a multi-faceted country, with something to offer everyone.
International students will be required to obtain a student to study in Japan. For more information about this, see our Japan Student Visa Guide.
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Higher education in Japan is not state-subsidised for international students, meaning that you will have to pay at least some tuition fees. Compared to the UK and USA, however, tuition fees in Japan are pleasantly affordable. You may also be able to access scholarships that decreases your tuition fees.
Can international students study in Japan?
There are a growing number of courses being offered in English by Japanese universities, meaning that it is becoming more accessible to international students who do not speak Japanese. It is common to be offered free Japanese language courses alongside your studies, which would be a great opportunity for any student. If you will be staying in the country for more than 3 months, you will need to obtain a visa.
Is Japan a good place to study as an international student?
Japan is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. International students will feel at home and safe when they choose to study and live abroad in Japan. Japanese society also places importance on education, meaning that their system is designed for success.
| Capital City | Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Currency | JPY, Japanese Yen |
| Language(s) | Japanese |
| Universities on StudyLink | 7 universities |
| Major Student Cities | Osaka, Nagoya |
Japan does not have any official languages, but the national language is Japanese.
Due to the aim of increasing international students, there are many courses being offered in English. If you choose to study in a non-native language, you may be required to provide evidence of proficiency. If you do not meet the required standards, it is common for you to be able to take a language course to help you improve.
Even if you do study in English, you should make an effort to learn as much of the Japanese language as possible. Communicating with the locals and other students is a perfect way to practice. Having knowledge of another language is a skill that looks great on your CV/resume!
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