Study in Japan: Get the Skills to Succeed

Are you dreaming of studying abroad but finding it difficult to decide which path to take or which country and university to choose? Japan is an incredible study destination that might be the perfect fit for you.

Picture this: a country that effortlessly combines rich traditions with cutting-edge advancements, where ancient customs and modern innovations coexist harmoniously. Japan truly offers a unique blend of cultures to captivate any curious soul.

But that's not all! Japan is renowned for its cultural wonders and research & development powerhouse. It stands tall as one of the most advanced economies in the world, making it an ideal place to pursue your academic aspirations. Thus, choosing to study in Japan would be an incredible experience for you. 

So, if you're curious to learn more about the incredible benefits of studying in Japan, the top-notch universities it has to offer, the admission process, and the diverse range of courses available. In that case, you're in the right place. Sit tight and keep reading as we delve into the exciting world of studying in Japan!

Japan as a Country 

Population* - 12,447 ten thousand 

*As of April 1, 2023

Students** - 242,444 international students

 As of May 1, 2021

Students - 

Life in Japan is peaceful, safe, and you will have a delightful experience studying here. Some of the preferred student cities are Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka, and Sapporo. 

Not only is it one of the safest countries in the world with a low crime rate, but it is also bursting with culture. The country has 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, demonstrating these sites' significance in a global context.

Moreover, per Global Peace Index 2022 by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Japan is ranked #10, making it a preferred student destination.  

On top of everything, Japan is renowned for its high-quality education systems and is proud to be the high-performing OECD country in math, sciences, and reading literacy. Japanese universities for international students allow you to pay the same fees as domestic students, which makes Japan an affordable option than other G7 nations. 

If you’re still unsure, head on to the next section to learn some more benefits of studying in Japan. 

3rd  Largest Economy in the world  

4 Top Reasons to Study in Japan 

Let’s explore the best reasons for students to study in Japan:

1. World-recognized Degree: The Ministry of Education and Technology (MEXT) regulates all universities in Japan. Labeled as a high-tech country with some of the best STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs in the world, Japanese institutions are recognized worldwide. 
2. Generous Japan Scholarship for Indian Students: The Japanese government offers support to international students with its Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) and MEXT scholarships. Additionally, most universities also have merit scholarships.
3. Excellent Employment Opportunities: Japan is proudly the 3rd largest economy in the world and home to many multinational corporations in the technology, manufacturing, and automotive sectors. Additionally, the nation has a vibrant job market, with recruiters from top MNCs and other domestic firms visiting the top colleges in Japan. Among the many well-known brands are Sony, Canon, Nikon, Toyota, Hitachi, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Honda. 
4. Excellent Medical System: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Japanese have a high life expectancy, partly because of its excellent healthcare system. International students can access it with a very reasonable national health insurance system.

All in all, Japan has an impressive education system, a thriving economy, and promising scholarships that make it a great study-abroad destination. The country also houses multiple top-student cities with affordable cost of living. So, now let’s explore the universities and courses in Japan. 

Uncover 5 Best Universities to Study in Japan 

A country lined up with major universities, Japan offers you a cutting-edge education in various fields. Let’s explore some of the most prominent Japanese universities for international students. 

Popular Japanese Universities

Source: Official University Website 

* Payment of the tuition fee for degree students is twice per year for six month periods in May and October.

** Payment of the tuition fee for research students is required per six months. 

Among these colleges in Japan, Kyoto University is one of the best places for pursuing an MBA in Japan for Indian students. But before you put a pin on it, there are more universities as well offering MBA in Japan. Additionally, Japan, with its reputation of being among the advanced countries globally, sees a constant influx of international students who find pursuing an MBBS in Japan more feasible. Regardless of the course you decide to pursue, you should know about the academic cycles and intakes offered by the country. 

Admission Requirements for Studying in Japan 

One of the primary requirements for studying in Japan is to take an entrance exam called Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU). The country uses it to evaluate students taking admission both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Additionally, some universities in Japan have an entrance test that you might have to clear. 

‌Undergraduate Studies 

You must complete twelve years of education in your country. If, by chance, you are unable to complete your education, you can still study in Japan but will have to complete a university-designated preparatory course. 

Some more requirements for admission are:

• Proof of English language proficiency with 71–80 for the TOEFL iBT and 5.5–6 for IELTS
• Academic transcripts, including high school certificate 
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from teachers or the principal of your high school 
• Identity proofs

Eventually, admission requirements will depend on your selected university and course. In some cases, you might also have to sit for an interview.

Postgraduate Studies 

For graduate study in Japan, students must showcase that they graduated from a four-year university or completed 16 years of formal study in their country. If you’re seeking admission to MBBS, you must have completed 18 years of education. 

Some more requirements for admission are:

• Proof of English language proficiency with 6 for the IELTS and 75–80 for the TOEFL iBT 
• Academic transcripts, including high school certificate and graduation diploma 
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) 
• Identity proofs
• Research proposal (if applicable) 

The admission process might differ by school, so you must visit your interested university website for better clarity. 

Post-Study Work Visa & PR in Japan

As an international student, if you’re thinking about staying in the country and looking for employment opportunities, you need to be prepared beforehand. It is because as soon as your graduate, your student visa will expire. 

However, you can still stay in Japan for a job search for a maximum period of 360 days under the Designated Activities Visa. You must acquire an official letter of recommendation to switch from a Japan Student visa to Designated activities. You can visit the Regional Immigration Services Bureau or one of its branch offices to accomplish this.

Remember to apply for a new visa before the old one expires. Listed are the documents for the same. 

• Application form 
• Residence card and valid passport 
• Proof of income 
• Identity proofs 
• Diploma or graduate certificate 
• Recommendation letter

You may apply for a PR in Japan by fulfilling the following requirements:

• Must possess any form of work visa that is mentioned under one of the subcategories for Highly Skilled Professionals (intra-company transferee, business manager, researcher professor).
• Must have paid all indispensable taxes.
• Must have stayed and worked in Japan for 1 to 3 years.  
• Should have a local guarantor or is a foreign national who holds permanent residency in Japan. The guarantor must be able to produce the necessary documents proving his or her identification and source of income. 

Job Outlook for International Students 

Japan offers abundant opportunities to international students. International students having a work permit are allowed to work for 40 hours per week during semester breaks and 28 hours per week on working days. Upon course completion, you can expect a handsome salary. 

 Here is a quick rundown of what job opportunities you can expect from the country. 

Source: Glassdoor

Apart from these options, you can also look for part-time job opportunities in Japan to alleviate financial burden (if any). 

Wrapping it Up 

With all that Japan offers, why choose any other study-abroad destination? It is evident that Japan, as one of the most technologically advanced states, offers top-notch education to students at a feasible cost. Not to mention, it has many great courses and universities to choose from. There are a plethora of reasons to choose Japan as your study-abroad destination.

So, if you’re looking for an experience like any other – Japan, with its quality education, rich heritage, and tremendous natural beauty, must be your pick!