Study in Japan
What are the popular cities for international students in Japan?
Last Updated: 8 January 2026Tokyo: Best for jobs, internships, and networking, but expensive. Kyoto: Rich cultural experience, moderately priced, strong academic reputation. Osaka: Vibrant city, industrial and business hubs, moderately affordable. Fukuoka & Sapporo: Emerging student cities, lower cost of living, quieter lifestyle.
What post-study work options are available in Japan?
Last Updated: 8 January 2026Graduates can apply for a “Designated Activities” visa to look for work in Japan for up to 1 year, which can lead to full-time employment. Companies often sponsor work visas, especially in IT, engineering, and business sectors.
Can international students work while studying in Japan?
Last Updated: 8 January 2026As an international student in Japan, you can typically work up to 28 hours per week during school terms and up to 40 hours per week (full-time) during long vacations (summer, winter, spring breaks), provided you have a “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” (資格外活動許可) and your studies remain your priority. This...
What is the EJU exam and who should take it?
Last Updated: 8 January 2026The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is used by most national universities to evaluate non-Japanese students. It tests Japanese, mathematics, science, and Japan/world knowledge depending on your program. English-taught programs often waive this requirement.
How do I apply for undergraduate programs in Japan?
Last Updated: 8 January 2026International students usually apply directly to universities or through programs like JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) scholarships. Applications require academic transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of English or Japanese proficiency, and a personal statement. Some universities also require the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU).
How to select the teachers for my LOR?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Your letters of recommendation should not just speak to your accomplishments, but also speak to the kind of person you are in an academic and extracurricular setting. Only a teacher who knows you well and has observed your performance in class can do that. It is best to select teachers who can add a qualitative...
Can the English proficiency tests be waived if the primary language of instruction at our school is English?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Yes, many Japanese universities waive English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS if your primary language of instruction throughout high school was English, though policies vary by institution. You’ll typically need to provide official documentation from your school confirming that English was the medium of instruction for all subjects, not just as a subject itself....
What is student life like in Japan for international students?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Student life in Japan offers a unique blend of modern convenience and traditional culture, with safe cities, efficient public transportation, and vibrant student communities. Universities have active international student offices, clubs, and cultural exchange programs to help you integrate and make friends. Campus facilities are generally excellent, though accommodation can be compact, and adjusting to...
Can international students work part-time in Japan?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Yes, international students can work up to 28 hours per week during term time and full-time during university breaks with permission from immigration authorities. Common part-time jobs include teaching English, working in convenience stores, restaurants, or retail, with hourly wages typically ¥1,000-1,500 ($7-10). This can help cover living expenses, though you shouldn’t rely on it...
Are scholarships available for international undergraduate students in Japan?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Yes, the Japanese government offers the prestigious MEXT scholarship that covers full tuition, provides a monthly stipend of around ¥117,000, and includes airfare, though competition is intense. Many universities offer their own scholarships reducing tuition by 30-100% for high-achieving students, with some automatically considered upon admission. Private foundations like JASSO also provide scholarships, though most...
Do I need to know Japanese to study in Japan?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026You don’t need Japanese for English-taught programs, but basic conversational Japanese significantly improves your daily life experience, social integration, and future job prospects in Japan. Many universities offer Japanese language courses alongside degree programs to help international students learn. If you’re applying to Japanese-taught programs, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency through tests like JLPT (Japanese...
Are there undergraduate programs taught in English in Japan?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Yes, many Japanese universities now offer undergraduate programs fully taught in English, particularly at top institutions like the University of Tokyo, Waseda, Sophia University, and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. These programs are designed specifically for international students and don’t require Japanese language proficiency for admission, though learning basic Japanese is recommended for daily life. Fields...
What are the top universities in Japan for international students?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University are Japan’s top institutions with strong international programs and research opportunities. Waseda University and Keio University are prestigious private universities known for their international student support and English-taught programs. Tokyo Institute of Technology is excellent for engineering and sciences, while Tohoku University and Nagoya University also...