Study in Japan
Is vegetarian food available in Japan?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Yes. Vegetarian food is available, particularly in larger cities and university towns.However, students should be aware that some Japanese dishes contain fish-based ingredients, including dashi stock, even when they appear vegetarian.Students with specific dietary requirements should investigate university dining facilities, nearby restaurants and accommodation options before travelling.
Can international students work part-time while studying in Japan?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Yes. Students with the appropriate permission can generally work up to 28 hours per week during term time.Different limits apply during designated long university holidays.Students must obtain permission to undertake activities outside their permitted residence status before beginning employment.Part-time income should be treated as supplementary support rather than a guaranteed means of financing tuition and...
Can international students work in Japan after graduation?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Yes, subject to immigration requirements.Graduates who obtain eligible employment generally need to change their residence status from Student to an appropriate work-authorised category.Eligible graduates who have not secured employment may be able to remain in Japan for job hunting under the Designated Activities status, generally for six months with a possible six-month extension.This permission is...
Can an Indian student become a doctor in Japan and eventually obtain Japanese citizenship?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Potentially, but these are separate processes.To practise medicine in Japan, graduates must satisfy the country’s medical licensing requirements, including the relevant national examination and language requirements.Foreign medical graduates may need to undergo additional eligibility assessments.Becoming a licensed doctor does not automatically provide permanent residency or citizenship. Students who wish to settle in Japan must separately...
Are there English-taught undergraduate medical degrees in Japan? Is JLPT N2 sufficient for clinical training?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Medical education in Japan is predominantly conducted in Japanese, particularly clinical training involving patients.Students should expect to need advanced Japanese proficiency to undertake clinical education and pursue medical licensing.JLPT N2 alone should not be assumed sufficient for medical training or professional practice.Students interested in English-taught programmes should distinguish between Medicine and related subjects such as...
When should students start applying to Japanese universities: before or after their Class 12 board examinations?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Students should ideally begin researching universities and preparing applications during Class 11. Many programmes accept applications while students are completing Class 12, using available academic transcripts and predicted or provisional results.
How can I strengthen my university application profile? Do coding, projects and extracurricular activities help?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Academic performance remains important, but some universities also consider applicants’ interests, achievements and activities.Students should prioritise activities relevant to their intended field. For example, a Computer Science applicant might learn Python, develop a project or participate in a coding competition. A Design applicant might create a portfolio, while an Economics applicant might undertake a research...
What is the best way to learn Japanese while studying in India? Is Duolingo sufficient?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Duolingo and similar applications can help beginners learn basic vocabulary and practise regularly. However, they should not be the only preparation method for students aiming to study in Japanese.A more structured approach includes learning through a recognised Japanese-language course, practising reading, writing, listening and speaking by using Japanese-language textbooks and other authentic materials.Students can investigate...
Do I need to know Japanese to study for a bachelor’s degree in Japan?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Not necessarily. Students enrolling in an English-taught undergraduate programme may not need Japanese proficiency for admission. They must, however, satisfy the programme’s English-language requirements.Japanese-taught programmes generally require substantial Japanese proficiency, often around JLPT N2 or N1 level, although universities may assess language ability through other examinations.Even when studying in English, learning Japanese can help with...
What is JASSO?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) is a government-affiliated organisation that supports students pursuing higher education in Japan. JASSO provides scholarships for eligible international students, administers the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU), and offers information and support services for studying in Japan. Unlike the MEXT Scholarship, which can provide comprehensive funding,...
Is JLPT N4 sufficient to qualify for MEXT? Do I need N1 or N2?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026There is no universal JLPT N1 or N2 certificate requirement for all MEXT undergraduate applicants. However, applicants generally take a Japanese-language examination as part of the Embassy Recommendation selection process.Many MEXT undergraduate scholars undertake preparatory Japanese-language education before entering a university, although the arrangements depend on the scholarship route.Students should distinguish between MEXT selection requirements...
Can students from Commerce or Humanities backgrounds apply for MEXT?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Yes. MEXT’s undergraduate scholarship includes Social Sciences and Humanities categories. These cover specified fields such as Economics, Business Administration, Law and related subjects.Applicants must choose an eligible field and take the examinations required for their scholarship category. Students should review the subject classifications carefully because the examination requirements differ from those for Natural Sciences.
What is the MEXT Scholarship, and what does it cover?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship supports eligible international students who wish to study in Japan. For undergraduate students, the scholarship generally provides:– Exemption from specified university and entrance-related fees– A monthly stipend– International airfare under the scholarship’s conditions– Preparatory education where required The exact benefits, duration and conditions depend on the scholarship category and the...
Is it better to pursue an undergraduate degree in Japan or go there for postgraduate studies?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Both pathways are possible and have their own advantages.Studying in Japan after Class 12 allows students to experience the country’s academic environment earlier, develop Japanese-language skills and build familiarity with the local culture during their undergraduate years. Completing a bachelor’s degree in India before pursuing a master’s degree in Japan provides more time to explore...
What opportunities are available in Japan for Animation, Design and Architecture?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Japan offers programmes in animation, visual communication, digital media, architecture, product design and related disciplines. Students can explore institutions such as Kyoto Seika University, Tokyo University of the Arts and Kyoto University of the Arts. Admission may involve portfolios, practical examinations, interviews and Japanese-language requirements.Students interested in animation do not necessarily need to study AI...
Can students from a PCM background pursue Business or Law in Japan?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Yes. A PCM background does not automatically prevent students from applying to Business, Economics or certain Law-related undergraduate programmes. However, students should distinguish between studying law as an academic subject and qualifying to practise law professionally.Most Japanese undergraduate law programmes are taught in Japanese. Students intending to practise law in Japan must also meet the...
Which universities in Japan offer undergraduate programmes in Business, Finance and Economics?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Universities worth exploring include Waseda University, Keio University, Sophia University, Hitotsubashi University, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) and the University of Tokyo. For example, Waseda offers an English-based undergraduate programme in Political Science and Economics, while APU offers undergraduate programmes in International Management and Asia Pacific Studies.The language of instruction and admission requirements differ across...
Which Japanese universities should I consider for Engineering, Computer Science, AI and Data Science?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Some established universities to research include University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tohoku University, Osaka University, Nagoya University and University of Tsukuba. These institutions have strengths in science and technology, but not all their undergraduate programmes are taught in English.Students should verify whether their preferred programme is available at undergraduate level, whether...
I am unsure about my future career. How should I decide what to study in Japan?
Last Updated: 27 October 2026Start by identifying subjects you enjoy, your academic strengths and the careers you would like to explore. You do not need to decide on a specific university immediately.Research the undergraduate programmes available in Japan, their admission requirements, language of instruction and career outcomes. Students who are undecided can explore interdisciplinary programmes, including liberal arts, before...
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...