Douglas Olsen
Japan has welcomed over 300,000 international students, who are attracted by the country's rich history, culture, and natural environment, as well as its economic and technological prowess. International students can apply to both public and private universities in Japan, with private universities typically offering larger English-taught programs. While some colleges require Japanese language skills, many universities offer English-taught degree programs, with the opportunity to learn Japanese on the side. To enter Japan as an international student, a student visa and financial sponsor are required, along with the necessary documents, such as a passport, visa application form, photographs, and Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International student population | Over 300,000 |
| Requirements for entry | Student visa, proof of financial support, sufficient English or Japanese language skills depending on the program |
| Work opportunities | Part-time work and internships are permitted with permission from the regional immigration services bureau |
| Scholarships | Available from schools, local governments, international exchange organizations, and private entities |
| Housing | Most campuses have dorms for international students |
| Entrance exams | Not required by all colleges, iCLA conducts a holistic review of candidates |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
International students can enter Japan with a valid student visa. The requirements for obtaining a student visa in Japan are relatively straightforward. Firstly, you must gain admission to a Japanese educational institution, such as a language school, university, or vocational school. Each university in Japan has its own entrance requirements, but many do not require an entrance exam. Instead, they may consider high school grades, personal statements, references, and interview results. Additionally, English language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC may be required for English-taught degree programs.
Once you have secured admission, you will need to demonstrate financial sponsorship to cover your expenses during your studies. This can be done through various documents, such as a savings balance certificate, income certificate, or taxation certificate. After proving financial capability, you will need to complete the visa application process, which involves submitting the following documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country:
- Passport
- Visa application form
- Photographs
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Other supporting documents, if applicable
It is important to note that the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a crucial document in the visa application process. This certificate is issued by the Japanese immigration authorities and confirms that you meet the necessary requirements for your intended stay in Japan. The COE must be applied for and obtained before submitting your visa application.
Additionally, international students should be aware of other important procedures during their stay in Japan. These include obtaining a residence card, registering their address at the municipal office, and applying for health insurance. Furthermore, those wishing to work part-time or engage in internships during their studies must file an application with the regional immigration services bureau for permission to conduct activities beyond their student status. Overall, it is essential to stay informed about the specific requirements and procedures outlined by the Japanese government to ensure a smooth student visa application process and a pleasant stay in Japan.
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English-taught degrees
Japan has a reputation for being a difficult country for international students to enter. However, this perception is slowly changing due to the increasing number of English-taught degrees being offered by Japanese universities. International students can apply to both public and private universities in Japan, with the latter typically offering larger English-taught programs.
When choosing a college in Japan, it is important to consider the type of program you want to enter and whether you meet the entrance requirements, as each university has its own. While some universities require entrance exams, others, like iCLA, conduct a holistic review of each candidate, considering high school grades, personal statements, references, and online interview results. Additionally, English language qualifications are typically required for English-taught degree programs, with universities accepting various English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, and Pearson.
Several universities in Japan offer a wide range of English-taught degree programs. For example, Kyoto University offers bachelor's and master's degree programs conducted entirely in English, including the Kyoto iUP, which does not require Japanese language proficiency at the time of admission. Tohoku University, ranked first in the Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings in 2023, offers the FGL (Future Global Leadership) Program with three courses taught in English: Advanced Molecular Chemistry, International Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Applied Marine Biology.
Another option is International Christian University (ICU), a highly regarded liberal arts college that offers 31 majors and superlative Japanese Language Programs. TUJ, Japan's largest and oldest foreign university, is another choice, with all courses taught in English. Ryukoku University, one of Japan's oldest universities, offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering internationally-minded individuals with broad perspectives.
It is important to note that a student visa is required to enter Japan as an international student, and this requires having a financial sponsor. Additionally, English-taught degree programs in Japan often provide the opportunity to study Japanese, work part-time, join university clubs, and graduate with JLPT N2 or N1 Japanese proficiency.
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Scholarships and fees
Japan is considered a cost-effective study destination compared to countries like the USA and UK. The cost of studying in Japan depends on various factors, such as tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and more.
Tuition fees for international students in Japan vary depending on the type of university and the chosen course or program. Direct enrollment tuition fees can range from less than $3,000 to almost $20,000 for one semester. For Indian students, the tuition fees range from YEN 820,000 (INR 5,81,600) to YEN 1.64 million (INR 11,63,100).
Living expenses can also vary significantly depending on the location within Japan. Choosing to study in a major city like Tokyo will be more expensive than opting for more budget-friendly alternatives like Hokkaido, Nagano, or Gifu. Food and rent tend to be cheaper outside of Japan's urban centers. Additionally, the cost of flights to Japan can vary based on factors such as time of year, departure city, and the specific airport.
To help offset these costs, there are several scholarship opportunities available for international students in Japan. The Japanese government offers MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) scholarships, which have been inviting international students to study in Japan at state expense since 1954. These scholarships are available for various types of students, including research students, teacher training students, undergraduate students, and more. The scholarships can cover partial or full tuition fees. Additionally, some schools provide on-campus scholarships and tuition fee reduction systems for international students. Local governments, local international associations, and private foundations also offer scholarships, and applications for these are often submitted through the schools at which students will be enrolled.
It is important to note that scholarships may not cover all expenses, so students should also consider their personal financial resources when planning their studies in Japan.
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Work and internships
Japan has a booming economy across several industries, many of which are making a concrete effort to become more globalized. English-speaking internships can be found in any sector, but they are more common in large multinational corporations than in smaller, local companies. Some of the sectors that offer internships include PR and marketing, banking and finance, and English teaching (TEFL or TESOL).
There are various types of internships offered by Japanese companies. Most are short-term internships lasting a few days to a few weeks. There are also Taiken (experience) internships, which often last for four months to a year. This type of internship does not lead directly to a job but instead offers first-hand experience of how the company operates. Naite (recruitment) internships are shorter and geared toward those who want to take part in the recruitment process.
If you're an international student, it's not difficult to secure an internship in Japan. In May 2019, the number of international students in Japan was around 298,980, and many of them apply for internships.
To find an internship, you can search online on employment sites or internship-specific websites. You can also inquire at your university, as many institutions collaborate with Japanese businesses and offer internship opportunities.
When preparing your application, ensure that your CV is tailored to the specific internship and mentions both your soft and hard skills. Learning basic Japanese language skills is also recommended, as communication is key.
The type of visa you need will depend on the length of your internship and whether it is paid or unpaid. Paid internships usually require a Designated Activities Visa, while unpaid internships require a Cultural Activities Visa.
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Residence procedures
To reside in Japan as an international student, you will need to obtain a student visa. The process for obtaining a student visa is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Obtaining a Student Visa
Firstly, you will need to apply for a visa at the consular section of the Diplomatic Mission of Japan with jurisdiction over your place of residence, at an accredited agency, or online. You will need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport
- Visa from the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
The COE is obtained from a regional immigration services bureau in Japan, and in most cases, the school accepting the international student will act as the student's proxy in this process. The COE certifies that you meet the requirements for a visa. Once you have your COE and other necessary documents, you can submit your visa application.
After arriving in Japan, you will go through the immigration process, during which a Landing Permission stamp will be affixed to your passport, indicating the later issuance of a residence card. You will need to determine your residence in Japan and register as a resident at the municipal office administering your address within 14 days. Be sure to bring your passport with the Landing Permission stamp. Your residence card, or "zairyu card", will be mailed to your registered address.
This residence card is important as it serves as proof of your residence in Japan and must be carried with you at all times. It is also tied to your social security and tax number, known as your "My Number" or "individual number". This 12-digit number is different from the one on your residence card and is required for certain administrative procedures.
If you change your school or residence, you must notify the regional immigration services bureau or the municipal office, respectively, within 14 days. Additionally, if you wish to engage in part-time work or activities beyond those permitted under your student visa, you must file an application at a regional immigration services bureau and obtain permission.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students need a visa to enter Japan. Students will need to obtain a Student Visa before commencing their studies. This will require them to have a financial sponsor and to submit the necessary materials, such as a passport, visa application form, photographs, and Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
International students can apply to both public and private universities in Japan. Each university has its own entrance requirements, but many do not require an entrance exam. Some universities may require IELTS 5.5-6.0 or equivalent for English-taught degree programs. Japanese-taught degree programs will require a certain level of Japanese language proficiency.
Not all colleges in Japan require Japanese language skills. An increasing number of universities offer English-taught degree programs, and students can often take Japanese classes as part of their degree.
