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“I want to study in Japan but I have no idea where to start.” — I get this message at least three times a week. And I completely understand, because when I started this process years ago, the information was so scattered that I almost gave up before even trying.
The good news is that studying in Japan is more accessible than you think. In 2024, Japan had 336,708 international students according to JASSO, and public policies continue expanding support and English-language programs.1 That means more real opportunities for people who prepare well.
The realistic news is that you need a clear plan and to start early. Depending on your path, the process takes between 8 and 18 months. If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken the first step.
I’m going to share exactly how to make this possible—from choosing your route to setting foot in Japan. I’ll include realistic costs, scholarships that actually work, and common mistakes that will save you months of frustration.
First, understand there are three main routes, each with its own advantages and specific requirements. There’s no single “best” one—only the right one for your situation.
This is the most common entry point, and for good reason. Many students who later attend university first go through a language school, according to trends compiled by JASSO.2
Minimum requirements
Real first-year costs
| Item | Tokyo | Osaka/Kyoto | Other Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment + tuition | ¥700,000 to ¥900,000 | ¥650,000 to ¥800,000 | ¥600,000 to ¥700,000 |
| Housing (dormitory) | ¥600,000 to ¥840,000 | ¥480,000 to ¥600,000 | ¥360,000 to ¥480,000 |
| Living expenses | ¥600,000 | ¥480,000 | ¥360,000 |
| Total first year | ¥1,900,000 to ¥2,340,000 | ¥1,610,000 to ¥1,880,000 | ¥1,320,000 to ¥1,540,000 |
Financial survival tip
After the first term you can work part-time (up to 28 hours per week). At an average of ¥1,100/hour, that’s around ¥120,000 extra per month. With discipline, this can cover your living costs.
If you already have JLPT N2 or are aiming for an English-language program, you can apply directly to a bachelor’s degree. A significant share of international students take this route.2
Typical requirements:
Another widely used route if you already hold a bachelor’s degree.2
Why consider graduate school:
Not all cities are equally suited to international students. According to recent official statistics, Tokyo has the largest share, followed by the Kansai area (Osaka/Kyoto), with cities like Fukuoka and Sendai also growing as student hubs.3
Pros: Endless job opportunities, 100+ universities, abundant English programs, large international community.
Cons: Expensive (¥140,000/month minimum for living if you don’t optimize), competitive, easy to feel lost in the crowd.
Best areas for students
Pros: About 30% cheaper than Tokyo, more direct communication style (by Japanese standards), excellent food, easy access to Kyoto and Nara.
Universities: Osaka University (public), Kansai University, Osaka Prefecture University.
A quintessential university city with dozens of institutions. Strong student atmosphere, and socially more conservative.
The hidden gem
Fukuoka offers a high quality of life: costs ~40% lower than Tokyo, coast and mountains nearby, and local support programs for international students (including mentors).
Tohoku University is one of the country’s best (especially in the sciences). Mid-sized city, fewer foreigners (more real-life Japanese practice), spectacular nature.
Here’s the realistic timeline—not the optimistic one from brochures.
Initial research
Prepare your core documents
Formal applications
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
A critical document—no visa without it. The school handles the application, but you provide:
Visa and final preparations
I don’t have personal experience with every institution below, but they consistently appear in official statistics and public portals and are well-regarded among the international community.
According to the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education (Nisshinkyo), there are hundreds of authorized schools in Japan.4 These are popular among student communities:
In Tokyo:
In Osaka:
Gems in other cities:
Criteria for choosing a language school
Authorization by the Immigration Bureau (critical for the visa).
University admission rate if your goal is higher education afterward.
Support for housing and JLPT/EJU prep classes.
Avoid schools with >80% of a single nationality.
Across the country, “more than 40” universities offer full programs in English (undergraduate and graduate).5 Some accessible to internationals:
Universities with English-language programs:
| University | Strength | Annual cost | % International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waseda (Tokyo) | Business, Politics | ¥1.4–1.6M | ~10% |
| Sophia/Jochi (Tokyo) | Liberal Arts | ¥1.3–1.5M | ~9% |
| Ritsumeikan APU (Ōita) | Bilingual environment | ~¥1.3M | ~50% |
| Temple Japan (Tokyo) | U.S.-style campus | ~¥1.8M | ~60% |
| Keio (Tokyo) | PEARL program | ~¥1.5M | ~7% |
Public universities (more affordable; often require Japanese):
Graduate study in Japan is different: fewer classes, more research, and your supervisor carries great weight.
Well-known master’s programs in English:
Doctorate:
An important tip
For graduate school, the supervisor matters more than the university name. A great supervisor at a mid-tier school can be better than a big brand with poor guidance. Contact current lab students before applying and ask: “How many hours do you actually work?” and “How many graduate on time?”
Official databases:
Red flags to avoid:
Key questions to always ask:
If you studied at any of these institutions or know other options, share your experience in the comments to enrich this resource—especially outside Tokyo and Osaka.
Remember: the “best” school is the one that fits your budget, goals, Japanese level, and lifestyle.
Forget the myths—there’s a lot of misinformation. Here are real, official options.
The most well-known public scholarship. It covers flights, tuition, and a living stipend (official amounts vary by program and year). It’s very competitive, so start early.6
Types of MEXT
| Type | Duration | Monthly stipend | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Student | ~2 years | See official table | Bachelor’s degree and strong research plan |
| Undergraduate | ~5 years (1 language + 4 degree) | See official table | Age limits and academic excellence |
| Specialized Training | ~3 years | See official table | Specific technical fields |
Practical keys for MEXT:
A monthly support stipend (amount and duration vary by call). It won’t cover everything, but it helps and can be combined with other sources.7
Typical requirements:
Less known, sometimes with better odds:
My honest scholarship advice
Don’t bet everything on a single scholarship. Apply to several in parallel. A partial scholarship + part-time work is usually more realistic than waiting for a “perfect” scholarship that covers everything.
Now that you know how to get here, let’s talk about what you’ll find once you arrive.
Typical schedule
The “shock” of the direct method
Classes are 90% in Japanese from day one (even for beginners). You’ll learn Japanese in Japanese. The first week is frustrating; by the second, your brain clicks.
Class composition (general trends)
According to JASSO, most cohorts mix students from East and Southeast Asia, with presence from Europe/Latin America and other regions.8
Credit system
Class types
The reality of 就活 (job hunting):
If you plan to work in Japan after graduating, the process starts in your 3rd year:
Everything revolves around your supervisor (指導教員).
How it works:
Approximate numbers based on current students:
| Expense | Tokyo (¥) | Osaka (¥) | Smaller city (¥) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (share house/dorm) | ¥55,000 to ¥80,000 | ¥40,000 to ¥60,000 | ¥30,000 to ¥45,000 |
| Food (cooking) | ¥30,000–40,000 | ¥25,000–35,000 | ¥20,000–30,000 |
| Utilities | ~¥10,000 | ~¥8,000 | ~¥7,000 |
| Transportation | ~¥10,000 | ~¥8,000 | ~¥5,000 |
| Mobile phone | ~¥3,000 | ~¥3,000 | ~¥3,000 |
| Study materials | ~¥5,000 | ~¥5,000 | ~¥5,000 |
| Personal/social | ~¥15,000 | ~¥12,000 | ~¥10,000 |
| Total per month | ¥128,000 to ¥158,000 | ¥101,000 to ¥131,000 | ¥80,000 to ¥105,000 |
Financial survival tricks
Supermarkets at 8 PM: 30–50% discounts on prepared foods.
100-yen shops: Essentials on the cheap.
Dorm cooking: Rice cooker + microwave = 80% of your meals.
Used bicycle: ¥5,000–10,000 and big savings on transport.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re ready to start. Concrete next steps:
The truth: studying in Japan requires resilience, adaptability, and tolerance for discomfort. If you feel that calling, it’s worth every sacrifice.
You need a clear “why” and the determination to keep going when it gets hard. To turn chaos into manageable steps, I prepared a tool that transforms this process into clear, checkable tasks.
The difference between those who study in Japan and those who only dream about it is simple: documented action. If you don’t start today with at least one concrete step, you’ll still be reading articles like this in 3 years. This tool turns your dream into an executable plan where every completed task brings you closer to your first class.
I’ve also seen real transformations: the shy guy who now presents at international conferences; the girl who arrived without Japanese and now works at a major company; or the person who came for anime and found a calling in traditional architecture. Stories like these are common.
Ready to study in Japan? Tell me in the comments where you are in the process. Whether you’re just beginning or already applying, this community exists to support one another.
Can I study in Japan without speaking Japanese?
Yes—there are dozens of full programs in English. But daily life off campus will be easier if you arrive with at least N5/N4.
How much money do I need to show for the visa?
Generally between ¥1,500,000 and ¥2,000,000 for the first year. It can be yours, your parents’, or a sponsor’s. You’ll be asked for bank statements for 3–6 months.
Is it too late if I’m over 30?
For undergrad, it may be unusual compared with your classmates’ ages; for graduate school or language schools, it’s perfectly normal.
Can I work while studying?
Yes, with a special permit (processed upon arrival). Up to 28 hours per week. Typical jobs: convenience stores, restaurants, or teaching your language.
What if I’m not accepted by any university?
Japanese language schools generally accept you if you meet basic requirements. From there, you can apply to universities while already in Japan.
Is there an age limit for scholarships?
It depends on the scholarship. MEXT Undergraduate usually has limits; MEXT Research and JASSO vary by call. Check each official guide.67
Do I need to apostille all my documents?
Generally yes for diplomas and key documents. Transcripts usually require certified translation. Start early (2–3 months).
