Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½

Renowned as a world leader in education, Japan offers international students an opportunity to immerse themselves in a culture shaped by centuries of tradition and innovation 

With more than 400 inhabited islands, Japan is a welcoming, safe, and affordable destination for international students. Its fascinating culture blends ancient customs - like tea ceremonies, kabuki theatre, and temple visits - with cutting-edge technology and contemporary urban living.

The Japanese government continues to encourage international students, offering strong support to attract overseas students. Institutions place a high value on personal and academic development, with many opportunities to gain new skills, including learning the Japanese language - a vital asset for everyday life and long-term career prospects in Japan, where English is not widely spoken.

Major cities like Osaka and Kyoto are popular with international students, each offering a distinct atmosphere. While the cost of living can be higher, especially in Tokyo, a degree from a top Japanese university is a worthwhile investment, offering strong global recognition and excellent employment prospects.

Japanese universities

Japan's higher education system includes five main types of institutions: 

• colleges of technology 
• graduate schools 
• junior colleges 
• professional training colleges 
• ³Ü²Ô¾±±¹±ð°ù²õ¾±³Ù¾±±ð²õ.Ìý

Universities and junior colleges form the core of the system, with the majority being privately funded. However, public institutions - especially national universities - are held in the highest regard.Ìý

Among these, the National Seven Universities - originally founded as imperial universities - are Japan's most prestigious and research-focused institutions, comparable to the UK's Russell Group or the US Ivy League: 

• Hokkaido University
• Kyoto University
• Kyushu University
• Nagoya University
• Osaka University
• The University of Tokyo
• Tohoku University.

In the , Japan boasts 47 ranked institutions, with the following in the global top 100: 

• The University of Tokyo (36th) 
• Kyoto University (57th) 
• Tokyo Institute of Technology (85th) 
• Osaka University (91st).Ìý

Japan maintains strong research partnerships with the UK, including the network - a collaboration involving universities like: 

• Durham University 
• the University of Edinburgh 
• the University of Leeds 
• the University of Liverpool.Ìý

The , the country's first all-English graduate school, offers programmes entirely in English, reflecting the growing focus on internationalisation.

Degree courses in Japan

Bachelors degrees, or Gakushi, typically take four years, except for medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, which require six years of study.Ìý

Most courses are taught in Japanese. International students wishing to study in English should verify course availability and may need to provide proof of English proficiency. Those planning to study in Japanese must pass a recognised Japanese language proficiency test before admission.Ìý

is used to assess academic readiness and language ability. It is held in June and November, and covers: 

• Japanese as a foreign language 
• Japan and the world 
• ³¾²¹³Ù³ó±ð³¾²¹³Ù¾±³¦²õÌý
• science (physics, chemistry, biology).Ìý

To be eligible for an undergraduate course, students must be 18 or older and have completed 12 years of education in their home country.Ìý

To explore institutions offering undergraduate degrees in English, visit the  or .Ìý

The Japanese academic year traditionally runs from April to March, with breaks in spring, summer, and winter. However, to better accommodate international students, many universities now offer September start dates.Ìý

Masters degrees

While fewer Japanese students pursue postgraduate studies compared to other countries, international demand for Masters programmes is rising due to Japan's strong focus on research and innovation.Ìý

Masters degrees generally last two years and involve: 

• completing a dissertation and exams, which determine the overall grade 
• earning credits via lectures, seminars, and group work.Ìý

Courses are usually delivered in Japanese, though many universities now offer English-taught Masters programmes. Free Japanese language classes are often available to international students, though they don't count toward degree credits.Ìý

Entry requirements include: 

• a recognised Bachelors degree 
• in some cases, an entrance exam 
• proof of language proficiency (Japanese or English, depending on the programme) 
• two academic references.

To search for English-taught Masters programmes, explore .Ìý

PhDs

Doctoral programmes typically take three years, with some fields such as medicine and veterinary science requiring up to four years. Most begin in April, aligned with the academic year.

You must have a Masters degree (or equivalent) and two academic references. Even if your course is in English, learning some Japanese is recommended for everyday communication and integration.

To search for PhD programmes in English, see .Ìý

Student exchanges

Many Japanese universities have active exchange partnerships with institutions abroad. UK students may be eligible to study in Japan for part of their degree.

For example, the University of Sheffield offers a year abroad through its , with destinations including the University of Tokyo and Kyushu University. Students can take intermediate or advanced Japanese language classes to enhance their experience.

Course fees

While Japan is not the cheapest destination, it remains more affordable than the UK or USA.Ìý

Annual tuition fees range from: 

• Undergraduate: Â¥820,000 to Â¥3,200,000 (£4,100 to £16,100) 
• Postgraduate: Â¥820,000 to Â¥850,000 (£4,100 to £4,200) 

Fields like medicine and dentistry tend to be more expensive. You can also expect to pay an admission fee - check with your institution for specifics.Ìý

Living costs vary significantly by location. More than half of undergraduate courses taught in English are based in Tokyo, one of the world's most expensive cities, but more affordable accommodation is often available through universities. Public transport is efficient and economical. Regions like Tohoku and Kyushu offer a lower cost of living.

Funding to study in Japan

Japan offers numerous scholarships for international students. If you're a British national, you can apply for .Ìý

Applications are made via the Embassy of Japan in the UK between mid-April and mid-June. Successful candidates receive return airfare, school fees and a monthly grant of around ¥117,000 (£590) per month for five to seven years, including a one-year Japanese language preparation course. The scholarship is available in specific fields of study within the categories of: 

• ³ó³Ü³¾²¹²Ô¾±³Ù¾±±ð²õÌý
• natural sciences 
• social sciences.Ìý

For UK students looking to study for a Masters in Japan, the Japanese government also runs the , which covers both taught and research courses. The postgraduate grant is Â¥143,000 (£720) per month for up to two years.Ìý

To be eligible, you must fit the following criteria: 

• Undergraduate: UK national under 24 with 12 years of education 
• Postgraduate: students under 35 with a Bachelors degree.Ìý

Leading universities like also offer institutional scholarships, tuition exemptions, and payment deferral options.Ìý

For more information on the MEXT programme and scholarships, see Study in Japan - Scholarships.Ìý

Student visas

International students living in Japan for more than three months must obtain a student visa.Ìý

Once accepted by a university, the institution will apply for a on your behalf. After receiving the CoE, which is valid for three months, you'll need to apply for your visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.Ìý

Documents you'll require to process a visa include: 

• a CoE (original and copy) 
• a completed  w¾±³Ù³óÌýÌý
• a recent ID photo 
• a valid passport.Ìý

UK applications are processed in London (or the for Scotland and the North East) within four working days.Ìý

For detailed visa information, visit the .Ìý

Upon arrival in Japan, you'll receive a (residence card) and be required to enrol in the national health insurance scheme, known as Kokuho, which costs around £120 per year.Ìý

To learn more about the procedures for entering and residing in Japan, read .Ìý

How to apply

Each Japanese university sets its own application process and deadlines. Start by exploring the university websites directly and checking specific entry requirements for your chosen programme.Ìý

Applications for courses starting in April typically open between October and December of the previous year, while September-entry programmes often accept applications from January to May.Ìý

Common application materials include: 

• academic transcripts and certificates 
• an application fee (if applicable) 
• letters of recommendation (usually two) 
• passport copy and ID photos 
• proof of language proficiency (Japanese or English) 
• statement of purpose or research proposal.Ìý

Some universities may also require you to take entrance exams or attend interviews. For competitive institutions or programmes in Japanese, passing the EJU or may be necessary.Ìý

It's also recommended to start preparing at least 12 months in advance, especially if you plan to apply for scholarships, which often have earlier deadlines.Ìý

For more information on planning your studies in Japan and selecting a university, visit .Ìý

Language requirements

Most programmes are in Japanese, so proof of proficiency is often required - typically via the JLPT, held in London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.Ìý

However, with more English-taught courses now available, strong Japanese is not always essential. Universities often provide free language classes alongside your studies.Ìý

If applying to an English-taught programme and you're not a native speaker, you'll likely need to submit English language test scores, such as  o°ù .Ìý

Comparison to UK qualifications

A UK Bachelors degree is equivalent to a Japanese degree. A GPA of 3.0 on Japan's 4.0 scale roughly corresponds to a UK 2:1.Ìý

UK Masters degrees are also recognised for entry into Japanese doctoral programmes. For formal recognition of your qualifications, students can consult their local , which provide equivalency guidance and credential verification for international study.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to work in Japan.