Study in Japan Admission Process 2025: Eligibility, Top Universities, Fee, Visa Process

Study in Japan Admission Process 2025: Eligibility, Top Universities, Fee, Visa Process

Study in Japan is now seen by many international students as the perfect mix of great education, up-to-date innovation and fascinating history. As the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan lets learners experience the connection between its social traditions and modern technology in education. For its international-level universities, low tuition and friendly, safe atmosphere, Japan is highly regarded by students everywhere. This guide looks in detail at everything students need to know about studying in Japan, like study in Japan admission process and study in Japan top universities, study in Japan Living costs and charges, study in Japan visa process, study in Japan admission process and study in Japan scholarships. You can use this guide for bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs as you plan your study in Japan for 2025.

Also Read: Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

Why Study in Japan? The Appeal of Japanese Education

Study in Japan means having opportunities to learn in a leading worldwide educational program. The fields of engineering, technology, robotics and humanities are where Japan is exceptional, so the country is perfect for students eager to learn advanced research or build practical abilities. OECD research reveals that average Japanese students in reading, math and science are ranked 529 out of 650, far above the average of 486 globally. There are a number of good reasons to Study in Japan.

• World-Class Education: Japan is where you’ll find the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, both of which are ranked very high for research and innovation.

• Cultural Immersion: Living in Japan introduces students to tea ceremonies and also to the latest anime culture.

• Affordable Tuition: It is much less expensive to study in Japan than it is in the US or UK; Japan’s national universities ask for just over ¥820,000 (about $5,500 USD) per year from undergraduate students.

• Career Opportunities: Managing business in this country, there are lots of great chances in the fields of technology, transport and finance for people with Japanese qualifications.

• Safe and Welcoming Environment: There is little crime in Japan and students there enjoy the country’s friendly and safe environment.

With close to 230,000 international students learning in Japan today, the country is aiming to attract many more, reaching 400,000 by 2030. If you love Japan’s technology or culture, you’ll find your studying in Japan and personal life greatly improved there.

Also Read: Entrance Exam to Study Abroad

Study in Japan Top Universities List 2025

Study in Japan top universities are renowned for their Academic rigor, openings for research and global recognition are what make studying in Japan’s best universities famous. In Japan, fully three types of universities exist: national, public and private. Government money funds national universities which are considered the most prestigious, but private ones offer extra flexibility and many program offerings. In the following table, we cover some of the top universities in Japan open to international students, as ranked by QS World University Rankings 2025.

Here are the Study in Japan Top Universities discussed below: 

University	QS Ranking 2025	Key Programs	English-Taught Programs
University of Tokyo	28	Engineering, Medicine, Humanities	Yes
Kyoto University	50	Environmental Science, Engineering	Yes
Tokyo Institute of Technology	56	Robotics, Nanotechnology	Yes
Osaka University	68	Medicine, Biotechnology	Yes
Waseda University	182	Business, International Relations	Yes
Keio University	188	Economics, Law	Yes
Ritsumeikan University	601-650	IT, International Studies	Yes

• University of Tokyo: Internationally known as Todai, the University of Tokyo has leading courses in mechanical, civil and electrical engineering and industry partnerships.

• Kyoto University: At Kyoto University, students gain important knowledge in sustainability and innovation from their variety of courses in engineering and humanities.

• Waseda University: Waseda offers scholarships to international students, stands out with many English-taught programs and boasts a great number of international students.

• Tokyo Institute of Technology: Robotics and nanotechnology are strong points at Tokyo Institute of Technology which provides all the tools needed for leading research and offers programs taught equally in English and Japanese.

• Ritsumeikan University: Ritsumeikan University is especially suited to students interested in IT as well as international programs taught in English.

Many different subject areas are offered by top universities in Japan , among them science, technology, humanities and cultural studies. Having programs taught in English is a common way Japanese universities try to encourage foreign students, meaning study in Japan can be done without knowing Japanese.

Also Read: Study Abroad Scholarships

Study in Japan Admission Process 2025

While study in Japan admission process  is simple, you still need to be very organized. Two main entrance periods exist in Japan: April for spring and September or occasionally October, for autumn. Students planning to study for more than six months should submit their applications 6–12 months before travel. Here you will find a study in Japan admission process:

1. Universities and Research Programs: Research programs that will help you reach your learning and work goals. Each institution has its own rules, so look on their website to find out what is expected.

2. Meet Admission Requirements:

   • Undergraduate Programs: Eligibility for Undergraduate Programs needs completion of twelve years of schooling, copies of academic records and a certification of language ability (such as IELTS or TOEFL for English or JLPT N2 or N1 for Japanese).

   • Master’s Programs: For some master’s programs, you are required to submit a bachelor’s degree, two endorsement letters and a research proposal.

   • Doctoral Programs: Gaining admission to a doctoral program depends on your having earned a master’s degree, suggesting a research topic and getting the green light from your supervisor.

3. Prepare Application Documents: Request transcripts, write a statement of purpose, gather letters of recommendation and collect your language test scores. Materials should be prepared in Japanese or English and cared for using an apostille.

4. Take Entrance Exams: Many schools require that you take the (Examination for Japanese University) EJU or adopt other admissions tests. A few programs require you to also submit your GRE or GMAT scores.

5. Submit Application: Make sure to publish your application before the deadline which is usually 6–12 months prior to starting at the university.

6. Receive Admission Offer: If you are accepted, the university will provide a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) so you can apply for your visa to the government.

7. Apply for a Student Visa: Gather your CoE, passport and proof of enough money and ask your Japanese embassy or consulate to process your student visa.

8. Arrange Accommodation and Travel: Choose your housing and plan your trip as soon as your visa is accepted.

Since you only have 3 to 6 months from application to study in Japan admission process, it’s good to start preparing ahead of time. 

Also Read: Education Loan for Studying Abroad

Study in Japan Entrance Exams List

Study in Japan entrance exams are very important when applying for an undergraduate place. Usually, the most popular test for international students to study at Japanese universities is the Examination for Japanese University Admission. In June and November every year, the EJU is used in Japan and a few overseas locations to look at Japanese language and academic abilities in subjects such as:

• Japanese as a Foreign Language

• Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

• Japan and the World

• Mathematics

What you need to study is set by your program and the university you attend. Japanese content is given in Japanese, while other sections are in English and Japanese. The EJU result is good for two years and you can try for an improved grade later.

Those studying in Japan for a Japanese program are sometimes asked for a JLPT N2 or N1 certificate. Successful application to most English-taught programs often requires a score of 6.0 on IELTS or 100 on the TOEFL test. At universities including Waseda and Kyoto, international applicants may take their own entrance exams or interviews conducted online.

Tips for Preparing for Study in Japan Entrance Exams:

• Start Early: Begin your studying 6–12 months in advance and use the EJU syllabus and past papers made available by JASSO.

• Enroll in Prep Courses: JLPT and EJU support courses are provided by many language schools and on the internet.

• Practice Japanese: Even though programs are headed in English, a little knowledge of Japanese will make daily living and socializing much easier.

• Mock Tests: Using practice test papers will help you understand the way the exam is structured and how much time you have.

Passing the study in Japan entrance exams lets you access top universities and opportunities, so it’s important to get ready for them.

Also Read: Criteria for Studying Abroad

Study in Japan Visa Process Requirements

The study in Japan visa process is essential for international students planning to study for more than 90 days. It is important only for those studying for a longer time. To study in Japan for a long time, you need a student visa (ryuugaku) and your university will make the process simpler. Here’s how the study in Japan visa process works:

1. Receive Admission Offer: Soon after acceptance, your university will start the procedure for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) which you will need to study in Japan. This paper guarantees you meet the criteria necessary to study there.

2. Apply for a Student Visa: Turn in these documents at the Japanese embassy or consulate where you live:

   • Valid passport

   • The form for applying to use a visa

   • CoE

   • Passport-sized photos

   • Statements proving you have enough money

   • University’s acceptance letter

3. Processing Time: Your application will be processed within 5–10 business days. You should apply for the CoE about 3–4 weeks before you start your program.

4. Arrival in Japan: Your first stop in Japan will be at customs, where you’ll collect both the Landing Permit and Residence Card. By law, you need to go to the local municipal authorities within two weeks to report your stay.

5. Visa Renewal: Staying on in Japan for a master’s program? You need to renew your visa at the Japanese Immigration Services Agency.

Key Notes:

• Applying for a single-entry student visa costs about ¥3,000 ($20 USD) for an Indian resident.

• Those coming from visa-free countries (nearly 50 nations) may enroll in brief courses (at most 90 days) without a visa.

• With the agreement of their school and the immigration office, international students are permitted to work no more than 28 hours each week.

The study in Japan visa process is simple thanks to proper and complete documents. Before you apply, confirm with your university and your nation’s embassy what needs to be done.

Study in Japan Fee Structure

Study in Japan fees costs much less than what you’d expect in countries like the US or UK. The cost of tuition changes depending on the kind of university (national, public or private), as well as the course you take. Check out our summary of study fees for students studying in Japan.

University Type	Average Annual Tuition (¥)	Average Annual Tuition (USD)
National	¥820,000	~$5,500
Public	¥930,000	~$6,200
Private	¥1,100,000–¥1,640,000	~$7,400–$11,000

• National Universities: Students can get an education there for just ¥820,000 in their first year, together with admission fees.

• Public Universities: Attending a public university in Japan will generally cost you ¥930,000 a year.

• Private Universities: At private universities, tuition can be from ¥1,100,000 up to ¥1,640,000 and the medical, dental and pharmaceutical courses cost even more.

• Additional Costs: Other costs to think about are those for: entrance exams (¥12,000–¥17,000), applying (¥50–$300) and language tests (for example, JLPT ¥6,500, EJU ¥10,000 per subject).

Strategies to Manage Study in Japan Fees:

Check out Study in Japan scholarships (more information below) to help you pay for your degree and living needed in Japan.

• Enroll in a public or national college to get lower charges.

• If you enroll in English-taught classes, you won’t have to pay extra for language lessons.

Japan is relatively inexpensive compared to both America ($26,290–$35,830 annually) and the UK for education.

Study in Japan Living Cost 

The study in Japan living costs are influenced by the place you live, how you like to live and where you stay. Tokyo is more expensive, but places in Tohoku and Kyushu are much cheaper to rent or own. Consuming the average monthly living allowance approved by JASSO in Japan, including your educational costs, would cost around ¥89,000 (~$600 USD), says JASSO.

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (¥)	Average Monthly Cost (USD)
Rent	¥40,000–¥60,000	~$270–$400
Food	¥20,000–¥30,000	~$135–$200
Transportation	¥5,000–¥10,000	~$35–$70
Utilities	¥5,000–¥10,000	~$35–$70
Miscellaneous	¥10,000–¥15,000	~$70–$100

• Accommodation: Dormitories at the university are the cheapest, charging students about ¥20,000 to ¥50,000 a month. The amount you pay for a private apartment in Tokyo is usually between ¥60,000 and ¥100,000.

• Food: Eating at home is economical because your food cost at the store won’t be much higher than ¥20,000–¥30,000 a month. Food in Tokyo can get quite pricey, that’s why you should try student cafeterias.

• Transportation: Getting around: it’s easy and cheap thanks to the smooth public transit system and student passes reduce the cost of monthly passes.

• Health Insurance: International students must join Japan’s National Health Insurance to get medical coverage which costs between ¥2,000 and ¥ 3,000 each month for 70% of their expenses.

Tips to Manage Study in Japan Living Cost:

• You can live in university dormitories or rent cheaply with others to save your budget.

• You can also work part-time (up to 28 hours every week) to make around ¥375,900 in your first year.

• Many study in Japan scholarships exist to cover your living costs.

With a good budget, Japan’s exciting lifestyle won’t cause you stress.

Study in Japan scholarships for International Students 2025

Study in Japan scholarships help you with your tuition, daily costs and sometimes the cost of traveling. There are plenty of scholarships available to students in Japan, prepared by the government, universities and private firms. Find out about some of the top study in Japan scholarships for foreign students below:

Scholarship	Provider	Coverage	Eligibility
MEXT Scholarship	Japanese Government	Tuition, monthly stipend (¥117,000+), airfare	Non-Japanese, 17–22 years, 12 years of schooling
JASSO Honors Scholarship	Japan Student Services Organization	¥48,000/month	Privately financed students, excellent academics
ADB-Japan Scholarship	Asian Development Bank	Tuition, stipend for master’s programs	Students from ADB member countries
Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship	Rotary International	¥100,000–¥140,000/month	Graduate students, non-Japanese
T.Banaji Indian Students Scholarship	Private Foundation	Partial tuition coverage	Indian students

• MEXT Scholarship: MEXT Scholarship is the highest ranked, since it fully covers tuition, offers a monthly allowance of around $1,100 USD and provides two airfares for travel. From April to June, the Japanese embassy is where you apply for summer work in Japan.

• JASSO Honors Scholarship: For students privately financed by their parents or some other organization, JASSO provides a monthly Honors Scholarship of ¥48,000.

• ADB-Japan Scholarship: Figures to help master’s students in economics, science and technology from ADB members by paying tuition plus living costs.

• University-Specific Scholarships: Waseda and Kyushu University give out tuition waivers (from 10% to 100%) depending on a student’s academic results.

How to Apply for Study in Japan Scholarships:

1. Research Early: Look into requirements on university websites or at JASSO’s database to see if you are eligible.

2. Prepare Strong Applications: On your application, describe your achievements in school, experience leading others and your reasons for wanting to study in Japan.

3. Meet Deadlines: Generally, you will apply for scholarships during the same period as your university applications, so remember to plan that far ahead.

4. Leverage Bilateral Agreements: Many Indian or Pakistani scholarships are governed by bilateral deals between the governments.

Your study in Japan in 2025 can be funded, in part, by scholarships which stretch to 20.7% of all international students’ income.

Popular Programs to Study in Japan in 2025

Study in Japan offers a wide range of programs across disciplines. The most popular fields include:

• Engineering and Technology: In robotics, automotive and nanotechnology, Japan is a top world player and programs for these are found at Tokyo Institute of Technology and Kyoto University.

• Business and Economics: International business and finance are possible to study at Waseda and Keio, where students are equipped for jobs around the world.

• Humanities and Cultural Studies: Sophia University and International Christian University have programs in Japanese language and culture that do not simply touch on them—you will explore them in depth.

• Medicine and Biotechnology: Many people know Osaka University for its skilled approach to clinical and research programs in the medical field.

• Anime and Visual Arts: Those interested in anime design and game development will find programs at Tokyo University of the Arts and HAL Tokyo.

With so many English-taught programs available, you don’t need to speak Japanese to study in Japan. Even if you don’t speak much Japanese, it adds something to your cultural experience and your career options.

Student Life in Japan, What to Expect?

Experiencing Japanese culture is most of what makes studying in Japan memorable. Here’s how life as a student looks:

• Cultural Experiences: Participate in festivals, tea ceremonies, and anime events to embrace Japan’s heritage.

• Campus Life: Universities offer clubs, international student associations, and sports facilities to foster community.

• Part-Time Work: With permission, work up to 28 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours during vacations, earning an average of ¥375,900 annually.

• Safety and Infrastructure: Japan’s low crime rate and efficient public transport make it easy to navigate cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.

• Language: While English-taught programs are available, learning basic Japanese helps with daily interactions and cultural integration.

There is a good mix of hard work and personal experiences in Japanese schools, giving you what you need for a global profession.

Study in Japan Post-Graduation Opportunities  

Studying in Japan makes students eligible for many great employment opportunities. To work in the UK, graduates can get a visa called “Job Seeking” (for two years) or “Designated Activities” to change to an employment visa after their studies. Included are some important industries:

• Technology: Engineering and IT graduates from across the country can apply to Sony, Nintendo and Toshiba.

• Finance and Business: Banking and the international trade sectors are exciting areas of work in Tokyo.

• Tourism and Hospitality: Japan’s booming tourism industry looks for people who speak more than one language.

Having a Japanese degree as an international student gives an extra benefit on your way to getting permanent residency in Japan.

Conclusion

Studying in Japan combined with a strong education with a cultural adventure is possible when you study in Japan. Students from other countries find Japan to be the right option thanks to its Study in Japan top universities, Study in Japan costs, Study in Japan admission process check and Study in Japan scholarships. When you get ready for exams, obtain a visa and make your budget, you can discover many opportunities in Japan.

Study in Japan FAQs 

1. Do students in Japan have to be able to speak Japanese?

Not all, but numerous universities have masters and doctorates taught entirely in English. Even so, learning a little Japanese can improve your daily and work experiences.

2. Which types of tests are the main start of study in Japan entrance exams?

For most undergraduate programs, the EJU is one of the main requirements for international students. If you want to be in a Japanese-taught program, you need the JLPT (N2/N1), but English-taught programs require IELTS/TOEFL.

3. What kind of finances are needed for learning in Japan?

National universities charge ¥820,000 ($5,500 USD) in fees and private universities have fees of ¥1,640,000 ($11,000 USD) per year. Most people spend an average of ¥89,000 (equal to $600 USD) each month on living expenses.

4. Which scholarships do Japanese universities offer to overseas students?

The MEXT Scholarship, JASSO Honors Scholarship and ADB-Japan Scholarship are all well-known, helping students pay tuition, living costs and often airfare as well.

5. How do you obtain a study in Japan visa?

Your institution takes care of applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) after you’ve received your admission offer. After that, you hand in the CoE, passport and further documents to the embassy for a student visa which takes about 5–10 days to be approved.