Studying in South Korea: Admission, Fees, and Scholarships
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Studying in Japan is attractive for foreigners due to strong programs in engineering, robotics, IT, and natural sciences, as well as a high level of security and developed infrastructure.
Universities in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka consistently rank among the top 100 universities in the world, and companies such as Toyota, Sony, and Softbank actively hire graduates with international experience.
This destination is suitable for those who are willing to invest time in language and adaptation for the sake of a high-quality education and career in Asia.
The system includes Bachelor’s degree (4 years), Master’s degree (2 years), doctoral degree (PhD, 3 years), and research student route — the status of a researcher without a degree, which often precedes admission to a master’s degree or PhD.
Separately, there are language schools and preparatory (foundation) programs for those who need to improve their Japanese or adapt their academic profile before the main course. The admission trajectory and requirements strongly depend on the level of the program and the language of instruction.
Yes, but the choice is limited. English-language programs are more common within the framework of Global 30 and other international initiatives, mainly at the master’s and PhD level; there are significantly fewer bachelor’s programs in English.
IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80-90 is usually required. Competition is high, and there are limited spots, so it’s important to consider these programs as one option rather than the sole strategy.
When choosing, it is important to take into account the direction, language of instruction, city, admission requirements, available scholarships, and for master’s and PhD programs, the availability of a suitable supervisor and his willingness to accept a student.
Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto offer more English-language programs, an international environment, and proximity to the headquarters of major companies. However, they also have high competition and a higher cost of living. In Tokyo, the cost of living is around 80,000-120,000 yen per month, compared to 60,000-90,000 yen in the regions.
Universities in smaller cities often have strong research schools in specific fields, lower living costs, and allow for a deeper immersion in the local environment and language. For research fields, a specific laboratory and research advisor are often more important than the overall university ranking.
The admission process follows a common logic:
For a bachelor’s degree, you will need a high school diploma, grades in relevant subjects, and, for most national and public universities, the results of the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students). The EJU tests Japanese language proficiency, as well as mathematics, science, and the subject “Japan and the World,” and is conducted twice a year, used by approximately 60% of all Japanese universities. An interview and a motivation essay are also usually required.
For master’s and PhD programs, a research plan plays a crucial role. This document explains the research topic, its relevance, and why this particular university and supervisor are suitable for conducting the research. In addition to the diploma, transcript, and recommendation letters, many programs require prior communication with a potential supervisor and their prior approval, which significantly increases the chances of admission and MEXT scholarship.
One of the main advantages of Japan is that national universities charge the same tuition fees to Japanese and international students, without any additional fees for international students.
The standard annual tuition fee at a national university is around 535,800 yen, plus a one-time entrance fee (nyuugakukin) of around 282,000 yen upon enrollment. In public (public/prefectural) universities, the cost is comparable, but the entrance fee for students from outside the prefecture — including foreigners — is usually higher, about 390,000 yen. Private universities are noticeably more expensive — 800 000-1 500 000 yen per year, plus a separate entry fee of 200,000-300,000 yen.
In addition to tuition, students also need to cover living expenses, which can range from 60,000 to 120,000 yen per month, depending on the city, as well as insurance, food, and transportation costs. A realistic annual budget for students is between 1,300,000 and 2,500,000 yen (approximately $8,700 and $16,800), depending on the type of university and the city. Additionally, around 20-30% of students at national universities receive partial or full tuition waivers based on their academic performance or financial situation.
In addition to the MEXT government scholarship, there are grants from JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization), university scholarships, and private foundations. It is important to check the conditions and amounts for each program separately before applying. These information are regularly updated. We have a detailed review of scholarships for Asian countries, including the MEXT scholarship, in a separate article.
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is a flagship government scholarship of the Japanese government, covering tuition fees, entrance fee, monthly stipend (around 117,000-145,000 yen) and airfare.
The program covers several categories – from Research Students and Undergraduate to Young Leaders Program – and is applied through the embassy (Embassy Recommendation) or through the university directly (University Recommendation). MEXT is suitable for those who are ready to go through a long competitive selection process: 8,000-10,000 scholarships are selected annually, and the competition for the embassy route is about 15-25%.
A detailed analysis of the conditions, application routes and requirements for the research plan for MEXT is in a separate guide.
The logic of obtaining a visa in Japan is different from that of many other countries: First, the university applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) with the Japanese Immigration Service on behalf of the student, and only after receiving this document can the student apply for a student visa (College Student visa) at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their place of residence.
The visa is issued four times a year, and proof of financial stability is usually required in the amount of about $14,000 per year in the account. We will discuss the detailed process of obtaining a COE and a visa in a separate article.
Most often, applicants lose their chances of admission for the same reasons:
Late start. Preparation for the EJU, language exam, and research plan should begin at least one year before the application deadline.
A weak or template-based research plan. Without a specific scientific problem and a connection to the desired supervisor’s laboratory, the application gets lost among hundreds of others.
Incorrect choice of programs. Applicants apply without considering the real chances of admission, focusing only on the prestige of the university.
Underestimation of language requirements. Even on English-language tracks, you need a level that is not checked in advance.
Unconfirmed budget for a visa. Financial stability must be documented in advance, not at the last minute.
Universal motivation letters. A text that is not specific to a particular university or program immediately generates a template application.
How SelfStartGlobal helps with admission to Japan
We at SelfStartGlobal help to choose a university and program in Japan taking into account the specialty and real chances, build a personal brand and research/motivation strategy, prepare documents and a research plan, and also accompany the application for the MEXT scholarship and other sources of funding at all stages.
If you are considering studying in Japan – come for a free consultation, we will analyze your profile and select a realistic admission strategy.
Yes, if you receive a MEXT scholarship that covers your tuition fees, or if you receive a university exemption based on your academic performance or financial situation.
For most bachelor’s programs, yes, usually through EJU. For some master’s and PhD programs in English, Japanese is not required, but it makes it easier to adapt and find part-time jobs.
Yes, but the number of fully English-language programs is limited, especially in the bachelor’s program, where competition is high.
At least 12 months in advance, especially if you plan to take the EJU or apply to MEXT, where the embassy route deadlines are fixed and cannot be changed.
Through your country’s embassy (Embassy Recommendation) or directly through the university (University Recommendation), the routes vary in terms of timing and requirements.
From 60,000 to 120,000 yen per month, depending on the city — Tokyo is significantly more expensive than the regions.
JapanJapan is one of the most unconventional destinations for studying abroad. Japanese diplomas are highly valued in the international job market, universities are ranked among the top in the world, and students work with technologies that have not yet been mass-produced in other countries. If you are ready to immerse yourself in a unique culture and a systematic approach to knowledge, this is the right choice for you.
South Korea
Singapore
ChinaChinese universities are rapidly rising in world rankings, and the country has turned into one of the largest educational hubs on the planet. Diplomas from leading Chinese universities are recognized by employers around the world, the cost of education is lower than in Great Britain or the USA, and the government actively finances foreign students. On this page - everything you need for admission: universities, cost, scholarships, documents and student visa.
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