Study in Japan
Japan offers high ranked universities, advanced technology, and a unique cultural experience. Students benefit from quality education and safe living. Stubard supports you with admissions, visas, and housing. We make your study abroad journey in Japan simple and hassle-free.
How-To-Guide for Indian Students About Studying Abroad in Japan
Japan is fast becoming one of the most popular study-abroad destinations among Indian students with its highly advanced technology, global universities, highly structured education system and its rich culture. Japan has emerged as a new destination for high-quality education at reasonable prices, considering the robust state encouragement of international education and the growing number of English-based programs in the country. At this point, there are over 5,000 Indian students studying at higher levels in Japan, and the number is increasing on an annual basis.
The education system in Japan is blended with academic excellence, research intensity, as well as practical exposure to the industry. You want to become an engineer, data scientist, AI specialist, robotics expert, business professional, researcher, or a specialist in a language? With a degree course in Japan, you can get a worldwide-recognized degree and have an opportunity to work in some of the leading industries in the world.
This guide contains all the information the Indian students require about studying in Japan; about admissions, universities, tuition fees, scholarships, visa, work opportunities, accommodation, student life, and much more.
The Reasons Why Indian Students Choose to Study in Japan
The reason why Indian students choose to study abroad in Japan is its special combination of education, low costs, security, and good employment opportunities.
Here are the top reasons for Indian students to get higher education in Japan:
- High-level research and globally ranked universities.
- High attention to technology, innovation, and R&D.
- Low tuition charges compared to the West.
- A wide variety of degree programs taught in English.
- Japanese government (MEXT) generous scholarships.
- Safe, clean, and student-friendly environment.
- Huge demand for international skilled personnel.
- Great opportunities in part-time employment.
- Good India-Japan diplomatic and economic relations.
- Japanese exposure, discipline and work ethics.
Japan provides Indian students with a great combination of quality of academics, career advancement, exposure to culture and cost.
Quick Facts About Japan
Feature | Details |
Capital | Tokyo |
Top Cities to Study | Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Yokohama |
Popular Fields | Engineering, IT, Robotics, Business, Life Sciences |
Tuition Fees | ₹4–10 lakh/year |
Living Cost | ₹70,000–1,20,000/month |
Intakes | April, September |
Scholarships | Govt. & University-funded |
Japan Education System for Indian Students
Japan education system is research-oriented, systematic, and innovation-oriented and provides globally competitive degrees.
Study Levels:
- Japanese Language Course: 6 months- 2 years.
- Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
- Master’s Degree: 2 years
- PhD / Doctorate: 3–5 years
Types of Institutions:
- National Universities: Government-funded and research-intensive.
- Public Universities: Regional, affordable, and of high quality.
- Private University: Career-oriented and industry-oriented.
- Specialty Colleges: Technology, design, medical, and vocational studies.
The primary intake is in April, and September/October has less to offer in terms of programs.
Best Majors to Study in Japan as an Indian
It has been globally known that Japan leads in technology, robotics, automotive and research.
Popular Programs:
Engineering & Technology
Robotics, Electrical, Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics, Civil.
Computer Science & IT
AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering.
Business & Management
MBA, International Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Entrepreneurship.
Science & Research
Biotechnology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science.
Design & Creative Fields
Animation, Game Design, Architecture, Industrial Design.
Japanese Language and International Studies
Japanese Studies, International Relations, Cultural Studies.
Indian Student Admission Requirements
For Bachelor’s:
- Completion of Class 12
- IELTS/TOEFL (in English-based courses)
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) – used in courses taught in Japanese.
- Statement of Purpose
For Master’s:
- Known undergraduate degree.
- IELTS/TOEFL
- JLPT (if required)
- SOP, Resume, Letters of Recommendation.
Common Documents:
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- English/Japanese language tests score.
- Research proposal (for PhD)
Apply 6–10 months before intake.
Japanese Student Visa for Indian Students
The Indian students are required to apply for a Japanese Student Visa.
Documents Required:
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Valid passport
- University admission letter.
- Proof of financial support
- Academic documents
- Visa application form
Visa Processing Time: 2–6 weeks
Type of Visa: 1-4 years (renewable)
Cost of Studying in Japan
Average Tuition Fees:
Program Level | Tuition Fees (INR/year) |
Bachelor’s | ₹4–6 lakh |
Master’s | ₹4–8 lakh |
MBA | ₹6–10 lakh |
PhD | Mostly funded |
A lot of PhDs and research programs cover tuition waivers and monthly stipends.
Indian Students’ Living Costs in Japan
Expense | Monthly Cost (JPY) | Approx INR |
Rent | 30,000–60,000 | ₹18,000–36,000 |
Food | 25,000–40,000 | ₹15,000–24,000 |
Transport | 5,000–10,000 | ₹3,000–6,000 |
Utilities | 8,000–12,000 | ₹5,000–7,000 |
Personal | 10,000–20,000 | ₹6,000–12,000 |
Tokyo is even more costly than cities such as Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka.
Best Universities in Japan for Indian Students
QS Rank 2026 | University | Avg Fees (JPY/year) | Best Programs |
36 | 535,800 | Engineering, Research | |
57 | 535,800 | Sciences, Technology | |
91 | Osaka University | 535,800 | Medicine, Engineering |
109 | Tohoku University | 535,800 | Research, AI |
164 | Nagoya University | 535,800 | Automotive, Engineering |
The Japanese degrees have great respect in the world, especially in the technology-driven sectors.
Scholarships in Japan for Indians
Government Scholarships:
- The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship.
- JASSO Scholarships
University Scholarships:
- Tuition reductions
- Merit-based awards
- Research assistantships
In general, scholarships for international students in Japan are:
Scholarship Name | Offered By | Level of Study | Coverage |
MEXT Scholarship (Monbukagakusho) | Japanese Government (MEXT) | Undergraduate, Masters, PhD | Full tuition, monthly stipend (~¥117,000+), airfare |
JASSO Scholarship | Japan Student Services Organization | Undergraduate, Masters | ¥48,000/month (partial support) |
ADB–Japan Scholarship Program | Asian Development Bank + Japan | Master’s | Full tuition, travel, living expenses |
Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship | Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation | Undergraduate, Masters, PhD | ¥100,000–¥140,000/month |
University-Specific Scholarships | Waseda, Tokyo Tech, Kyoto U, etc. | Varies | Tuition waivers or living stipen |
Benefits Include:
- Waiver of full or partial tuition.
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel expenses
Apply 8–12 months in advance.
Study Intakes in Japan
Intake | Months | Notes |
April | Apr | Main intake |
September | Sep–Oct | Limited programs |
For more details: Unlock Japan: Your Guide to University Intakes
Work Opportunities in Japan
During Studies:
- Part-time employment to 28 hours/week.
- Permitted with a work permit.
Post-Study Work:
Graduates may apply to obtain a Work Visa that happens to be based on employment:
- Humanities Visa Engineer/ Specialist.
- Highly Skilled Professional Visa.
The most popular sectors are IT, AI, robotics, engineering, manufacturing, research, and business services.
Student Accommodation in Japan
The accommodation options are:
- University dormitories
- Private student housing
- Shared apartments
- Homestays
Facilities Include:
- Furnished rooms
- Shared kitchens
- Laundry facilities
- Internet access
- High security
The accommodation is usually inexpensive, clean, and safe.
Student Life in Japan
Education in Japan can provide Indian students with a particular combination of contemporary life and the ancient culture. Major cities have Indian grocery stores, restaurants, temples, and student associations. The Japanese society is characterized by politeness, safety, punctuality and respect towards diversity.
The students like to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji, Hiroshima and other cultural sites. The transport system in Japan is efficient, such that travelling is easy and affordable.
A Few More Facts About Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia with a population that has a technological edge, culture, and a thriving economy. It boasts of one of the safest environments in the world, great healthcare and infrastructure. One of the best in the world is the public transport that includes bullet trains (Shinkansen), metro, and buses.
Japanese culture appreciates discipline, respect and harmony, and it is hugely helpful in personal and professional development among international students. Although Japanese is the national language, English is being used more in academia and business.
Cost of Living in Japan
Manage your living costs in Japan effortlessly! Plan your budget from accommodation to daily expenses with an average of ¥105,000 per month.
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Frequently Asked Question
Japan has the best education, cheap prices, good scholarships and good employment.
Compared to the UK and the US, Japan is not expensive and particularly so with scholarships and part-time jobs.
The cost to study in Japan for Indian students is ₹4–10 lakh per year, based on the course and university.
Living costs may vary depending on your expenses, but in general, the living costs for Indian students may be ₹70,000–1,20,000/month.
The major one is the April intake, but many universities also offer a September intake to students.
The university portal is typically used for applying. Academic transcripts, entrance exam scores such as EJU, English /Japanese test results, and a passport are the major things you will need.
You should apply through your university after you get enrolled. A CoE (Certificate of Eligibility) and a visa document application are required for this purpose.
Yes, Indians can work up to 28 hours per week.
Yes, Japan is as safe, and not only safe, it is considered one of the safest countries in the world.
Not English-taught schemes, but simple Japanese is extremely recommended.