Overview of Japan
Welcome to Japan! There is much to discover in a land known for its old traditions and new inventions. Enjoy beautiful temples and busy streets’ lights. Learn how to make different kinds of delicious ramen or learn the complex rituals of tea drinking.
Japanese schools are great for learning. They are known all over Asia for their schooling. You can study in either English or Japanese at a number of universities ranked as the best in the world.
Life there is valuable too. Besides studying, one learns how to show respect. You’ll bow respectfully when greeting others and they use chopsticks properly. Maybe you’ll learn why the people are so polite and helpful.
Are you ready for this journey? We will show you about Japanese education systems, top universities with courses offered, daily life experiences here. The amazing world waiting in Japan awaits you!
Education System in Japan
Japan has a strict and distinct education system. There is much more than just studying.
The structure of higher education is:
Undergraduate (4 years)
Master’s (2 years)
Doctoral (3 years)
The academic year runs from April-March. Some universities have trimesters or Sept starters.
Beyond academic work, students develop holistically through clubs ranging from culture to sport and tech that allow for friendships and cultural immersion.
Classes comprise lectures, seminars, and practical work. Students participate in group work like presenting haiku or debugging robots.
Assessments include tests, reports, and presentations depending on the course with final or continuous evaluation.
The language used in classes is key. Most graduate classes are taught in English. However, studying Japanese can make your time in Japan better. Universities have Japanese language programs that you can join.
In Japan, being on time, showing respect to teachers, and getting along with others is important. This might be new for you. Just take it in stride, as it adds to learning in Japan!
Admission Requirements to Study in Japan:
Are you prepared to fulfill your dream of pursuing your college education in Japan? Allow me to guide you through the hassles of the application process by telling you what is required of you.
First step, in terms of the university and the course application, the requirements are not the same. Nevertheless, in general, you will have to deal with such demands as:
- Educational Background: If you plan on applying for an undergraduate program, you must get a high school diploma. Your past education should be validated in Japan.
- Language Proficiency:
For programs taught in Japanese: You will be required to demonstrate your Japanese language skills through a Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 level or above.For programs taught in English: Most universities will mandate English language requirements such as TOEFL or IELTS. - For programs taught in Japanese: You will be required to show your proficiency in the Japanese language, typically with a Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 level or above.
- For programs taught in English: An English proficiency test like TOEFL or IELTS is typically required.
- Entrance Exams: Additionally, there are the Narrowing Down Test, which admissions officers of some universities may request you to do. The most common is the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU).
- Application Documents: These often include the following:
Application formOfficial transcriptsLetters of recommendationStatement of purposeHealth certificatePassport copyPassport-sized photos - Application form
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Health certificate
- Passport copy
- Passport-sized photos
- Application Fee: This varies by university but is typically around ¥10,000 to ¥30,000.
Do not forget that you should commence your application process early – at least 6-12 months before your desired commencement date. There are lots of varied applications for international students in different universities so you have to be very cautious in checking the date limit as it’s not the same for all universities.
Student Visa Requirements for Japan:
Okay then, let’s focus on this visa procedure which is of central importance for studying in Japan.
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Your university will normally lodge the application for this with the Do (rinku: \”Do\” is \”Link\” in Japanese). It is an essential paper for your visa application.
- Visa Application Form: This can be gotten from the Japanese embassy in your home country. Get a valid one, in Jap
- Passport: Make certain that it is valid for the whole period you will be in Japan.
- Passport-sized Photos: Usually 4cm x 3cm, received within the last 6 months.
- Admission Letter: Your visa from a credited institution.
- Proof of Financial Ability: You’ll have to demonstrate you have the funds to stay in Japan. It could be bank statements, scholarship award letters, or a sponsor letter.
- Academic Transcripts: This is from your last educational institutions.
Generally speaking, the process of visa application in Japan takes around 5 working days to be approved provided you hand over all the necessary paperwork. Just a reminder though, it is only the COE that is expected to arrive within 1-3 months of your application, so, begin preparing early!
Pro tip: It’s indeed, the visa process may be one’s first adventure in Japan but one cannot be excessively fearful of it. You will think that the next minute you board the plane to Japan and start enjoying your uni days there.
Cost to Study in Japan
Yen, whose budget are you thinking about? Discovering the expenses of studying in Japan should be in the forefront of your list of things to do. This is a summary:
Tuition Fees (Annual):
- National Universities: ¥535,800 (approx. $5,000)
- Public Universities: ¥538,000 – ¥696,000 (approx. $5,000 – $6,500)
- Private Universities: ¥1,000,000 – ¥1,400,000 (approx. $9,300 – $13,000)
Additional Costs:
- Entrance Fee: ¥200,000 – ¥300,000 (one-time fee)
- Books and Supplies: ¥60,000 – ¥80,000 per year
Another thing to note is that these figures are average figures. The cost could also be higher or lower based on your course and university. Many universities provide scholarships to foreign students, so take a look at those as well.
Cost of Living in Japan
Costs of living in Japan can be very different depending on the location you choose to live in and the lifestyle you prefer. Below is a gliimse of a typical monthly budget you might expect to need:
- Rent: ¥30,000 – ¥80,000 (student dormitories are usually cheaper)
- Food: ¥30,000 – ¥50,000
- Utilities: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000
- Transportation: ¥5,000 – ¥15,000
- Personal Expenses: ¥20,000 – ¥40,000
Total: ¥95,000 – ¥205,000 per month
Pro tip: Check for student deals! Expect to get places that provide special prices for students, thus letting you save a hefty amount.
Top Universities to Study in Japan
The excellent Japan’s world-class universities are the boast of all. An enumeration of the major universities in Japan is as follows:
- University of Tokyo
- Kyoto University
- Osaka University
- Tohoku University
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
These universities have a variety of programs, and they are famous for their data on research and the rankings that they get across the world. Nevertheless don’t worry – there are a lot of other good colleges in Japan that may suit you better according to your interests and plans.
Top Courses to Study in Japan
Offering a world of courses, Japan is such a concoction that you can never run out of choices. Among international students, for instance, such subjects as:
- Engineering and Technology
- Business and Management
- Japanese Language and Culture
- Computer Science and IT
- Environmental Studies
Be reminded that the “top” course is a subjective matter which is largely dependent on your specific interests and the path you intend to take in the future in terms of your career. Japan’s singular synthesis of chronicle and forethought allows the discovery of revolutionary, and both old and cutting-edge study areas.
So now taking all our suggestions together – which I can’t guarantee will be exactly right; you could miss something – Your complete study in Japan guide would roughly look like. From the application process to the availability of grants and the determination of the courses that you would like to attend, you have got all the information you need to start your Japanese educational journey.
