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Last reviewed: 2026-07-04

# 🇯🇵 Studying in Japan for international applicants

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Contents

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## Higher education in Japan at a glance {#c1}

International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) - Kofu, Yamanashi

Japan combines ancient traditions with advanced technology, and its universities are among the strongest in Asia and the world. For international students, the country appeals with its quality of education, safety, generous government scholarships and a growing number of English-taught programs.

The system follows a familiar three-tier model: bachelor's (usually 4 years), master's (2 years) and doctorate (3 years). The academic year in Japan starts in April, though many international programs also offer a fall intake.

## Advantages of studying in Japan {#c2}

- World-class universities, especially in engineering, technology and the natural sciences.
- MEXT government scholarships and university grants, often covering tuition and accommodation.
- A growing number of English-taught programs - Japanese is not always required.
- A high level of safety and quality of life.
- The option to work part-time during studies and find employment after graduation.

## Cost & scholarships {#c3}

Waseda University - Tokyo

Tuition at Japanese universities is noticeably more affordable than in the USA or UK, and government and university scholarships can cover a significant share of costs. Exact amounts depend on the university and program.

The best-known program is the government's MEXT scholarship, which can cover tuition, accommodation and airfare. Competition is high, and it's best to start preparing early - we help with documents and the application.

## The way in {#c4}

International applicants are admitted on the basis of a secondary school diploma and proven language proficiency (English or Japanese). Some programs require standardized test results (such as the EJU) and a motivation letter.

Deadlines and requirements vary by university. It's worth starting the Japan application a year to 18 months ahead to gather documents, improve your language and apply for scholarships.

Step by step:

1. Language school track. The classic route: 1-2 years of Japanese at a language school while preparing for university entry.
2. EJU exam. Most universities admit internationals via EJU (Japanese, math, subjects) plus their own interview.
3. English-taught programs. The growing alternative: English-track programs admit on documents, essays and IELTS/TOEFL - no EJU.
4. MEXT scholarship. The government program covers tuition, flights and a monthly stipend; embassy selection - exams and interviews, prepare a year ahead.
5. Visa. Student visa via the COE issued by your school or university.

## Applying straight after 11th grade

Japanese universities require 12 years of schooling, so the standard route is a language school: it closes the missing year, brings Japanese to N2-N1 and preps you for the EJU. The no-Japanese alternative is English-track programs - solid grades, essays and IELTS suffice. Comparisons - in our [study-abroad guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-where-is-it-easiest-to-study-abroad).

## Master's degrees in Japan

Diplomas are accepted directly. Japan's graduate quirk is the "research student" system: six months to a year in a professor's lab before formal enrollment. MEXT works best at this level - full coverage including flights and monthly payments.

## What studying in Japan costs

| Expense | Budget for |
| --- | --- |
| National universities | about ¥535,000 / year (~$3,500-4,000) |
| Private universities | roughly ¥800,000-1,500,000 / year |
| Language school | about ¥700,000-900,000 / year |
| Living in Tokyo | $1,000-1,500 / month; regions cheaper |

## FAQ {#c-faq}

### Do I need to know Japanese to study in Japan?

Not necessarily: more and more universities offer fully English-taught programs, especially in business, engineering and the liberal arts. Japanese courses are usually part of the program, and you can start from scratch.

### Can I enroll at a Japanese university after grade 11?

Yes, you can enter English-taught bachelor's programs with an 11-year school diploma. Some programs may require the EJU exam or a preparatory year - we'll advise for the specific university.

### What scholarships are available to international students?

The best known is the government's MEXT scholarship, plus merit-based university grants. They can cover tuition, accommodation and even airfare. Competition is high, so documents are prepared early.

### How much is tuition in Japan?

Costs depend on the university: our pages list full prices before discounts (for example, iCLA from about $8,550 per year, Waseda from $8,130 per year). During a consultation we'll explain which scholarships can lower costs.

### Can I apply to Japan right after an 11-year school?

The standard route is a language school (1-2 years): it closes the missing 12th year and preps for the EJU. English-track programs admit on documents and IELTS without it.

### What is the EJU?

The unified exam for international applicants: Japanese, math and subject tests. Most universities admit on EJU scores plus an interview.

### How much does studying in Japan cost?

National universities about ¥535,000 a year (~$3,500-4,000), private ¥800,000-1,500,000. Language school: ¥700,000-900,000 a year.

### Is the MEXT scholarship realistic?

Yes, it's open to CIS countries: full coverage, flights and a monthly stipend. Embassy selection with exams and interviews - prepare a year ahead.

Thinking about studying in Japan?

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## Universities in Japan we help you get into

Each comes with a full guide - faculties, prices and requirements. The list will keep growing.

### International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA)

### Waseda University

## Get a free consultation

Talk to a real consultant - we'll explain admission in Japan and match a program to you.

- Program selection and admission preparation
- Help with scholarships and university discounts
- Documents, translations and student visa
- A personal consultant from the first message to enrollment

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