Japan combines low public tuition with world-class research, safe cities and a clear route from study to work. The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) counted 408,069 international students in its most recent annual survey, up 21% on the year before. Most students arrive through one of two doors: the MEXT government scholarship, which is fully funded but fiercely competitive, or self-funded study at a national university, where tuition is about ¥535,800 a year — far below the United States or the United Kingdom. This guide covers both doors, plus the exams, the visa and life after graduation.
How Japanese higher education is organised
| Type | What it is | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| National universities | Run by national university corporations; tuition set close to a government standard; strong in research and graduate study | University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tohoku University |
| Public universities | Run by prefectures or cities; similar tuition to national universities | Osaka Metropolitan University, Yokohama City University |
| Private universities | Tuition set by the university; often ¥800,000–¥1,500,000 a year | Waseda, Keio, Sophia, Ritsumeikan |
| Language schools | 6 months to 2 years of Japanese, the common first step into Japanese-taught degrees | — |
| Professional training colleges (senmon gakko) | Practical, job-focused courses | — |
The academic year starts in April, which is the main intake. Many graduate schools and English-taught programmes also admit in September or October. Applications for April entry usually close between September and December the year before; English-taught autumn programmes usually close between January and May.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Cost per year |
|---|---|
| National university tuition | ¥535,800 (some universities higher; University of Tokyo ¥642,960 for entrants from 2025; Tohoku ¥900,000 for international students entering from April 2027) |
| One-time admission fee (national universities) | ¥282,000 |
| Private university tuition | ¥800,000 – ¥1,500,000 |
| Language school | ¥700,000 – ¥900,000 |
| Living costs | ¥1,000,000 – ¥1,600,000 (about ¥80,000 – ¥150,000 a month) |
| Total per year (typical) | ¥1,535,800 – ¥3,100,000 |
Note that a few national universities have raised international tuition sharply: Tohoku will charge ¥900,000 a year to international students entering from April 2027, and Okayama University ¥1,339,500. Students already enrolled keep the old rate. Always check the figure on the university's own page for your entry year.
The exams: EJU and JLPT
EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) is the special entrance exam for international students. It is run by JASSO twice a year (June and November) in Japan and several Asian cities. Subjects are Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics; all subjects except the Japanese test can be taken in Japanese or English. Many undergraduate programmes use EJU scores instead of Japan's domestic entrance exams.
JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) measures general Japanese ability on five levels, from N5 (basic) to N1 (advanced), held twice a year in many countries. Japanese-taught degrees usually require JLPT N2 or N1 plus EJU scores. English-taught programmes typically need TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.0–6.5, and no Japanese at all to start — though learning Japanese during your degree transforms your job prospects.
There is no central national application system for international students. You apply directly to each university, and each university publishes its own admission guidelines (boshu yoko) with dates, required tests and documents. Read them carefully: requirements differ even between departments of the same university.
MEXT — and the route if you miss it
MEXT (the Japanese government scholarship) pays full tuition, airfare and a monthly allowance: ¥117,000 a month for undergraduates, ¥143,000–¥145,000 a month for research and graduate students (2027 guidelines). There are two routes: embassy recommendation, through the Japanese embassy in your country, and university recommendation, where a Japanese university nominates you. The 2027 embassy round has closed in most countries, and the 2027 undergraduate entry is April 2027 (autumn start only through direct placement for research students).
If you miss MEXT, you are not stuck. JASSO offers smaller scholarships, many universities waive part of tuition for strong international students, and self-funded study at a national university remains one of the cheapest quality degrees in the world. Apply for MEXT for the next cycle while also applying to universities directly — the two routes run in parallel and do not conflict.
The student visa
Japan's student visa works in two steps. First your school applies to Japanese immigration for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) on your behalf. Then you take the CoE to the Embassy of Japan and apply for the visa itself. Students may work up to 28 hours a week during term time. After graduation, the points-based route to permanent residency can cut the usual ten-year wait to as little as one to three years of work for high-scoring graduates.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in Japan in English? Yes. Many leading universities offer full English-taught degrees, especially at graduate level. The University of Tokyo's new English-taught College of Design opens in September 2027.
Do I need Japanese before I apply? Not for English-taught programmes. For Japanese-taught degrees, plan on one to two years at a language school first, or JLPT N2 before you apply.
Is Japan cheaper than the UK or USA? Yes, substantially — national university tuition of ¥535,800 a year is roughly a quarter of typical US out-of-state tuition, and living costs outside Tokyo are moderate.
When should I apply for April 2027? Most university applications closed between September and December 2026. For autumn 2027 entry, apply between January and May 2027, and watch MEXT's next embassy round, which usually opens in spring.
Related guides on Pakunii
Fully Funded Scholarships 2027 · IELTS Academic Guide · TOEFL iBT 2027 Guide · Digital SAT 2027 Guide
Sources and verification: JASSO international student count 408,069 (most recent annual survey); national university tuition ¥535,800/year + ¥282,000 admission fee; University of Tokyo ¥642,960 (entrants from 2025); Tohoku ¥900,000 from April 2027; Okayama ¥1,339,500; MEXT 2027 stipends ¥117,000 undergraduate, ¥143,000–¥145,000 research/graduate; EJU run by JASSO twice a year. Confirm current figures on studyinjapan.go.jp and each university's admissions page.