Why study in Japan?
Japan has a growing number of full degrees taught entirely in English, at national universities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and Tohoku and at private universities such as Waseda, Keio and APU. You do not need to speak Japanese to apply to these programmes, though learning it helps with daily life and jobs.
Fees at national universities are set nationally and are the same for Japanese and international students. Many charge ¥535,800 a year in tuition plus a one-time ¥282,000 admission fee. Private universities usually cost more.
Most English-taught degrees start in September or October, and some start in April. Your university normally applies for your Certificate of Eligibility, and you then apply for the student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in India.
- Many national universities charge ¥535,800 a year, the same tuition as Japanese students pay
- English-taught bachelor's and master's degrees at leading national and private universities
- Part-time work of up to 28 hours a week once you have permission
- Graduates still job-hunting can switch to Designated Activities status for up to one year
- The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship waives tuition and covers round-trip airfare plus a monthly stipend
Popular universities in Japan
The University of Tokyo
Tokyo · National; English-taught G30 master's in engineering
Kyoto University
Kyoto · National; English-taught civil engineering degree
Tohoku University
Sendai · National; English-taught FGL bachelor's courses
Nagoya University
Nagoya · National; G30 English-taught programmes
Institute of Science Tokyo
Tokyo · National; GSEP engineering degree in English
Waseda University
Tokyo · Private; English-based degrees at six undergraduate schools
Keio University
Tokyo · Private; PEARL economics degree taught in English
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Beppu · Private; AACSB- and AMBA-accredited management college
Popular programmes
- Mechanical and Automotive Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Technology Management
- Bioengineering
- Sustainability and Tourism
Courses from our Course Finder
International Technology Management Program (G30-TMI), Department of Technology Management for Innovation
The University of Tokyo · Tokyo · Master’s · 2 years
International Bioengineering Program (G30-IBP)
The University of Tokyo · Tokyo · Master’s · 2 years
Undergraduate International Course Program of Civil Engineering (Bachelor of Engineering)
Kyoto University · Kyoto · Bachelor’s · 4 years
International Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (IMAC-U), Future Global Leadership Program
Tohoku University · Sendai · Bachelor’s · 4 years
B.Eng. in Automotive Engineering (G30 Automotive Engineering Program – Mechanical Engineering)
Nagoya University · Nagoya · Bachelor’s · 4 years
B.Ec. Economics Program (G30 Social Science Program, School of Economics)
Nagoya University · Nagoya · Bachelor’s · 4 years
Cost of studying: financial breakdown
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | About ¥820,000 (national) to ¥1,300,000 (private) in the first yearJASSO averages including admission fee; private medicine, dentistry and pharmacy about ¥3,800,000 |
| Postgraduate tuition | About ¥820,000 (national) to ¥1,100,000 (private) in the first yearJASSO averages including admission fee |
| National university standard fees | ¥535,800 / yr tuition + ¥282,000 admission feee.g. Nagoya, Tohoku, Kyoto; University of Tokyo undergraduates pay ¥642,960 / yr |
| Living costs | About ¥105,000 / monthNational average (JASSO 2023 survey); housing averages ¥41,000 / month, ¥57,000 in Tokyo |
| Proof of funds | No fixed minimum publishedYou may be asked for a bank balance certificate, sponsor's income certificate and source of funds |
| Health insurance | National Health Insurance, premium based on previous year's incomeCompulsory for stays of 3 months or more; covers 70% of medical costs |
Typical tuition in rupees: ≈ ₹3–11 lakh per year (European Central Bank and Bank of Russia reference rates, 9 October 2026).
Application checklist
- 1Valid passport
- 2Shortlist English-taught programmes and check eligibility (usually 12 years of schooling)
- 3English test score (IELTS or TOEFL) as each university requires; EJU for Japanese-taught degrees
- 4Class 10 and 12 marksheets and certificates (degree transcripts for master's)
- 5Essays or statement of purpose, and reference letters
- 6Application fee paid to the university
- 7Financial documents: bank balance certificate, sponsor's income certificate and proof of source of funds
- 8Certificate of Eligibility (COE), usually applied for by your university on your behalf
- 9Student visa application at a Japanese embassy or consulate in India, with your COE
- 10After arrival: collect your residence card, register at the municipal office within 14 days and join National Health Insurance
Student visa: Student visa (status of residence "Student")
Indian students need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) first. In most cases your university applies for it at a regional immigration bureau in Japan. Once the COE is issued, you apply for the student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in India and travel with your passport, visa and COE.
What you’ll need
- Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Immigration Services Agency (copy accepted)
- Admission to a Japanese university or other recognised institution
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Photograph
- Proof you can pay your expenses, such as a bank balance certificate or sponsor's income certificate
- Residence card and registration at your municipal office within 14 days of arrival
Work and employment options
- While you study
- Up to 28 hrs/week with permission from immigration; up to 8 hrs/day during long school holidays
- After you graduate
- Japan has no dedicated post-study work visa. Graduates who get a job change to a work status such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. Graduates still job-hunting can change to Designated Activities: 6 months, with one extension, for up to 1 year.
- Graduates with a job offer switch from Student status to a work status such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
- Graduates without a job can stay up to one year on Designated Activities status to keep job-hunting
- The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is promoting the employment of international students in professional and technical fields
- Employment Service Centers for Foreigners in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka support international graduates looking for work
Good to know: Some national universities have raised fees: the University of Tokyo charges undergraduates admitted from April 2025 ¥642,960 a year (previously ¥535,800), and Institute of Science Tokyo charges ¥635,400.
Scholarships to explore
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship: tuition waived, round-trip airfare and a monthly stipend (apply via the Embassy of Japan in India or a university)
- JASSO Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students: ¥48,000 / month, on your university's recommendation
- APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship: partial to full tuition reduction, awarded at admission
- Waseda Partial Tuition-Waiver Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students: 50% of annual tuition for one year
Official sources · checked 10 October 2026
- JASSO Study in Japan: Immigration and Student Visas (opens in a new tab)
- JASSO Study in Japan: Academic Fees (opens in a new tab)
- JASSO Study in Japan: Living Costs and Expenses (opens in a new tab)
- JASSO Study in Japan: Part-Time Work (opens in a new tab)
- JASSO Study in Japan: Changing Status of Residence (opens in a new tab)
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Status of residence "Student" (opens in a new tab)
Figures are indicative planning ranges and change often. Always confirm fees, funds and visa rules on the university and official government websites before you apply.