Complete guide to studying abroad in Japan: Easy even for beginners!

The appeal of studying in Japan

Japan, with its high level of education and rich culture, is an attractive study abroad destination for many international students. Here, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the process from preparing to study abroad to obtaining a visa. By reading this article, anyone can smoothly proceed with studying in Japan.

1. Purpose of studying abroad and choosing a school

Keywords: Study in Japan, Language school, University entrance, Short-term study abroad

First, clarify the purpose of your study abroad. Choose a plan that suits your needs, whether that be short-term study at a language school or long-term degree at a university.

  • Language Schools: Ideal for those who want to study Japanese intensively. Programs usually range from 6 months to 2 years.
  • University/Graduate School: If you want to obtain a degree at a Japanese university, check the admission requirements. Many universities require scores from the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) or the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

2. Preparation of necessary documents

Keywords: resume, transcript, recommendation letter

Once you have selected a school, the next step is to prepare the necessary documents. The following documents are generally required：

  • Resume: A detailed description of your educational and work history.
  • Transcripts: Includes high school or college grades.
  • Proof of language proficiency: JLPT or TOEFL/IELTS scores are required.
  • Letters of recommendation: Recommendations from past professors and/or employers may be required.

Submit these documents and follow the school’s instructions to take the entrance exam and interview.

3. Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Keywords: Certificate of Eligibility (COE), Application Procedure

Once your enrollment is confirmed, the school will begin the process of obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE is proof of your eligibility to stay in Japan and is required when applying for a student visa. To obtain the COE, you will need the following documents：

  • Copy of passport
  • Admission letter
  • Applicant’s photo
  • Proof of funds (usually, funds of 3 million yen or more are required)

Obtaining a COE usually takes 1-3 months.

4. Applying for a Student Visa

Keywords: Student Visa Application, Certificate of Eligibility

Once you receive your COE, you will need to apply for a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. The necessary documents are as follows：

  • Valid passport
  • COE
  • Visa Application Form
  • Passport size photograph
  • Fee payment certificate or admission letter

Visa processing usually takes 2-3 weeks.

5. Costs and Scholarships

Keywords: Cost of studying in Japan, MEXT scholarship, Japanese scholarship, cost of living

The cost of studying in Japan varies depending on the region and type of school. Living costs tend to be high, especially in big cities like Tokyo. Below is a rough guide to the cost of studying abroad in Japan：

  • Tuition fees: Approximately 600,000 to 800,000 yen per year at language schools, and 500,000 to 1.2 million yen at universities and graduate schools.
  • 生活費：東京では月額15万円ほど、地方都市では10万円ほどです。

If you want to keep costs down, you can take advantage of scholarships offered by the Japanese government or private organizations. For example, the MEXT scholarship offered by the Japanese government and the scholarship programs offered by individual universities are well-known. The MEXT scholarship provides full tuition exemption and living expenses, and although it is highly competitive, it is very attractive.

Part-time jobs and daily life

Keywords: part-time work in Japan, living expenses for international students, part-time jobs

International students with a student visa are allowed to work part-time up to 28 hours a week. Full-time work is also possible during vacation periods. Part-time work not only helps to cover some of the cost of living, but also provides a good opportunity to get used to life in Japan. Popular part-time jobs for international students include working in restaurants, convenience stores, and as a cram school teacher.

Daily life in Japan can be difficult to get used to, especially for first-time residents. It will be smoother if you research in advance about daily procedures and living conditions, such as transportation, medical care, banking, and shopping.

Career path after studying abroad

Keywords: after graduating from studying in Japan, finding employment in Japan, career in Japan

After completing their studies in Japan, there are many career paths open to them. Many international students aim to find employment in a Japanese company. Japanese companies are particularly looking for bilingual personnel and people with an international perspective, so there are many employment opportunities for international students.

If you wish to find employment in Japan after graduation, you will need to apply for a work visa. Also, job hunting in Japan usually begins one year before graduation, so it is important to start preparing early.

To be successful in studying in Japan, you need to have a solid plan and preparation. If you follow this guide and proceed step by step, preparing to study abroad will not be difficult. If you are in trouble, we recommend that you consult with your school or a study abroad support organization.