Study in Japan Guide: Student Life and Application Process

For those of you who are considering studying abroad, this article will provide a detailed explanation of everything from preparation to every aspect of life abroad. In particular, we will introduce the specific steps for the application process, tips for daily life, and how to adapt to Japanese culture. Through this article, let’s gain a deeper understanding of the appeal of studying in Japan and confirm the specific steps to succeed.

1. Advance preparation for studying in Japan

When considering studying abroad in Japan, one of the most important steps is the application process. Going through this process smoothly will ensure that your life and studies will proceed smoothly. The following is a general process, but it may differ slightly depending on the school or program, so it is important to check the website of each school in advance.

1. Choosing a School

First of all, it is important to choose a school that suits your goals. Japanese universities, vocational schools, and language schools each have their own strengths. For example, national universities such as the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are highly regarded worldwide for their academic research, while vocational schools offer plenty of opportunities to acquire practical skills. Language schools are also a good way to learn the basics of Japanese, and are particularly effective in preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). In recent years, with the progress of globalization, an increasing number of universities are offering programs that can be studied in English.

2. Preparation of application document

Next, prepare the documents required for application. The following documents are generally required：

  • Education certificate: Graduation certificate (highest level of education), transcript (certificate of Japanese language proficiency JLPT, EJU, J.TEST, NAT-TEST, BJT), etc.
  • Identification documents: Passport, family register, etc.
  • “Economic Certificate”: A bank deposit certificate for approximately 4,000,000 yen, which must be frozen for a certain period of time.
  • “Japanese Language Proficiency Certificate”: Certificate of Japanese language level (JLPT N5 level, J-TEST F level, NAT-TEST 5 level, etc.) or certificate of 150-180 hours of Japanese language study time.
  • Other documents: photos, application form, notarized family relations, etc.
  • Submitting your application: Contact the school through their official website or study abroad agent, express your intention to apply, and submit the materials prepared according to the school’s requirements.

3.Applying for a Visa

Once you have been accepted, the next step is to apply for a visa. First, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and then use that to apply for a student visa at the Japanese Embassy. This process usually takes 2-3 months, so it is recommended that you start preparing early. The visa is usually valid for one year, but can be extended depending on your academic progress.

2. Living costs in Japan and scholarships

Cost estimation also plays a major role in planning your study abroad in Japan. It is important to have a firm grasp of tuition fees and living expenses in Japan and make a thorough financial plan in advance. Utilizing scholarships is also an effective way to reduce the financial burden.

1. Tuition

Tuition fees vary greatly depending on the school and major. For example, tuition fees for undergraduate courses at national and public universities are around 700,000 to 800,000 yen per year, but at private universities they can be two to three times that amount. For language schools, tuition fees are around 500,000 to 1,000,000 yen for six months to one year. For medical and arts-related vocational schools, they can be even more expensive.

2. Cost of Living

Living expenses tend to be high, especially in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Rent for a one-room apartment in Tokyo is about 60,000 to 100,000 yen per month, but in regional cities it can be as low as 30,000 to 50,000 yen. Furthermore, including transportation and food costs, you will need an average of 100,000 to 150,000 yen per month for living expenses. Particular ways to save money include living in a shared house or making good use of commuter passes.

3. Scholarship

Scholarships offered by the Japanese government, local governments, and private organizations can be very beneficial for international students. For example, the MEXT Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship that provides a full tuition waiver as well as living expenses. There are also scholarship programs offered by local governments and companies. In many cases, scholarship applications require a certain level of grades and language ability, so be sure to check the conditions in advance.

3. Detailed steps to apply for a student visa

There are two main ways to study abroad: first, you can ① enroll in a Japanese language school in Japan, study abroad for 1-2 years, and then choose to continue your studies or get a job. The latter method is ② to take the EJU exam in your home country and then apply to a Japanese university.

How to apply to a Japanese language school

1. Determine the target school:

First, choose your favorite language school and learn about its curriculum, tuition fees, and geographic location.

2. Prepare your application documents:

  • Education certificate: Graduation certificate (highest level of education), transcript (certificate of Japanese language proficiency JLPT, EJU, J.TEST, NAT-TEST, BJT), etc.
  • Identification documents: Passport, family register, etc.
  • “Economic Certificate”: A bank deposit certificate for approximately 4,000,000 yen, which must be frozen for a certain period of time.
  • “Japanese Language Proficiency Certificate”: Certificate of Japanese language level (JLPT N5 level, J-TEST F level, NAT-TEST 5 level, etc.) or certificate of 150-180 hours of Japanese language study time.
  • Other documents: photos, application form, notarized family relations, etc.
  • Submitting your application: Contact the school through their official website or study abroad agent, express your intention to apply, and submit the materials prepared according to the school’s requirements.

3．School Review:

The school will carefully review your application and conduct an interview to find out more about your situation.

4．Payment of fees：

After passing the examination, you will need to pay the examination fee, admission fee, tuition fee, etc.

5．Applying for status of residence:

We will assist you in applying for a Certificate of Eligibility to the Japanese Immigration Bureau.

6．Applying for a Visa：

After obtaining residence status, you can apply for a student visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in the country.

7．Preparation before traveling：

Prepare for your life abroad by booking your flight, finding accommodation, and packing your luggage.

8．Application Fees and Financial Requirements:

In order to ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and tuition fees during your study abroad, you will need to submit a bank deposit certificate for 4 million yen when you apply, and the bank deposit certificate must be frozen for more than three months.

EJU Exam and Nihon University Application Method

Registration procedure and required documents for the EJU

１．How to register：

You can register for the EJU online through its official website. Candidates need to visit the official website of JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) and follow the instructions to enter their personal information and pay the registration fee.

２．Exam Period:

The EJU is held twice a year, in June and November.

3．Exam Subjects:

  • Liberal Arts: Mathematics I, Japanese, Liberal Arts
  • Science: Mathematics II, Japanese, General Science
  • Arts Students: Maths and Overall GPA are not usually required.

4．Exam Preparation:

Candidates should review relevant subjects in advance and prepare the necessary stationery for the exam such as HB pencils, erasers and a mechanical watch (some exam rooms may not have clocks).

Application procedures and required documents for Japanese universities

1．How to apply:

Please check the official website of the school you are applying for to find out when and how to apply. Some schools require you to submit your materials online, while others require you to submit them by mail.

２.Required Materials:

  • Required Materials
  • High school/preparatory school graduation certificate and transcript
  • Recommendation letter (required at some schools)
  • Study Plan
  • Passport copy and photo
  • Proof of Japanese language proficiency (JLPT or EJU Japanese language scores, etc.)
  • Other required documents (Volunteer reason statement, resident registration form, etc.)

３．Application Process:

  • Prepare your materials: We translate and notarize all necessary documents to ensure compliance with each school’s specific requirements.
  • Submit your application: Submit your materials according to the school’s requirements. You can choose to submit your application online or by mail.
  • Participate in the in-school exams and interviews: Once you have passed the pre-screening, you will attend the in-school exams and interviews.
  • Waiting for notification: If you are accepted, the school will send you an admission letter and you will need to complete the enrollment process.