2027 intakes are open — limited counselling slots. Book your free session →

Tokyo · Japan

Study in Japan from India: universities, MEXT scholarships & visa

Cutting-edge technology and research, remarkably low public-university tuition, and a job-seeker visa that lets graduates stay on to find work.

Public uni tuition¥535,800/yr
Stay back1 year
Visa success98%
CounsellingFree
India TokyoChureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background, Japan

Study in Japan – National Universities, MEXT Scholarships & Career Pathways

Our Bangalore consultants help with university selection, MEXT scholarship applications, language preparation and visa documentation.

01 · Why study

Why Study in Japan?

  • Affordable Education: National universities cost far less than Western tuition, and MEXT scholarships can cover full tuition plus a stipend for top candidates.
  • World-Class Innovation: A global leader in robotics, electronics, automotive engineering and materials science.
  • Safe & Well-Run Cities: Ranked among the world's safest and cleanest countries.
  • Globally Recognised Degrees: Respected by employers in Asia, the US and Europe.
  • Growing English-Taught Programmes: More Master's and PhD programmes are fully taught in English.
  • Work Opportunities: Work up to 28 hours a week while studying, with a post-study job-seeker visa of up to one year.

02 · Costs

Cost of Studying in Japan

Cost of Admission

S.no.ExpenseEstimated Cost (JPY)Notes
1.Application Fees¥9,800 – ¥17,000 per universityVaries by institution
2.Standardised TestsIELTS: ¥33,000, TOEFL: ¥31,000, JLPT: ¥6,500JLPT is needed for Japanese-taught courses
3.Certificate of Eligibility¥3,000 (processing)Needed before the visa application
4.Entrance Examination Fee¥17,000 – ¥30,000Some national universities charge this
5.SOP & LOR Preparation¥0 – ¥12,000If using professional editing
6.Student Visa (CoE-based)¥3,000Handled through the Japanese embassy or consulate
7.Proof of Funds¥2,000,000 minimum (1 year)Bank certificate or sponsor letter
8.Health Insurance (National Health Insurance)¥2,000 – ¥3,000 per monthMandatory for all residents
9.Flight Tickets¥60,000 – ¥120,000Depends on season
10.Total Estimated Cost¥150,000 – ¥600,000+Excludes tuition, proof of funds and living expenses

03 · Tuition

Tuition and Living Costs in Japan

Tuition Fees (Per Year)

S.no.Institution TypeEstimated Cost (JPY)Notes
1.National Universities¥535,800 per yearStandard fee set by MEXT
2.Public (Local) Universities¥500,000 – ¥900,000 per yearVaries slightly by prefecture
3.Private Universities¥900,000 – ¥2,000,000 per yearHigher for medicine, dentistry and art

04 · Process

Admission Process in Japan (Step-by-Step)

  1. Choose Universities: Shortlist national, public or private options by programme and budget.
  2. Check Requirements: Review eligibility, JLPT/IELTS/TOEFL scores and department criteria.
  3. Prepare Documents: Transcripts, test scores, SOP, LORs and a research proposal for postgraduate study.
  4. Apply Online or via Agent: Apply directly or through a designated agent.
  5. Sit Entrance Exams: Some universities require written tests or interviews, including online ones.
  6. Receive Certificate of Eligibility: The university applies to immigration after admission.
  7. Arrange Finances: Proof of funds or a scholarship award letter.
  8. Apply for a Student Visa: Submit the Certificate of Eligibility to the embassy or consulate.
  9. Arrange Accommodation: Dormitory or private housing before arrival.
  10. Enrol at University: Complete registration and residence card procedures on arrival.

05 · Intakes

Student Intakes in Japan

Intake SeasonApplication PeriodSemester StartAvailabilityBest For
April IntakeSeptember – January (previous year)AprilMost programmes availablePrimary intake for most universities
October IntakeMarch – June (same year)OctoberFewer courses, mainly postgraduatePopular with English-taught Master's programmes

Compare

Other destinations

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, lit by the evening sun

Germany

Tuition-free public universities and an 18-month post-study job-search visa.

Public uni tuition€0
Stay back18 months
Explore Germany
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, framed by trees at sunset

Italy

Income-based public tuition and world-class design, fashion and engineering.

Public uni tuitionfrom €200/yr
Stay back1 year
Explore Italy
Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge over the River Thames in London

UK

One-year master's degrees and an 18-month Graduate Route work visa (from January 2027).

Master's length1 year
Stay back18 months
Explore UK
Ha'penny Bridge over the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland

Ireland

English-speaking EU hub with a 2-year stay-back and strong tech employers.

Stay back2 years
IntakesSept / Jan
Explore Ireland
Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge in New York at sunset

USA

The widest choice of programmes plus up to 3 years of OPT for STEM graduates.

STEM OPT3 years
IntakesFall / Spring
Explore USA
Sydney Opera House seen from the harbour in Sydney, Australia

Australia

World-ranked universities and a Temporary Graduate Visa of up to 4 years.

Stay back2-4 years
IntakesFeb / July
Explore Australia
Eiffel Tower and the River Seine in Paris, France

France

Low public-university fees, strong business schools and EU mobility.

Public uni feesfrom €170/yr
Stay back2 years
Explore France
Traditional canal houses in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Netherlands

2,000+ English-taught programmes and a one-year orientation visa.

English courses2,000+
Stay back1 year
Explore Netherlands
Stockholm old town and Riddarholmen Church across the water in Sweden

Sweden

Innovation-led universities with generous scholarship schemes.

Stay back1 year
IntakesAug / Jan
Explore Sweden
Hofburg Palace dome and facade in Vienna, Austria

Austria

Low tuition even for internationals, and one of the world's most liveable capitals.

Public uni tuitionfrom €726/sem
Stay back1 year
Explore Austria
Hungarian Parliament Building on the Danube in Budapest

Hungary

Budget-friendly tuition, Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships and top medical schools.

Avg. tuition€1,500–3,000/yr
Stay back9 months
Explore Hungary

Ready when you are

Thinking about Japan?

Get a free profile evaluation and a shortlist of Japanese universities and scholarships where you have a realistic chance of an admit.