study in japan

Study in Japan from Nepal: Comprehensive 2025 Guide for Students

A country known for a unique blend of modern culture and ancient civilization, Japan or the Land of The Rising Sun is home to some of the globe’s technology leaders. Moreover, Japan is known for the amazing pop culture and education it offers. For students willing to study abroad, Japan has always been a preferred choice due to the quality of education it offers alongside a peaceful life along with career opportunities. This guide encompasses all the essential facets that needs to be accounted for like expenses, scholarships, universities, career opportunities and even the visa procedures.

1. Why Japan Stands Out For Studying Abroad

1.1 Japan’s Education and Its Traditions

Japan is home to over 700 universities. Out of those, some are even listed in the top 200 universities worldwide. This goes to show that Japanese universities have a strong reputation for their education, research and, to some extent, the level of discipline. Some of the well established fields are robotics, mechanical engineering, computer science, architecture, economy, and literature.

 1.2 International Employment Opportunities
A graduation certificate from a leading Japanese university is a ticket to the world of endless international opportunities as Japan is a known innovation and research hub. The country is greatly known for its innovation and technology, especially in the heavy research areas like, science, medicine and technology.

1.3 Safety and Cultural Heritage
Japan is renowned for being one of the safest countries in the world. It has a public order and crime rate record ranking one of the best in the world. It has crime rate record one of the best in the world. It is well-known for crime rate, public order and cleanliness as well as for its punctual public services and well-mannered citizens, making the country a perfect destination for students. It has a kind and interesting culture. 

 1.4 Working Part-Time and Grants 
With regards to scholarships, there are several of them including MEXT and JASSO. International students are permitted to work part-time for 28 hours a week. 

2. Requirements For Studying In Japan 

2.1 Academic Requirements 

       ·   Completion of 12 years of education is necessary to pursue undergraduate programs.
        ·    For a Master’s programs, a bachelor’s degree in the major is necessary.
        ·   For a Ph.D. programs, a master’s degree with some research work is essential. 

 2.2 Language Requirements 

     ·     Programs in Japanese require JLPT N2 or N1.

           ·       For English programs, a TOEFL iBT of 80

            ·       or IELTS 6.0 is needed. 

 2.3 Additional Documents 

        ·       Transcripts issued by the educational institution. 

        ·       Statement of purpose. 

        ·       Letter of recommendation. 

        ·       Passport. 

             ·        Proof of finances including bank statements. 

        ·       Paying the application fee which varies with each institution.

 

3. 💰 Cost of Living in Japan

3.1 Monthly Living Expenses

Category	Cost (JPY)	Cost (USD approx.)
Rent	¥30,000 - ¥60,000	$200 - $400
Food	¥20,000 - ¥30,000	$130 - $200
Transport	¥5,000 - ¥10,000	$35 - $70
Utilities	¥5,000 - ¥10,000	$35 - $70
Internet/Phone	¥4,000 - ¥7,000	$25 - $50
Miscellaneous	¥5,000 - ¥10,000	$35 - $70
Total	¥69,000 - ¥127,000	$460 - $890

3.2 Annual Cost

Overall, expect to spend ¥1,000,000 to ¥1,500,000 JPY per year (~$7,000 to $11,000) excluding tuition.

4. 🏫 Tuition Fees in Japan

Level of Study	Annual Tuition (JPY)	Annual Tuition (USD approx.)
Public Universities	¥540,000 - ¥800,000	$3,600 - $5,500
Private Universities	¥800,000 - ¥1,500,000	$5,500 - $11,000
Japanese Language School	¥600,000 - ¥800,000	$4,000 - $5,500

5.  Top Universities in Japan

1. University of Tokyo
2. Kyoto University
3. Osaka University
4. Tohoku University
5. Tokyo Institute of Technology
6. Nagoya University
7. Keio University
8. Waseda University
9. Kyushu University
10. Hokkaido University

Many of these universities offer English-based degree programs (EBDPs) for international students.

6.  Student Visa Process

6.1 Requirements

• Valid passport
• Admission letter from a Japanese institution
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Proof of financial means (minimum ¥2,000,000 JPY)
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photos

6.2 Steps to Apply

1. Get admission and COE from the university.
2. Submit documents to the Japanese embassy.
3. Wait for visa approval (~5–10 working days).
4. Book your travel and prepare for departure.

6.3 Visa Cost

• Around ¥3,000 – ¥6,000 ($20 – $40)

7.  Accommodation Options

7.1 University Dormitories

• Affordable, usually ¥20,000 to ¥40,000 per month
• Priority for first-year international students

7.2 Private Apartments

• Monthly rent: ¥50,000 to ¥80,000 depending on location
• Utilities not always included

7.3 Share Houses

• Great for social life
• Monthly cost: ¥30,000 to ¥50,000

Living outside Tokyo is cheaper. Cities like Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo offer great alternatives.

8.  Part-Time Jobs for Students

• Allowed up to 28 hours per week (and 40 hours during breaks)
• Most common jobs: convenience stores, cafes, restaurants, delivery, language tutoring
• Hourly wage: ¥900 – ¥1500 ($6 – $10)
• "Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted" required from Immigration

9.  Scholarships in Japan

9.1 MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship

• Full tuition, monthly stipend (~¥117,000), and travel allowance
• Apply through Japanese embassy or university recommendation

9.2 JASSO Scholarship

• Monthly allowance of ¥48,000
• For self-funded international students with excellent performance

9.3 University Scholarships

• Vary by institution
• Often merit-based or need-based

9.4 Private Foundations

• Sasakawa Peace Foundation
• Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship
• Hitachi Scholarship Foundation

10.  Career Opportunities after Graduation

10.1 Job Market

• Engineering, IT, Business, Healthcare, and Research sectors are hiring international talent.
• Teaching English remains a popular option (JET Program, private schools).

10.2 Work Visa Conversion

• Students can switch to a work visa after securing a job offer.
• Required: university degree, employment contract, and employer sponsorship.

10.3 Japanese Language Advantage

• JLPT N2 or higher boosts employment chances and salary offers.

11.  Tips for South Asian Students (Especially Nepali)

• Learn basic Japanese (spoken & written) before departure.
• Choose cities like Fukuoka, Osaka, or Hiroshima for lower living costs.
• Join Nepali student communities and embassies for support.
• Apply early for MEXT and university scholarships.
• Be aware of cultural differences, respect local norms.

12.  Pros and Cons of Studying in Japan

Pros:

• Safe and clean environment
• Top-quality education
• Modern infrastructure
• High availability of scholarships
• Opportunity to work part-time

Cons:

• Language barrier
• High cost of living in Tokyo
• Some programs have strict attendance policies
• Fewer English-taught options compared to Western countries

 

13.  Conclusion
 Japan offers a compelling blend of top-notch education alongside rich cultural experiences with personal development. Whether you are keen on advanced technology, ancient traditions, or international commerce, Japan truly has something for everyone. A successful career in Japan is achievable with the proper training, dedicated scholarships, and a strong will to succeed. Japan’s deep intellectual and emotional resources are waiting for you. So, pursue your dreams and get ready for exploration.