Studying in Japan might be one of the most interesting and eye-opening experiences you will ever have. It is an excellent opportunity to learn more about various cultures from within. Furthermore, Japan is a secure country with a growing economy, and is a leading manufacturer of high-quality items ranging from cuisine to fashion to video games and vehicles.You must make sure that you are well-versed in Japanese culture, or you will be in for a rude awakening when you arrive. This article’s content is intended to serve as a primer for those considering studying in Japan. It’s also a good resource for parents and guardians who want to get their children into Japanese colleges.
Article Subtopics
- Overview of Japan
- Reasons to Study in Japan
- Japan’s Educational System
- Top Institutions in Japan
- University Admission Process
- Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Applying for Student Visas
- Post Study Opportunities
Overview of What You Need to Know About Japan
Japan is a lovely nation with a fascinating culture and history. It has a lot to offer those who want to study abroad. The first thing you need to know is that the Japanese language is one of the most demanding to learn, but it can also be quite rewarding. Several universities in Japan accept international students, and there are numerous chances for study abroad programs.
The second thing you should know about Japan is that it is notorious for its tough immigration regulations. This does not exclude you from living in Japan, but it does need you to be cautious about the actions you take to get there. Foreigners must get a visa or a “Certificate of Eligibility” (COE) from the Japanese government to work in Japan. This COE is granted based on an applicant’s employment and skill level, and the requirements vary depending on the kind of visa they are applying for. Continue reading to learn more about student visas.
The cost of living in Japan is the final component you should consider when determining whether to move to Japan or not., also, the cost of living in Japan varies tremendously based on where you live and the lifestyle you like. Tokyo, for example, has one of the highest living expenditures in Asia. Smaller cities such as Nagoya and Sapporo, on the other hand, have substantially lower living expenses than Tokyo. Getting about might be difficult if you don’t know Japanese yet or if your mobility is limited. This implies that getting about might be tough if you don’t know Japanese or don’t have a car. However, if you speak Japanese and have a car, this will not be a problem for you.
Six Reasons Why You Should Study in Japan
There are several advantages to studying abroad in Japan, including the following:
- The language is simple to learn.
- The country is in good hands. Japan has one of the world’s lowest crime rates and is regarded as one of the safest places to live.
- For international students, Japan has a wide range of universities and courses to choose from.
- Students in Japan have a broad range of options, from living in the most costly cities in the world to living in the cheapest.
- Those who study in Japan will have a comprehensive cultural experience.
- The country has one of the world’s greatest educational systems.
Japan’s Educational System
After completing 12 years of education—6 years of primary education and 6 years of secondary education—in Japan, higher education can be pursued. In Japan, high school graduates are entitled to enroll in higher education. Nearly half of high school graduates choose to continue their studies. In terms of quality and effectiveness, the educational system in Japan is at the top of the list.
Japan is one of the top OECD countries in terms of students’ aptitude and skills thanks to the average student’s PISA score of 540 in reading, literacy, math, and science, which is higher than the OECD average of 497. Approximately 70% of high school graduates continue their education after high school making Japan to be among the world’s most educated countries.
Universities make up 783 of the total higher education institutions, Jr. Colleges: 372, Technology schools: 57. There are five different types of higher education institutions in Japan. These institutions of higher learning might be categorised as national, local, public, or private.
Universities: In Japan, universities are national, public, and private. With the exception of the medical speciality, dental medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary science departments, which lasts for six years rigorous study, all undergraduate university programs last four years.
Junior Colleges: Depending on the department, studies at a Junior College last two or three years. The home economics, education, nursing, humanities, and sociology departments get most of attention in junior colleges.
Colleges offering specialized/professional training: Colleges offering specialized training offer instruction in fields such as technology, trades, and life-skills development. These institutions mostly offer specialized instruction for a selected field or profession. Studies might span a year or more, however the majority of courses are two years long.
Colleges of Technology: Five-year studies in engineering, commercial shipping, and other related fields are offered by colleges of technology (five and half for the mercantile marine course).
Junior high school graduates are eligible for the courses and programs that the Colleges of Technology offer.
Graduate Schools: The time frame for graduate schools vary; it depends on the program enroled for; Master’s or PhD. A master’s program lasts two years, whereas a doctoral degree takes five years to complete.
Why is Japan’s Educational System One Of The Best?
Japan has one of the greatest educational systems in the world. This is because they have been able to stay up with shifting global trends. They offer a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for the university as well as the workforce. The rigour and attention to academics of the Japanese school system have been praised. With 99 per cent of adults literate, the country also maintains one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Japanese education is rigorous and competitive, but it also emphasises culture, art, and innovation. Academic success, as well as cultural knowledge, are highly valued in Japan’s educational system.
Best Institutions in Japan for International Students
In both the nation and the world, Japanese students have the highest academic achievements. Because of this, Japan’s ministry of education is in charge of managing and organizing public policy, management, and organization. The ministry of higher education sets the minimum requirements for the curriculum, professor qualifications, and faculty size. In order to compete in international university rating competitions, the ministry of higher education places a premium on these norms.
The following ten institutions are among the best in Japan:
1. Nagoya University
Nagoya Institution is a Japanese public research university. Nagoya University was established as an imperial university in 1931, making it the third oldest of its type in Japan. It has continuously been regarded as one of the best universities in Asia and one of the top 100 institutions in the world. The university includes six sites in Nagoya, including the Nagoya City Campus, which houses most of its faculties and graduate schools.
2. University of Tokyo
Tokyo Institution of Technology is a public research university in Tokyo, Japan. It is Japan’s oldest and most respected university. It was founded on March 31, 1877. It is one of the country’s most distinguished institutions, often ranking among the top ten in the world. The University is divided into 10 faculties, each with six divisions, and it also provides courses to other universities through its thirteen associated graduate schools situated around Japan. Within Tokyo, the University has two campuses: Komaba (main campus) and Kashiwa (branch campus). Tokyo University has had 31 Nobel Prize laureates and two Fields Medalists among its alumni.
3. University of Tsukuba
The University of Tsukuba is a Japanese public university. It was founded in 1949 and is one of Japan’s most distinguished institutions. The University of Tsukuba is regarded as one of the best in Japan. Engineering, humanities, law, economics, biology, chemistry, and information science are among the courses available.
4. Tokyo Institute of Technology
Tokyo Institute of Technology is the second-best university in Japan. It was established in 1881 and has a worldwide reputation for quality. It is a public research institution in the Greater Tokyo area of Japan. It is Japan’s oldest technological institute. The university includes nine colleges and twenty-six departments, and it provides bachelor’s degrees in 72 fields of study and master’s degrees in 77 subjects.
5. Kyoto University
Kyoto University is rated sixth among Japan’s best institutions. It was founded on May 20, 1897, as Kyoto Imperial University, Japan’s first imperial university. It is one of the National Seven Universities, with 13 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs. There are around 22,000 undergraduates and about 10,000 graduate students at the university. Typically, Kyoto is regarded as one of Japan’s top research universities. In addition, it receives the second-largest amount of funding from the national grants program for research institutions, Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research.
6. Tohoku University
Tohoku University, founded in Sendai in 1868, is a Japanese national university. It is one of Japan’s oldest and most respected institutions. The university provides courses in a variety of subjects, including the natural sciences, humanities, management, economics, social sciences, and law. It also offers a program of international exchange with about 500 partner colleges on six continents.
7. Waseda University
Waseda University was established in 1882. It is a Japanese private university. The university is one of the most prominent in Japan and is ranked among the finest in Asia and the globe. Waseda University, along with its opponent, the University of Tokyo, has been routinely recognized as one of the top two Japanese institutions since its beginning.
In Japanese university rankings, Waseda is recognized as one of the most elite and prominent institutions, particularly for its humanities and social sciences programs. Waseda is divided into 36 departments, including 23 graduate schools and 13 undergraduate schools. The institution runs campuses in Ch, Nishitky, Tokorozawa, Honj, and Kitakysh in addition to its main campus in Shinjuku. Additionally, Waseda runs 21 research centers at its main campus in Shinjuku.
8. Kyushu University
Kyushu University is a Japanese public research university located in Fukuoka. Kyushu University was established in 1949 as Kyushu Imperial University, the region’s first university. In 2004, it was renamed Kyushu University, and it became one of only two institutions in Japan to have a School of Medicine (the other being Kyoto University). The institution is divided into seven colleges, each with 22 departments: the School of Humanities, the School of Science and Engineering, the School of Agriculture, the School of Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nursing, Medical Technology, and Management.
9. Osaka University
Osaka Institution is a public research university in the Japanese city of Osaka. The institution has seven campuses around the city and is ranked among Japan’s top ten. On October 21, 1869, the institution was established as a school for Western studies (the first Western-style institution of higher education in Asia). It is one of the Seven National Universities. There are several academic departments within the institution, including those in law, economics, medicine, art, and design.
10. Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University is a Japanese public research university. It may be found in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The Sapporo Agricultural College was established in 1876. In 1886, it was renamed the Sapporo Agricultural College and Forestry Department, and in 1914, it was renamed Hokkaido Imperial University. For many years, Hokkaido University has been regarded as one of Japan’s top 10 universities. It now has around 16,000 undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students. Hokkaido University confers degrees at both the undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and graduate (Master’s) levels.
How The University Admission Process Works In Japan
The Japanese education system is not like what we are accustomed to in the West. It is a demanding and competitive procedure that demands a high level of discipline and devotion. Many people in Japan are required to take entrance tests for university admittance. This encompasses both Japanese natives and overseas students who want to study in Japan.
The admissions procedure to Japanese universities is more sophisticated than it looks on the surface. In Japan, the university admissions process is extremely tough. To be accepted into a university, students must obtain the highest possible results. The student’s initial step should be to take the National Center Test for University Admissions (NCT). The National Center for University Entrance Examinations administers this exam, which decides the university they will be admitted to.
Those who do not receive high enough marks might apply to less competitive institutions or schools. Financial Aid and Scholarships For Study In Japan. This section discusses the conditions for applying for a scholarship or grant in Japan. Japan is one of Asia’s richest countries, with a robust economy. This implies that there are several opportunities and scholarships available to overseas students.
There are several sorts of scholarships available, but you must satisfy specific requirements such as nationality, age, and language ability to be eligible. The application procedure varies based on the scholarship, so make sure you properly study the criteria before applying. MEXT and JASSO websites include further information about scholarships and financial aid. Financial aid or scholarships are excellent ways to finance your studies in Japan. You can apply for financial assistance through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology.
To be eligible to apply for a scholarship or grant, you must satisfy the following criteria:
- You are a legal resident of Japan.
- You are a student (undergraduate or postgraduate)
- Your passport is valid.
- Your academic transcript is available in Japanese.
- Your student visa is still valid and much more
How to Process a Student Visa For Japan
A student visa is a type of visa that is granted to students who wish to study in Japan. Japanese language institutions, universities, and vocational schools all accept the student visa. The residency status will be “Student.” Depending on the length of the study time, a student visa may be given for a stay of 6 months to a maximum of 2 years. Also, depending on your enrolment duration, you may be able to prolong your stay by renewing your student visa.
We can enrol for up to two years on a student visa. Students from outside the nation must get a student visa, but students from within the country do not. Here are some measures to follow while applying for a student visa to Japan:
- Before applying for a Student Visa, you must have an admission letter from a Japanese university or college.
- You must also be enrolled in a Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology-accredited institution.
- You must demonstrate that you have the funds to maintain yourself while in Japan and that you intend to return home after your studies are done.
- Because the application procedure might take up to six months, it is important to begin as soon as possible.
What are the Post Study Opportunities in Japan
Before applying for a Student Visa, you must have an admission letter from a Japanese university or college. You must also be enrolled in a Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology-accredited institution. You must demonstrate that you have the funds to maintain yourself while in Japan and that you intend to return home after your studies are done. Because the application procedure might take up to six months, it is important to begin as soon as possible.
Final Words
You can advance your education in an excellent educational system, get a taste of a distinctive new culture, and broaden your viewpoint by studying abroad in Japan. Choosing to study abroad is a big decision, especially if you’re thinking about going to study abroad in Japan. We hope that you have found the information on this blog useful. It is advised to start your application process at least six months before your desired entry date to Japan. Check here for scholarships in Japan and apply for the one you are eligible for.
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