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Study in Japan

Japan is a global leader in academic and technological innovation and a premier destination for international and Arab students seeking excellence in engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, biomedical sciences, and business. Home to world-renowned national research universities like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University, Japan provides rigorous education with fixed, affordable public tuition compared to Western countries. A wide array of English-taught degree programmes are available under internationalization initiatives, supported by generous government funding through MEXT scholarships, world-class safety, and an incomparable cultural experience.

10
universities listed
13
scholarships & discounts
4
government programmes

Government scholarships & national programmes

Scholarships funded by the state or its official bodies for international students.

Asian Development Bank Scholarship

Asian Development Bank Scholarship

Fully Funded1 scholarship

The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) funds nationals of ADB's developing member countries to pursue master's degrees in development-related fields such as economics, management and public health at participating institutions, including the University of Tokyo. It typically covers tuition, a monthly living and housing allowance, insurance and travel. Applicants usually need work experience and admission to a participating institution, which nominates them.

JDS Scholarship (Japan)

JDS Scholarship (Japan)

Fully Funded1 scholarship

Scholarship funded by the Japanese government through JICA for young government officials from about 18 countries: fully funded Master's and PhD study in Japan.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Fully Funded1 scholarship

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP), funded by the Government of Japan, provides fully funded master scholarships to mid-career professionals from developing countries at 27 world-leading universities across the US, Europe, and Japan with complete tuition, living stipends, return flights, and medical insurance.

MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government)

MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government)

Fully Funded1 scholarship

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is offered by Japan's Ministry of Education to international students across several tracks, including undergraduate, graduate and research studies. It usually covers full tuition, a monthly allowance and airfare, and may include a preparatory year of Japanese language study. You can apply through the Japanese embassy in your country (embassy recommendation) or directly via a Japanese university (university recommendation).

Universities(10)

Fees for international students and the highest discount or scholarship available, from each university’s official sources.

All cities:
Hiroshima University
QS #480State university

Hiroshima University

جامعة هيروشيما

Hiroshima1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:¥535,800 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Keio University
QS #215State university

Keio University

جامعة كيو

Tokyo1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:¥1,100,000 – ¥1,800,000 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Kochi University of Technology
State university

Kochi University of Technology

جامعة كوتشي للتكنولوجيا

Kami1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:¥535,800 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Kyoto University
QS #57State university

Kyoto University

جامعة كيوتو

Kyoto1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:¥535,800 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Kyushu University
QS #170State university

Kyushu University

جامعة كيوشو

Fukuoka1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:¥535,800 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Nagoya University
QS #164State university

Nagoya University

جامعة ناغويا

Nagoya1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:¥535,800 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Osaka University
QS #91State university

Osaka University

جامعة أوساكا

Osaka1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:¥535,800 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Sophia University
QS #951State university

Sophia University

جامعة صوفيا

Tokyo1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:¥1,200,000 – ¥1,600,000 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
University of Tokyo
QS #36State university

University of Tokyo

جامعة طوكيو

Tokyo1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:¥535,800 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Osaka Metropolitan University
QS #901State university

Osaka Metropolitan University

جامعة أوساكا متروبوليتان

Osaka
Annual Tuition:¥535,800 – ¥650,000 per year
Explore universityDetails

All scholarships & discounts (13)

Filter by funding type and study level.

Asian Development Bank Scholarship
Fully Funded

ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

by Asian Development Bank Scholarship

Master’s
2026-12-10Details
Hiroshima University
QS #480
Fully Funded

Hiroshima University IGS with MEXT Scholarship (April 2028)

by Hiroshima University

Bachelor’s
Open for applicationDetails
MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government)
Fully Funded

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship – Embassy Recommendation 2028

by MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government)

PhDBachelor’sMaster’s
2027-05-31Details
JDS Scholarship (Japan)
Fully Funded

JDS Scholarship Programme for Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Japan

by JDS Scholarship (Japan)

Master’sPhD
Open for applicationDetails
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
Fully Funded

Joint Japan/World Bank Fully Funded Master Scholarship at Partner Universities

by Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Master’s
2027-02-26Details
Keio University
QS #215
Fully Funded

Keio University "Design the Future" Award for International Students 2027

by Keio University

Master’sPhD
Open for applicationDetails
Kochi University of Technology
Fully Funded

Kochi University of Technology Special Scholarship Program (SSP) – PhD 2027

by Kochi University of Technology

PhD
2027-04-09Details
Kyushu University
QS #170
Fully Funded

Kyushu University IUPE Engineering Program with MEXT Scholarship (October 2027)

by Kyushu University

Bachelor’s
2026-12-17Details
Nagoya University
QS #164
Fully Funded

Nagoya University G30 Undergraduate Scholarship and MEXT Recommendation 2027

by Nagoya University

Bachelor’s
2027-01-21Details
Osaka University
QS #91
Fully Funded

Osaka University Human Sciences International Undergraduate Program with MEXT Recommendation (October 2027)

by Osaka University

Bachelor’s
2027-01-05Details
University of Tokyo
QS #36
Fully Funded

University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship (University Recommendation) – October 2027

by University of Tokyo

Master’sPhD
Open for applicationDetails
Kyoto University
QS #57
Partially Funded

Kyoto iUP Scholarship – Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program (October 2027)

by Kyoto University

Bachelor’s
2026-12-03Details
Sophia University
QS #951
Partially Funded

Sophia University New Student Scholarship for International Students 2027

by Sophia University

Bachelor’sMaster’s
2026-12-11Details

Study guide

The study system

Higher education in Japan follows a structured pathway: • Bachelor's Degree (Gakushi): 4 years (minimum 124 credits), extended to 6 years for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine. • Master's Degree (Shushi): 2 years (minimum 30 credits accompanied by an approved research thesis). • Doctorate Degree (Hakushi): 3 to 4 years focused on original laboratory and academic research with mandatory peer-reviewed journal publications. • Professional Training Colleges (Senmon Gakko) & Kosen: Highly practical technical and applied diploma pathways. The academic year typically runs in two semesters: Spring semester starting in April, and Autumn semester starting in September/October (the standard intake for international English-taught programmes).

How to get admitted

1) Undergraduate Admissions: • Japanese-taught programmes: Require the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N2/N1). • English-taught programmes: Require certified high school diploma and transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT if applicable), and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 85+). 2) Postgraduate Admissions (Master's & PhD): • Securing a prospective academic supervisor (Professor) by submitting a well-structured research proposal and CV. • Submitting bachelor's/master's degree certificates, transcripts, research plan, and formal academic references. 3) Major Japanese Scholarships: • MEXT Government Scholarships (Embassy & University recommendations): 100% tuition waiver, monthly stipend of 143,000–145,000 JPY, round-trip flights, and free preparatory Japanese language training. • Asian Development Bank (ADB-JSP) and JASSO Honors Scholarships.

Fees and living costs

Tuition Fees in Japan (2026/2027): • National Universities: Fixed nationally by MEXT at 535,800 JPY per year (~3,500 USD) with a one-time admission registration fee of 282,000 JPY. • Local Public Universities: 540,000 to 650,000 JPY per year. • Private Universities: 900,000 to 1,800,000 JPY per year for humanities, business, and engineering degrees. Living Expenses & Visa Proof: • Average living costs: 90,000 to 150,000 JPY per month (Tokyo averages 120,000–160,000 JPY; regional cities like Kyoto, Sendai, and Hiroshima average 80,000–110,000 JPY). • Financial guarantee for Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Bank statement showing approximately 2,000,000 JPY for the first year (or scholarship grant certificate).

Visa, residence permit and health insurance

Japanese Student Visa Procedures: 1) Certificate of Eligibility (COE): The accepting Japanese university applies to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on behalf of the student. Issuance typically takes 2 to 3 months. 2) Visa application at the Embassy: Upon receiving the original COE, the student lodges the student visa application at the local Japanese embassy or consulate, issued within 5 to 7 working days. 3) Residence Card (Zairyu Card): Issued immediately upon arrival at major international airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu) featuring your legal status and work permit endorsement.

Working while studying

Working During Studies: • International students are permitted to work up to 28 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week (8 hours/day) during official university breaks, by obtaining the work permit stamp (Shikakugai-katsudō-kyoka) at the port of entry airport free of charge. • Average hourly wage: 1,100 to 1,500 JPY in Tokyo and major urban areas. Post-Study Work & Immigration: • Japan offers the Designated Activities Visa (Job-hunting visa) granting 6 months, renewable for up to 1 full year after graduation. • Securing employment allows immediate transition to professional work visas (Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services). Fast-track permanent residency is available within 1 to 3 years under the Highly Skilled Professional points system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps for 2026 / 2027.

Yes, leading Japanese universities (such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Sophia, and Waseda) offer hundreds of Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degree programmes taught entirely in English. Learning basic Japanese is recommended for daily life and post-graduate local career success.

The MEXT scholarship is Japan's premier fully funded government grant covering 100% tuition, monthly allowance (143,000–145,000 JPY), flights, and a preparatory language year. Apply through Embassy recommendation (opens in April/May) or University recommendation (October–January).