Study in Japan
Don't know what to do?
Get Free Counseling
Study in Japan from Australia: Student Visa, Costs and Universities
Japan is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, with English-taught degrees, low tuition fees at national universities and 41 institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2027. After you receive an admission letter, your Japanese institution applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) on your behalf. Once your CoE is issued, you can apply for your Student visa and prepare to study in Japan.
*Want to study in Japan? Book free study counselling with Y-Axis.
Why Study in Japan?
Japan offers affordable tuition, English-taught degrees and post-study job opportunities for international students.
- Japan hosts more than 400,000 international students
- Low tuition fees of ¥535,800 a year at national universities
- English-taught programs in globally top ranked universities
- Bring your spouse and children to Japan
- 100% Scholarship opportunities
- Part-time work of up to 28 hours a week with permission
- Stay up to 1 year after graduation to seek employment
- National Health Insurance covering 70% of medical costs
Top Universities in Japan for International Students
Japan is home to leading universities offering high-quality education and English-taught programs at affordable tuition fees. Most national universities charge ¥535,800 a year, plus a one-time admission fee of ¥282,000 in the first year, while private universities generally charge ¥1 million to ¥1.8 million a year, depending on the institution and course.
Top Universities for Bachelor’s Degrees:
| University | Annual Tuition Fee | English-Taught Programs | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tokyo (QS 39) | ¥535,800 | PEAK: Japan in East Asia, Environmental Sciences | University of Tokyo Scholarship |
| Kyoto University (QS 64) | ¥535,800 | Kyoto iUP, Civil Engineering | iUP Scholarships |
| University of Osaka (QS 95) | ¥535,800 | Human Sciences, Science | University of Osaka Scholarship |
| Tohoku University (QS 102) | ¥900,000 | Gateway College | International Excellence Scholarship |
| Nagoya University (QS 156) | ¥535,800 | G30: Engineering, Science, Agriculture | JASSO Honors Scholarship |
| Waseda University (QS =201) | ¥1,051,000 to ¥1,584,000 | International Liberal Studies, Social Sciences | Partial Tuition-Waiver Scholarship |
| Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University | ¥1,455,000 | Asia Pacific Studies, International Management, Sustainability and Tourism | APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship |
| Temple University Japan | ¥1,760,000 | 12 majors, all in English | Diamond Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship |
| Akita International University | ¥696,000 | Global Business, Global Studies, Global Connectivity | AIU Tuition Exemption |
Top Universities for Master’s Degrees:
| University | Annual Tuition Fee | English-Taught Programs | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tokyo (QS 39) | ¥535,800 | Engineering, Science, Public Policy | MEXT, JASSO Honors |
| Kyoto University (QS 64) | ¥535,800 | Energy Science, International MBA | MEXT, JASSO Honors |
| University of Osaka (QS 95) | ¥535,800 | Information Technology, Sustainable Economy, Physics, Chemistry | MEXT, JASSO Honors |
| Institute of Science Tokyo (QS 97) | ¥635,400 | International Graduate Program (A) | MEXT, JASSO Honors |
| Tohoku University (QS 102) | ¥900,000 | Advanced Science, Environmental Security | MEXT, JASSO Honors, Tohoku International Excellence |
| Nagoya University (QS 156) | ¥535,800 | G30 Programs, Law and Political Science, International Development | MEXT, JASSO Honors |
| Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University | ¥1,455,000 to ¥2,000,000 | Asia Pacific Studies, Management | APU Tuition Reduction |
| Akita International University | ¥896,000 | Global Communication and Language | AIU Tuition Exemption |
Top Vocational Colleges in Japan:
| College | Location | Annual Tuition | First-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Electronics College | Tokyo (Shinjuku) | ¥515,000 to ¥570,000 | ¥1,230,000 to ¥1,400,000 |
| Tokyo Designer Gakuin College | Tokyo | ¥900,000 | ¥1,352,000 |
| Kyoto College of Hotel, Tourism & Bridal Management | Kyoto | ¥530,000 to ¥870,000 | ¥960,000 to ¥1,460,000 |
Top Japanese Language Schools in Japan:
| School | Location | 1-Year Tuition | 1-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute | Tokyo (Takadanobaba) | ¥840,000 | ¥990,000 |
| Kudan Institute of Japanese Language & Culture | Tokyo (Suidobashi) | ¥915,000 | ¥935,000 plus other fees |
| ARC Tokyo Japanese Language School | Tokyo (Bunkyo, Shinjuku) | ¥816,000 | ¥916,000 |
| ISI Language School | Tokyo (Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya-Harajuku) | ¥708,000 to ¥750,000 | ¥942,000 to ¥994,000 |
Popular Courses to Study in Japan for International Students
Social sciences, humanities and engineering are the most studied fields among international students in Japan. Many universities also offer English-taught programs in science, environmental studies, information technology and Japan studies, while vocational colleges offer tourism, hospitality and design courses, mostly taught in Japanese.
- Social Sciences: business, economics, law, international relations
- Humanities: liberal arts, Japan studies
- Engineering: mechanical, electrical, civil, automotive, robotics
- Science: physics, chemistry, biology
- Environment and Sustainability: environmental sciences, sustainable cities
- Information Technology: information science, artificial intelligence, data science
Eligibility Requirements for a Japan Student Visa
To qualify for a Japan Student Visa, you must secure admission to a recognised Japanese educational institution, obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) through your institution and demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
- Admission: Secure admission to a recognised Japanese university, vocational college or Japanese language school.
- Certificate of Eligibility (CoE): Obtain a CoE arranged by your Japanese educational institution.
- Valid passport: Hold a valid passport for your visa application.
- Proof of funds: Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses in Japan.
- Language proficiency: Meet the Japanese or English language requirements of your chosen course.
Also Read…
Top 10 Scholarships to Study in Japan
Japan Student Visa Document Checklist
The documents required for a Japan Student Visa include a valid passport, completed visa application form, photograph and Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). Financial records, academic certificates and an admission letter are generally used during the CoE process, depending on your Japanese institution’s requirements.
Documents for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE):
- Copy of your passport’s personal details page
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Bank statements or financial sponsor documents
- Scholarship award letter, if applicable
- Japanese or English language test results, if required
- Passport-sized photograph and completed institution application forms
Documents for the Japan Student Visa application:
- Valid passport
- Completed Japan visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
- Australian visa-status evidence: Current VEVO record or other accepted evidence, if you are not an Australian citizen
How to Apply for a Japan Student Visa from Australia?
To apply for a Japan Student Visa from Australia, secure admission to a Japanese educational institution, obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), prepare the required documents and submit your visa application in Australia.
Step 1: Secure admission to a Japanese institution
Apply to a Japanese university, vocational college or language school and receive an admission letter.
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
Submit the academic and financial documents requested by your institution. The institution applies for your CoE through Japan’s Immigration Services Agency.
Step 3: Receive your CoE
Receive the approved CoE from your Japanese institution. It is generally valid for three months from its issue date.
Step 4: Prepare your visa documents
Prepare your valid passport, completed visa application form, recent photograph and CoE. Non-Australian citizens must check whether they need to provide proof of their Australian visa status through VEVO.
Step 5: Submit your visa application
Submit your documents to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General handling applications for your state or territory in Australia.
Step 6: Travel to Japan and complete arrival formalities
After visa approval, travel to Japan, obtain your residence card, register your address, enrol in National Health Insurance and secure permission before starting part-time work.
*Want to apply for Japan Student Visa? Book free study counselling with Y-Axis.
Japan Student Visa Fees
The cost of a Japan Student Visa from Australia depends on your passport nationality. Australian passport holders pay no visa fee, while other nationalities generally pay AUD 156 for a single-entry visa unless they qualify for a fee exemption.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Japan Student Visa for Australian passport holders | No fee |
| Single-entry Student Visa for other nationalities | AUD 156 (¥15,000), unless exempt |
| Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) | Free |
Japan Student Visa Processing Time
The Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) generally takes 2–3 months to process. After you receive the CoE, Japan Student Visa processing takes at least 5 working days once the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General accepts your application. Incomplete applications can be referred to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and take longer.
Cost of Studying in Japan
The cost of studying in Japan depends on the institution, course and location. First-year academic fees at national universities average approximately ¥820,000, while average living expenses are around ¥105,000 per month.
| Institution type | First-year academic fees (JPY) | Approx. cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| National university (tuition and admission fee) |
¥820,000 | AUD 7,430 |
| Local public university | ¥900,000–¥910,000 | AUD 8,155–8,245 |
| Private university (average, first year) | ¥1,300,000 | AUD 11,780 |
| Private medical, dental or pharmaceutical program | ¥3,800,000 | AUD 34,430 |
| Specialised training college | ¥1,300,000 | AUD 11,780 |
| Japanese language institution | ¥610,000–¥1,900,000 | AUD 5,530–17,215 |
Average Monthly Living Expenses:
| Expense | Japanese Yen (JPY) | Approx. cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Total living expenses | ¥105,000 | AUD 950 |
| Housing, national average | ¥41,000 | AUD 370 |
| Housing, Tokyo average | ¥57,000 | AUD 515 |
Note: AUD conversions are approximate and may vary with exchange rates. Actual costs depend on the institution, course and location.
Intakes in Japan
Japan has two main university study intakes in April and September or October, while Japanese language schools offer four intakes in January, April, July and October. Apply 6–12 months before your preferred intake to allow time for admission, Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) processing and student visa approval.
| Institution type | Intakes |
|---|---|
| Universities, Japanese-taught programs | April |
| Universities, English-taught programs | April, September or October (some also January and May) |
| Japanese language schools | January, April, July, October |
| Vocational colleges | April |
Top 10 Scholarships in Japan for International Students
The top 10 scholarships in Japan for international students include the MEXT Scholarship, Honjo International Scholarship, JASSO Scholarship and university-funded awards from the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University and Osaka University. Many scholarships in Japan also cover full tuition fees and provide monthly stipends, housing assistance or research funding.
| Scholarship | Amount Awarded ( Per Month ) |
|---|---|
| MEXT Scholarship (Government of Japan) | 100% Funded + ¥117,000 – ¥145,000 stipend |
| JASSO Scholarship | ¥48,000 |
| Honjo International Scholarship Foundation | 100% Funded + ¥180,000 – ¥230,000 stipend |
| Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship | 100% Funded + ¥100,000 – ¥140,000 stipend |
| University of Tokyo Fellowship | ¥200,000 |
| Keio University Scholarships | ¥100,000 – ¥900,000 per year |
| Waseda University Tuition Waiver | 50% of Annual tuition fees |
| Osaka University Honors Tuition Exemption Program | 100% funded |
| Hokkaido University Special Grant Program | 100% Tuition Funded + Research Assistant stipend (Varies by Department) |
| Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship | 100% Funded + ¥310,000 – ¥400,000 stipend |
Part-Time Jobs in Japan for International Students
International students in Japan can work part-time for up to 28 hours per week during the academic term and up to 8 hours per day during official school holidays, with permission from Japanese immigration. Students can take up part-time jobs to earn income and gain work experience while studying.
- Work permission: Obtain immigration permission before starting work.
- During the academic term: Work up to 28 hours per week across all jobs.
- During school holidays: Work up to 8 hours per day.
- Popular part-time jobs: Retail assistant, restaurant staff, convenience store worker, English tutor and hotel staff.
- Restricted jobs: Working at adult entertainment businesses is prohibited.
*Want to Work in Japan? Let Y-Axis help you through application process.
Post-Study Work Opportunities in Japan
Japan allows international graduates to stay for up to one year to search for a job after graduation. Graduates who secure employment can change their Student residence status to a work status, such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. Those still looking for work can apply for a six-month Designated Activities status, with one six-month extension.
| Situation | Visa or residence status | Duration or requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Looking for a job | Designated Activities (job hunting) | 6 months, extendable once for another 6 months |
| Waiting to start a job | Designated Activities (waiting to start work) | Until employment begins, up to 1 year after the offer and 1.5 years after graduation |
| Employed in Japan | Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa | Work visa, renewable |
| Applying as a highly skilled professional | Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa | Points-based, generally at least 70 points |
Can Australians Live and Work in Japan?
Yes. Australians can study on a Student visa, take a Working Holiday visa if aged 18 to 30, or work on a work visa once they have a job offer. A visa-free stay is limited to 90 days and doesn’t allow work.
| Pathway | Eligibility | Duration | Work rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student visa | Anyone admitted to a Japanese school | Length of your course | Part-time up to 28 hours a week, with permission |
| Working Holiday visa | Australian citizens aged 18 to 30 | Up to 1 year | Work to supplement travel funds |
| Work visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) | Applicants with a job offer and a relevant degree | Renewable | Full-time work in the job on your visa, paid at least as much as a Japanese worker |
How Y-Axis Helps You Study in Japan?
Y-Axis is leading study abroad consultancies in Australia, helping students pursue higher education in Japan. From selecting the right university and course to preparing the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and Student visa application, Y-Axis guides you through every step of the process.
- Free counselling: A one-to-one session on your goals, budget and study options
- University and course selection (Y-Path): A personalised pathway based on your goals
- Campus Ready Program: guidance from admission to departure
- English coaching: Online training for IELTS, TOEFL and PTE, for English-taught programs
- Visa documentation support: Help preparing the Certificate of Eligibility and Student visa documents
*Want to start your study journey to Japan? Book free study counselling with Y-Axis.
Looking for inspiration
Explore what Global Citizens have to say about Y-Axis in shaping their future
Frequently Asked Questions
