BACKGROUND

The land of the rising sun is quickly becoming a hotspot for international students. The country with the third largest economy in the world attracts students across the globe as it provides them an opportunity to study the changing trends in the field of research and development, technology, and science. Home to colossal tech and motor companies like Nintendo and Lexus, Japan leads the race in technological advancement. The value of a Japanese degree is very high as it opens doors to num erous career prospects. Pack your luggage and embark on a journey of wisdom as you mold yourself in this ancient land of samurai and manga.

WHY STUDY IN JAPAN

• Cost Effective: In comparison to popular study destinations, studying in Japan is very cheap. A year’s worth of tuition fees is half or even the third of what would cost in the US. You can get your money’s value in Japan.
• Standard of Education: Japan’s commitment to research and development has helped it to produce 25 Nobel Prize Winners. The OECD has ranked Japanese high school students number one in the world for mathematics and number two for scientific literacy. One thing’s for sure, in Japan, you’ll experience the best education in the world.
• Large choice of institutions: Japan has more than 600 universities that provide education in a wide array of topics like medicine, dentistry, economics, and pharmacy. There are countless vocational and language schools (as it is necessary to first study at Language School). The decision indeed rests on you.
• The international experience: Japan is pulling out all the stops to increase the number of international students. To achieve this, the applications are more accessible, courses simplified, and the classes are taught in English too. Take advantage of this opportunity and head to Japan to develop your portfolio and interact with other international students to know their culture and traditions.
• Unique Culture: Japanese culture is renowned for its uniqueness and grace. Relax in the beautiful temples while enjoying a sip of hot tea. Wander in the streets of Tokyo and immerse yourself in the world of anime, manga and video games. From historic shrines to modern day skyscrapers, Japan has it all.
• Career prospects: Huge companies highly value a Japanese degree either inside or outside of Japan. The process of getting a Japanese degree involves exposure, training and hard work and the company believes that the degree holder is capable of performing the task. Japan has a robust economy, and foreign companies prefer hiring candidates from Japan that have an international profile.
• A safe place to study: Japan is voted by many as one of the safest countries in the world. The lifestyle and food here are relaxed combined with excellent healthcare systems has increased the life expectancy of its natives. The health system is cheap, and the environment is spotless. What does one need more than that?

ADMISSION INTAKES

The minimum requirement is +2 and NAT/JLPT or 150 hours of language. The initial step for an international student to study in Japan is by studying the Japanese language in any Japanese Language School in Japan. Students are recommended to prepare their basic level Japanese Language in their home country as it enables them to learn the Advanced level Japanese language Course in Japan easily. To enroll in a university, students must pass the language test.

There are four intakes in Japan.

APPLICATION INTAKE MONTH FOR RESULT OF COE DURATION OF LANGUAGE COURSE

• January Up to the last day of November One year and three months
• April Up to the last day of February Two years
• July Up to the last day of May One year and nine months
• October Up to the last day of August One year and six months
• April is regarded as the central intake whereas, in July and January, only a few colleges recruit students.

EDUCATION SYSTEM

After passing the language test, the student can enroll in two types of Educational Institutions.

• The first one is the University where students can continue the same subject that they have studied in their +2.
• The second one is a Vocational / Technical School. In this school, the primary objective is to focus on the students’ skill and education development.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor/Undergraduate: A student who has completed 12 years of education outside Japan will qualify.
• Graduate: A student who has completed prescribed courses at an institute of higher education outside of Japan, will qualify for admission at a Japanese graduate school if the student has completed 16 years of school education (18 years for those enrolling in doctor’s programs in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science).
• Colleges of technology: A student who has completed the secondary education outside of Japan can transfer to a college of technology after reaching an appropriate age.
• Language class requirements: For students that have passed +2, it is compulsory to pass the N5 level of the Japanese language.

VISA APPLICATION

• To apply for a visa for Japan, students must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that is issued by the Ministry of Justice . The student should fill different application documents and then submit it to their school. After checking the application, the school sends it to the immigration authorities in Japan.The materials required for COE include student application form, ID
• Photos, Passport photocopy, Academic Documents and proof of financial viability.
• About one month before your course commences, the immigration authorities will issue a COE. The
• Once the COE is received, students should apply for the student visa.

Documents required for Visa application include:

• Valid Passport
• Visa application form from the Japanese Embassy
• Certificate of Eligibility
• Certificate of Admission- given to you by the school
• Other additional documents as specified

Documents from the Sponsor:

• Bank balance documents with Statement for 3 Years in a row
• Annual income documents for three years in a r ow
• Letter of Experience from the Past Workplace
• Company registration documents [If the sponsor runs a company]
• Documents of property valuation
• Tax Clearance documents for 3 Years in a row
• Documents dictating the relationship between the student and sponsor

WORKING WHILE STUDYING

International students can work up to 28 hours per week and up to 8 hours per day during school breaks.

ACCOMMODATION

International Students have three options. They are University-owned dormitories, guesthouses and private renting. Transportation costs are cheap. Food and drinks tend to be less costly if you are preparing it yourself, but even if you eat outside, it is not much expensive. You can shop around convenience stores and eat at smaller cafes. The overall accommodation cost fluctuates heavily depending upon the location, but the average annual accommodation cost tends to range from 100,000 yen to 160,000 yen.
The tuition fees in Japanese public universities ranges to USD 6500

FACTS ABOUT JAPAN

• The Japanese name for Japan is “Nihon” or “Nippon” which translates to “sun-origin ”.
• Japan is made up of 6852 islands.
• Japan sits along the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” so it has many volcanoes and experiences many earthquakes .
• The Japanese eat more fish than any other people in the world, about 17 million tons per year.
• Over two billion manga, Japanese comic books or graphic novels, are sold in Japan each year.
• Anime, or animated Japanese films and television shows, account for 60% of the world’s animation-based entertainment.

SCHOLARSHIPS IN JAPAN

• MEXT Scholarship: It is a scholarship funded by the Government of Japan for international students that supports both undergraduate and graduate students.