Cost & Funding

Academic Fees & Budget

Academic fees in Japan are lower than those in the US and the UK. Plan your expenses and explore tuition structures and scholarship systems.

Financial Planning for Study in Japan

Calculating the specific costs associated with studying in Japan and making a financial plan that includes personal funds will help you to live a stable life. Please calculate the necessary expenses so that your study plan is not unreasonable.

Before Coming to Japan

  • Examination fees (EJU / JLPT / TOEFL, etc.)
  • Entrance examination fee
  • Physical examination fee (if necessary)
  • Application mailing costs
  • Airfare and lodging expenses
  • Passport application fee (if necessary)
  • Visa application fee
  • Admission fee / Tuition fee
  • Dormitory fee (if necessary)

* Note: Airfare, accommodation, visa fees, and insurance will be required if you need to travel to Japan to take examinations in person.

After Coming to Japan

  • Hotel expenses (if necessary)
  • Housing expenses (including initial rental costs and purchase of furniture and appliances)
  • Commuting expenses
  • Food expenses
  • Utilities (electricity, gas, water)
  • Insurance / medical expenses
  • Textbooks, etc.
  • Miscellaneous expenses

Average First-Year Academic Fees

Fees vary from school to school. Many Japanese schools provide scholarship programs and tuition exemption/reduction programs to international students.

Institution TypeNationalLocal PublicPrivate (General *a)Private (Med/Dental/Pharma)
Graduate SchoolsApprox. 820,000 yenApprox. 900,000 yenApprox. 1,100,000 yenApprox. 870,000 yen
Universities (Undergraduate)Approx. 820,000 yenApprox. 910,000 yenApprox. 1,300,000 yenApprox. 3,800,000 yen
Junior CollegesApprox. 600,000 yenApprox. 1,200,000 yen

Other Higher Education Institutions

Colleges of Technology (National)Approx. 320,000 yen *1
Specialized Training CollegesApprox. 1,300,000 yen
Japanese Language InstitutionsApprox. 610,000 ~ 1,900,000 yen (varies by course)

*a. Excludes medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs.

*1. If you meet the requirements for the third year in a college of technology, you will be eligible for the High School Tuition Support Fund.

* Fees for teaching materials, practical training, etc. may be required separately.

Tuition Exemption & Scholarships

Many Japanese universities offer 30%, 50%, or even 100% tuition exemptions or reductions to international students facing financial hardship.

Tuition Exemption Application:

Applications are usually submitted directly to your university's student affairs or international support division after enrollment. Consult your university guidelines for requirements.