The Ultimate Guide: How to Get into College as a Foreign Student
February 5, 2024
Enrolling at Japanese universities is very popular with foreign students. One of the main reasons for this is Japan's exceptionally high quality of education. Other attractions include the lifestyle, culture, and overall society.
Over 70,000 international students are studying in universities and colleges in Japan, including Tokyo University.
Over 70,000 international students are studying in universities and colleges in Japan, which accounts for 2.6% of the total student population. There are opportunities to study in Japan for a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate, and the country has over 700 universities. The top ones are the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Aichi University.
Studying in Japan requires careful planning ahead of time. It can be very time-consuming as you need to research your institution, fill out forms, and complete the necessary paperwork.
Cost of Studying in Japan
Tuition fees and your budget are important considerations when choosing a university. Before applying to any university, it's good to know the costs. Annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 250,000 Yen to 3,800,000 Yen (about USD $1700 to $25,500). For master's degree studies, they are between 215,000 Yen and 3,500,000 Yen (about USD $1450 to $23,500).
Other financial expenses include books, accommodation, and living expenses.
Requirements to Study in Japan for International Students
Admission requirements at different academic institutions vary, however, there’s one thing they’ll all need and that’s your academic records. Prepare in advance a transcript of records or diploma from previous academic studies. Travel documents such as your passport and visa are also a common requirement.
You might also need to provide a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or resume, and letters of recommendation. For some degree programs, you might need to take an admissions test before applying. Another possible requirement may be proof of language proficiency.
In Japan, English and Japanese are the languages of instruction so you might need to prove language proficiency by taking standardized tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo for English.
If you’re not sure about the language requirements, you can find these on the admissions requirements page of the university website.
However, keep in mind that to be accepted into a Japanese university where classes are taught in Japanese, you’ll need to pass the N1 or N2 JLPT examination in addition to scoring at least 250 points on the Japanese section of the EJU.
Application Procedure
The admission procedure is something else that will vary depending on the university. However, most have online applications available on their websites.
Make sure you’re prepared by gathering all the information you need for the application process, and be ready to meet additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program.
The application may take weeks or months, depending on when you apply, your nationality, degree, and several other factors. For the process to run smoothly, make sure to follow the admission steps and submit all the necessary paperwork to show that you meet the requirements.
The key to getting accepted is your punctuality in submitting your application and its quality. Once you’ve completed the requirements and followed the application steps you may have to wait for up to a month for the results.
Visa Application
As soon as you’ve been accepted by your chosen institution, you’ll have to apply for a student visa in Japan. This is an essential document for anyone wanting to study abroad. You must present it before going to Japan as an international student.To start the student visa application process you must supply the following:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form from the embassy
- Recent photo
- Admission letter from the university
- Certificate of Eligibility
These are the standard requirements, but they may vary depending on your nationality. So, be prepared for additional requirements. The fee for a student visa application is 3,000 JPY ($20) for Single Entry or 6,000 JPY ($40) for Double or Multiple Entry.
The steps for getting a student visa are as follows:
- Confirm what documents are needed with the Japanese embassy or consulate in the country where you live
- Prepare the required documentation for your visa application
- Submit the documents to the travel and visa processing agency, Japanese embassy, or consulate
- You may be required to attend an interview
- Once your application is approved you pay the application fee and collect your passport and visa
This is just a rough introduction to the visa application process. For more detailed information, contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.
With your university chosen and student visa in your hand, it’s now official that you can study in Japan. All that’s left to do is book a flight before your classes start. Book early so that you’ve got plenty of time to explore the city where you’re studying and familiarize yourself with the location.
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