🇯🇵 Japan · Study Abroad
How to study in Japan as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in Japan you apply to the school, which then obtains a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from immigration on your behalf; with the CoE you apply for the 'Student' visa at a Japanese embassy. Undergraduate applicants often take the EJU exam. After arrival you register your residence. Explore options on Study in Japan and apply by the deadline.
International students apply directly to Japanese universities; programmes are offered in Japanese or, increasingly, in English. Many applicants take the Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU) and/or a Japanese-language test. After admission, the school usually sponsors a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), which you use to obtain a "Student" status-of-residence visa. The official Study in Japan portal (run with JASSO/MEXT) is the central guide.
- Apply directly to each university; many programmes use the EJU and/or a Japanese-language proficiency test, though English-taught degrees are growing.
- After admission the school typically applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), which speeds the "Student" visa application at a Japanese embassy.
- The MEXT Scholarship and JASSO honours scholarships can fund study; many universities and local governments add their own awards.
- Students may work part-time up to a weekly limit with permission to engage in activities other than that permitted — check current rules.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose your program and apply to the school; undergraduate applicants often sit the EJU exam. Explore options on Study in Japan.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
The school obtains your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE); with it, apply for the "Student" visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
Official authorities
- Study in Japan (official portal)
Official guide: programmes, applications, scholarships and visas.
- JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization)
Government body for student support, scholarships and the EJU.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)?
A document your school obtains from Japanese immigration that confirms you qualify for student status; you use it to get the visa.
What is the EJU?
The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students, commonly used for undergraduate entry.
Can I work while studying in Japan?
With permission to engage in activity other than that permitted, students can work a limited number of hours per week; apply for it after arrival.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Prime Minister's Office of Japan — Official site of Japan's Prime Minister — cabinet policies, press conferences, policy statements
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Japan visa applications, overseas safety info, consular services, and diplomatic policy
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Residence status, work visas, permanent residency, and naturalization in Japan
- National Tax Agency (Japan) — Income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax filing and e-Tax online submission