Choosing your higher education destination can be a tough job. We have summarised a few key reasons for choosing Japan and identified how the country excels in different segments to enrich the higher education environment. You can find a complex but unique and exciting culture, a prestigious higher education system, fantastic food, and scenic beauties all in Japan.

Outstanding Education Quality: Japan is home to a prestigious and esteemed education system. Japan has consistently ranked in the top ten best countries for international students. Japan has the higher number of Nobel prize winners in Asia and the second highest country since the beginning of the 21st century. Japan excels in STEM Education and a prime destination for scientists and researchers. The country is also a substantial economic and business hub globally and is famous for technology and business-related studies. Art and cultural studies are integral to Japanese culture as well.

Ample Job Opportunity: With Japan’s booming economy, the country has many job offering for graduates. However, learning Japanese will improve your likelihood of securing a job in Japan. Bilingual English and Japanese speakers are in huge demand. In a recent survey, around half of the major Japanese companies expressed a desire to hire foreigners graduating from Japanese Institutions.

World-Class Science and Technology: Japan has been able to come so far due to its diligence and advance knowledge in the field of technology fostered by its excellent education system. The practice of materialising creative ideas goes far back into Japanese history.

Fascinating Culture: If you look forward to enjoying an engaging and completely different way of life, Japan has got you covered. Japanese culture is enriched with a history of thousands of years, creating a harmonious bond of contrasting elements. Japanese people are one of the most polite and gentle people in the world. You can find temples and shrines all over the country, demon museums, unique festivities all around the year, and many traditional ceremonies.

Fantastic Cuisine: If you are fond of trying out different food, you will absolutely enjoy eating Japanese cuisine. Besides sushi and ramen, Japan has a range of tasty tofu, seafood, and fermented veggies. Fried street foods like Takoyaki or expensive meat from Wagyu Kobe beef, you will not get tired of trying out new stuff.

Low Tuition and Generous Scholarship Programs: Tuition fees in Japan are comparatively cheap. Partial and complete tuition fee waivers are offered for high achieving students from poorer backgrounds. A range of scholarship opportunities is available from both universities and from public or private organisations.

Pursuing higher education can sometimes become a financial burden for many international students. Luckily, there are many scholarships offered at the undergraduate and graduate level in Japan. Moreover, students from Bangladesh and other Asian countries can enjoy the facility of dedicated scholarships only reserved for these countries. Here is a list of some popular scholarship programs available in Japan.

Japanese Government Monbukagakusho: MEXT Scholarship: Research students in Master’s, Doctoral courses, teacher training students, Young Leader’s Program (YLP) Students, and undergraduate students are eligible for this scholarship. Monthly stipend amounts vary from each course level. The monthly stipend amount is US$1026 for undergraduate students. The scholarship period is for 12 months.

Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short Term Study in Japan): JASSO offers scholarship for qualified international students who a Japanese university accepts. Students who perform extraordinarily in academic and achieve personal records at their home schools are eligible to achieve this. Duration is eight days to 12 months, and the monthly stipend amount is US$731.

Aichi Scholarship Program (Aichi Prefectural Government): This scholarship is for the Master’s program and research students. Only students from Asian countries, including Bangladesh, can apply for this scholarship. The monthly stipend amount is US$1371 for one year.

Kawaguchi Shizu Memorial Scholarship (The Asian Foundation for International Scholarship Interchange): Asian students can apply for this scholarship through the university. Undergraduate, Master’s program, and Doctoral program students are eligible. The monthly stipend amount is US$548.

Otsuka Toshimi Scholarship Foundation: This is a fully funded scholarship with an annual sum of up to US$18,288. The period of scholarship can be of three years. Undergraduate, Master’s, Postgraduate, and PhD level students are eligible for this scholarship.

DOCOMO International Student Scholarship (JEES Sponsor-Crowned Scholarship): This is a fully-funded scholarship open for international students in Communication technology, Information Processing Technology taught at selected universities in Japan. The monthly stipend amount is US$1097 for two years.

If you fall in love with Japanese people and their culture, you have plenty of opportunities to apply for a PR in Japan. After you complete your graduation in Japan, you can complete some paper works to file your application. To apply for a PR visa (eijuken), you must fulfil the following criteria:

• You need to reside in Japan for ten consecutive years
• You must not have any criminal records
• Satisfy the requirements of your current visa
• You must have financial stability
• It would help if you contributed to taxes and social security

However, ten years may seem a very long time to get PR in Japan. Luckily, there are a few ways to shorten the residence period required before applying for PR. These ways are:

• Spouses of Japanese nationals and permanent residents can apply for PR if they are married for only three years and lived over one year in Japan
• Japan introduced a point system for expediting PR for highly skilled professionals in the fields of management, research, and technology. If you score 70 points according to the system, then you can apply for PR after only three years. If you score 80 points, you can use it after just one year. You can find more information about the point calculating system on Japan’s government website.
• If you make a significant contribution to Japan in diplomacy, economics, industry, education, research, sports, or any other important aspect, you can apply for PR in Japan after five years.

Required documents for Scholarship applications:

• Letter of Recommendation
• Photographs
• Government-issued IDs
• Transcript/Record of marks
• Certificate of graduation from the last school
• Proof of excellent academic performance
• Outline of graduation thesis (if required)
• Proof of language proficiency ability in English or Japanese/ Specialised academic ability
• Medical history

Required documents for PR:

• Permanent residence application form
• Photographs that were taken in the last three months
• Certificate of residence
• Proof of employment
• Proof of income
• A copy of passport
• Copy of residence card

Required documents for PR (Spousal Application):

• Spouse’s family registry
• Marriage license
• Letter from spouse explaining the relationship
• Certificates of residence for all members of the household

There is a wide variety of choices available for you to pick your major in a Japanese university. Numerous international students find their best-suited subject to study. Japan’s progress in the technological field is primarily due to the vast amount of research and investment in the STEM field. So, the country offers quality education in engineering fields. A list of trending courses in Japan is presented in the following section:

Tuition fees in Japan are much less than what you would typically find in countries like the USA or the UK. The following chart encompasses the average academic costs in Japan.

The cost of living can be hard to calculate as it greatly depends on how a student intends to live. The average monthly expenses of an international student in Japan are higher in metropolitan areas and much cheaper in rural areas. The national average of an international student’s monthly expenses is around US$780. Tokyo is the most expensive city, where the average cost is about US$877. In the following section, a breakdown of the national monthly average is presented.

All expenses are indicative, and the lifestyle of a student can significantly change the costs.

In order to get a student visa in Japan, you must go through a step-by-step process. These steps are summarised in the following section:
At first, you need to apply to an institution in Japan. The specific institution that you are aiming for will have separate visa application forms and requirements. In the application form, you will attach the necessary documents. In order to apply for a Visa, you may require these documents:

• An application form where you fill in data about yourself and the course
• A personal history that contains your educational background and occupational history
• Application essay
• Diploma and transcript from the last school you have graduated from that is translated in English or Japanese
• Certificate of previous Japanese studies if applicable
•  A copy of your passport
• Passport photos
• Medical history
• A letter of remittance where you show financial documents of proof of how much money you will have with you in Japan and whether your personal money or a guarantor is providing the cash. The amount of money presented in these documents must cover your tuition fees and living costs
• A bank account balance certificate which is usually US$14,631
• Certificate of Enrolment

After you have completed all the necessary steps, it is finally your time to go to Japan to pursue your higher education. Here is a list of a few tips and tricks that will help you to get going in Japan as soon as you have entered the land of cherry blossoms:

Choose the Best Program for Yourself: Do not forget to research thoroughly which course you want to study in Japan. Learn your personal abilities and find out which course you would excel at the most, and bring out the best in yourself.

Apply for Scholarships: Many students are not aware of the range of scholarships Japan provides for international students. You can research accordingly and apply for scholarships to lessen the financial burden.

Get to know the Laws and Regulations: Each country is different and has rules that differ. Make sure that you at least know the basic rules and regulations that are applicable in Japan

Mind Your Manners: In Japan, manners matter a lot. Try to be cautious of their culture and offending anyone accidentally. Do not be late for anything as this is considered extremely rude. Frequently use phrases like “please,” “thank you,” and “I’m sorry.” Be cautious of talking loudly in public places. Take your shoes off when you enter a building.

Utilise Your Student Discounts: Students enjoy discounted travel fares and entrance fees for various attractions in Japan. Do not forget to avail of these offers.

Learn Japanese: Though it is not mandatory, understanding and speaking the local language can help you a lot. Finding work opportunities and making friends become much easier.

Savour Your Time in Japan: Japan is filled with places of extraordinary natural beauties. You will find spectacular places to visit, relax, and enjoy yourself. Have exciting experiences, and do not forget to slow down and savour your time during your stay in Japan.

Japan is home to several excellent universities. The top ten universities in Japan and world ranking are presented in the following chart:

In order to get admission to any university in Japan, you must fill up specific criteria. However, these vary from one institution to another. To provide a basic idea of what you must require before coming to Japan for your higher studies, here is a list:

Language Proficiency:

• A student must acquire an IELTS score of 6 or equivalent
• JLPT certificate (If required)

Undergraduate Eligibility:

• High School qualifications
• Grades from previous education
• Entrance qualification

Master’s Eligibility:

• Certificates of undergraduate degree
• Necessary documents as per institution requirements

Institutional requirements vary from university to university. Here is a list of the most common documents students need to submit during their application at a Japanese University:

Reading about all these things can be overwhelming. Let us help you ease into things with direct communication from our team members. You can also hear directly from the students who are living in Japan.