Study Overseas - An Australian Government Initiative

Study Overseas - An Australian Government Initiative

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Japan

Japan has one of the highest standards of living in the world due to its expansive public transport system, an abundance of affordable and healthy eateries, and some of the lowest crime rates world.

Web Japan offers information on Japan regarding culture, tourism and history.

For a comprehensive guide to Japan for students, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website Study Japan.

Tertiary studies in Japan

Most Japanese higher educational institutions have an academic year that runs from April to March of the following year, with two semesters, first semester (April ~ September) and second semester (October ~ March).

Fees and funding

Academic fees in Japan tend to be more attractive than in Europe and North America. There are a number of opportunities for tuition fee exemption/reduction and scholarships specifically for international students.

In addition to tuition fees, students are required to pay fees for admission (in their first year), facility and equipment usage.

For information regarding academic fees, visit: JASSO

Scholarships

The majority of scholarships in Japan for international students partially cover tuition fees. There are only a few scholarships available which offer full coverage for tuition fees and/or living costs.

Scholarships information can be found at the following addresses:

Studying in English

Japanese universities are increasingly offering more courses and degrees in English. This is particularly evident at the burgeoning number of international universities and at the post-graduate levels.

Asian Students Cultural Association University Degree Courses (English website)

JASSO provides information on tertiary education institutions in Japan.

List of and links to VET or technical colleges in Japan Institute of National Colleges of Technology, Japan
http://www.kosen-k.go.jp/english/index.html

Metropolitan Tokyo Professional Institution Association (Japanese) http://www.tsk.or.jp/

Living in Japan

Costs and Budgeting

Students in rural areas such as Kyushu and Shikoku should budget on average ¥110,000 per month (including tuition fees), while Tokyo-based students can expect to get by on about ¥150,000 yen per month.

The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides an overview on living costs according to each region in Japan. Visit the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) – For further information regarding studying in Japan, visit:

Visa and entry

International students are required to obtain a ‘College Visa’ or ‘Pre-college Visa’ (depending on the level of study being undertaken) in order to study in Japan. Applications can be made at any Japanese diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) with a valid passport.

Note that once you are in Japan, if you wish to leave the country, you will need a ‘Re-entry Permit’ in order to return. Failure to gain this permit will result in the immigration authorities refusing you permission to re-enter.

For information regarding visas , visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.

Information on immigration procedures, can be found at: Study Japan

Managing and accessing money – banking

You should not expect the same level of service at ATMs as in Australia. In some areas, ATMs are closed at night and/or on weekends, and may not accept international credit cards.

Not all banks have money exchanging services available.

For information on currency and money exchange visit the Japan National Tourism Organisation website.

Accommodation

Accommodation for international students includes student dormitories, public housing provided by regional public organisations, staff dormitories owned by Japanese firms and private rental accommodation. Home stay options are also available.

In Japan taking out a lease on private accommodation may require a down payment of up to 6 months of rent, and a guarantor is necessary.

Living in Japan information is available at Study Japan.

Health care and insurance

All international students studying in Japan for more than one year are obligated to join the Government-run National Health Insurance (NHI) plan.

Students are required to pay 30% of the total cost of medical fees. International students are eligible for an 80% reimbursement on this amount, which is paid to the student at a later date.

Note that it is the individual responsibility of international students to take out NHI at their local municipal office. In order to ensure that international students do actually enrol, some universities make arrangements for registration to place on campus.

Health Insurance

Conditions regarding working in country

Students on a ‘College Visa’ or ‘Pre-college Student Visa’ who wish to work a part-time job are required to obtain a work permit (‘Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted’). Applications for work permits can be made at the local immigration bureau.

Part-time jobs most commonly available to international students include: food service industry jobs; sales and marketing; language teacher; and cleaning.

Study Japan - Finding Part-time Work

Tokyo Employment Service Centre for Foreigners

Osaka Employment Service Centre for Foreigners

Site and legal information