How to study in Japan and what are the procedures? Introducing recommended universities, vocational schools and scholarships.

update date 2024/05/21

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Many foreigners may wish to study in Japan in order to work in Japan or improve their Japanese language skills. However, they may be at a loss to take the first step to study in Japan because there are certain schools that accept international students and the procedures are complicated.

In this issue, we will recommend high schools, universities, and vocational schools that offer study in Japan, as well as explain in detail the procedures necessary for studying in Japan and the types of scholarships available. We hope you will find this information useful for those of you who are aiming to study in Japan.

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Required before studying abroad! Goandup Nihongo+, an online Japanese language learning service
- This page introduces services for foreigners who wish to study in Japan or improve their Japanese language skills to learn Japanese online.
Goandup Salon" community for foreigners living in Japan
- We introduce an online community where foreigners living in Japan can exchange information and interact with each other to support their life in Japan.
Goandup Study" supports foreigners who want to study in Japan.
- This section introduces study abroad support services that provide comprehensive support to foreigners who wish to study in Japan, from preparation for study abroad to living in Japan.
Where can I buy a prepaid SIM in Japan? Recommended SIM cards for foreigners are also introduced.
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The Complete Guide to Finding a Job in Japan! Finding a job, changing jobs, and part-time work for foreigners
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Recommended schools in Japan that accept international students

There are many high schools, universities, and vocational schools in Japan that accept international students. We will introduce three of the best schools among them, one for each educational institution.

Three recommended high schools in Japan where you can study abroad

There are many high schools in Japan that focus on fostering global human resources. Among them, we would like to introduce a selection of high schools that are popular among international students.

1. Tokyo Metropolitan International High School

Tokyo Metropolitan International High School is known as one of the best preparatory schools in Tokyo. The school focuses on foreign language education and international understanding education, and is characterized by its attentive guidance tailored to the level of international students. In addition to English, students can also learn Chinese and Korean, making it a good choice for those who want to use their language skills in a job in the future.

Web site:Course of International Studies - Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School

2. Tokyo Metropolitan Asuka High School

Tokyo Metropolitan Asuka High School offers a small class size of approximately 20 students per class, which provides a full support system for each student. School events and club activities are very active, and international students can participate just as much as Japanese students. The school provides an environment where students can deepen their Japanese language skills and understanding of Japanese culture not only through study but also through school life in general.

Web site:Tokyo Metropolitan Asuka High School | Tokyo Metropolitan School

Kanto International High School

Kanto International High School offers seven foreign language courses (English, Chinese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, and Russian), allowing students to acquire a high level of language skills and an international outlook. The school also has sister schools in 21 countries around the world, and those who wish to study abroad can participate in an exchange program and experience one year of study abroad. This is the ideal high school for those who want to become globally active individuals.

Web site:Message from the Principal | Kanto International High School

Three recommended Japanese universities where you can study abroad

Japanese universities boast high educational standards worldwide, making them popular destinations for study abroad. Here we have carefully selected three universities that are particularly popular among international students.

Waseda University

Waseda University is one of the universities with the largest number of international students in Japan. In addition to English, there is an abundance of classes offered in multiple languages, including Chinese, Korean, German, and French, and students can take courses in a wide range of fields, including social sciences and humanities. In addition, we have an extensive exchange program with partner schools around the world, providing many opportunities for students to gain experience abroad while still in school.

Web site:Waseda University

2. Japan University of Economics

Japan University of Economics is an international campus with nearly half of its student body being international students from more than 40 countries and regions around the world. Through practical economics education, the university aims to nurture true global citizens who can be used on the front lines of business. The university also focuses on career education, including internships at Japanese companies in various countries.

Web site:Japan University of Economics

3. the University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo is Japan's premier academic institution and attracts many outstanding international students every year. The University of Tokyo has a generous support system for international students, and in addition to daily life support, the Center for Japanese Language Education offers a full range of Japanese language courses for international students. We recommend this program for those who wish to improve their Japanese language skills as well as their academic skills.

Web site:The University of Tokyo
International student support site:UTokyo Website for International Students | Website for International Students

Three recommended vocational schools in Japan where you can study abroad

Japanese vocational schools have a reputation for practical vocational education and are attracting attention from international students. Here we introduce three vocational schools that are especially recommended for international students.

Japan Hotel School

Japan Hotel School is a vocational school that aims to train students to be active in the hotel and bridal industry. In addition to general Japanese language classes, students can also learn the terminology and customer service etiquette required in the hotel industry. 2-year curriculum includes practical training at hotels and inns, allowing students to acquire practical skills.

Another feature of the school that makes it a good choice for international students is that, in principle, they do not need to renew their status of residence for the two years they are enrolled in the school.

Web site:The Japan Hotel School | The Japan Hotel School @ Tokyo 【 Official 】

2. HAL

HAL is a technical college with an established reputation for training creators who are ready to work in the content industry, including IT, design, games, sound, and animation. International students are able to study in the same classrooms as Japanese students, which is recommended for those who wish to work in Japan in the future. 2-year graduates are awarded the title of "Diploma" and 4-year graduates are awarded the title of "Advanced Diploma", which makes it easier to obtain a work visa.

Web site:HAL | College of Technology & Design

3. ohara-gakuen college of technology

Ohara Gakuen Vocational College has campuses throughout Japan and offers specialized education in a great variety of fields, including business, civil service, language, and design. Each school offers different fields of study, so you can choose the school that best suits your interests and objectives. The schools also offer their own scholarship programs, making tuition fees a relatively minor concern.

Web site:Ohara Gakuen Vocational College

Now that you have expanded your options for study abroad, let's look at specific ways to study abroad.

How to Study in Japan

In order to realize your study in Japan, you will need to fulfill several requirements and prepare the necessary documents. The following is a step-by-step explanation of the process from application to arrival in Japan.

Requirements to Study in Japan

Institutions of higher education in Japan are broadly classified into six categories, and each institution has different admission requirements. This section describes "universities," "junior colleges," and "vocational schools," which have the largest number of international students.

As a general rule, students must have completed 12 years of elementary through high school in their home country in order to enroll in these institutions. Please check each school's application guidelines for detailed requirements.

Many schools require a Japanese language proficiency of N2 or higher on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) as an application requirement, but there are also courses that allow students to earn degrees in English. Before coming to Japan, carefully check the admission requirements on the website of your target university or vocational school.

Required Documents for Study Abroad

Required documents vary from school to school, but the basic ones are as follows

Application form (as prescribed by the school)
Diploma and transcript from the last school attended
Application for Certificate of Eligibility
Resume or CV
A statement of reasons for studying abroad that describes your purpose and study plan
Documents proving ability to pay expenses (certificate of bank balance, certificate of scholarship receipt, etc.)
Copy of passport
Photographs, etc.

First, request an application form from the school of your choice, complete all the necessary documents, and submit it by the specified date. (Application for visa (status of residence) will be explained in detail in the "After Acceptance" section.

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Once you have been successfully accepted and received your letter of admission, it is time to start the preparation stage for your arrival in Japan.

First, pay the tuition fee and submit the necessary documents for enrollment, including procedures for moving into the dormitory. You will receive information from the university or school, so please follow the instructions.

Then, you will apply for "College Student" status of residence. To apply, you will need to obtain a "Certificate of Eligibility" in advance. In most cases, the receiving school will apply on your behalf, but if you wish to apply on your own, submit the necessary documents to the nearest immigration office. Once you have received the Certificate of Authorization, apply for the visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General in your home country. Submit your passport, letter of admission, and certificate of eligibility, etc. If you pass the examination, your visa will be issued.

After going through the above procedures, you will finally be able to fly out to Japan, but you will need a certain amount of money to study abroad. Here, let's check information on scholarships that will support your tuition and living expenses.

Scholarships to study in Japan

Since studying in Japan involves a small amount of expense, information on scholarships is very important for prospective students. Here we introduce some of the major scholarship programs for international students in Japan.

Scholarship Types

The main scholarships available for studying in Japan include the following

Program for Promotion of Acceptance of International Students (MEXT Foreign Student Study Encouragement Fund)
Monbukagakusho Scholarship (Japanese Government Scholarship: MEXT)
Scholarship for Overseas Study Support Program (Acceptance by Agreement)
Scholarships from local governments, international exchange organizations, etc.
Scholarships and tuition reduction/exemption programs unique to the school, etc.

Among them, the Monbukagakusho Scholarship is a Japanese government-sponsored scholarship program that covers the costs of study in Japan and recruits outstanding students from all over the world. Tuition, travel, and living expenses are covered, making it the most beneficial of all scholarships.

The JASSO scholarship is mainly for undergraduate and graduate students and provides a monthly stipend of approximately 30,000-50,000 yen based on the student's academic performance and financial situation.

In addition, foundations established by local governments and private companies may also have scholarship programs for international students. In many cases, eligibility is limited according to the country of origin, location of the university, and field of study, so it is advisable to check carefully.

Reference:Program for Promotion of Acceptance of International Students (Monbukagakusho Scholarship for International Students) | JASSO,Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology,Study Abroad Support Program (Acceptance by Agreement) | JASSO

Scholarship Notes

The following are some of the things to keep in mind when using the scholarship

Most scholarships are not "fully funded".
Scholarships are awarded for a limited period of time (mostly 1-2 years).
Poor grades or poor conduct may result in termination of the scholarship.
Some scholarships require that the student work for a certain period of time after graduation at the institution, etc.

In particular, scholarships are intended to "support your studies," so do not be relieved just by being accepted to a university or graduate school, but always remember to be diligent in your studies. For this reason, you should not rely solely on the scholarship to pay for your study abroad; you need to plan your finances well in advance. As for part-time jobs, there are also restrictions on working hours, so be sure to manage your money systematically.

Flow of Study in Japan

Now, let us review again the process of studying in Japan.

1. information gathering	Find a school that fits your goals and desires and order information from them.
2. application	Obtain an application form and submit it to the school of your choice, along with all the necessary documents.
3. selection	Selection is based on a document review and an entrance examination (written, interview, etc.).
4. announcement of acceptance	If accepted, students will receive documents related to the enrollment process.
5. application for Certificate of Eligibility	Apply through the school where you will enroll or by yourself to the Immigration Office.
6. visa application	Apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate general in your home country with your Certificate of Eligibility and other necessary documents.
7. preparation for coming to Japan	Arrange airline tickets, purchase insurance, and prepare daily necessities.
8. entry into Japan	At the airport, receive a residence card and complete resident registration and national health insurance enrollment procedures.

Preparing to study in Japan takes time, so it is important to plan ahead with plenty of time to spare. Make sure to follow all the necessary procedures at each step and be fully prepared for your study in Japan.

Three Points to Note about Studying in Japan

Japan is a popular destination for studying abroad and accepts many international students every year. However, there may be some confusion when living abroad for the first time. Here are three things to keep in mind to ensure a successful study abroad experience in Japan.

1. know the rules and manners

Japan is a country with a unique culture and manners that may be confusing to first-time visitors. For example, the following are things to keep in mind.

Always be on time for appointments (strictly no late arrivals).
Be quiet in public places.
Always separate garbage and dispose of it separately.
It is customary to bow.
Before eating, we say "Itadakimasu" and afterwards "Gochisosama.

You do not need to understand everything perfectly, but try to respect local customs and communicate well with people around you. If you don't understand something, you can ask your school teacher or Japanese friends to help you.

2. many people do not speak English

Although Japan is putting a great deal of effort into English education, not many people can speak English at a conversational level on a daily basis. Faculty and staff at universities and vocational schools that accept international students can often communicate to some extent in English, but most interactions with the general public are in Japanese.

There are many situations in which you will be required to communicate in Japanese, such as when getting lost or shopping, so it is recommended that you study Japanese, even if only a little, before coming to Japan. It is also a good idea to attend a Japanese language school or take online Japanese lessons.

3. part-time job

Many international students take part-time jobs to earn money for living expenses during their stay in Japan. However, if you are in Japan on a college student visa, you must obtain a "Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence" before you can take a part-time job. You can apply for the permit at the Immigration Bureau or the International Student Section on campus.

There is also a time limit on part-time work for international students, which is limited to 28 hours per week during class periods and up to 8 hours per day (40 hours per week) during long vacations. Violations are subject to punishment, so please be sure to follow the rules carefully. When looking for a part-time job, you may want to consult with your university's international student office or a senior international student.

Please refer to the following article for information on how to apply for a Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence and the required documents.
▶︎ What is a Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence for Foreign Workers? Application form, how to apply, and required documents.

The above is basic information about studying in Japan.

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summary

Japan attracts international students from all over the world as a safe country with a high quality of education. Studying at a Japanese university or vocational school will not only improve your language skills, but will also provide you with a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and apply it to your future career.

On the other hand, it is also true that preparing to study abroad takes time and effort. Check the application guidelines of the school of your choice carefully and prepare your application systematically. We also recommend that you gather information on scholarships and tuition loans as early as possible.

And studying Japanese is essential to quickly get used to life in Japan. It is important to interact with as many Japanese people as possible and improve your communication skills.

You may feel confused in an unfamiliar environment during your stay in Japan, but please remember to keep a positive attitude and do your best. We hope that you will learn many things in the country of Japan and create irreplaceable memories.