Enrol at a Japanese university, and you won't just leave with a degree: you'll take away lifelong memories of an incredible country that may just become your home. The high-quality education here is matched by world-renowned employers, culture and quality of life. However many of the country's 14,000 islands you manage to visit, you will always want to see more. If you still need convincing, though, keep reading. Here, we set out the reasons why studying in Japan is such a good idea.
Top universities
Japan is home to some of the best universities on the planet. The country has nine inside the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings 2024, of which four are in the top 100. The top-rated, the University of Tokyo, places as high as 28th.
This success reflects a strong national focus on education, which is something that also benefits international students. Put simply, if you are looking for challenging and engaging coursework, you are in the right place. What's more, a number of courses here are taught wholly or partially in English, meaning that you will not necessarily need Japanese expertise to study one.
Get to know the country's university system better with our guide to higher education in Japan.
A growing desire for international students
In 2023, Japan published its World x Learning Plan, under which it aims to be home to 400,000 international students in 2033. This ambitious target requires consistent growth from the already impressive 2022 enrolment of 230,000, and indicates that the country is serious about attracting learners from around the world.
So, if there was ever a good time to apply to a Japanese university, it’s now. The government is making studying in the country increasingly achievable, continually expanding and improving programmes that are catered to non-local students. In addition to the enrolment target, it wants 60 per cent of international graduates to stay in the country for work. Clearly, Japan is keen to reach people like you.
Explore how you can take the country up on its interest with our explanation of applying to a Japanese university.
Job opportunities
It's not just the government who are keen to bring in international students – major companies want them, too. Hugely successful businesses across all industries want to hire graduates with global experience and English language skills. Those with degrees in engineering, IT and finance are particularly in demand, but anyone with an international outlook will find an advantage, regardless of the subject they studied.
It is also worth remembering that many of Japan's biggest companies – such as Toyota, Sony and Mitsubishi – have bases around the world. Given this, you may well find opprtunities to take your experience of the country elsewhere.
Whatever your graduation plans may be, it is clear that Japan is making moves to ensure they involve staying around. From April 2024, it will extend the J-Find visa to international graduates of some of its universities, enabling them to stay in the country for up to two years.
Discover more about your options after education with our guide to finding a graduate career in Japan.
Additional financial support
The government also attempts to make studying in Japan easier by providing additional financial support to international students in the form of scholarships and grants. These are offered by both national and local administrations, as well as universities and private foundations.
Notably, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) runs seven different scholarship schemes. These all cover entrance, examination and tuition fees, and sometimes include free Japanese language training. If you take up an undergraduate scholarship, you will also receive JPY 117,000 per month for the duration of your studies.
Elsewhere, the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides not only scholarships, but also support for graduates. This includes both research fellowships for those pursuing further study, and employment support for those entering the world of work.
Want to know more about how you can finance your studies? Read our guide to scholarships in Japan.
High quality of life
Japan is widely regarded as one of the best places to live in the world, and its education system is just one part of that. While living in the country, you will experience a completely unique culture and a landscape that ranges from the ultra-modern to the timelessly beautiful. Better yet, you can do so while feeling safe and secure – it places ninth on the Global Peace Index of nations.
Whether you study in Tokyo – which ranked second on QS Best Student Cities 2024 – or elsewhere, you will quickly notice that Japan is a highly developed place. Its public transport infrastructure in particular is the envy of the world. Why not take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from the capital to Osaka while you're here? You could even make a stop at incredible Mount Fuji along the way.
Has this increased your interest in studying in Japan? We can help you explore the country further. Read our guides to tuition fees in Japan, and student accommodation in Japan. Alternatively, you can prepare yourself for the cultural side of the country with these top things to do in Japan.
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