Go to the Japan

Get there with the TOEFL iBT® Test.

Why go to Japan?

Japan is an ideal destination for international students, offering world-class education, cultural richness, and future career opportunities. Renowned universities provide excellent programs, many of which are available in English, making them accessible to global learners. Beyond academics, Japan offers a unique cultural experience, blending ancient traditions with modern innovation, which fosters personal growth and a global perspective. Additionally, Japan ensures a welcoming environment for students, offering scholarships and part-time job opportunities to support their studies. Furthermore, studying in Japan opens doors to career prospects in one of the world’s most advanced economies, making it a truly rewarding choice.

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS

Globally recognized universities offering advanced research and English‑taught degree programs
High-quality education with relatively affordable tuition and strong scholarship support
Strong collaboration between universities and global industries enabling practical learning

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Increasing demand for international talent with global perspectives and cross-cultural skills
Well-structured pathways from university graduation to professional work visas
Government-led initiatives and visa programs to attract and retain global professionals

Study in Japan

REGION: East Asia
LANGUAGE: Japanese
CURRENCY: JPY (¥)
TIME ZONES: UTC+9
CLIMATE: Seasonal temperate climate

Life in Japan: What to Expect

Living in Japan offers international students a safe, well-organized, and culturally rich environment. The country is known for its welcoming culture and highly reliable public transportation, making it easy to travel comfortably within cities and across regions.

Students can choose from a variety of housing options, including university dormitories, share houses, and private apartments, with flexibility to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Daily life is convenient and manageable, supported by accessible amenities, affordable dining, and efficient infrastructure.

Beyond everyday comfort, students experience a unique blend of traditional culture and modern innovation, from historic sites and seasonal festivals to cutting-edge technology, pop culture, and local cuisine. Strong support systems, including a nationwide health insurance program and university-based services, further help international students adapt smoothly to life in Japan.

Work & Practical Experience Opportunities

While on a student visa, international students in Japan may engage in part-time work or internships only after obtaining the appropriate authorization.

For full-time employment after graduation, students must obtain a relevant job offer and change their visa status to a professional work visa.

International students can gain work experience through the following pathways:

Part‑Time Work Permission (Permission to Engage in Activities Outside Status)
International students must apply for official permission to work. Once approved, they may work up to 28 hours per week during the academic term, and longer hours during university-designated vacation periods, provided that work does not interfere with their studies.

Internships through University or External Programs
Some universities offer internships as part of their academic programs, which may contribute to students’ professional development.
Availability, structure, and whether academic credit is awarded vary by institution, and internships are not governed by a single nationwide system.

Designated Activities Visa (Post‑Graduation Job‑Hunting)
After graduation, eligible students may apply for a “Designated Activities” visa that allows them to remain in Japan for a limited period to continue job hunting. This status is not automatic and requires application and approval.

Work Visa Transition (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
International graduates who secure employment may change their status to a professional work visa.

This typically requires that the job is related to their field of study and meets immigration requirements regarding role, qualifications, and employer conditions.

Important note:
Unlike some countries, Japan does not offer a general post-graduation work authorization period that allows unrestricted employment. Graduates must obtain a qualifying job and change their visa status before engaging in full-time professional work.

Understanding Japan Immigration & Entry Pathways

Individuals come to Japan for a variety of purposes, including academic study, professional employment, technical training, and cultural or exchange activities.

Requirements vary depending on the purpose of stay and the applicable status of residence, but language proficiency (Japanese or English, depending on the program or role) is often required by educational institutions or employers.

In Japan, entry is granted through a visa issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate, and activities after arrival are governed by a “status of residence,” which defines the permitted scope of study, work, or other activities.

Because processes differ by purpose and visa category, these resouces provide authoritative guidance on studying, working, and living in Japan:

STUDY IN JAPAN OFFICIAL WEBSITE (MEXT/JASSO)

Government‑approved portal with comprehensive information on studying in Japan, including visas, education systems, scholarships, and student life

IMMIGRATION & VISA PROCEDURES (STUDY IN JAPAN WEBSITE)

Overview of immigration procedures for international students, including Certificate of Eligibility (COE), visa application, and residence status

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN (MOFA)

Official information on visa categories, application requirements, and procedures through Japanese embassies and consulates

IMMIGRATION SERVICES AGENCY OF JAPAN (ISA)

Detailed guidance on status of residence categories, permitted activities, and immigration procedures within Japan

JAPAN STUDENT SERVICES ORGANIZATION (JASSO)

Information on study opportunities, scholarships, and support services for international

English is the Bridge to Every Destination.

Many universities and employers in Japan require proof of English proficiency, and TOEFL iBT is one of the most widely accepted tests for this purpose. In addition, some institutions—particularly national universities, top-tier institutions, and science/engineering or graduate programs—may also require proof of English proficiency even for programs taught primarily in Japanese, depending on the field and admissions policy.

How TOEFL® Supports You

TOEFL iBT test is widely accepted by leading Japanese universities—including many national and top-tier institutions—and is recognized by government scholarship programs such as those offered by MEXT as a reliable measure of English proficiency.

Explore test prep, score requirements, and more to take the next step toward your future in Japan.

START YOUR PREP START YOUR JOURNEY

Frequently Asked Questions

Start by focusing on the factors that matter most to you, such as whether the program is taught in English, your intended field of study, tuition and living costs, location, scholarship options, and career pathways after graduation. If you may want to build a future in Japan, also look at internship access, employer connections, Japanese-language support, and whether the university offers career services for international students. Always review each institution’s admissions requirements and confirm that it is a recognized higher education institution in Japan.

In Japan, universities generally offer four-year undergraduate degrees and also may offer graduate programs. Junior colleges usually offer shorter programs, often lasting two years, and tend to be more specialized. If you are looking for an English-taught degree and long-term academic or professional opportunities, universities will usually offer the widest range of options.

Undergraduate study is the first stage of university education after secondary school and leads to a bachelor’s degree or, in some cases, a junior college qualification. Graduate study comes after a bachelor’s degree and includes master’s and doctoral programs. In Japan, many English-taught options are available at both levels, especially in internationally focused and research-based fields.

Junior college qualification: Typically a two-year program that offers focused academic or career-oriented study. These programs may appeal to students seeking a shorter course of study, although English-taught options are more limited than at universities.
Bachelor’s degree: Usually a four-year program that combines study in your major with broader academic coursework. Many leading universities in Japan offer selected bachelor’s programs fully or partly in English.

Master’s degree: An advanced degree that typically takes one to two years and allows you to deepen your expertise in a specific field. Japan offers a growing number of English-taught master’s programs, particularly in STEM (Engineering and Science), Business and Economics, International Relations and Public Policy, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, and Life Sciences.
Doctoral degree: A research-focused advanced program that usually takes several years to complete. Many Japanese universities offer doctoral study with strong research support, and some programs can be completed substantially or entirely in English depending on the field and supervisor.

At many universities in Japan, the academic year begins in April and ends in March for programs taught in Japanese, with breaks between terms. In contrast, international or English-taught programs are typically offered with a September or fall intake. Depending on the university, the calendar may be organized by semesters, quarters, or other term structures.

For undergraduate study, applicants generally need to have completed 12 years of schooling or an equivalent qualification. In some cases, applicants must also meet minimum age or eligibility rules set by law or by the institution. There is not usually a strict upper age limit, but each university sets its own admissions requirements, so it is important to check the specific criteria for the program you want to join.

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