Studying in Japan as an international student: costs, visa and work rules (2026)
In Japan, tuition at a public university is ¥535,800 / yr for a master’s. There is no fixed amount of money to show for the student visa, you can work 28 h / wk while studying, and you can stay up to 12 months after graduating.
✓ Last checked against official sources: 14 Oct 2026. Every figure links to the government body or university that sets it. No school pays to appear here.
Costs
| Item | Master’s (2 years) | Bachelor’s (4 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, public university | ¥535,800 / yrNational universities’ standard rate; some now charge international students more | ¥535,800 / yrNational universities’ standard rate; some charge international entrants more from April 2027 |
| Tuition, private or top-ranked | ¥800k to ¥1.5MPrivate universities, est. | ¥800k to ¥1.5MPrivate universities, est. |
| Money to show for the visa | No fixed amountProof you can pay tuition and living costs | |
| Health insurance | About ¥25,000 a year (estimate) | |
| Visa and permit fees | About ¥282,000, once (estimate) | |
| Total* | ≈ ¥4,404,000 | ≈ ¥8,525,000 |
*Diplonaut estimate at a public university: the lower tuition figure + the money you must show for the visa (a floor for living costs, not a budget) + health insurance, for the whole degree, plus visa fees once. Tuition, living costs and the job-hunting period after graduation are not yet from an official source. National universities use a standard rate of ¥535,800 a year but may now charge international students more (Tohoku University plans about ¥900,000 from 2027). Check the university.
Visa and entry
| Your passport | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss | Certificate of Eligibility through your university, then a student visa (EU citizens included) |
| All other countries | Certificate of Eligibility through your university, then a student visa at a Japanese embassy |
Work rights
- While studying: 28 h / wk (With permission; 8 h a day in long vacations).
- After graduating: Up to 12 months (Job-hunting status, 6 months renewable once).
Will my degree from Japan be recognized?
Japanese universities, national, public and private, are established with approval from the Ministry of Education (MEXT) and regularly evaluated by accreditation bodies such as NIAD-QE. Degrees from these universities are recognized; check that your program leads to a degree, not a certificate.
Check an institution: NIAD-QE: Japanese quality assurance and degree information
For a bachelor’s: Most universities ask international applicants to take the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission).
By field of study
- No field yet (undecided): You normally apply to a faculty; some universities let you choose later (for example ICU, where the major is chosen at the end of year 2). Moving to a new institution must be reported to immigration within 14 days.
- Medicine or dentistry: Open to international applicants, but only a few places and high Japanese scores (for example Hokkaido: EJU Japanese 385 or more, plus TOEFL iBT 79).
- Art, design or music: International applicants take the EJU plus the university’s own practical, written or oral exams (for example Tokyo University of the Arts).
Recent official changes for Japan
- No rule change for Japan has been tracked in the last months. See all changes by country.
Compare Japan
See Japan next to the other destinations, adjusted to your passport, degree level and field.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Japan?
Tuition at a public university is ¥535,800 / yr a year for a master’s. With the money you must show for the visa and health insurance, a 2-year master’s comes to about ¥4,404,000 in total (Diplonaut estimate).
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Japan?
No fixed amount (Proof you can pay tuition and living costs).
Can I work while studying in Japan?
Yes: 28 h / wk (With permission; 8 h a day in long vacations).
Can I stay in Japan after graduating?
Up to 12 months (Job-hunting status, 6 months renewable once).
Other destinations
Official sources
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan: permission to work as a student
- JASSO: EJU
- Tohoku University: tuition for international students from 2027
- NIAD-QE: Japanese quality assurance and degree information
- ICU: undergraduate policy
- Immigration Services Agency: notification of change of institution
- Hokkaido University: international admissions policy
- Tokyo University of the Arts: self-funded international students
Information, not legal or immigration advice.