Students aiming to study abroad and build a bright, rewarding global career need not restrict themselves to popular study destinations, including the US, the UK, Canada, and more. The world is full of lucrative study and work opportunities that can be explored for a lucrative international career.
That said, this blog explores a booming study destination that offers an idyllic amalgamation of education, technology, advancement, unique culture, and traditions – Japan!
This blog covers leading Japanese universities offering top-notch education, state-of-the-art learning and research facilities, lucrative career opportunities, a vibrant campus life, and much more. So, stay with us till the very end to learn about the brilliant opportunities to study in Japan, and build a successful career.
Highlights of studying in Japan
| Available degree programs |
|
| Intakes | Spring, Autumn, and Summer |
| Languages of instruction used by Japanese educational institutions | English, Japanese |
| Average tuition fee for undergraduate programs | Approximately ¥500,000 to ¥1,000,000 per year |
| Average tuition fee for graduate programs | Approximately ¥500,000 to ¥1,500,000 per year |
| Average cost of living | Approximately ¥1,000,000 – ¥1,300,000 per year |
| Exams accepted | GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, etc. |
| Top courses |
|
| Best Japanese cities for international students | Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Yokohama, Sapporo, etc. |
Why should you study in Japan?
If you are exploring overseas education opportunities, below are the top reasons why you should choose to study in Japan:
- Presence of top-notch universities
Japan is home to several world-class universities offering unique courses and top-notch education, entailing a blend of theoretical concepts and new-age practical skills. The latest QS World University Rankings 2025 have listed 45 Japanese universities in its coveted list of top 1,500 institutions across the globe.
- Best STEM programs
Japan is known to offer a variety of programs across different study levels and disciplines. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that the country is especially famous for leading universities offering comprehensive STEM programs renowned worldwide.
- Popularly chosen by international students
According to the latest report, the number of international students studying in Japan as recorded on May 1, 2023, was 280,000. This number is projected to rise in the coming years owing to the brilliant educational and career opportunities provided in the country.
- Thriving economy
The country’s economy is the fourth largest in the world. Being a thriving economy, the country opens doorways to numerous job opportunities across diverse domains. As reported, about 75.9% of new graduates from recognized Japanese universities secured regular employment, which indeed is commendable.
- Unique culture
Japan has a unique, simple yet disciplined culture that will help you hone your personality personally as well as professionally. By choosing to study in Japan, you can immerse yourself in its distinctive culture and savor the delicious cuisine.
Top 10 universities in Japan
Below are listed the top ten universities in Japan along with their QS World University Rankings 2025, location, popular courses offered by these universities, and average tuition fees to pursue education to help you make an informed choice.
| University name | Location | QS World University Rankings 2025 | Popular courses | Average annual tuition fees |
| The University of Tokyo | Tokyo | 32 | Engineering, Economics, Law, Medicine, Education, Arts and Humanities, etc. | ¥520,000 – ¥800,000 approximately |
| Kyoto University | Kyoto | 50 | MBA, Engineering, Agriculture, Energy Science, Medicine, etc. | ¥520,000 – ¥800,000 approximately |
| Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) | Tokyo | 84 | Mathematics, Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, etc. | ¥500,000 – ¥600,000
approximately |
| Osaka University | Osaka City | 86 | Engineering, Science, Economics, Pharmacology, etc. | ¥520,000 – ¥800,000 approximately |
| Tohoku University | Sendai City | 107 | Engineering, Agricultural Bioscience, Arts, etc. | ¥520,000 – ¥800,000 approximately |
| Nagoya University | Nagoya | 152 | Automotive Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biological Science, etc. | ¥520,000 – ¥800,000 approximately |
| Kyushu University | Fukuoka City | 167 | Engineering, Applied Chemistry, Japanese Language, etc. | ¥520,000 – ¥800,000 approximately |
| Hokkaido University | Sapporo | 173 | Economics and Business, Agriculture, Dental Science, Education, etc. | ¥520,000 – ¥800,000 approximately |
| Waseda University | Tokyo | 181 | Economics, Political Science, Commerce, Mathematics, International Relations, etc. | ¥520,000 – ¥800,000 approximately |
| Keio University | Tokyo | 188 | Engineering, Life Sciences and Medicine, Arts and Humanities, Business and Management, etc. | ¥900,000 – ¥950,000 approximately |
Please note: The tuition fee range mentioned in the table above is just for your reference. The tuition fee is subject to change and is at the discretion of the university management.
Career prospects in Japan
• Part-time job opportunities:
One of the best aspects of studying in Japan is being allowed to work part-time as an international student. So, while you are studying, you can alleviate your financial burden, gain work experience, and make some professional connections. Here are some popular part-time jobs:
| Part-time jobs | Average salary per hour |
| Sorting and packing | ¥1,000 – ¥1,200 approximately |
| English teacher | ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 approximately |
| Tutor | ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 approximately |
| Food delivery | ¥1,000 – ¥1,200 approximately |
| Freelancer | ¥1,000 – ¥1,500 approximately |
Please note: These salaries are for your reference only. The actual salary will depend on your skills and the employer.
• Post-Study Job Opportunities
After the completion of degree programs, international students can explore various well-paying job opportunities related to their field of study. Here are some of the popular options:
| Full-time jobs | Average salary per year |
| Engineer | ¥5,000,000-¥6,000,000 approximately |
| Business Analyst | ¥6,000,000-¥6,050,000 approximately |
| English Teacher | ¥2,800,000-¥3,000,000 approximately |
| IT Professional | ¥5,500,000-¥6,000,000 approximately |
| Banker | ¥11,000,000-¥11,210,000 approximately |
Please note: These salaries are for your reference only. The actual salary will depend on your skills, prior work experience, and other critical factors.
For more information on studying in Japan, feel free to explore ApplyBuds. This data-driven intelligent platform empowers you to find the perfect program conforming to your academic background and career aspirations and guides you seamlessly through the application process.
At ApplyBuds, our goal is to ensure you take the necessary steps towards a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Take Charge of Your Future Now!
