Japan is home to the top accredited universities around the world. Studying in Japan for Nepali students is appealing because of the high-quality academic programs and research facilities.
As per the data obtained in June 2023, over 156,000 Nepalis are currently living in Japan. This signifies how Japan is a global hub for immigrants, and Nepalese have been recorded as the largest South Asian community located in Japan.
A wide range of programs, like engineering, science, medicine, business, and the humanities, are among the top. Get an opportunity to join a technologically advanced Japanese society. But first, learn the Japanese language to get a study permit.
Why Study in Japan?
Get global exposure and diverse job opportunities in Nepal. It's equally important to know about the globally recognized education system in Nepal, adhere to visa requirements, and quickly apply for a Japanese visa
1. Globally accredited education system
Legal education in Japan, or, let's say, the education system in Japan itself, is globally accredited. It is internationally recognized and considered among the top 5. As per the 2024 THE – QS World University Rankings, 51 universities from Japan are listed for highly regarded education.
2. Professional Networking
Networking in Japan can open doors to career opportunities, collaboration, and cultural insights. Potentially collaborate, participate in panel discussions, attend industry-related events, and expand your network virtually as well.
3. Research prospects
Japan is a research hub, and Nepal has long-lasting academic ties with the nation. Under the student exchange program and research collaborations, one can access robotics, engineering, material science, and even valuable research contributions. Earthquake engineering, disaster management, agriculture, and food technology are some of the key research foci at University in Japan.
4. Scholarships and Financial Aids
The MEXT scholarship is a prestigious scholarship that offers financial support for Nepali students pursuing research in Japan. Every academic session, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) provides scholarships to students with merit based, and even need-based once they find your academic potential and see a brimming future in you.
5. Safe and Peaceful Environment
Japan is widely known for its low criminal rates. One of the safest countries globally has clean, efficient transportation and a respectful culture. Be respectful of local customs and reshape your learning experience in Japan.
6. Language Acquisition
The Japanese language has distinct features like verb conjugations, a writing system (Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji), sentence structure, and even formal education in Japan.
The education system in Japan
Did you know? Japan has a compulsory scheme of 6 years of elementary school, then 3 years of lower secondary school, and 3 years of upper secondary school. In Japan, higher education starts after 12 years of education.
1. Colleges of Technology (Kōsen)
In Japan, there are 51 national colleges (managing 55 national Kōsen). Japan is best for bachelor's degrees in engineering, IT, material science, physics, system engineering, and diverse technological fields.
Colleges of Technology in Japan provide hands-on engineering, practical, and technical education. One can enroll in colleges of technology in Japan after 9th grade in the North American system and after 10th grade in the British educational system.
It offers an associate degree in engineering and related fields upon course completion. The course duration is five years, while the duration extends to five and a half years for mercantile marine studies. Some of the top colleges are the National Institute of Technology, Toyohashi College, and Muroran Institute of Technology.
2. Vocational Schools (Senmon Gakkō)
Japan’s vocational schools are known as senmon gakkō (専門学校), meaning the postsecondary course of specialized training colleges. The school focuses mainly on various practical skills, and the duration may range from one to three years.
Students are eligible to enroll in vocational schools after lower secondary school or upper secondary school (year thirteen in the British system or grade twelve in the North American system).
Passed-out students are often awarded a diploma or certificate in a specific field of study. Institutes in Japan offering vocational education are the Tokyo Academy of Beauty and Cosmetology, Yoyogi Animation School, and Japan Culinary Academy.
3. Junior colleges (Tanki Daigaku)
Japanese junior colleges are higher learning institutions that differ from universities in that they provide two years of an interim course plan and play a role in developing capable professional workers.
After upper secondary school, enroll in junior colleges if you want general education and specialized career training. An associate degree is awarded, but only for specific programs. Kyoto Junior College of Foreign Languages, Kyoritsu Women's University Junior College, and Teikyo University of Technology Junior College are a few that you can consider.
4. Universities (undergraduate)
Undergraduate universities offer academic degrees in a wide range of disciplines. Engineering, humanities, social sciences, and technological fields are a few to name. Choose from prestigious universities, like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University, for global learning and research facilities.
The transition from high school to earning a recognized bachelor's degree. Commit to a four-year program at the university for undergraduate courses. Excited folks to unveil what undergraduate courses in Japan look like!
5. Graduate Schools
International students can propel their academic journey through advanced study programs like engineering and the humanities and hone their expertise in graduate schools. Japan offers prestigious Master's degrees (2 years) or Doctoral degrees (3 years), taking academic pursuit to new heights through diverse fields with recognized education credentials.
Processing Steps for a Japan visa
Still confused about Japanese education? Be not, as Macro Hub Educational Consultancy has come up with the right processing steps for you.
One can process a visa for Japan in tourist, work, student, and other categories. Let's inquire more from the point of view of student visas in Japan.
1. Eligibility requirements
First of all, screening students and helping them secure admission to recognized Japanese educational institutions. Ensure that you have sufficient funds and financial proof to cover living expenses and tuition fees.
Arrange your overseas health insurance coverage. Also, your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Japan.
2. Application Process
Once you check through the eligibility requirements and ensure you are a good fit, you can now begin the application process. Collect the required documents—application form, financial statements, school acceptance letter, passport photos, health insurance proof, and other required documents—to begin with Japan Visa processing.
Once you arrange your visa document, you can now lodge a visa for your desired destination by applying directly online or through an agency. For additional assistance, you can contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country and even visit them.
3. Interview Preparation
Research potential interview questions, know about specific interview formats, attire, and delivery techniques, and articulate responses. Participate in mock interviews to bring that confidence and clarity factor within you. Dress professionally and prepare for instant questions at interviews.
4. Visa decision and Arrival
Usually, Japanese student visa decisions come between two weeks and three months. You will be informed about your visa decision via email by the Japanese Admission Council.
Congratulations! Once the visa is accepted, you can collect it from the embassy. Take a dream flight to Japan, submit visa documents, and complete immigration.
Cost of Living in Japan: A Detailed Overview
Planning to live in Japan for study purposes? Let us help you break down monthly expenditures and help you access living expenses in Japan every month.
Living expenses in Japan | Monthly expenditure (in Yen) |
---|---|
Groceries (self-cooking) | ¥20,000-30,000 |
Occasional eating Out | ¥1,000-2,000 per serving |
Public transport | ¥3,000-5,000 |
Rent | ¥50,000-70,000 |
Mobile Phone | ¥3,000-5,000 |
Utilities | ¥10,000-20,000 |
Your lifestyle, location, and entertainment needs can alter your estimated budget. Track your spending habits, and start budgeting for unpredictable events too. So, what’s the estimated monthly budget for students in Japan?
Types | Amenities | Monthly Budget |
---|---|---|
Minimalistic Budget | Self-cooking, accommodation in suburbs, limited outings | ¥100,000-150,000 |
Moderate Budget | comfortable accommodation, occasional eating out, and some entertainment | ¥150,000-200,000 |
Significant Lifestyle | regular dining out, frequent travel, larger apartment | ¥200,000+ |
Living in Japan, especially around Tokyo, can get pretty expensive. The above is a brief guide on how you can set your budget and navigate daily life essentials. Make sure you explore scholarship and financial aid options to reduce the cost burden before applying to study in Japan. And the rest is about adjustment and sincere work that pays off.
Job Opportunities in Japan for Students
International students face difficulty meeting the needs of countries like Japan. But don’t worry, you are allowed to work part-time in Japan, which offers a standard minimum wage per hour of work (1002 JPY/Hour in 2023), with bonuses as well. It was 961 JPY/Hour in 2022, which proves that Japanese workers are paid well.
International students in Japan are allowed to work up to 28 hours a week. You can do more than one job, but the shift hours should be a combination of both.
1. Convenience Store worker
In Japan, convenience stores are always looking for part-time workers, so you can also work free hours and make money there.
2. Restaurant server
In the early days of struggle, one can also work in a restaurant, but make sure you are skilled in Japanese to greet and serve people well.
3. Cafe Barista
Cafes are popular in Japan, and students can work as part-time workers in cafes too, with a minimum wage rate of ¥1,070 per hour.
4. English tutor
Native English speakers can also work part-time as English tutors based on their qualifications and experience in English, which is around ¥2,000 per hour.
5. Other jobs
Data entry internships, teaching assistants, and freelance work such as writing, translating, and graphic design are a few you can try your luck at.
Apart from these, if you are looking for promising career options post-study,. There are lucrative job prospects, which you can learn about below.
6. Information Technology (IT)
IT professional jobs are in demand in Japan, and their popularity has been increasing since the evolution of AI technology. Software development, hardware engineering, programmers, and coders are a few roles that have been demanded in the Japanese job market, making the most of their cutting-edge technology. The pay is somewhere between 3.8 M JPY to 5 M JPY.
7. Health care
The demand for qualified nurses, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in Japan’s age-care system has been dramatically increasing. Upgrade Japanese language skills, practice work etiquette, and professionally network in Japan.
Entry-level nurses can make an average salary of 2.8 million JPY and can make as much as 4.5 M JPY with years of experience in the same field. Caregivers salaries may vary accordingly.
8. Agriculture and Food processing
Japan mostly grows rice paddies in the countryside, and barley, wheat, and sweet potatoes are among its other productions.
Only a few are employed in this sector, but Nepalese have been a great fit in this industry, contributing to the major economic growth of Japan. One earns between JPY 200,000 to 480,000, in agriculture in Japan.
Research the eligibility criteria for study in Japan, then accordingly arrange visa documents and apply for a student visa in Japan, referring to the procedures on the Japanese Embassy website to go to Japan from Nepal with a study permit.
Japan is a suitable destination where you can study and work. Nepalese students can also work full-time after graduation in Japan, as they are qualified under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program.
The official requirement for a student visa depends on the program and university. Getting qualified for the N5 JLPT is still recommended when you are planning to obtain a Japanese student visa from Nepal.