WHY STUDY IN JAPAN

Japanese universities have a global reputation for excellence and innovation, with 10 institutions ranked in the world top 200 by the QS World University Rankings 2021. High quality education and cutting-edge research make Japan an appealing study abroad destination. Now that Japan has accomplished its goal of welcoming 300,000 overseas students annually by 2020, you will find more opportunities to interact not only with Japanese students but other international students from around the globe.

Japan has it all — bustling cities with cutting-edge fashion and technology, serene snow- capped peaks, tropical beaches and 23 World Heritage Sites, not to mention the world-renowned cuisine, hot springs, cherry blossoms and summer festivals. If you want an extraordinary experience in an incomparable setting, then Japan is the country for you.

You may ask, “But I don’t speak Japanese, so how can I study in Japan?” Not a problem! Even if you don’t speak a word of the lingo, there are still hundreds of study options available as Japanese universities now offer short-term programmes and full-time degrees delivered entirely in English — and the number of courses grows every year. You will of course have the opportunity to take Japanese classes on the side, and, with a little effort, you can acquire a good level of proficiency by the time you complete your studies. Many international students acquire level N2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) before they graduate.

Studying in Japan not only provides a chance to broaden your horizons and experience a new culture, it will also boost your career prospects. Reports consistently show that candidates with study abroad experience are highly valued by employers as they develop key soft skills such as cultural awareness, adaptability, determination and patience — all attributes that are transferable into the workplace. And if you can acquire Japanese language skills while studying abroad, you’ll further boost your career opportunities and earning potential. If you want to stay in Japan to gain work experience, the good news is that Japanese companies from small-scale start-ups to world famous brands are looking to recruit internationally to support their global strategies, meaning there are more work opportunities for international graduates than ever before!

Tuition fees in Japan compare favourably to most other study abroad destinations, and despite what you might think, living expenses are comparatively low in Japan. According to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), average monthly spending for international students comes out to ¥146,000 including tuition fees, which is less than £1,100 ($1,400)! Also, there is a wide range of scholarship opportunities available to international students, including full or partial tuition fee waivers or a monthly stipend. For instance, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has some fantastic scholarships at all levels that offer a generous monthly stipend.