Japan, a country which blends modern innovation with ancient tradition, is becoming a top destination for the international student. Japan gives UK students a rewarding academic experience and a doorway to Asia's vibrant job market with its top-notch universities, distinctive cultural experiences, and expanding number of English-taught programs. The following explains why thousands of international students, many of whom are from the UK, choose Japan:
Academic Excellence: Universities such as Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo are consistently ranked in the top 100 worldwide.
Clean and Safe Environment: With low crime rates and first-rate public infrastructure, Japan is among the safest nations in the world.
Technological Leadership: Japan leads the world in innovation and exposes students to state-of-the-art research and development.
Immersion in Culture: Study Japanese, take part in customary celebrations, and visit temples and shrines that date back hundreds of years.
Scholarship Opportunities: Studying is now more affordable thanks to generous scholarships offered by Japanese universities and the government.
Gateway to Asia: Japan's advantageous location makes it simple to access other Asian markets for employment and internship opportunities.
The following criteria must be met by UK students in order to apply for a student visa:
Students in the UK must submit the following:
Visa processing normally takes 5 to 10 working days after the visa application is submitted to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate. However, students should begin preparations at least 3 months in advance to allow time for documentation and Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) issuance.
Japan is home to several esteemed institutions. The following are the best choices for overseas students:
| University | QS Ranking 2024 | Location | Known For |
| University of Tokyo | #28 | Tokyo | Engineering, Law, Economics |
| Kyoto University | #46 | Kyoto | Science, Medicine, Humanities |
| Osaka University | #80 | Osaka | Biotechnology, Physics |
| Tohoku University | #82 | Sendai | Materials Science, Robotics |
| Tokyo Institute of Tech | #91 | Tokyo | Engineering, IT |
| Nagoya University | #112 | Nagoya | Chemistry, Aerospace |
Japan offers a wide range of programs in English and Japanese. Popular fields include:
The cost of tuition varies by program and institution:
Living expenses depend on the city and lifestyle:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (¥) | Monthly Cost (£) |
| Accommodation | ¥30,000–¥60,000 | £160–£320 |
| Food | ¥20,000–¥30,000 | £110–£160 |
| Transport | ¥5,000–¥10,000 | £27–£55 |
| Utilities & Internet | ¥10,000–¥15,000 | £55–£82 |
| Miscellaneous | ¥10,000–¥20,000 | £55–£110 |
| Total | ¥80,000–¥135,000 | £430–£730 |
Japan provides several scholarships for UK and other international students:
Step 1: Choose a Japanese university or college that offers the program you want to pursue. Submit your application and the necessary academic documents. An official letter of admission will be issued by the institution upon acceptance.
Step 2: The Japanese institution will submit an application for a Certificate of Eligibility on your behalf to the Immigration Bureau following your admission. This document confirms your eligibility to travel to Japan for academic purposes. Usually, the CoE procedure takes four to eight weeks.
Step 3: Gather all the necessary documents for your visa application once you receive the CoE. These consist of:
Step 4: Submit your visa application at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the UK. Ensure all documents are complete and accurate. You might be asked to provide more details or attend an interview.
Step 5: After submission, visa processing normally takes 5 to 10 working days. However, students are advised to start their preparations at least three months in advance to accommodate the CoE issuance and documentation process
Step 6: Your passport will be returned with the student visa attached after it has been approved. To ensure accuracy, carefully review the visa details.
Step 7: Show your visa and CoE at immigration when you arrive in Japan. You will be issued a residence card at the airport. Register your local address at the municipal office within 14 days of your arrival and enroll in Japan's National Health Insurance program.
After graduation, students in the UK can apply for:
