Japan is one of the favourite destinations for international students, including those from Nepal. The nation is home to some of the top universities and includes everything from rich culture, vibrant culture, high-quality education and affordable cost of living. So, it's not surprising that each year, thousands apply for opportunities to pursue academics due to many good reasons to study abroad in Japan.
This comprehensive blog discusses the key reasons for
studying in Japan, along with the top courses that are available to you depending on your aspirations and needs. We also walk through the cost of studying in this dream nation, university requirements and scholarships provided to make your life easier. With this in mind, let's get started!
Reason To Study Abroad In Japan From Nepal

As mentioned earlier, Japan is one of the attractive study destinations for Nepali students, as studying here is a great way to broaden your academic horizon and get world class education. Besides the obvious reasons, there are many good reasons to study abroad in Japan, and some of the key benefits include.
1. Quality of Education
One of the major benefits that Japan offers is its university seeking the highest standard of academic excellence to its international students. The institutions here are equipped with distinguished educators and tutors. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical learning. Their academic excellence also prepares you for a long-term career.
2. Safety and Security
Japan is one of the safest nations in the world. The country’s political stability with the lowest crime rates gives you a sense of security for pursuing undisturbed learning. This reassuring atmosphere provides students peace of mind. As a result, it is also not a challenging task to settle into the Japanese way of life.
3. Worldwide Recognition
Another reason to study in Japan is its diverse, multicultural environment. This means a golden opportunity to be part of the technologically advanced course of studies. The good news is also that the educational qualification from Japan is globally valid. After graduation, you can take advantage of the degree from this country to seek employment around the globe.
4. Global Exposure and Networking
As you start your academic journey here, you are able to connect with the different students and professionals coming from various backgrounds, cultures, industries and fields to build a network and connection. This form of exposure develops a deeper understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity. Also, it expands your worldview and cultural sensitivity and fosters adaptability.
5. Multicultural Environment
The country is relatively closer to Nepal and shares Asian values. This means you could come across a strong Nepalese community that can further smooth your transition. A rich and varied cultural environment, along with mouth-watering cuisines, attracts international students each year. Overall, studying here provides you with the opportunity to meet new people.
6. Affordable Tuition Fees
Another reason to study abroad in Japan lies in its affordability. The specific cost varies based on your lifestyle choices, educational expenses and other factors. However, as per our estimation, you require a total average sum of ¥ 15,37,335 per year($1000). This amount roughly equates to NPR. 13,33,740. While the said fee might seem quite a lot, do note that this includes everything from student visa fees and entrance fees to living expenses and tuition fees for a year. As a result, this is, in fact, a fairer price. If you are looking at the tuition fees, then it would cost you from around ¥5,00,000 to ¥12,00,000.
7. Part-time work opportunities
Last but not least, Japan follows work while studying policy. This means the country lets you work part-time in places such as factories, restaurants and as English tutors. As a result, you are able to manage your expenses and reduce the financial burden. Not just financially, but these work opportunities up to 20 hours during studies while full time during semester break or weekends.
Top Courses To Study In Japan

Now that you are familiar with the top reasons to study abroad in Japan, let's shift our focus wide range of courses for students deciding to study in the country. Although the ideal course depends on your circumstances, some of the best courses are as follows.
- Liberal Arts
- Science and Technology
- Business Management
- Agriculture
- Accounting
- Finance
- Architectural
- Law
- Engineering
- Data Science
As you might have guessed, these are only a few courses that you can pursue to advance your educational journey, whether it be an undergraduate, postgraduate, doctorate or professional degree. However, depending on your personal ambition and goals, there might be more courses available to you from QS and other universities.
Cost For Studying In Japan

Before dealing in detail with the requirements for studying in Japan, let's throw light on the cost involved in the overall cost of studying in the country. So, what is the total
cost of studying in Japan from Nepal? The honest answer to this is it depends. In general, the cost depends on the university of your choice. The details regarding the cost of studying in this nation include.
1. Tuition cost
Tuition cost for studying is the first thing that you need to take into account. This aspect primarily varies on the type and reputation of colleges and universities for your studies. We have prepared the details of costs based on the program you’re applying for.
Level of costs |
Cost in Yen(¥) |
Cost in NPR(Rs.) |
Undergraduate course |
¥5,00,000 to ¥10,00,000
|
Rs. 4,35,878
to Rs. 8,71,756
|
Postgraduate course |
¥3,00,000 to ¥12,00,000 |
Rs. 261,526 to Rs. 10,46,107 |
2. Accommodation Cost
Accommodation cost is another key factor that contributes to the cost of studying in Japan for Nepali students. The living cost varies greatly depending on your place of stay between the countryside or major cities such as Tokyo, Osawa, and Yokohama. Regardless, we have prepared the details regarding accommodation costs.
Type of housing |
Cost in Yen(¥) |
Cost in NPR(Rs.) |
University Dormitories |
¥30,000 to ¥50,000
|
Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 44,000 |
Shared Houses |
¥30,000 to ¥60,000 |
Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 52,500 |
Private Appartments |
¥50,000 to ¥80,000 |
Rs. 44,000 to Rs. 70,000 |
3. Cost of Living
Last but not least, a significant aspect that contributes to the overall cost of the study is the average cost of living in Japan. The specific living cost is variable as it depends on several factors. Now, we take a look at the cost of living that you need to keep in mind.
General Expenses |
Cost in Yen(¥) per month |
Cost in NPR(Rs) per month |
Food(Groceries) |
¥20,000 to ¥30,000
|
Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 26,300 |
Utilities(Water, Electricity Bill, Gas) |
¥14,000 to ¥20,000
|
Rs. 12,200 to Rs. 17,500 |
Transportation(subway, buses) |
¥10,000 to ¥15,000
|
Rs. 8,800 to Rs. 14,000 |
Book and study materials(per semester) |
¥5,000 to ¥10,000
|
Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 8,800 |
Entertainment and fun activities |
¥5,000 to ¥10,000
|
Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 8,800 |
Personal Expenses |
¥10,000 to ¥15,000
|
Rs. 8,800 to Rs. 14,000 |
Total |
¥90,000 to ¥1,80,000
|
Rs.79,500 to Rs 157800 |
Requirements For Studying In Japanese Universities
Getting a student visa is undoubtedly one of the essential aspects of pursuing higher education here. So one thing that you need to consider is the requirements that can and do vary depending on the level of education and your chosen course. The following breakdown is the general requirement.
1. Academic Qualifications
Before doing anything else, make sure that you meet the academic qualifications. This means you need to complete the 12 years of high school before applying. That said, the course offered in the English language requires your high school transcript or diploma along with the university’s entrance exam or similar standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT. The general admission requirements include.
- A minimum of 2.5 to 3 GPA out of 4 scale in +2 is required to qualify for the undergraduate program.
- Most universities here require a 2.5-3 out of 4 scale in Bachelor's degree in order to be considered for a Master’s degree.
2. Language Proficiency
Not just academic qualifications, international students who want to enrol in universities in Japan need to take part in Japanese language classes for at least a year or more. By doing this, you can feel competent in the particular language. That said, in order to study in Japan after the 12th from Nepal, you need to pass the N5 Japanese language proficiency, JLPT. However, this N5 Japanese language proficiency is not mandatory if you decide to choose from either an undergraduate or postgraduate program. You need to demonstrate a strong commitment to studying Japanese for a better experience.
3. Visa and Documentation
As an international student from Nepal, the important requirement for studying at the university is to have the correct qualifications and documentation. Some of the key documents that you need to include to continue your application process include.
- Photocopy of a valid passport
- Certified copies of academic records, transcripts and character references.
- A letter of recommendation,
- A personal statement regarding study goals and gap year certificate,
- Citizenship certificate.
- Business and income verification
- Property ownership proof
- Proof of your financial stability
- Submit your birth certificate with the photo,
- Tax clearance certificate and annual income statement
Scholarships for International Students in Japan
Although studying in the country can be costly if you are not in a strong financial position, a wide range of scholarships and grant programs can make your stay affordable. These are typically offered by the government, private universities and organisations. Let's take a closer look at some of the best scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship Type |
Scholarship Provider |
Expense Covered |
MEXT |
Japanese Government Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Technology |
Tuition fees, accommodation and monthly stipend |
Private scholarships |
Available from private foundations, organisations and universities |
Cover tuition cost and living expenses |
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program |
Private University |
Fully funded for tuition fees, accommodation and monthly living stipend |
Jasso
|
Range of universities |
Covers partial tuition fees and a monthly stipend |
Japan Youth Exchange Program in Science |
Postgraduate Research |
Financial aid depends on your chosen university |
Conclusion
Studying in Japan can be a breath of fresh air, as it provides you with the combination of academic excellence, cultural immersion and future growth. By preparing well, you can have a good time studying abroad. Don't forget to apply for a scholarship and aid program. Also, consider part-time work and internships to succeed in your career. After you obtain the prestigious qualification, this opens the door to a wide range of opportunities both within the county and any part of the world.
In this blog we discussed the key aspects of the top reasons to study abroad in Japan, along with cost, requirements and courses to choose from. If you seek further insight into other aspects of studying in Japan, then do check some of our other blogs. If you are looking for the best education consultancy for Japan or have queries regarding the application process, then contact AIMS Education.
Thank you for reading till the end!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Japan the best for education?
Japan is best for education due to the following reasons.
- Exceptional academics
- Affordable tuition fees
- Safe and secure learning environment
- Work opportunities
- Post graduation pathways
- Networking and collaboration
2. Can I study Japanese for free?
Yes, of course, you can study Japanese for free. To do this, you can take advantage of the variety of free online resources such as.
- Apps like Duolingo, Memrise and Tae Kim’s guide
- Online courses
- JF Japanese e-learning Minato from Japan Foundation
3. Are scholarships available for international students in Japan?
Yes, scholarships are available for international students that are typically offered by government, organisations and private universities. This ranges from MEXT, Jasso and the Japan Youth Exchange Program in Science. Such scholarship depends on factors such as your financial needs and academic merits for the undergraduate or postgraduate program.
4. What are the living costs for students in Japan?
The living cost varies depending on several aspects such as your lifestyle, place of stay, and spending habits. However, the average living cost ranges between ¥90,000 to ¥1,80,000(Rs. 79,500 and Rs. 157,800).
5. Do I need to know Japanese to study in Japan?
No, you don't need to know Japanese to study in Japan if you attend the English-taught program at university. In case you wish to attend a university taught in Japanese, then you require a certain level of Japanese language proficiency.