All the Details on Study Abroad Costs in Japan 2024 You Need to Know

The cost of studying abroad in Japan is one of the key concerns for many people when researching and planning to study in the Land of the Rising Sun. In today's article, HeyJapan will provide you with the most detailed information on the costs of studying abroad in Japan so that you can prepare your finances ready to conquer this fascinating language.

Is Studying Abroad in Japan Expensive or Affordable? 

Many people wonder how much it costs to study abroad in Japan. In reality, the cost of studying abroad in Japan is not fixed and depends on various factors such as the study program, the school, the living area, and the lifestyle of each individual...

Studying in Japan: Is it Expensive or Affordable? It Depends on Many Factors

The Cost of Studying Abroad in Japan: Affordable

Compared to other developed study destinations like the UK, US, Australia, etc., the cost of studying in Japan is considered moderate and more economical if you ensure self-funded study expenses. The total cost of studying in Japan for one year ranges from 160 million to 300 million Vietnamese dong, depending on the school, study program, living area, and lifestyle of each individual.

With support from scholarships, scholarship programs, part-time work, and preferential policies for international students, you can effectively save on the cost of studying in Japan. The cost of studying in Japan will depend on many factors such as:

- Type of school:

Public/National universities: Lower tuition fees, high-quality education.

Private universities: Higher tuition fees, diverse fields of study, many scholarship programs.

- Study program:

Japanese language: Lower tuition fees.

Major-specific programs: Some majors have higher tuition fees such as medicine, pharmacy, economics, etc.

- Living area:

Big cities: Higher living expenses.

Rural areas: Lower living expenses.

- Phong cách sống:

Personal expenses: Food, shopping, entertainment, etc.

Accommodation: Dormitory, private housing, etc.

Overall, the cost of studying in Japan varies depending on many factors. By choosing suitable factors as mentioned above, you can study in Japan at a lower cost.

Choosing Between Public and Private Universities When Studying in Japan

Costs of studying in Japan in Vietnam/South Korea 

Japanese language study and JLPT exam fees

The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is an exam that assesses Japanese language proficiency and is held twice a year in July and December. The exam fee for the JLPT will depend on the level of the exam as follows:

- JLPT exam fees:

• N1: 5,500 yen
• N2: 5,000 yen
• N3: 4,000 yen
• N4: 3,500 yen
• N5: 3,000 yen

- Japanese language study:

The cost of Japanese language study depends on the training center, the teachers, and the level of investment in your studies. On average, tuition fees at language centers range from 250$ to 500$ VND per 3-month course.

The cost of studying and taking the Japanese language proficiency test is part of the expenses of studying abroad.

If you don't have a lot of funds and are good at self-study, HeyJapan is an excellent suggestion for you in learning Japanese while studying abroad. It's a Japanese language learning app offering a variety of courses from beginner to N3 level, helping you effectively prepare for the JLPT and practice practical Japanese communication skills.

Costs of Applying for Study in Japan 

Preparing an application for studying abroad also requires a certain amount of expenses, including translation, visa application fees, and processing fees at the relevant agencies. It's advisable to calculate these costs beforehand to avoid surprises during these procedures.

The costs of applying for study in Japan include various items such as:

• Study abroad consultation fee: $200 - $500
• Entrance exam fee: 30,000 - 50,000 yen
• Application processing fee: 10,000 - 20,000 yen
• Student health insurance fee: 8,000 yen/month
• Round-trip airfare: $800 - $1300

The total cost of applying for study in Japan ranges from $1500 to $2000. These fees may vary depending on the study abroad consultancy center and program. Some consultancy centers may offer free consultation fees for students applying for study abroad through them. It's recommended to compare prices and services of different study abroad consultancy centers in Japan before making a choice.

Additionally, you'll need to prepare some necessary documents for applying to study in Japan, including:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Highest academic degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Japanese language certificate (JLPT or EJU)
• Resume/CV
• Letter of recommendation
• Proof of financial means

Preparing the Expenses for Applying to Study in Japan

Airfare Costs 

Airfare is an important expense to consider when preparing to study in Japan. The price of airfare depends on several factors such as:

• Airline: Each airline will have different ticket prices. It's advisable to compare prices of different airlines before booking.
• Booking timing: Booking early usually offers cheaper prices compared to booking close to the flight date.
• Type of ticket: Round-trip tickets are usually cheaper than one-way tickets.
• Baggage: The ticket price will be higher if you bring a lot of checked baggage.

Expenses of studying in Japan in Japan 

Monthly Rent and Living Expenses 

The cost of studying in Japan varies depending on the rent and monthly living expenses. These expenses include electricity, water, internet, and food. Here are some expenses to consider when preparing to study abroad in Japan:

- Rent:

• Dormitory: 15,000 - 25,000 yen/month
• Apartment: 30,000 - 60,000 yen/month

- Living expenses:

• Food: 10,000 - 15,000 yen/month
• Electricity, water, gas: 10,000 - 15,000 yen/month
• Transportation: 8,000 - 12,000 yen/month
• Communication: 5,000 - 10,000 yen/month
• Entertainment: 10,000 - 20,000 yen/month

Renting a House in Japan While Studying Abroad Also Incurs Significant Costs

Tuition Fees for Studying Abroad in Japan 

Tuition fees for studying abroad in Japan are the most significant expenses to consider when preparing to study abroad. The tuition fees depend on several factors such as:

• Type of school:

- National/public universities:

Tuition fee: 540,000 yen/year

Admission fee: 282,000 yen

- Private universities:

Tuition fee: 700,000 - 875,000 yen/year

Admission fee: 235,000 - 1,300,000 yen

• Field of study: Some fields of study have higher tuition fees such as medicine, pharmacy, economics, etc.

• Program: Japanese language programs usually have lower tuition fees compared to specialized programs.

Every university has different tuition fees.

Tips for Saving Money on Studying Abroad in Japan

Studying abroad in Japan with reasonable expenses is entirely feasible if you know how to save. Here are some tips for you:

• Apply for scholarships: The Japanese government and Japanese universities frequently offer scholarships to international students. Actively seek out information and apply for scholarships that suit you to alleviate financial burdens.
• Choose public universities: Tuition fees at public universities in Japan are usually lower than private ones. The quality of education at public universities is also highly regarded and comparable to private ones.
• Work part-time: International students are allowed to work up to 28 hours per week. This is an effective way for you to cover living expenses and save money.
• Choose cost-effective living areas: Living costs in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka are higher than in rural areas. Consider living in areas with lower costs to save money.
• Shop smart: Take advantage of promotions and discounts to shop wisely.
• Participate in free activities: Japan offers many free cultural and entertainment activities. Participating in these activities will help you save money and experience local culture.

Working part-time is a way to save money while studying abroad in Japan.​​​​​​​

Studying abroad in Japan is a wonderful journey with many learning and development opportunities. Hopefully, with detailed information on the costs of studying abroad in Japan and money-saving tips shared by HeyJapan, you will be able to financially prepare yourself best for your study abroad dreams.