ALL ABOUT the conditions for studying abroad in Japan and the most detailed answers

Japan - an advanced country with high-quality education, is an attractive destination for international students. To make your journey to study in Japan smooth and complete, you need to understand the conditions for studying abroad in Japan. This article from HeyJapan will provide the most detailed information about studying in Japan and the things you need to know. Let’s find out now!

What is special about the study abroad program in Japan compared to other programs?

What makes the Japanese study abroad program attractive to international students:

Advantages of the Japanese study abroad program compared to other programs 

• Top-notch education quality: Japan is famous for its high-quality education system, ranked in the top 10 in the world.
• Diverse job opportunities: After graduation, international students can stay and work in Japan with attractive salaries, professional working environments, and high promotion opportunities.

Diverse Job Opportunities: One of the Advantages of Studying in Japan

• Affordable Study Abroad Costs: Compared to other developed countries, the cost of studying in Japan is relatively low, helping you save on your budget. However, this also depends on the school and city you choose to study in.
• Unique Culture: Japan boasts a unique culture that blends tradition and modernity. International students can participate in cultural experiences such as festivals, fireworks displays, or visits to famous temples and historical sites.

How Much Financial Proof is Required?

According to the Ministry of Education, to apply for a student visa to Japan, international students must provide financial proof. You need to show that you have at least 1,200,000 yen per year (approximately 240 million VND) to cover basic expenses such as tuition, food, living, and transportation. Additionally, it is advisable to have a reserve fund for unforeseen expenses like medical insurance or emergencies.

Does studying abroad in Japan have minimum GPA regulations?

Many young people wonder what academic qualifications are needed to study in Japan. In reality, to apply for study programs in Japan, international students must ensure that they have a relatively good academic record. Typically, schools require a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Studying abroad in Japan requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher 

However, grades are not the only determining factor. Students also need to provide relevant academic documents such as transcripts, English proficiency certificates, and recommendation letters from professors or reputable individuals.

Is studying abroad in Japan allowed to work part-time?

International students are allowed to work part-time in Japan, provided they meet the following conditions:

• Obtain permission for part-time work, usually in jobs like serving, housekeeping, or retail.
• Work hours should not exceed 28 hours per week.
• They must not engage in illegal or morally questionable work.

Students also need a part-time work permit (shikakugai katsudo kyoka) issued by their university. Without this permit, students may face penalties and possible deportation.

What kinds of scholarships can international students apply?

Japan offers a variety of scholarships for international students, with more than 10 types available. These scholarships can come from the government, non-governmental organizations, or universities.

 

There are more than 10 types of scholarships for Japanese students 

• MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship: Provided by the Japanese government, this scholarship is available for international students pursuing undergraduate, college, or postgraduate programs in Japan.
• University Scholarships: Most universities have scholarship policies for international students. Information on these scholarships can be found on the official university websites or by contacting their admissions offices.

What public transportation is popular in Japan?

Japan is famous for its developed and modern public transportation system, meeting the needs of international students, including:

• Subway (Railways): One of the most modern and convenient transportation methods, known for its punctuality and short waiting times.
• Buses: Common in rural areas, small towns, or suburbs, and usually cheaper than the subway.
• Shinkansen (Bullet Train): A high-speed train connecting major cities.

Is there a Vietnamese student community in Japan?

The Vietnamese student community in Japan is the largest at this time. They often organize social, study, and support activities to help each other in daily life. Universities also host meetups and events for Vietnamese students to connect and share experiences.

What admission periods are there for international students during the year?

The enrollment period for studying in Japan depends on the school and program. Generally, there are two main enrollment periods in April and October, with additional enrollments in January and October in some areas and universities.

April Enrollment (Spring): The main enrollment period starts in April and ends in March the following year. Most academic programs follow this schedule.

October Enrollment (Fall): Some universities have an enrollment period in October, suitable for students starting their studies in the fall.

Admission periods for international students in Japan  

If you have hepatitis B, is it eligible to study abroad in Japan?

If you have hepatitis B, you can still study in Japan, but you must comply with medical regulations and provide detailed medical information when applying for a visa. Before going to Japan, consult your doctor and prepare proper prevention and treatment measures.

Do you need a medical examination to study abroad in Japan? Do you get tattoos when you study in Japan?

A health check is a prerequisite for studying in Japan. You must prove that you are in good health to participate in academic programs. Tattoos are permitted if they are small, in writing, or in hidden places. 

What are you going to study in Japan and what kind of work are you going to do? What are the study hours in Japan? How are your hours? What kind of work is allowed in Japan? What is the average monthly salary I get?

In Japan, you will participate in specialized programs you have chosen. Study periods usually last 3-4 years for undergraduate and college degrees, and 1-2 years for postgraduate or vocational programs. After graduation, you can join the Japanese labor market and work in fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, education, and marketing. The average monthly salary ranges from 200,000 - 300,000 yen depending on the industry and work experience.

Popular part-time jobs for students in Japan include working at restaurants, stores, supermarkets, internships at companies, and full-time jobs after graduation. Part-time jobs can help students cover living expenses but may not be enough to cover tuition and basic living costs entirely. Therefore, it's important to have a clear financial plan before deciding to work part-time.

Is Part-Time Work Enough to Cover Tuition and Living Expenses?

Part-time work can help international students cover living expenses in Japan. However, the income from part-time jobs is usually not sufficient to pay for significant costs such as tuition and basic living expenses. Therefore, careful planning and a clear financial strategy are necessary before deciding to take on part-time work.

Do you have enough money to cover tuition and living expenses for part-time jobs?

What is the total cost of studying abroad in Japan? How many months after I came to Japan, can I go to a part-time job? Who can I get a job through?

The total cost of studying in Japan depends on various factors such as tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, airfare, etc. On average, a year of study in Japan can cost around 500 million to 800 million VND, depending on the school and location.

Generally, if you meet the requirements to study in Japan and have been granted a visa, you are eligible to apply for a part-time job. The waiting period to start working part-time is usually six months from the date of arrival in Japan.

You can find part-time jobs through recruitment websites, school job announcements, or through connections with friends and family. Two major recruitment websites in Japan are job.mynavi.jp and job.rikunabi.com.

The cost of studying in Japan varies by region due to differences in living costs, tuition fees, and accommodation expenses. Typically, major cities like Tokyo and Osaka have higher living costs and tuition fees compared to rural areas and small towns. Additionally, costs for food, transportation, and entertainment will also vary by geographic location. Students should carefully calculate and choose a school and region that fits their budget.

What are the conditions for studying abroad in Japan? What documents should be prepared? How is the process of processing Japanese study abroad records?

Register for Japanese study abroad program 

International students must meet the following requirements to study in Japan:

• Achieve the required academic and language proficiency scores.
• Provide proof of sufficient financial resources for study and living expenses.
• Submit complete and accurate documents as required by the school.

The application process for studying in Japan typically includes:

• Submitting an application form.
• Providing academic transcripts.
• Submitting English proficiency certificates (if applicable).
• Providing recommendation letters.

The process usually involves:

• Submitting documents directly or via email as required by the school.
• The school reviews the documents and notifies the results.
• If accepted, students receive an acceptance letter and instructions on visa procedures.

What is the insurance policy if you get an accident or get sick while studying abroad in Japan?

In case of accidents, illness, or disease while studying or working in Japan, students will be covered under the Japanese health insurance system. Students must register for health insurance upon arrival and comply with the health insurance regulations of the school and local authorities. In case of treatment or hospitalization, students will be supported according to their insurance contract.

What if you can't find a job or the low salary is not enough to cover tuition and living expenses while studying in Japan?

If you cannot find a job in Japan or part-time work is not enough to cover expenses, you can consider the following options:

• Look for other funding sources such as scholarships, loans, or non-governmental organization support.
• Inquire with the school or government agencies about support programs for students in difficulty.
• Contact the Vietnamese embassy in Japan for timely assistance.

Can I go back to my country while studying in Japan? Can I invite my relatives to Japan?

You can return home to visit your family during holidays or summer breaks. However, you must follow the school's leave regulations and report in advance of your absence.

Additionally, students can invite family members to visit Japan under the tourist visa regulations. Family members must prepare all necessary documents and comply with Japan's entry regulations.

Can I Stay and Work in Japan After Graduation?

After graduation, students can stay in Japan to work if they have job opportunities and meet the work visa requirements. To stay and work, you need a work contract with a Japanese company and a work visa from local authorities.

There are also specific visa programs for graduates who wish to remain in Japan, such as the Skilled Worker visa or the Engineer/ Specialist in Humanities/ International Services visa.

What are the common difficulties of applying for a full-time job in Japan after graduating from the intermediate level or higher?

When looking for official jobs in Japan after graduation, students may face challenges related to language skills, work experience, and specialized knowledge, including:

• Japanese Language Requirements: Most companies in Japan require candidates to have proficient Japanese communication skills. Lack of Japanese proficiency can reduce job opportunities.
• Work Experience: Experience in similar fields can be a plus when job hunting. Lack of experience may make finding a job more challenging.
• Specialized Knowledge: Meeting the specialized knowledge requirements is also important when applying for jobs in Japan. Failure to meet these requirements can reduce job opportunities.

International students must comply with the conditions of studying abroad in Japan to have a suitable job

To overcome these challenges, students should gain work experience, improve Japanese language proficiency, and continuously update their specialized knowledge.

What are the difficulties of applying for a full-time job in Japan after graduation

Am I allowed to stay and work permanently in Japan? Is it naturalized as a Japanese citizen?

Living and working permanently in Japan or obtaining Japanese citizenship depends on the laws and regulations of Japan. To live and work permanently, students must meet visa, skill, experience, and health requirements as stipulated by Japan. 

If students wish to stay and settle in Japan, they should consult the relevant authorities and thoroughly understand the laws to prepare and handle procedures according to regulations.

Conclusion

The above information provides an overview of the requirements and related issues that international students need to know when deciding to study in Japan. Hopefully, this information from HeyJapan helps you prepare well for your upcoming study journey. Best of luck and success!