Thinking about getting a master’s degree in Japan? This guide explains the main steps from choosing a university to starting your life in Japan.
You will learn about universities, admission requirements, applications, scholarships, student visas, costs, and life in Japan.
Use this guide as your roadmap, then explore our detailed guides for each step.
What Is a Master’s Degree in Japan?
A master’s degree in Japan is usually a graduate program that students complete after earning a bachelor’s degree.
Many programs take about two years to complete. Some universities offer programs taught mainly in English, so international students may not need to speak Japanese at an advanced level.
The exact requirements depend on the university and program. You should check the official university website before applying.
Why Study for a Master’s Degree in Japan?
Japan offers international students the chance to study at universities with strong research programs and advanced facilities.
Students can also experience Japanese culture and build international connections while studying.
However, studying in Japan requires careful planning. Tuition, living costs, admission requirements, scholarships, and visa procedures are different for each country.
Understanding these points before you apply can help you avoid unnecessary problems.
How to Get a Master’s Degree in Japan
1. Find a University
Choosing the right university is the first important step. Start by looking for a master’s program that matches your academic background, research interests, and career goals.
Check the program’s language, tuition fees, admission requirements, application deadline, and research areas before making your decision.
If you want to compare different universities and programs, see our detailed guide to Universities & Programs.
2. Apply to the University
Each university has its own application process and admission requirements. Check the official university website carefully before you prepare your application.
You may need documents such as academic transcripts, a bachelor’s degree certificate, a CV, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and proof of English or Japanese language ability.
Some programs may also require a research proposal or an interview. Make a checklist of all required documents and application deadlines before you apply.
For more details, see our Admissions & Applications guides.
3. Find Funding
Planning your budget is an important part of studying for a master’s degree in Japan. You should consider both tuition fees and living costs before you apply.
International students may be able to use scholarships, tuition fee reductions, or other funding options. The requirements and application timing vary by program and organization.
Start looking for funding early, because some scholarships have application deadlines before you enter Japan.
For more information, see our Funding Your Degree guides.
4. Prepare for Japan
After you receive an offer from a Japanese university, you need to prepare for your move to Japan.
Depending on your situation, you may need a student visa. Before you apply for a visa, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility. This is a document from Japan that shows you can apply for the visa. You should also prepare your passport, accommodation, travel plans, insurance, and other documents before departure.
It is also useful to learn about the cost of living, transportation, banking, and daily life in Japan before you arrive.
For more information, see our Visa & Pre-Departure Checklist guides.
5. Arrive in Japan
Your first days in Japan can be busy, so it is helpful to know what to do after you arrive.
You may need to complete local registration, set up a bank account, get a phone or SIM card, and arrange your accommodation and daily transportation.
Your university may also have an orientation program for new international students. Check the information from your university and complete important procedures as soon as possible.
For more information, see our Arrival & First Weeks guides.
6. Start Your Life
Starting your master’s degree is the beginning of your new life in Japan. You will need to balance your studies with daily life and adjust to a new environment.
Learn how to use public transportation, manage your monthly budget, communicate with your university, and build relationships with other students.
Japan can be very different from your home country, but learning a few basic rules and customs can make your life easier.
For more information, see our Student Life in Japan guides.
How Much Does a Master’s Degree in Japan Cost?
The cost of a master’s degree in Japan depends on the university, program, and your lifestyle.
You need to plan for both academic fees and living expenses. You may also need to pay for housing, transportation, insurance, textbooks, and other daily expenses.
The official Study in Japan website provides average figures, but actual costs can vary by university and location.
Academic Fees
For graduate schools, the approximate first-year cost, including admission and tuition fees, is ¥820,000 at national universities, ¥900,000 at local public universities, and ¥1,100,000 at private universities.
These are average figures. Fees vary by university and program, so always check the official admission information before applying.
You may also need to pay examination fees, textbooks, materials, and other expenses.
Living Costs
Living costs depend on where you live and how you spend your money.
According to the Japan Student Services Organization, the average monthly living cost for privately financed international students is about ¥105,000, excluding academic fees.
Housing is one of the biggest differences between locations. The average monthly rent is about ¥41,000 nationwide, while the average in Tokyo is about ¥57,000.
How to Reduce Your Costs
There are several ways to reduce the cost of studying in Japan.
First, look for scholarships and tuition fee reductions before you apply. Some scholarships are offered by the Japanese government, universities, local organizations, and private foundations.
You can also reduce your monthly expenses by choosing affordable accommodation, cooking at home, using public transportation, and making a simple monthly budget.
Planning your finances early can help you avoid unexpected expenses after you arrive in Japan.
For more information, see our Funding Your Degree guides.
Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships can help international students reduce the cost of studying in Japan. However, each scholarship has different eligibility requirements, application periods, and benefits.
Some scholarships are available before you enter Japan, while others can be applied for after you start your studies.
Start researching scholarships early and check the official information carefully before applying.
MEXT Scholarship
The MEXT Scholarship is a scholarship offered by the Japanese government for international students.
It can provide financial support for eligible students, including tuition and other benefits depending on the scholarship program.
There are different application routes, including applying through a Japanese embassy or through a university. Requirements and application schedules vary, so check the official MEXT information before applying.
University Scholarships
Some Japanese universities offer scholarships or tuition fee reductions to international students.
The amount of support and eligibility requirements vary between universities and programs. Some opportunities may be available before admission, while others may be available after you enroll.
Check the official website of each university for current scholarship information and application deadlines.
Other Funding Options
You may also find scholarships from local governments, private foundations, and other organizations.
Some scholarships are designed for students from specific countries, academic fields, or universities. This means that the opportunities available to you may depend on your background and study plan.
Compare the eligibility requirements, benefits, and application deadlines carefully before applying.
Student Visa for Japan
International students who study at a Japanese university generally need a student visa.
In many cases, the university helps with the process of obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which you will need before applying for your visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
The documents and procedures can vary depending on your situation and country. Always check the latest information from the Japanese embassy or consulate and your university before you travel.
For more information, see our Visa & Pre-Departure Checklist guides.
What Is the Certificate of Eligibility?
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document issued by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency before many foreign students apply for a student visa.
Your university will often apply for the COE on your behalf after you are admitted. You may need to provide documents such as your passport information, admission documents, and proof of financial support.
Once the COE is issued, you can use it when applying for your student visa. The COE itself is not a visa, so you still need to complete the visa application process.
Check with your university and the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for the latest requirements.
Life as a Master’s Student in Japan
Daily Life and Transportation
Public transportation is an important part of daily life in Japan. Trains and buses are widely used in cities, and many students use them to travel to university.
You should also learn how to use local trains, buses, and IC cards. Understanding basic transportation rules can make your daily life easier.
Your university may also provide information about transportation and services for international students.
Housing in Japan
International students can choose from several types of accommodation, including university dormitories, private apartments, and shared houses.
University dormitories can be convenient for new students, but available rooms may be limited. Private apartments offer more freedom, but you may need to pay additional costs such as a deposit and other initial fees.
Compare the monthly rent, initial costs, location, and distance from your university before choosing a place to live.
Balancing Study and Life
A master’s degree requires time for classes, research, assignments, and other academic activities.
At the same time, it is important to manage your health, finances, and personal time. Creating a simple weekly schedule can help you balance study and daily life.
Joining university clubs, meeting other students, and taking part in local activities can also help you build a life outside your studies.
For more information, see our Student Life in Japan guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Japan Master’s Journey
Ready to start planning your master’s degree in Japan?
Use our roadmap to find the right university, prepare your application, find funding, get ready for Japan, and start your new life as a student.
Explore our detailed guides and take the next step toward your master’s degree in Japan.