The total cost for a one-year Japanese language course, including six months of dormitory accommodation, ranges from 0,000 yen to 1,640,000 yen, although the exact amount may vary depending on the school. Students traveling from Nepal typically spend between 60,000 and 80,000 NRs on a one-way ticket, as only one-way tickets are permitted for student arrivals. Additionally, it is recommended that students carry 80,000–150,000 yen to cover initial expenses such as food, transportation, and other necessities upon arrival
Study in Japan
Japan, the fourth largest island nation in Asia and the largest island country in East Asia, is a parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy, where the emperor serves as the chief of state and the prime minister as the head of government. It has a market economy in which the prices of goods and services are determined by a free-market system and is an active member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The country is officially divided into 47 prefectures and traditionally into eight regions. About two-thirds of Japan’s terrain is mountainous and heavily forested, with less than one-eighth suitable for agriculture, making it one of the most densely populated and urbanized countries in the world, with over 90% of the population living in urban areas. The climate varies across the country: eastern Japan experiences hot and humid summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall in seaside and mountainous areas; western Japan has very hot, humid summers, sometimes exceeding 35 °C, and moderately cold winters; while Okinawa and Amami enjoy a subtropical oceanic climate. The national language is Japanese, with a population of 125,338,418 and a total area of 377,944 sq. km. The per capita income in 2023 was $51,809, and the currency used is the Japanese Yen. The Japanese education system consists of six years of elementary school, three years of lower secondary school, and three years of upper secondary school. Higher education institutions include junior colleges, professional training colleges, universities, and colleges of technology, with graduate schools also available. International students can gain admission to these institutions after completing a Japanese language course at a language school.
The eligibility criteria for studying in Japan require applicants to have completed either a high school education (10+2) or a diploma program (10+3). Additionally, students are required to complete a Japanese language course before beginning their primary course of study at a college, university, or other higher education institution.
International students who wish to study in Japan are required to complete a Japanese language course before beginning their primary studies. These courses are offered by Japanese language schools, specialized training colleges and schools, as well as private universities and junior colleges. The duration of the language courses varies depending on the intake: students joining in April study for 2 years, July intake for 1 year and 9 months, October intake for 1 year and 6 months, and January intake for 1 year and 3 months. After completing the language course, students can pursue higher education at a university or college (Daigaku) to earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or enroll in a vocational school (Shingakkou) to study technical courses such as hotel management, travel and tourism, business management, applied accounting, automobile engineering, translation, social work, and more. Classes are conducted for 4 hours daily, totaling 20 hours per week, with Saturdays and Sundays off. Students also have a vacation every six months, during which they are allowed to work full-time. The annual tuition for language courses ranges from 540,000 yen to 1,130,000 yen, while monthly living expenses are estimated between 70,000 yen and 100,000 yen.
International students in Japan must hold a valid student visa to study in the country. They are allowed to work part-time for up to 28 hours per week during the semester and up to 8 hours per day during vacations. Students must have no criminal involvement, maintain a minimum of 90% yearly attendance, and strictly follow their school’s rules. In case a student’s admission is refused, all fees except for application and admission fees are refundable, though the exact policy may vary by institution and should be checked on the school’s official website.
Students who complete a bachelor’s degree in Japan can apply for a work permit after finishing their Japanese language course, while high school graduates are required to take professional courses and secure related jobs to qualify for a work permit. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Japanese institutions are highly valued both in Japan and internationally. Part-time work is permitted for up to 28 hours per week during the semester and up to 8 hours per day during vacations, with hourly wages varying by location and type of work—Tokyo offers 900–1,200 yen per hour and Fukuoka 700–900 yen per hour.
Japan offers excellent future prospects for international students, with education recognized worldwide, access to prestigious jobs, a crime-free society, world-class healthcare, and a fair, non-discriminatory environment. Foreign students are encouraged and supported, with equal wages, insurance coverage, and other facilities available. Many Nepalese students eventually obtain permanent residence, enabling a prosperous and secure life. Achieving success in Japan requires patience, dedication, and commitment to education.
In addition, Japan is safe, clean, and peaceful, with a well-developed infrastructure and a strong economy. Tuition fees are relatively affordable, and the country provides an international environment with practical, technology-driven education. Colleges actively support students in finding part-time jobs, allowing them to work while studying, gain valuable experience, and manage living expenses efficiently.
