– Cost of Studying in Japan –
If you are interested in knowing the cost of studying in Japan, then one of the most vital things to consider is how much everything is going to cost before and during your studies in the country. This article breaks down the essential cost of every aspect of university life to ensure that you have everything covered so we have got your back on this.
The Japanese educational system was reformed after World War II. The old 6-5-3-3 system was changed to a 6-3-3-4 system (6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school, and 4 years of University) with reference to the American system.
In principle, the school year begins in April and ends in March of the following year. Most schools adopt a three-semester system, with the first semester from April to August, the second semester from September to December, and the third semester from January to March.
There is also a summer break (from the end of July to the end of August), a winter break (from the end of December to the beginning of January), and a spring break (from the end of March to the beginning of April).
Each school has a principal, a vice-principal, teachers, a school nurse, and other administrative staff. As the chief executive, the principal assumes all responsibilities of the school, including the courses provided and related administrative work.
The vice-principal supports the principal to manage the administrative affairs of the school and to be in charge of students’ educational activities and curriculum as well.
Furthermore, in order to ensure the school’s smooth operation, teachers take on various responsibilities, such as taking care of educational activities, students’ school life, and employment guidance for students after graduation.
Tuition Fees in Japan
Tuition fees in Japan are actually relatively affordable, especially when compared with those in the US and the UK. Fees for international students are fairly low and there are a number of scholarships that students can apply for financial assistance.
For example, fees at the high-ranking University of Tokyo start at 485,900 yen (£3,520) for undergraduates. There is also a 248,500 yen (£1,800) admission fee.
However, do not assume that the more elite universities will charge higher tuition fees as some lesser-known institutions are known to charge higher.
Another prestigious university, Kyoto University charges a much higher fee of 535,800 yen (£3,900) for a master’s program, but it would be rare for fees to exceed this. On top of tuition fees, students will also have to pay an admission fee which will usually be around 282,000 yen (£2,000).
Tuition fees will vary between different universities so be sure to check the rates at the particular universities you are interested in.
PhDs in Japan are often split into two phases – the first phase is aimed at graduates and incorporates a Master’s qualification as part of the program.
The second phase is designed for a student who already has a Master’s. If you study for a Master’s as part of your Ph.D., you’ll gain a total of 30 credits.
The Ph.D. tuition fees for pursuing a doctoral program in Japan are fixed by the Ministry or by local authorities for both national and public universities.
➛ National universities: ¥535,800 (USD $5,202) per year + ¥282,000 (USD $2,738) for admission fees
➛ Local public universities: ¥538,167 (USD $5,225) per year + ¥230,717 (USD $2,240) for admission fees
In private universities, annual tuition fees range from ¥515,283 (USD $5,003) for medicine and medicine-related PhDs to ¥1,123,379 (USD (USD $10,907) for PhDs in the Arts. A one-off university admission fee is around ¥220,000 (USD $2,050) besides the tuition fee.
Accommodation Costs in Japan
Most universities will offer dormitories for students who enroll at the university. Applications are considered twice a year, and while accommodation is not always located on campus, it is usually within two or three train stops of the campus.
However, it is important to remember that not all students can be accommodated in these halls, so make sure you are aware of the other options available.
Student accommodation provided by the university costs approximately 11,900 yen (£87) a month for a single room, with water and electricity bills included. The prices will then go up for a double room or a family room.
The average rental fee for private accommodation is 58,500 yen a month (£424). This is the rough cost for an apartment in Tokyo, however, this can vary across the country depending on what average housing costs are in each city. This cost will usually include service charges too.
If you end up staying in private accommodation, then chances are your utilities bills will not be included in your monthly rent.
The average cost of utilities is about 10,000 yen a month (£72): about 4,000 yen for electricity, 3,000 yen for gas, and 2,000 yen for water. Flat sharing is not as common in Japan as it is in Western countries, so it may be that you end up shouldering the full rental cost yourself.
Visa Cost to Study in Japan
The visa application fee is about 3,000 yen for a single entry, and 6,000 yen for a double-entry or multiple-entry. The fee for a transit visa is 700 yen. The visa fee is collected in the currency of the country where the Embassy / Consulate General is located.
Students must remember the visa application fee is not fixed, and depends on the nationality of the student and the course being pursued. The best way is to contact the Consular Section of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan that is closest to you.
Medical Insurance Cost in Japan
Non-Japanese citizens staying in Japan for over a year but who are not covered by Employees’ Health Insurance are required by law to apply for National Health Insurance or NHI. This applies to the self-employed and the unemployed.
Non-Japanese citizens applying for National Health Insurance in Japan must produce their Alien Registration Card. They must also do this when joining an employees’ insurance scheme, going back to the country of their birth, moving to another town or city, or changing their name or address.
Non-Japanese citizens are required by law to apply for medical insurance in Japan upon their arrival. If there is a delay in their application, they may have to make payments for past insurance fees due.
To apply for health insurance in Japan, registered aliens should put in their application at the National Health Insurance section of the municipal office in their area of residency.
The cost of the National Health Insurance varies according to the insured person’s area of residency. In the 23 wards within Tokyo, the monthly fee in 2010 for people who did not need to pay a metropolitan resident tax was 3,325 yen.
People with an annual income of less than a certain amount may get a 70% or 50% or 20% reduction on their insurance fee.
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StudentsandScholarship Team.
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