Studying and living in Japan can truly be a rewarding experience for international students. Japan offers a strong higher education environment, cultural immersion, and promising career opportunities. According to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), 408,069 international students were enrolled in Japan as of May 1, 2025. Students are attracted by Japan’s academic institutions, research opportunities, and international outlook.
Japanese universities encourage exchanges, support students throughout the application process, and maintain partnerships with universities worldwide. This article discusses several aspects of studying in Japan for students, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, and other day-to-day expenses.
Costs of Studying in Japan
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Considering the high living expenses and university tuition in countries such as the US and the UK, studying in Japan can be relatively affordable. Admission and tuition fees vary by degree level, institution type, and program. According to the Japan Student Services Organization, first-year admission and tuition fees are approximately ¥820,000 at national graduate schools and national undergraduate universities. Public graduate schools cost approximately ¥900,000, while public undergraduate programs cost approximately ¥910,000. Private undergraduate programs, excluding medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs, cost approximately ¥1,300,000 in the first year.
| University Name | Current listed annual tuition/fee information |
|---|
| Nanzan University | ¥750,000 annual tuition; eligible self-financed international students may receive a 50% reduction |
| Tokyo International University | ¥1,100,000 to ¥1,400,000 first-year tuition, depending on major; additional fees apply |
| Kansai Gaidai University | ¥800,000 tuition; educational enhancement and other fees apply |
| University of Tokyo | ¥642,960 annual undergraduate tuition for students enrolling from 2025 onward; ¥535,800 for most graduate programs |
| The University of Osaka | ¥535,800 annual tuition for undergraduate and graduate students; ¥804,000 for the Graduate School of Law |
Other Student Costs
Apart from tuition fees, international students must account for other costs when calculating their expenses for studying abroad. These may include healthcare, phone contracts, textbooks and study materials, accommodation, and food. When enrolling at a Japanese university, such as the University of Tokyo, students may also need to pay a one-time admission fee of ¥282,000. Some universities, such as Kansai Gaidai University, also list a Personal Accident Insurance Fee of ¥1,750.
Students must also pay examination fees, which vary across degree levels. For instance, at the University of Tokyo, undergraduate examination fees are ¥4,000 for the first stage and ¥13,000 for the second stage. Research students pay an examination fee of ¥9,800.
Costs of Living in Japan
Some Japanese cities, especially Tokyo and other large urban areas, are more expensive than smaller cities and rural areas. The Japan Student Services Organization estimates the national average monthly cost of living for international students, excluding study and research costs, at ¥105,000. This includes costs such as housing, food, utilities, transportation, entertainment, and insurance. JASSO also notes that the national average monthly housing cost is ¥41,000, while the average housing cost in Tokyo is ¥57,000.
1. Tokyo
As one of the largest cities in Japan, the cost of living in Tokyo is relatively high. The University of Tokyo notes that Tokyo has the highest housing costs in Japan and that even a small one-room apartment for a single person typically costs around ¥80,000 to ¥100,000 per month. Food expenses can also be significant, with many international students spending around ¥50,000 to ¥60,000 per month.
A good example of the overall expenses students are likely to incur while completing their studies in the city is to check the cost of studying at the University of Tokyo. The expenses are explained in detail so students can get an overview of what to expect if they plan to study in Tokyo.
2. Osaka
Compared with Tokyo, Osaka can offer a more affordable lifestyle for some students, though costs still vary by housing, commuting, and personal spending habits. The University of Osaka advises exchange students to prepare about ¥100,000 to ¥120,000 per month for living expenses. This estimate excludes tuition and depends on the student’s lifestyle.
3. Kyoto
Kyoto is a favored choice among students because of its cultural heritage. A Kyoto University guide cites average living expenses of ¥89,000 per month for international students in the Kyoto and Osaka area, excluding academic fees, based on JASSO’s older 2019-2020 Student Guide to Japan. Because JASSO’s more recent national average is ¥105,000 per month, students should treat the ¥89,000 figure as an older estimate and budget extra where possible. For ordinary apartments in Kyoto, Kyoto University lists typical rent at ¥25,000 to ¥30,000 per month for a single room with a shared kitchen and toilet, and ¥45,000 or more per month for a single room with a private kitchen, toilet, and bath.
If you are planning to study in Kyoto, consider applying to Kyoto University. It is a good institution that provides low-cost tuition and affordable living compared with many other major study destinations.
4. Nagoya
Nagoya is a major city and transportation hub in central Japan. For exchange students, Nagoya University of Foreign Studies estimates monthly costs at ¥97,000 to ¥137,000, depending on lifestyle. This includes room rent with utilities at ¥35,000 per month, National Health Insurance at ¥2,000 per month, food at ¥30,000 to ¥50,000, and other expenses such as books, travel, and medical costs at ¥30,000 to ¥50,000.
5. Sendai
Another city where international students can study is Sendai. Tohoku University estimates monthly expenses for international students in Sendai at ¥80,000 to ¥150,000, with monthly rent excluding utilities at ¥40,000 to ¥60,000. Private apartment rents vary by size and location: studio units can range from ¥30,000 to ¥80,000, one-bedroom units from ¥40,000 to ¥120,000, and two-bedroom units from ¥50,000 to ¥200,000. Tohoku University also lists single-person utilities at about ¥12,000 and food and groceries at about ¥60,000.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in Japan
1. Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships and fee exemptions can reduce costs significantly for international students, but most scholarships do not cover all study-abroad expenses. The MEXT scholarship is one major option for international students studying at Japanese higher education institutions. Depending on the category and institution, it may include a monthly stipend, exemption from examination, admission, and tuition fees, and travel support. The Young Leaders Program is one of the MEXT scholarship programs and aims to develop future national leaders from Asian and other countries.
The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship supports international students through monthly stipends rather than direct tuition reimbursement. For overseas candidates, the listed monthly amounts are ¥100,000 for undergraduate students and ¥140,000 for master’s and doctoral students, with a grant period of two years.
International students can also reduce their financial burden through JASSO scholarships. The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students offers ¥48,000 per month for graduate and undergraduate students and ¥30,000 per month for students at Japanese language institutes. Students should check eligibility requirements and apply through their educational institution.
Studying in Japan can be affordable compared with some other popular study-abroad destinations, especially at national universities. Students can reduce financial burdens by choosing a lower-cost university, finding affordable accommodation, and applying for suitable scholarships.
We hope you make use of this article once you decide to study in Japan. Also, go over our list of Available Programs for International Students! You can choose from plenty of courses in different fields of study.
