Tuition (per year, approximate)
| Type of school | Typical range (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Japanese-language school | about 600,000 – 850,000 plus admission fee |
| Vocational school | about 700,000 – 1,200,000 |
| National university (bachelor’s) | about 535,800 plus an entrance fee of about 282,000 |
| Private university | about 900,000 – 1,500,000 or more |
Living costs
- Total a month: about ¥70,000–¥120,000 in most cities; Tokyo is at the top of the range.
- Rent: a small room or shared house is commonly ¥30,000–¥60,000 a month, plus an initial deposit. Dormitories can be cheaper.
- Health insurance: you join National Health Insurance, which for students is a modest monthly payment and pays most of your medical bills.
- Pension: students aged 20 and over can usually apply for an exemption.
Funds to show
Schools and immigration generally want evidence of the first year of tuition and living costs, often around ¥2,000,000, held in an account of the applicant or the sponsor with a clear history. Use our exchange-rate page to see yen amounts in rupees.
Saving money
- Choose a regional city instead of Tokyo; rents are lower.
- Look for school dormitories for the first six months.
- Apply for school fee reductions and JASSO support where available.
Check before you rely on it. Fees differ between schools, and the amount of funds immigration expects can change. Rules, fees and dates are changed by governments often. We last reviewed this page in October 2026. Confirm the current position on Study in Japan (JASSO) or ask our counsellors, who check it again before your file is submitted.
Talk to WIEC about Japan
Our Lalitpur counsellors can review your marks, English score and finances and tell you honestly which courses and universities fit. Book a free appointment, start your file online at Apply Online, or practise for the English test with IELTSWIZZ.
Last updated 29 Oct 2026