Cheap and Affordable Universities in Japan

List of Cheap and Affordable Universities in Japan for International Students

University Name	Annual Tuition Fees (USD)	Ranking (Japan/World, if available)	Offered Courses (Examples)	Intake Periods
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies	~5,000	N/A	Japanese Culture and Language, International Relations	April, September
Hokkaido University	~4,700	6 / 122	Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Economics	April, October
Osaka University	~4,700	3 / 71	Science, Engineering, Medicine, Economics	April, October
Nagoya University	~4,700	5 / 110	Engineering, Information Technology, Biological Sciences	April, October
Kyushu University	~4,700	7 / 132	Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Health Sciences	April, October
University of Tsukuba	~4,700	8 / 265	Humanities and Arts, Physical Sciences, Human Sciences	April, October
Tohoku University	~4,700	2 / 79	Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Life Sciences	April, October
Waseda University	~12,000-17,000 (significantly by program)	2 / 189	Political Science, Economics, Commerce, International Liberal Studies	April, September
Keio University	~8,500-17,000	1 / 191	Economics, Law, Business and Commerce, Environment and Information Studies	April, September

Public Universities in Japan

Top 650+ Universities in Japan

All Courses in Japan

Public Universities in Tokyo

Japan Scholarships for Indian Students

Japanese Language Courses and Universities in Japan

Japanese Language Courses and Universities in Tokyo

Best Courses in Japan for International Students

Cheap and Affordable Bachelor Programs in Japan

Public Universities

Public universities in Japan typically charge lower tuition fees than private universities. The standard annual tuition fee for undergraduate programs at national universities is approximately 535,800 JPY (about 4,800 USD as of the last update), which is quite reasonable by international standards.

Examples of Affordable Bachelor's Programs

1. The University of Tokyo:

   • Disciplines Offered: Wide range, including Sciences, Humanities, Economics, and Engineering.

   • Annual Tuition Fees: Approximately 535,800 JPY.

2. Kyoto University:

   • Disciplines Offered: Includes Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, and International Relations.

   • Annual Tuition Fees: Roughly 535,800 JPY.

3. Osaka University:

   • Disciplines Offered: Engineering, Science, Foreign Studies, and Human Sciences.

   • Annual Tuition Fees: About 535,800 JPY.

4. Tohoku University:

   • Disciplines Offered: Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Life Sciences.

   • Annual Tuition Fees: Around 535,800 JPY.

5. Hokkaido University:

   • Disciplines Offered: Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine.

   • Annual Tuition Fees: Approximately 535,800 JPY.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• MEXT Scholarship: Offered by the Japanese government to international students, covering tuition fees, a monthly allowance, and sometimes airfare.

• JASSO Scholarships: For students accepted by Japanese universities under student exchange agreements.

• University-specific Scholarships: Many universities offer their own scholarships, which can significantly reduce or completely cover tuition fees.

Strategies for Affordable Education

• Research and Apply for Scholarships: Start early and apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for. Both the Japanese government and individual universities offer numerous scholarships.

• Consider Regional Universities: Universities located in regions outside of Tokyo or other major cities often have lower living costs, making the overall cost of education more affordable.

• Work Part-time: International students in Japan are allowed to work part-time for up to 28 hours per week during the academic term (and more during vacations), which can help cover living expenses.

Application Process

• Language Requirements: For programs taught in Japanese, proficiency (often JLPT N2 or N1) is required. Some programs are offered in English, especially in fields like Engineering, Business, and Science.

• Entrance Examinations: Many universities require entrance exams, and preparation for these exams is crucial.

• Application Deadlines: Vary by university but typically fall several months before the academic year begins in April.

Benefits of Studying in Japan

Cost of Studying in Japan for Indian Students

English taught Universities and Courses in Japan

Diploma Courses and Universities in Japan

Cheap and Affordable Master Programs in Japan

Public Universities

Public universities in Japan are generally more affordable than private ones. The standard annual tuition fee for a Master's program at a national university is about 535,800 JPY (approximately 4,800 USD), which is quite reasonable by international standards. This does not include admission fees (around 282,000 JPY or 2,500 USD) and other miscellaneous costs.

Examples of Universities with Affordable Master's Programs

1. University of Tokyo

   • Disciplines Offered: Wide range, including Engineering, Humanities, Sciences, Economics, and Education.

   • Annual Tuition Fees: Approximately 535,800 JPY.

2. Kyoto University

   • Disciplines Offered: Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, International Relations, and more.

   • Annual Tuition Fees: Roughly 535,800 JPY.

3. Osaka University

   • Disciplines Offered: Science, Technology, Economics, Language and Culture, and Life Sciences.

   • Annual Tuition Fees: About 535,800 JPY.

4. Tohoku University

   • Disciplines Offered: Advanced Science and Engineering, Life Sciences, Environmental Studies, and Education.

   • Annual Tuition Fees: Around 535,800 JPY.

5. Nagoya University

   • Disciplines Offered: Humanities, Education, Informatics, Science, and Engineering.

   • Annual Tuition Fees: Approximately 535,800 JPY.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• MEXT Scholarship: The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology offers scholarships covering tuition, a monthly allowance, and sometimes travel expenses.

• JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) Scholarships: For short-term studies, preparatory Japanese language courses, and other support.

• University-specific Scholarships: Many universities offer their own scholarships based on academic merit, research potential, or financial need.

Strategies for Affordable Education

• Apply for Scholarships: Actively seek out and apply for scholarships for which you are eligible.

• Choose Your Location Wisely: Living costs can vary significantly across Japan; cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are more expensive than smaller cities or rural areas.

• Part-time Work: International students in Japan can work part-time for up to 28 hours per week during the term and full-time during holidays, helping cover living expenses.

Admission Requirements

• Academic Background: A relevant Bachelor’s degree.

• Language Proficiency: For programs in Japanese, JLPT N2 or N1 is often required. For English-taught programs, TOEFL or IELTS scores are needed.

• Application Documents: Typically include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes a research plan.

How to Apply for Study in Japan

Education System in Japan

Post Study Job Opportunities in Japan for Indian Students

Part-time Job Options in Japan for Indian Students

Affordable Accommodation Facilities in Japan for Indian Students

Life of Indian Students in Japan

Short Courses in Japan for International Students

Cheap and Affordable PhD Programs in Japan

Public Universities

• Annual Tuition Fees: The standard tuition fee for a Ph.D. program at a national (public) university is approximately 535,800 JPY (about 4,800 USD). This is significantly lower than the tuition fees charged by many universities in the U.S. or Europe.

• Admission Fees: There's also a one-time admission fee, which is about 282,000 JPY (around 2,500 USD).

Scholarship Opportunities

1. MEXT Scholarship: Offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), this scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly allowance, and airfare to Japan.

2. JASSO Scholarships: The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers various scholarship programs for international students.

3. University-specific Scholarships: Many universities provide their own scholarships, which can cover tuition fees and provide a monthly stipend.

Examples of Universities Offering Affordable Ph.D. Programs

1. University of Tokyo

   • Fields Offered: Wide range, including Sciences, Humanities, Engineering, and Medicine.

   • Language: Offers some programs in English.

2. Kyoto University

   • Fields Offered: Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, International Relations, among others.

   • Language: Has several English-taught programs.

3. Osaka University

   • Fields Offered: Science, Technology, Language and Culture, Life Sciences.

   • Language: English programs available.

4. Tohoku University

   • Fields Offered: Advanced Science and Engineering, Life Sciences, Environmental Studies.

   • Language: Offers English-taught Ph.D. programs.

5. Nagoya University

   • Fields Offered: Humanities, Science, Informatics, Engineering.

   • Language: Has English-taught programs.

Admission Requirements

• Academic Background: A relevant Master’s degree.

• Language Proficiency: For Japanese-taught programs, JLPT N2 or N1 is often required. English-taught programs require TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native speakers.

• Research Proposal: A detailed proposal outlining the research you intend to conduct is typically required.

• Recommendation Letters: Usually, two or more from academics familiar with your work.

Strategies for Affordable Education

• Research and Apply for Scholarships: Start early and apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for.

• Part-time Work: International students in Japan can work up to 28 hours per week during the term and full-time during holidays, helping to offset living costs.

• Consider Living Costs: Choosing a university in a city with lower living costs can make a significant difference in your overall expenses.

Planning Your Application

• Research Thoroughly: Identify the programs and universities that align with your research interests and career goals.

• Prepare Your Application Carefully: Gather all necessary documents, and ensure your research proposal is thorough and aligns with the expertise available at your chosen institution.

• Understand the Language Requirements: Even if your program is in English, learning Japanese can enrich your experience and help in daily life.