Your Complete Guide to Studying in Japan: Costs, Accommodation, and Financial Help
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Japan?
If you’re dreaming of studying in Japan, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how much it’s all going to cost. From tuition fees to daily living expenses, this guide breaks down everything you’ll need to budget for—so you won’t be caught off guard.
Just a heads-up: The prices mentioned here were accurate when this was written, but they might have changed since then.
Tuition Fees: Surprisingly Affordable
Good news! Compared to countries like the US or UK, studying in Japan is actually quite reasonable. International students don’t have to pay sky-high fees, and there are plenty of scholarships available to help with costs.
For example, at the University of Tokyo—one of Japan’s top schools—undergraduate fees start at 485,900 yen (about £3,520) per year. There’s also a one-time admission fee of 248,500 yen (£1,800). But here’s something interesting: Just because a university is famous doesn’t always mean it’s more expensive. Some lesser-known schools actually charge higher fees! Take Kyoto University, another top-tier institution—its tuition is 535,800 yen (£3,900), but fees rarely go higher than this.
On top of tuition, almost all universities charge an admission fee, usually around 282,000 yen (£2,000). Since fees can vary a lot between schools, make sure to check the exact costs for the universities you’re interested in.
Where Will You Live? Accommodation Costs
Most universities in Japan offer dormitories for students, and applications open twice a year. While these dorms aren’t always right on campus, they’re usually just a short train ride away—maybe two or three stops. But keep in mind, there aren’t always enough rooms for everyone, so it’s smart to look at other options too.
- University dorms are the cheapest choice. A single room costs around 11,900 yen (£87) per month, and that usually includes water and electricity. If you want a bigger space, like a double or family room, the price goes up.
- Private apartments are more expensive. In Tokyo, the average rent is about 58,500 yen (£424) per month, but this changes depending on the city. This price often includes service fees, but you’ll usually have to pay for utilities separately.
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water) add around 10,000 yen (£72) per month to your budget—roughly 4,000 yen for electricity, 3,000 for gas, and 2,000 for water.
One thing to note: Sharing an apartment (flat-sharing) isn’t as common in Japan as it is in Western countries, so you might end up paying the full rent yourself.
Getting Around: Transportation Costs
Japan has amazing public transport—it’s fast, clean, and reliable. But it’s not always cheap!
- Trains: If you plan to travel a lot, a JR Rail Pass can save you money. A 21-day pass costs 58,118.30 yen (£428) and lets you ride almost any JR train in the country, including the super-fast Shinkansen bullet trains.
- City transport: In big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, the metro is the easiest way to get around. A single ride costs 100-200 yen (£0.73).
- Buses: These are usually cheaper than trains and cover more areas. Some buses are included in the JR Pass, but if not, you just pay when you get off. You can also buy multi-day bus passes if you use them often.
Daily Life: Food, Gym, and Fun
- Food: Japan is famous for its delicious and affordable street food. A meal at a casual restaurant costs around 1,000 yen (£7.24), but of course, there are fancier (and pricier) options too.
- Gym membership: Staying fit isn’t super cheap—a day pass costs about 600 yen, or you can pay 6,500 yen (£47) per month for unlimited access.
- Movies: A standard cinema ticket starts at 1,800 yen (£13), but look out for discount days during festivals or special promotions.
Financial Help: Scholarships and Support
Japan really wants international students, so there are lots of ways to get financial help.
- Japanese Government Scholarship: This is a big one! You’ll need a recommendation from your university or a Japanese embassy to apply. It’s open to students at all levels.
- Global 30 Project: This program makes it easier to study in Japan by offering more courses in English, plus financial support and visa advice.
There are also helpful websites like Japan Study Support and JASSO’s Gateway to Study in Japan where you can search for more scholarships. And don’t forget—some universities offer their own financial aid, so check with the schools you’re interested in!