Study In Japan

Japan is a current favorite study destination for International students (even Nepalese) as it is rather affordable and skill-focused. As of June 2024, Wikipedia records about 206,898  Nepali residents in Japan and the majority of them were once a student. 

Most people are concentrated in the Kanto region of Nepal while students also prefer Tokyo and other popular student cities for their academic plans. In the first years after going to Japan, you have to study the language again at University to pass at least N2 and N1 levels to get professional work in Japan. Your Bachelor's degree is just 5 years, including the language preparation time when working and living in Japan. 

If you are confused about how to decide on the starting process, stay tuned. We, the Bethesda Consultancy team and consultant shall help you look for the best courses, and cities, and get an honest recommendation based on your expected way of life in Nepal.  

Why Study in Japan? 

1. Practicality in Education 

In Nepali, there is a lack of practical education in Nepal. However, an average student fails to do practical work. How to continue academics and fund your education by doing part-time work. 

Japanese schools are the longest in the World. Teachers are highly respected in Japan. Introduce concepts as they are applied to critically think and nurture the ideas. 

2. Character First Approach 

Character Before academic Knowledge is the priority here. From an early age, students here are taught characters, disciplined, and many other factors.  It is interesting to know how the Japanese education system builds their character culture and economy. 

With the right character, students learn more efficiently. They are taught respect, generosity, self-control, self-care, nature, and consideration. Thus, the population here is more civilized and the area is safe for international students. 

3. World-class Education System 

As per the 2024 THE—QS World University Rankings, 51 universities from Japan are listed for highly regarded education. Some of the top universities are the University of Tokyo, which is Ranked 32nd globally. Next, we have Kyoto University, Osaka University, and more. University rank decent based on, 

• How well-known the university is (Academic Reputation)
• How many employers like graduates from the university (Employer Reputation)
• How often the university's research is cited by other researchers (Citations per Faculty)
• How many students there are for each teacher (Faculty-student ratio)
• How many teachers are from other countries (International Faculty Ratio)
• How many students are from other countries (International Student Ratio)
• How well-connected the university is with other universities around the world (International Research Network)
• How successful the university's graduates are in finding jobs (Employment Outcomes)
• How much the university cares about the environment and social issues (Sustainability)

4. Job Opportunities

As of September 2024, Japan had approximately 836,940 job vacancies,  to recruit talent and there is a high demand for skilled workers. The average monthly salary in Japan is around ¥515,000 (approximately $4,600), even the hourly rate is rather impressive, so students choose to study and later work in Japan. 

It is legally allowed to work 28 hours under a student visa in Japan. Cybersecurity, administration, farming, and teaching-related professions are great in Japan. 

5. Cultural Appeal: 

Japanese culture lays its foundation on the concept of wa (和), meaning "harmony."  Ikebana (flower arranging), calligraphy, and the tea ceremony are some traditional art practices that appreciate aesthetics, nature, and spirituality. Their culinary flavors, respect for elders, manifestations of harmony and balance with formal etiquette 

6. Quality of Life: 

There is a better healthcare system, a relatively low amount of air pollution,  greater employment rates, and a good work-life balance in Japan. It can be a great study and work hub for Nepalese students. 

How Much Will It Cost? 

Study in Japan is quite affordable for Nepalese students compared to that in Canada, Australia, and America. Course-specific fees in Japan for undergraduate programs range from Typically range from ¥500,000 to ¥1,000,000 and the rate may vary for which we have segmented the cost, in different categories for your convenience. 

Processing Steps for Japan

Step 1: Online Interview 

Your school takes an online interview in the Japanese language. If you are passed and selected then you get a chance to have admission there. If schools and colleges take high GPA students and do not look for GAP, they may also schedule interview sessions in English, but that happens quite rarely. 

Most Nepalese students should be verbally prepared to speak Japanese and answer basic questions. Most schools also seek a language certificate completed from Nepal to formally enroll in the education system in the US. You can give any level certificate for JLPT and NAT. 

Step 2: Documents required (Application, Purpose of Study, Fee Promise Letter) 

One has to collect their application (Ganso) form and attach the purpose of study, fee promise letter, financial statements, school acceptance letter, passport photos, health insurance proof, and other required documents—to complete their Japan processing documents.  

Some of the important documents required are address verification, Birth Certificate, Relationship Certificate, Tax Verification Certificate, and Certificate of Invoice Source. 

SLC mark sheet and Character, +2 Character and Transcript, Bachelor Transcript and Mark sheet, same goes for Masters. Bethesda Educational Consultancy will help you translate your document and send it to your respective college. You will be thereby informed via email if you are selected and the result is anticipated between 2 and 4 months after your application. 

Step 3: After COE gets an Admission Certificate

After you get your COE apply for an admission certificate by paying tuition fees for the year (that can be Yen 10 lakhs, including expense of banking charges, hostel fees, and bedding costs. 

You need to create your account and make payment of your college fees. You submit your original passport, COE, and documents through VFS. 

Step 4: Visa Arrival and Departure

You can get your VISA stamped after approval within a week of the visa decision. You need to carry pocket money of nearly Rs 1 Lakh as you don't have to work there directly on enrolling. 

Bethesda Educational Consultancy will figure things out things for you and book tickets for your final departure. We also give services post departure to co-ordinate better accommodation and quality of life in foreign destinations like Japan.   

Education System in Japan

The early education system in Japan includes pre-school with a character-first approach, and then comes elementary school where students can join when they are 6 years old. 

1. Vocational Schools (Senmon Gakkō) 

Vocational schools in Japan, known as Senmon Gakkō (専門学校), are for 1 to 3 years based on the subject you choose, and its practical skills. Unlike traditional universities, Senmon Gakkō offers a more affordable option for those with budget constraints.

Property evaluation and financials for Japan you shall show at least 25 lakh each year, the slab requirements may vary based on the program you apply in Japan. If you dont have much gap and then have good grades you can be eligible for higher education options like vocational schools. 

2. Colleges of Technology (Kōsen) 

In 5 years (it can be 5.5 years for mercantile marine studies) students get hands-on training, directly applicable to the job market with flexible admission. Students also get English-taught programs or language support, making it easier for Nepalese students with limited Japanese language skills.

Students can simply enroll here after 9th grade in the North American system or after 10th grade in the British system. You can get post-graduation work visa options and have more globalized learning with this, making it in demand for students in Nepal. 

3. Junior Colleges (Tanki Daigaku) 

In Junior colleges, the curriculum is vocational training for two years with specialized educational plans. Students who enroll in junior college can earn an associate degree (短期大学士, tanki daigakushi), which is equivalent to two years of undergraduate education. 

4. Universities (Undergraduate) 

Nepalese students can also enroll in a 4-year undergraduate program in Japan where they come across various disciplines such as engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

There are two intakes in Universities in Japan. From April to September (1st session) most Japanese students enroll here. October to March (2nd session) and this second session is when mostly all international students enroll. 

For Bachelor, most of the courses offered in Japanese are in the native languages. 15 months to 18 months- Japanese language course, depending on your intake

If you go to Japan in April intake- you shall study for 24 months, in July you study for 18 months, and in January you simply study for 15 months. There are examinations for Japanese university admission for International students, this is also what students prepare for in advance.  

Most of the schools accept pass marks. Some take a gap of up to 4 years and some do not take. You can select the best city as per your preference to take admission. 

5. Graduate Schools:

There are various master’s degree programs one can enroll in and be part of various research opportunities under a two-year master's program in Japan. If students opt for doctoral degrees they require 3 years of study and can also specialize in various fields. 

Job Opportunities in Japan 

Japan's job market is experiencing about 18 million job openings. There is high demand for skilled professionals to work in Japan. There are popular job sectors including engineering, IT, healthcare, Marketing, Sales, and Hospitality. There are various jobs available for 

• Engineering 
• IT support 
• Healthcare 
• Marketing and Sales 
• Hospitality 
• Game Localization 
• Customer Service Representatives 
• Technical Support Specialists 
• Warehouse Associates and Supervisors 

Students cannot work more than 28 hours during study sessions. When you pass the N3-level examination and continue to improve your Japanese skills, you get good regular jobs in Japan with better pay.  

Cost of Living in Japan

Educational Scholarships in Japan 

Any eligible specialized training college students, undergraduate, postgraduate, and even research students can apply for it conveniently. 

Generally, an applicant must not cross the age of 35 to be eligible under this and secure at least a  3.1 GPA or 75% in respective fields to be eligible. You can inquire with us and we help you avail form from the Japanese Embassy and even give access to the links to the  MEXT website. 

There are first screening done based on submitted documents and the second screening is based on plans, academic background, and motivation for Japanese study, which a student shall pass to be eligible. 

1. MEXT Scholarships:

MEXT scholarship provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology can be a great opportunity for Nepalese students. Though it is highly competitive with adequate preparation, many students can fund their education in Japan and can get aid, 

• part-time courses (定時制 Teiji-Sei) 
• Correspondence Courses (通信制 Tsushin-Sei):
• Upper Secondary Courses of Specialized Training Colleges (高等専修学校 Koto-Senshu-Gakko)

There are some listed public and local schools, private schools, and international schools where students can study under these scholarships. Students get access to various scholarship benefits like, 

• Monthly stipend of 117,000 yen
• Regional allowance of 2,000 to 3,000 yen 
• Covers full tuition fees 
• Round-trip airfare 
• National health insurance plan 

The duration of scholarship support is 4 years for undergraduate programs. Research students get up to two years for Master's and 3 years for Doctoral studies. Even, specialized training college students enjoy such benefits for three years while having a sound academic background in Japan. 

2. Honjo International Scholarship Foundation

Honjo International Scholarship Foundation provides full and partial tuition fee waivers for Nepalese students trying to pursue master's and doctoral degrees in Japan. Under this scheme, applicants will receive.

• Monthly stipends around  ¥250,000 to ¥300,000
•  For about 1 to 5 years based on research duration. 

3. Japan Joint World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Japan Joint World Bank graduate scholarship program is a fully funded scholarship that covers monthly living (subsistence) allowance, round trip fare worth $600, and health insurance services. 

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship typically covers the duration of the graduate program or up to two years. Applicants need relevant professional experience in development to be eligible for this scholarship. While the scholarship provides extensive support, it does not cover:

• Visa application costs.
• Expenses related to family members accompanying the scholar.
• Extra-curricular courses or training.
• Additional travel during the study program.
• Costs related to research materials or educational equipment (e.g., computers).

4. JASSO Scholarship Program

The JASSO Scholarship Program offers financial benefits to international students and helps them accompany their different needs. There are various scholarships under this category like, 

• Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students
• JASSO Student Exchange Support Program
• JASSO Loan Scholarship
• Scholarships for Japanese Language Students

The main motive for these financial benefits operated by the Japan Student Services Organization, is to aid international students pursuing vocational training. Students can have 1 year's worth of scholarship and financial assistance with additional support like, 

• monthly stipend of around 48,000 to 80,000 yen
• Help with housing and part-time job placement 
• Supports language learning opportunities

5. Japan Development Service (JDS) Scholarship

JDS scholarship is a substantial scholarship option that helps young civil servants from Nepal to pursue master's and doctoral degrees in Japan. One receives full tuition fees for a master's program with approximately 143,000 yen monthly aid, one round-trip airfare, and allowance like, arrival, accommodation, subsidiary, overseas travel insurance, and support services, to settle into life in Japan and learn.