Japan has one of the most uniquely designed education systems in the world with some internationally acclaimed universities. Thousands of students worldwide choose Japan for higher education every year. With its inclusive culture and historical heritage, it has become one of the most sought-after destinations for education. If you are thinking about studying in Japan, you must have shortlisted Osaka University, the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and other remarkable institutions. But you also must have considered how much it will cost to study in the Land of the Rising Sun. The cost of studying in Japan comprises visa costs, rent, tuition fees, and much more. 

This post covers all the core elements of the cost that you will incur during your higher education in Japan. 

1. Tuition Fee 

Your tuition fee may vary depending on the course and university you have chosen to study at. As compared to countries in America and Europe, higher education is relatively cheaper to study in Japan. Public universities and national universities, such as Akita University and Fukushima University, have an average tuition fee of about 3,000 USD. On the other hand, private universities have much higher tuition fees, ranging from 10,000 USD to 25,000 USD.

2. Living Costs

Another crucial expense to consider while planning to study in Japan is the cost of living. It comprises accommodation, recreational, food, travel, and miscellaneous expenses incurred during your stay in the country. It is a variable cost that depends on the city you will live in, your preferences, lifestyle, and various other factors. 

For accommodation in Japan, you can either go for on-campus or off-campus accommodation. If you choose an on-campus dormitory, the cost can be around $100 per month. On the other hand, if you choose to live away from your campus, the expenses may vary depending on the city you are studying in. In major cities like Tokyo, living expenses can be around 60,000 Yen, which translates into about 500 USD.

3. Transportation and food.

You must also consider the costs related to travel, utilities, and food while evaluating total expenses. In Japan, the average cost of food will range from 800-1000 YEN per month, depending on your tastes and preferences. As for travel charges, the average cost is somewhere around 10,000 yen per month. You can invest in a JR Rail Pass for 7-21 days, which gives you unlimited travel on any train or bus running in Japan.  

4. Other Costs to Consider 

Other costs include gym memberships, shopping, exploring, etc. In Japan, the average gym membership costs about 100 USD per month. For luxuries, you might have to cut down the cost of food and travel. To save some extra bucks, you can avoid dining out in fancy restaurants and traveling by bullet train, which is quite expensive. 

Here are a few other important expenses that you will incur during your time in Japan: 

• Health Insurance

• Internet

• Cell phone coverage

• Books  

Conclusion

Remember that international students are not allowed to work while studying in any university or institution in Japan. So if all these costs seem out of your budget, you can always look for scholarship programs in Japanese universities. The government of Japan offers these scholarships to provide financial aid to students who cannot afford the expenses while studying in the country.