Japan has become one of the most popular study destinations for international students, especially from India. With world-class universities, advanced technology, safe cities, and rich culture, Japan offers incredible value for money compared to countries like the US, UK, or Australia.
But one big question every student asks is:
How much does it actually cost to study in Japan?
In this complete guide, we’ll break down:
✔ Tuition fees in Japanese universities
✔ Monthly living expenses
✔ Initial one-time costs
✔ Scholarships that reduce your cost
✔ Money-saving tips
✔ FAQs for Indian students
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Studying in Japan can be an exciting investment in your future, but it’s important to understand the costs involved. On average, tuition fees range from ¥800,000 to ¥2,000,000 per year (approximately ₹4.5 to ₹11.4 Lakhs), depending on whether you choose a national or private university. In addition, living expenses such as rent, food, transport, and utilities typically cost ¥70,000 to ¥150,000 per month (₹40,000 to ₹86,000), with variations based on the city and lifestyle.
When you combine tuition fees and living expenses, the total annual cost of studying in Japan generally falls between ₹8.5 Lakhs and ₹22.5 Lakhs. The exact amount depends on several factors:
Understanding these factors upfront will help you plan a realistic budget and make informed decisions about your study options in Japan.
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Japan offers three main types of universities, and tuition fees vary significantly depending on the institution and program.
National and public universities in Japan are government-funded and generally the most budget-friendly option for international students.
Average Annual Tuition Fee:
¥535,800 (approximately ₹3 Lakhs)
One-Time Admission Fee:
Around ¥282,000 (approximately ₹1.6 Lakhs)
Total First-Year Cost:
Tuition plus admission fee comes to approximately ¥817,800 (₹4.6 Lakhs)
Popular National Universities:
These universities are highly ranked globally but remain more affordable compared to many Western institutions.
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Private universities in Japan generally have higher tuition fees, particularly for specialized courses such as medicine, engineering, and business.
Annual Tuition Range:
¥800,000 – ¥1,500,000 or more (approximately ₹4.4 Lakhs – ₹8.3 Lakhs)
Private institutions often provide a wider range of English-taught programs and modern facilities, but this comes with a higher cost compared to national and public universities.
Well-Known Private Universities:
Choosing a private university can offer additional academic opportunities, but it is important to factor in the increased tuition and living expenses when planning your budget.
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Many students choose to attend a Japanese language school before enrolling in a university. These programs help students build language skills, understand Japanese culture, and prepare for academic life in Japan.
Average Cost of a Japanese Language School:
¥600,000 – ¥800,000 per year (approximately ₹3.5 – ₹4.5 Lakhs)
Learning Japanese before university offers several advantages:
Institutions like TLS – The Japanese Language School specialize in preparing students for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and university entry. This preparation not only boosts academic readiness but can also make studying in Japan more affordable and efficient in the long term.
Explore our Japanese Language Course in Delhi Online for flexible learning options.
The cost of living in Japan varies significantly depending on the city, type of accommodation, and lifestyle. Major cities tend to be more expensive but offer better job opportunities and access to services, while smaller cities are more affordable.
Living in Japan’s largest cities comes with higher costs, but these areas provide excellent career and part-time job opportunities.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses:
¥100,000 – ¥150,000 (approximately ₹57,000 – ₹86,000)
Typical Breakdown:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (¥) |
| Rent | 50,000 – 80,000 |
| Food | 25,000 – 35,000 |
| Transport | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Utilities | 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 10,000 – 15,000 |
Rent is usually the largest expense, with shared apartments or student dormitories being more affordable options. Utility and transportation costs vary based on lifestyle and proximity to campus. Proper budgeting can help manage these costs efficiently while living comfortably in Japan.
Check details on the NAT Japanese Test February page.
For students looking to balance quality of life with affordability, smaller Japanese cities like Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Hiroshima offer an excellent option. These cities are not only student-friendly but also provide a more relaxed lifestyle compared to major metropolitan areas.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses:
¥70,000 – ¥100,000 (approximately ₹40,000 – ₹57,000)
Lower rent, reduced transportation costs, and generally cheaper day-to-day expenses make these cities ideal for budget-conscious students. Despite being more affordable, they still offer good access to education, part-time jobs, and cultural experiences, making them a practical choice for international students planning long-term study in Japan.
Learn about the JLPT 2026 Registration Fees in India before planning your language exams.
Housing is typically the largest monthly expense for students in Japan. Choosing the right type of accommodation can significantly impact your overall budget.
Student dormitories are the most budget-friendly option and are especially convenient for first-year students.
Monthly Cost: ¥15,000 – ¥50,000
Advantages:
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Private apartments offer greater privacy and independence but come with higher costs, including rent, deposit, and maintenance fees.
Monthly Cost: ¥50,000 – ¥80,000 or more
Considerations:
Tip: Many students start in dormitories during their first year and move to private apartments later once they are familiar with the city and campus life.
Explore top options in our Institutes Offering Japanese Language Courses in Delhi guide.
Before starting your studies in Japan, it’s important to plan for several upfront expenses. These one-time costs cover the essentials required to secure admission, obtain a visa, and settle in your new city.
Typical Initial Expenses:
| Expense | Cost (INR) |
| Application Fees | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Visa Fees | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Flight Tickets | ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Insurance | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
Estimated Total Initial Cost: ₹1 – ₹2 Lakhs
Planning ahead for these costs ensures a smoother transition to life in Japan and prevents last-minute financial stress. Proper budgeting at this stage allows you to focus on settling in, adjusting to campus life, and starting your studies with confidence.
Check the Japanese Language Course in Delhi with Fees for detailed cost information.
One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of studying in Japan is through scholarships. The Japanese government, universities, and other organizations offer several scholarship programs designed to support international students financially.
The MEXT Scholarship, funded by the Japanese government, is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarships available to international students.
Benefits:
While highly competitive, receiving the MEXT Scholarship can make studying in Japan entirely affordable and provide life-changing opportunities.
Learn the structure of the test in the JLPT Exam Format guide.
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) scholarship is aimed at privately funded students.
Benefits:
This scholarship can significantly ease the financial burden of daily costs while studying in Japan.
Many Japanese universities offer their own scholarships for international students. These may include:
Strong Japanese language skills and academic performance often improve your chances of receiving these scholarships. Training at TLS – The Japanese Language School not only helps you prepare for language proficiency exams like the JLPT but also enhances your eligibility for scholarships, making your study in Japan more affordable and manageable.
Learn more about visa rules on the SSW Visa Age Limit & Salary for Indian Workers in Japan page.
International students in Japan are allowed to work part-time for up to 28 hours per week, providing a valuable opportunity to support living expenses and gain practical experience.
Average Pay: ¥900 – ¥1,200 per hour
With consistent work, students can earn approximately ¥80,000 – ¥120,000 per month, which can cover a significant portion of their monthly living costs.
Common Part-Time Jobs for Students:
Working part-time not only helps manage expenses but also provides exposure to Japanese culture, improves language skills, and can enhance your overall experience while studying in Japan.
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Studying in Japan can be expensive, but with careful planning, it’s possible to manage costs effectively. Here are some practical strategies:
Building a solid foundation in Japanese before arriving can make a significant difference. Programs like TLS – The Japanese Language School help students:
By combining careful planning, smart choices, and language preparation, students can make studying in Japan both affordable and rewarding.
Learn about language and traditions in our Japanese Language and Culture article.
To give a clearer picture of the costs involved, here are sample budgets for students attending different types of universities in Japan:
| Expense | Annual Cost (¥) | Approx. INR |
| Tuition | 535,800 | ₹3,00,000 |
| Admission Fee (first year) | 282,000 | ₹1,60,000 |
| Living Expenses (¥80,000 × 12) | 960,000 | ₹5,40,000 |
| Total | 1,777,800 | ~₹10,00,000 |
This budget demonstrates that studying at a national university in a smaller city is one of the most cost-effective ways for international students to pursue higher education in Japan.
Get full details in the Complete Guide on JLPT 2026.
| Expense | Annual Cost (¥) | Approx. INR |
| Tuition | 1,200,000 | ₹6,80,000 |
| Living Expenses (¥130,000 × 12) | 1,560,000 | ₹8,80,000 |
| Total | 2,760,000 | ~₹15,60,000 |
Private universities in major cities like Tokyo offer more facilities and English-taught programs but come with higher tuition and living expenses.
These examples illustrate the range of costs students can expect and highlight how factors such as university type and city choice directly affect the total annual budget.
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Many students make the mistake of moving to Japan without sufficient Japanese language skills. This can lead to challenges such as:
Investing time in learning Japanese before arriving can make a significant difference. Programs like TLS – The Japanese Language School help students:
By building strong language skills in advance, students can save lakhs of rupees in living costs, scholarships, and part-time job opportunities, while also ensuring a smoother transition to life in Japan.
Check the schedule on the JLPT 2026 Exam Dates page.
On average, students need ₹8.5 Lakhs to ₹22.5 Lakhs per year, including tuition and living expenses.
Yes. Tuition and living costs in Japan are significantly lower compared to Western countries.
Yes, especially if you choose a national university and live in a smaller city.
Students usually need to show funds covering one year of tuition + living expenses, often around ₹12–18 Lakhs depending on the course and city.
Yes, international students can work 28 hours per week legally.
Yes! MEXT, JASSO, and university scholarships are available for Indian students.
Not always mandatory, but highly recommended for:
✔ Jobs
✔ Scholarships
✔ Daily life
Training at TLS – The Japanese Language School gives you a strong advantage before moving to Japan.
Japan offers high-quality education at a reasonable cost, making it one of the best destinations for international students. With smart planning, scholarships, and part-time work, studying in Japan can be both affordable and life-changing.
If you're serious about studying in Japan, start by building your Japanese language skills with TLS – The Japanese Language School, the right preparation today can save you lakhs tomorrow.
