From Ambition to Planning: What You Need to Know About Studying and Working in Japan

How could Japan fit into your next plan? The answer starts with identifying a pathway that matches your ambitions and resources. ElWijha brings together essential information on studying, scholarships, working, residence options and living costs, helping you gain a clearer picture before making your decision.

Visa requirements vary according to nationality, the purpose of travel and the length of stay. Different categories cover studying, working, business management and joining family members. Choose the category that matches your activity and check the application procedures with the Japanese embassy responsible for your country of residence.

Entering Japan as a visitor does not automatically give you the right to work.

Start by choosing your programme and university, then check the requirements for previous qualifications, language proficiency, examinations, documents, fees and application deadlines. These requirements vary by institution and field of study.

Some Japanese-taught programmes may require the JLPT, which assesses Japanese language proficiency, or the EJU, an examination for international applicants. Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes taught entirely in English are also available, with language requirements set by each programme.

You can search for institutions and programmes through the Study in Japan portal, then check the university’s website for its final requirements. University admission does not guarantee a visa.

One of the main options is the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship, which covers several study categories. Depending on the rules of the relevant category, it may cover tuition fees, a monthly allowance and airfare. Eligibility, deadlines and nomination procedures vary by announcement.

Support is also available through JASSO, the Japan Student Services Organization, along with university scholarships and fee reductions. Some funding is partial, and some applications are submitted after enrolment. Check the coverage and application deadlines before preparing your budget.

Work-related residence statuses vary according to the profession and type of activity. They include fields such as engineering, teaching, research and international services. Your job and qualifications must meet the requirements of the relevant status; an employment contract alone is not enough.

The first category of the Specified Skilled Worker status generally requires passing occupational skills and Japanese language tests. Exemptions and additional requirements vary by sector and individual circumstances. You should also check whether applications are open in your chosen sector.

The Business Manager residence status is subject to requirements concerning premises, business size, employment and other matters. The current conditions presented by the Japan External Trade Organization include an investment of at least JPY 30 million and the employment of at least one full-time worker from the specified nationality or residence-status categories, alongside other requirements.

There are also startup preparation visa programmes, which may allow up to two years depending on the programme and the approval granted.

The remote-work residence category allows a stay of six months, with no extension. It is available to eligible nationalities and requires an annual income of at least JPY 10 million, along with insurance covering death, injury and illness. Coverage for medical treatment relating to injury or illness must be at least JPY 10 million.

A spouse and dependent children may be allowed to join the main applicant under Dependent residence status, depending on the main applicant’s status and ability to support them. This status does not automatically permit employment; paid work requires the appropriate permission.

The possibility of bringing family members varies by pathway. In principle, the first category of the Specified Skilled Worker status does not allow this.

The official study portal reports average monthly living costs for international students of JPY 105,000, excluding study and research expenses, based on a 2023 JASSO survey. Actual expenses vary by city and accommodation, with higher rents in Tokyo and other major cities.

Include tuition fees, travel and initial settlement expenses in your budget. Compare student accommodation with private rentals, checking the charges due when signing the lease, guarantor requirements, facilities and distance to your university or workplace.

The appropriate insurance scheme depends on your circumstances, whether through employment or National Health Insurance for eligible people who are not covered by another scheme. National Health Insurance registration takes place at the municipal office. Premiums and reductions vary according to income and the applicable conditions.

In the usual circumstances for covered students, insurance pays 70% of eligible treatment costs, while the insured person pays 30%. Services outside the insurance coverage must be paid for in full.

Does a Certificate of Eligibility guarantee a visa?

No. It is issued by Japan’s immigration authorities and helps with processing the application, but it does not guarantee either visa issuance or permission to enter Japan.

Can students work while studying?

After obtaining the necessary permission, students can generally work up to 28 hours per week, and up to eight hours per day during long school holidays. The weekly limit covers all jobs combined. Work in adult entertainment establishments is prohibited, and employment must not interfere with studies. Do not rely on this income to cover all your expenses.

Can graduates stay in Japan to look for work?

Eligible graduates may be allowed to change from Student status to Designated Activities status to continue job hunting for six months, generally renewable once. A second year of job hunting may be possible under specific conditions. This option does not automatically apply to every institution or course.

Do studying or working lead to permanent residence?

Not automatically. Permanent residence requires a separate application and compliance with the relevant eligibility requirements and obligations. The rules vary according to the applicant’s circumstances and residence status.