Study in Japan
Affordable education with generous MEXT scholarships in a tech-leading nation
Japan offers an exceptional and affordable study destination for Nepali students. With the MEXT scholarship covering full tuition, living allowance, and airfare, Japan is one of the few countries where you can study abroad essentially for free. Even without MEXT, Japanese national universities charge significantly lower tuition than Western countries. Japan's cutting-edge technology, safe environment, unique culture, and a large established Nepali community (over 150,000 Nepalis in Japan) make it an increasingly attractive destination.
Get Free Study in Japan Counseling
No obligation. Or call +977-9849998031
Top Universities Available
Through our direct partnerships, we help you gain admission to leading universities. Here are some of the top institutions available through our Study in Japan program.
University of Tokyo
QS #28Tokyo
Japan's top university and a global leader in science, engineering, and humanities research.
Kyoto University
QS #49Kyoto
Japan's second-ranked university known for academic freedom and Nobel Prize-winning research.
Osaka University
QS #68Osaka
Strong in medicine, engineering, and science with affordable living costs compared to Tokyo.
Tohoku University
QS #79Sendai
The first Japanese university to admit international students. Excellent for materials science and engineering.
Nagoya University
QS #112Nagoya
Home to multiple Nobel laureates. Strong in physics, chemistry, and automotive engineering.
Tsukuba University
QS #355Tsukuba
Located in Japan's Science City. Popular among Nepali MEXT scholars for its international programs.
Eligibility Requirements
Meeting these requirements strengthens your application. Our counselors can help you identify areas to improve and present the strongest possible profile.
- Completed +2 or equivalent with good grades (for undergraduate MEXT) or a recognized Bachelor's degree (for research/graduate MEXT)
- Age: under 25 for undergraduate MEXT, under 35 for research student MEXT
- For English-taught programs: IELTS 5.5-6.5 or TOEFL 72-80
- For Japanese-taught programs: Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or above
- Research plan or study plan (for MEXT research student scholarship)
- Good health and willingness to learn Japanese (even basic level is helpful)
Application Process
We have streamlined the study abroad application process into clear, manageable steps. Our team guides you through each stage to maximize your chances of admission.
Free Counseling & Pathway Selection
We discuss your academic background, career goals, and Japanese language ability to determine the best pathway: MEXT scholarship (Embassy or University recommendation), direct university application, or language school followed by university.
MEXT Scholarship Application Support
For MEXT applicants, we help you prepare your research plan or study plan, academic documents, and application forms. We guide you on how to contact potential supervising professors and prepare for Embassy exams.
University Application (Non-MEXT)
For direct university applicants, we help you select English-taught or Japanese-taught programs, prepare application documents, and apply to 3-5 universities based on your profile.
Language School Pathway
If you need to improve your Japanese before university, we connect you with reputable language schools in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities. Language school typically lasts 1-2 years before university admission.
Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
Your university or language school applies for your Certificate of Eligibility from Japanese Immigration. This takes 1-2 months. Once issued, we help you apply for your student visa at the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu.
Visa & Pre-Departure
We guide you through the visa application process, which is straightforward once you have the CoE. Processing takes 1-2 weeks. We then provide pre-departure orientation covering housing, banking, residence registration, and life in Japan.
Costs & Scholarships
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Here is a breakdown of typical costs and available funding options.
National universities charge a standard ¥535,800/year (approx. NPR 5 lakh) — among the lowest in the developed world. Public universities charge ¥535,800-700,000. Private universities range from ¥800,000-1,500,000 depending on the program. MEXT scholars pay zero tuition. Many universities also offer tuition reduction (30-100%) for self-funded students with good grades.
Tokyo costs ¥120,000-150,000/month for living expenses (rent, food, transport, phone). Other cities like Osaka, Nagoya, Sendai, and Fukuoka cost ¥80,000-110,000/month. Many universities have affordable dormitories (¥10,000-40,000/month for rent). MEXT scholars receive a monthly allowance of ¥143,000-145,000 which covers living comfortably.
MEXT Scholarship covers full tuition, monthly allowance of ¥143,000-145,000, and return airfare. JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) scholarships provide ¥48,000/month to self-funded students with good grades. Many private foundations also offer scholarships to international students in Japan. Approximately 45% of international students in Japan receive some form of scholarship.
Costs are estimates and vary by university and city. Call +977-9849998031 or fill out the form for personalized cost estimates based on your preferred universities.
Student Life
Studying abroad is about more than just academics. Here is what you can expect from life as an international student.
Japan offers a uniquely rewarding student experience. Japanese universities combine rigorous academics with a rich club culture — joining a 'circle' or 'bukatsu' (club activity) is an important part of student life and a great way to make Japanese friends and improve your language skills.
Student visa holders can work up to 28 hours per week with a 'shikakugai katsudo kyoka' (permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence), which is easily obtained at the immigration office. Common part-time jobs pay ¥1,000-1,200/hour and include convenience store work, restaurant staff, factory work, and delivery services.
Japan's Nepali community is one of the largest in Asia, with Nepali restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural organizations in every major city. Tokyo's Shin-Okubo area and areas in Osaka, Nagoya, and other cities have thriving Nepali communities. Many Nepali students who came to Japan for studies have built successful careers in IT, engineering, hospitality, and business, both in Japan and upon returning to Nepal.
Study in Japan — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MEXT scholarship and how do I apply?
Do I need to speak Japanese to study in Japan?
Can I work part-time in Japan as a student?
What is the language school pathway?
Can I stay in Japan after graduating?
Ready to Study in Japan?
Get free, expert counseling from Global Study Nepal. We will help you with university selection, applications, scholarships, and visa processing. Call +977-9849998031 or book online.