Top 7 Essential Things to Know About Studying Abroad in Japan

What is independent study in Japan?

Independent study in Japan refers to students enrolling in Japanese schools without relying on scholarships or government support. Statistics show that about 80% of students in Japan are studying independently. The reason for this is the long wait and intense competition for scholarships, while independent study is simpler and faster, making it the preferred choice for many students.

Benefits and challenges of independent study in Japan

Studying in Japan, known for its top-tier education system, is a dream for many students. The country offers state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, research materials, and laboratories, as well as high-level professors who impart invaluable knowledge. However, as an independent study student, you must cover your own tuition, housing, food, transportation, and other expenses, which can place significant pressure on both students and their families. In cities like Tokyo, the cost of living is very high, with total expenses reaching around 130,000 yen, while smaller cities may cost half as much.

However, there is no need to worry, as the Japanese government allows students to work part-time to help cover living expenses. Jobs like sales assistant, fast food server, and restaurant worker offer decent pay, ranging from 800 to 1,200 yen per hour. Students are allowed to work 4 hours per day and up to 28 hours per week. This income is usually enough to cover tuition and living costs while also helping students become more independent and resilient. Independent study in Japan presents both challenges and opportunities for personal growth.

1. Business Administration
2. Information Technology
3. Interior Design
4. Traditional Medicine
5. Construction
6. Nursing
7. Environmental Studies
8. Architecture
9. Marketing
10. Fine Arts
11. Tourism
12. Economics
13. Pharmacy
14. Electronics
15. Education
16. Accounting
17. Law
18. Culinary Arts

Preparing for your study abroad journey to Japan, a country you’ve never set foot in before, can be both exciting and daunting. The following tips could be incredibly helpful in making your transition smoother.

• Choosing a School in Japan: If your goal is to work while studying, you’ll likely need to enroll in a language school first, where you can also take on part-time jobs. Average monthly earnings from part-time work are around 28 million yen, and this can increase to nearly 40 million yen depending on the type of job. Ideal schools are located in city centers, have affordable tuition, and offer ample work opportunities. Make sure to research these factors and consult your study abroad advisor beforehand.
• Studying in Japan: Japanese universities offer excellent facilities like libraries, computer rooms, classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, cafeterias, gyms, swimming pools, and tennis courts. For example, the library is spacious with a large bookstore, and students can borrow books for free. Many computer rooms are open 24/7. Classrooms are equipped with air conditioning and heaters for comfort during extreme weather. School meals are affordable, and many students choose to eat at the cafeteria rather than cook at home. Additionally, universities provide convenient services like bookstores, ticket agents, laundry services, office supplies shops, and ATMs. After a busy day, you can relax in the sports gym, pool, or on the playing field.
• Time Management in Japan: Most universities teach in Japanese. Many international students face language barriers when they first arrive, which can make lectures challenging. Therefore, it’s essential to improve your Japanese before starting university. The more proficient you are, the easier it will be to follow your classes.
• Studying with Reference Materials: In addition to textbooks, Japanese professors often require students to use many reference books, and the volume of readings can be substantial. The more reference books you read, the better your chances for success. Academic progress is evaluated through midterms, finals, reports, and participation in discussions.
• Finding Part-Time Jobs: For self-funded students, part-time work is essential. You can find jobs at Vietnamese restaurants, teach Vietnamese to Japanese people, or do translation work. The average hourly rate at restaurants is 800 yen, including meals. Other jobs like teaching or translating tend to offer higher pay but are more difficult to find and are not always available.

Japan is a developed country that has long been a popular destination for Vietnamese students considering studying abroad in Asia. Globally recognized for its high standards across various fields, Japan offers a wide range of educational institutions in disciplines such as physics, engineering, agriculture, medicine, literature, environmental science, business, and even culinary arts. The country’s education system is renowned for its modernity and advancement, making Japan an excellent choice for personal development and intellectual growth. If you're still wondering whether studying in Japan is a good decision, here are a few key reasons why the answer is undoubtedly 'yes':

• Japan – A Familiar Country to Vietnamese People: From manga comics and animated films to the cars on the streets and traditional dishes, Japan is deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture. Additionally, Japanese technological innovations, such as televisions, refrigerators, and air conditioners, are common in Vietnamese households.
• Study in Japan – A World-Class Educational Environment: Ranked third globally, Japan’s education system is second only to the US and UK. By studying here, you will not only experience an ideal academic environment but also develop discipline and creative thinking.
• Excellent Living Conditions: Japan boasts the highest life expectancy in the world, clearly reflecting the country’s superior living conditions.
• Job Opportunities for the Future: With increasing demand for Japanese-speaking professionals, the growing Vietnam-Japan relationship opens up abundant career opportunities in Japanese companies both in Vietnam and Japan.
• Financial Independence While Studying in Japan: The Japanese government allows international students to work part-time during their breaks, up to 28 hours per week. This enables most students to cover their living expenses while studying abroad.

If you’re considering studying in Japan, the first question that often comes to mind is, 'What are the requirements for studying abroad in Japan?' In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help answer this question.

A. General Requirements for Studying in Japan:

Basic Requirements:

• Must have completed high school or higher
• Age between 18 and 35
• Minimum GPA of 5.0
• At least 150 hours of Japanese language study in Vietnam or pass a basic Japanese proficiency test
• If you've previously been an intern or trainee in Japan or other countries, you’re still eligible to apply for study abroad in Japan

1. Birth certificate (1 copy)
2. Passport (1 copy + original)
3. National ID (1 copy each for the student and their parents)
4. Japanese language proficiency certificate (if available, 1 copy + original)
5. High school, vocational, or university diploma (if available, 1 copy + original)
6. High school transcript or university grades (if applicable, 1 copy + original)
7. Family household registration (1 copy)
8. If currently studying or working, provide verification from the institution
9. 8 passport-sized photos (3×4 and 4×6)
10. Bank statement showing savings of 500 million VND (if available, 2 copies)
11. If a past intern, provide CV, passport, and JITCO documents (if available)

• Completed at least Grade 9 in Vietnam
• No need for high school diploma in Vietnam or an entrance exam
• Must have at least an N5 Japanese proficiency certificate. If you don't have one, you’ll need to study over 150 hours of Japanese in Vietnam before attending language courses in Japan
• High school programs in Japan offer free consultation on study abroad requirements

• High school graduate or higher, aged between 18 and 30
• Students who didn’t pass university entrance exams but wish to study and work part-time in Japan
• A degree from a Vietnamese university or college is an advantage
• Returned trainees from Japan after one year are also eligible to apply
• Desire to work in Japan
• Japanese proficiency equivalent to 288 hours or N5 level (if available)
• A financial guarantor needs to prove financial capability and close relationship with the student (preferably a relative)
• You can contact trusted study abroad agencies for financial documentation assistance

• If you’re applying through a scholarship or exchange program, you don’t need to worry about tuition fees as long as you have a Japanese language proficiency certificate or an IELTS score of 6.5.
• For self-funded students: In addition to the requirements mentioned, you must ensure you can cover living and study costs. Don’t worry, as there are work-and-study opportunities in Japan, with attractive income ranging from 800 to 3000 yen per hour.

How much does it really cost to study abroad in Japan? What are the expenses involved? This is a primary concern for anyone considering studying in Japan.

Many families want to send their children to study in Japan but lack detailed information on the actual costs. As a result, most students realize the actual costs only after arriving in Japan. First, you should know that if you don’t have at least an N3 level in Japanese (some schools may require N2) for a degree or college program, you’ll need to enroll in a Japanese language school first. For example, tuition at a language school in Tokyo (with one year’s tuition and 6 months of dormitory fees, with an exchange rate of 1 Yen = 205 VND) averages around 200 million VND for students who already have an N5 certificate. If you don’t have an N5, you’ll need to study Japanese for 3-4 months. Including living expenses and food for 3 months, it will cost about 20 million VND.

The total estimated cost for someone with no Japanese language skills is: 200 million + 20 million for language study + about 10 million for other expenses (health check, financial proof, transportation) = 230 million VND. This is the estimated total cost to study abroad in Japan in 2018.

The 230 million VND includes the following:

While in Vietnam:

• Service fees for a study abroad agency
• Document processing fees
• Living and study expenses for 3-4 months in Vietnam through the agency
• Visa fees
• Financial proof fees
• Flight tickets from Vietnam to Japan

While in Japan:

• Tuition, books, uniforms, insurance, etc., for the first year
• Six-month dormitory fees
• Health check fees
• Insurance fees
• Phone and internet registration fees (if desired)
• Alien registration card fees (similar to an ID card in Vietnam)
• Part-time job application registration fees