The study abroad landscape has been shifting in recent years. Changes in immigration policies in some popular countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia have made students look for options which they had overlooked previously. Now along with some European countries, Japan has been the nation of choice for students to get their higher education. 

Undoubtedly, Japan is highly developed, technologically advanced, and offers a unique cultural experience. The nation also has some excellent universities here that offer generous scholarships for international students too. 

However, the information about these scholarships are scattered and this article hopes to explain some of the opportunities one might pursue when thinking of Japan as their education destination. 

Japanese universities offer two major intakes for international students—April (spring) and September (fall). Across both intakes, many universities provide high-quality education with surprisingly affordable tuition and a range of scholarship options.

University of Tsukuba

This public university is located just besides Tokyo, offers Programmes like Geoscience, Biology, Global Issues, and International Social Studies. As a public university, it’s budget-friendly. The admission fee for Master’s programmes in arts and interdisciplinary science is 282,000 yen. Your first semester’s tuition (267,900 yen) is waived. From the second year, you pay full tuition unless you secure a scholarship. Students with strong academic records can apply for tuition exemptions. The MEXT scholarship ( detailed in the below sections of this article ) is also available—either through the embassy or university recommendation.

Kyoto University

The International Undergraduate Program (iUP) starts with a six-month Japanese language course. After that, students join the Civil Engineering undergraduate Programme. The preparatory course costs 296,000 yen. Undergraduate tuition is 535,800 yen per year, plus a 282,000 yen admission fee. Depending on your circumstances, you may receive full or partial tuition waivers for up to four and a half years. More scholarships are available after arrival. A merit-based scholarship of up to 120,000 yen per month for the six-month period of the Preparatory Course and four-year period of the undergraduate course will be provided as a monthly allowance. Successful applicants in the screening of Kyoto iUP preparatory course will receive the offer of scholarship simultaneously with the notification of final screening result. Applicants do not have to apply for the scholarship separately.

Hitotsubashi University

This public university is  known for Commerce, Economics, Law, and Social Sciences. You’ll need to pay 17,000 yen for the entrance exam, 282,000 yen for admission, and 642,960 yen annually for tuition. The university offers 50% or 100% tuition waivers based on academic performance or financial need. Additional scholarships can be applied for after enrollment. This fee structure applies uniformly across various faculties, including Engineering, Chemistry, Law, and Cultural Studies. The university provides financial support through scholarships such as the Global 30 Undergraduate Scholarship, which covers full tuition, reimburses the admission fee, and offers a ¥500,000 annual stipend

Hiroshima University

As the name suggests, located in the historical town of Hiroshima, this public university Offers the Integrated Global Studies (IGS) Programme. The total cost includes a 17,000 yen application fee, a 282,000 yen enrollment fee, and 535,800 yen in annual tuition. Selected students may receive the MEXT scholarship. There’s also a one-time IGS Scholarship of 300,000 yen. Other options are available for privately financed students. These fees are consistent across its diverse faculties, including Integrated Global Studies, Law, Economics, Science, and Engineering. The university offers various scholarships and tuition waivers to support international students, aiming to alleviate financial burdens and promote academic excellence.

Nagoya University

Home to the Global 30 International Program. Subjects include Engineering, Chemistry, Law, and Cultural Studies. The application fee is 5,000 yen, admission is 282,000 yen, and tuition is 535,800 yen per year. Its Global 30 Undergraduate Scholarship covers all tuition, reimburses the enrollment fee, and offers a 500,000 yen annual stipend. The university offers tuition exemptions of 50% or 100% based on academic performance and financial need . Additionally, international students may be eligible for the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship, which provides a monthly stipend of ¥117,000 and covers tuition fees. 

Akita International University

Provides Programmes in Global Business, Global Studies, and Global Connectivity. Tuition is 696,000 yen annually, and the enrollment fee is 423,000 yen. Students with financial need can apply for tuition waivers.

Other public universities worth considering include Okayama University, which offers the Global Discovery Program; University of Hyogo, which hosts a Global Business Course with MEXT-funded placements; and Tohoku University, where MEXT scholarships are available through both embassy and university recommendations. There are also considerable scholarship opportunities in the private universities of Japan. 

Waseda University

Offers diverse Programmes across Political Science, Social Sciences, Liberal Studies, and Engineering. Tuition fees vary by school, but scholarships range from partial waivers to full funding—especially for students from developing countries like Bangladesh.The School of Political Science and Economics charges approximately ¥1,281,000 per year in tuition, with a one-time admission fee of ¥200,000 and around ¥7,000 in annual miscellaneous fees. The School of Social Sciences has slightly lower tuition, at about ¥1,051,000 annually, with the same ¥200,000 admission fee. The Faculty of Science and Engineering has one of the highest fee structures, costing ¥1,584,000 per year, plus the standard ¥200,000 admission charge. While exact tuition information for the School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) isn’t publicly listed, students are advised to check directly with the faculty for accurate figures. To support international students, Waseda provides numerous scholarships ranging from partial tuition waivers—such as the 50% Tuition Reduction Scholarship—to fully funded options. Students from developing countries like Bangladesh may also qualify for need- and merit-based awards, including the Azusa Ono Memorial and MEXT scholarships.

Keio University

Hosts Programmes like PEARL (Economics) and GIGA (Information & Governance). Tuition is higher than at public universities—around 1.4 million yen annually—but several scholarship options are available, including MEXT and university-funded grants. At Keio University, tuition fees differ by faculty. For instance, the Faculty of Letters charges approximately ¥1,110,000 per year, while the Faculty of Economics has an annual tuition of about ¥1,431,350. The Faculty of Science and Technology’s tuition is around ¥1,570,000 annually, and the School of Medicine has the highest tuition fee at approximately ¥3,610,000 per year. Additionally, there is a one-time admission fee of ¥200,000. Keio University offers various scholarships to support students financially, including merit-based and need-based options. For example, in 2008, about 30% of students received scholarships or loans, with international undergraduate students receiving an average of ¥259,942.

Sophia University

Known for its Liberal Arts, Green Science, and Engineering Programmes. Annual fees range from 1.49 to 1.81 million yen depending on the Programme. Scholarships and aid are available for international students. Sophia University presents a range of tuition fees depending on the faculty. The Faculty of Liberal Arts charges approximately ¥1,352,650 per year, while the Faculty of Human Sciences has an annual tuition of about ¥1,429,650. The Faculty of Science and Technology’s tuition is around ¥1,864,650 per year. An entrance fee of ¥200,000 is required upon matriculation, and there are additional fees such as a semester enrollment fee of ¥30,000 and an education enhancement fee that varies by faculty. Sophia University provides various scholarships and financial aid options to assist students, including those based on academic merit and financial need.

Other private universities, Hosei, Rikkyo, Kwansei Gakuin, Ritsumeikan, Tsuda, Shibaura Institute of Technology, and Tokyo International University also offer English-taught programmes and scholarships that range from 25% tuition reductions to full coverage.

One of the writers, Yasin Rahat, is a full-tuition scholar at Tokyo International University and is interested in startups, tech and politics.