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Japan has become a popular study destination for Nepali students due to its high-quality education, rich cultural experience, and growing career opportunities. Many aspiring students, however, have concerns about the cost of studying in Japan. How much does it cost in whole? Is studying in Japan expensive for Nepali students?
This blog provides a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost of studying in Japan from Nepal, including tuition fees, living costs, visa charges, and flight expenses. Additionally, we will explore how scholarships and part-time jobs can help students manage their finances while studying in Japan.
Table of Contents
Cost to Study in Japan from Nepal: Complete Guide 2025
The tuition fees in Japan vary depending on the institution type and your program choice. There are three main categories of Japanese educational institutions Nepali students can enrol in, viz, public, private, and Japanese language schools.
Let’s discuss tuition fees for Nepali students in all types of colleges and universities in Japan.
1. Public Universities
Public universities in Japan are government-funded and have relatively lower tuition fees compared to private universities. On average, the tuition fees for public universities are:
|
Fee Requirements |
Amount in JPY |
Approx. Amount in NPR |
|---|---|---|
|
First-year Admission Fee |
JPY 282,000 |
NPR 270,000 |
|
Annual Tuition Fee |
JPY 535,800 |
NPR 515,000 |
|
Total for the First Year |
JPY 817,800 |
NPR 785,000 |
2. Private Universities
Private universities charge higher tuition fees. The fees vary by faculty, with medical and engineering programs being the most expensive. Here are the general tuition costs in private universities:
|
Fee Requirements |
Amount in JPY |
Approx. Amount in NPR |
|---|---|---|
|
First-year Admission Fee |
JPY 250,000 – 300,000 |
NPR 240,000 – 290,000 |
|
Annual Tuition Fee |
JPY 800,000 – 1,500,000 |
NPR 770,000 – 1,440,000 |
|
Total for the First Year |
JPY 1,050,000 – 1,800,000 |
NPR 1,010,000 – 1,730,000 |
3. Japanese Language Schools
Nepali students who do not have sufficient Japanese language proficiency often attend language schools before entering a university. The average costs are:
|
Fee Requirements |
Amount in JPY |
Approx. Amount in NPR |
|---|---|---|
|
First-year Admission Fee |
JPY 50,000 – 100,000 |
NPR 48,000 – 96,000 |
|
Annual Tuition Fee |
JPY 600,000 – 800,000 |
NPR 580,000 – 770,000 |
|
Total for the First Year |
JPY 650,000 – 900,000 |
NPR 630,000 – 870,000 |
To study in Japan, Nepali students need a student visa. The visa application procedure comes with several costs. Here’s a table to give you an idea of expenses you need to plan:
|
Student Visa Expenses |
Description |
Amount in JPY |
|---|---|---|
|
Visa Application Fee |
For single-entry visa (typically used for studying or short-term visits) |
JPY 3,000 |
|
For multiple-entry visa (useful for those requiring frequent travel to and from Japan) |
JPY 6,000 |
|
|
Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) |
Administrative fee to support the CoE application process, covering essential processing and documentation services. |
JPY 5,000 – 10,000 |
|
Medical Check-up & Documentation |
Includes costs for standard health exams (chest X-ray, blood test) required for visa applications. |
JPY 10,000 – 20,000 |
Overall, the total visa-related costs to study in Japan can range from JPY 18,000 to JPY 36,000 (NPR 17,000 – 34,600).
The cost of living in Japan depends on the city and lifestyle. Tokyo being the capital city is the most expensive, while cities like Fukuoka and Osaka are more affordable.
The following table gives you the breakdown of living expenses in Japan for international students per month:
|
Living Expenses |
Monthly Cost (JPY) |
Monthly Cost (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
30,000 – 70,000 |
29,000 – 67,000 |
|
Food |
20,000 – 40,000 |
19,000 – 38,000 |
|
Transportation |
5,000 – 15,000 |
4,800 – 14,400 |
|
Utilities |
8,000 – 12,000 |
7,700 – 11,500 |
|
Miscellaneous |
10,000 – 20,000 |
9,600 – 19,200 |
|
Total |
73,000 – 157,000 |
70,000 – 150,000 |
Yearly, international students in Japan should budget between JPY 876,000 and JPY 1,884,000 (NPR 840,000 – 1,800,000). You can reduce your expenses cost requirements with effective planning and a conscious lifestyle.
Flight tickets to Japan from Nepal can largely vary depending on the airline, travel season, booking time, and destination within Japan. The ticket prices typically come into the following range:
Here are some facts about flights to Japan from Nepal to help you make a more informed choice:
Of course, education in Japan costs more than in Nepal, but so does the quality, opportunities, systems, and future prospects it brings in. However, the rising land of innovation is far more cost-effective than other top study destinations worldwide. Also, the options for financial aid, scholarships and part-time jobs make life in Japan a lot easier economically. Studying in Japan is nothing but a super, great, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—an experience for life!
Financing your education in Japan can be challenging, but various scholarships help reduce the financial burden. Below is a comparative table of popular scholarships in Japan available for Nepali students, including funding amounts, eligibility criteria, and coverage.
|
Scholarship Name |
Funding Amount |
Eligibility |
Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) |
Full tuition + Monthly stipend (¥117,000–¥145,000) |
Academic excellence, entrance exam, recommendation from Japanese embassy/university |
Tuition fees, stipend, airfare |
|
JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) |
¥48,000/month |
Undergraduate and postgraduate students with strong academic records |
Living expenses |
|
University-specific Scholarships |
Varies |
Based on academic performance, financial need |
Tuition reduction or full coverage |
|
Private & Corporate Scholarships |
¥50,000–¥150,000/month |
Students with high merit and leadership skills |
Tuition, living costs, partial stipends |
These scholarships can significantly aid your study in Japan by reducing your tuition or living expenses. Make the most out of these prestigious opportunities waiting for diligent students like you!
If you need any help with scholarships, visa applications, or Japanese language preparation, feel free to Contact or Visit Us!
Even with scholarships, managing expenses wisely is essential. A proper budget planning does not just help you with lesser expenditures and promote savings, but also prepares you for uncertain circumstances. Here are some money management strategies for students in Japan:
Japan has a strong, technology-driven economy with a stable job market, making it an attractive destination for international students. However, the cost of living varies based on location:
Understanding these financial aspects will help students make informed decisions about studying and living in Japan while making the most of scholarship opportunities.
International students can work up to 28 hours per week during their studies, and 40 hours per week during holidays. Popular jobs in Japan for students include:
|
Job Type |
Pay Rate (JPY/hour) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Convenience Store Worker |
JPY 900 – 1,200 |
Tasks include stocking shelves, assisting customers, and handling the cash register. |
|
Restaurant Staff |
JPY 1,000 – 1,500 |
Roles include waitstaff, kitchen assistants, and dishwashers, often in cafes or fast-food chains. |
|
English Tutor |
JPY 2,000 – 3,000 |
Teaching conversational or written English to individuals or small groups. |
|
Supermarket Assistant |
JPY 950 – 1,300 |
Responsibilities may involve organizing shelves, bagging groceries, or handling counters. |
|
Delivery Staff |
JPY 1,000 – 1,400 |
Delivering food or packages, often requiring basic cycling or driving skills. |
|
Hotel or Guesthouse Staff |
JPY 1,000 – 1,500 |
Working in reception, cleaning, or assisting with customer service. |
|
Factory Worker |
JPY 1,000 – 1,200 |
Jobs typically include packaging or light assembly tasks. |
|
Event Staff |
JPY 1,200 – 1,800 |
Temporary roles like helping with event setups, ticketing, or guest management. |
|
Retail Store Assistant |
JPY 950 – 1,300 |
Assisting in sales, organizing displays, and helping customers in shops. |
Students in Japan can typically earn around JPY 59,000 (approx NPR 53740) per month, helping cover living costs.
Studying in Japan can be very cost-effective for Nepali students with proper financial planning. Although tuition and living costs are higher in big cities, scholarships and part-time jobs provide relief. Japan offers excellent educational opportunities and post-graduation job prospects, making it a worthwhile investment.
A thorough preparation to apply for scholarships in the most appropriate universities, and make wise monetary decisions can be confusing. It is indeed a complicated journey, where every new step must be taken with assurance and strategy. That is why, it is best to start with a trusted education consultancy to support your endeavour with experience and expertise.
If you are considering studying in Japan, consult with experts to plan your budget and explore scholarship opportunities.
You can also Explore the Best Japanese Consultancies in Nepal in this blog where we have shortlisted the top education consultancies helping students study in Japan from Nepal and providing quality support and services.
How much money is required to study in Japan for Nepali students?
Overall, students should budget approximately ¥1,550,000 to ¥3,650,000 per year to cover all expenses in Japan from living costs, tuition fees, and accomodation.
How much bank balance is required for a Japan student visa in Nepal?
To obtain a Japanese student visa, applicants must demonstrate financial capability to cover tuition and living expenses. This typically involves showing a bank balance of about ¥2,000,000 (approximately NPR 1,740,000) to cover one year of study.
How much money is required for a Japan student visa?
The visa application fee for a Japanese student visa is ¥3,000. Additional expenses may include document translation, notarization, and health check-ups, which can add to the overall cost.
Can international students work in Japan?
Yes, international students in Japan are permitted to work part-time up to 28 hours per week during academic terms and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. Common part-time jobs include positions in restaurants, convenience stores, and language tutoring.
Does Japan require IELTS for studying?
Japanese universities primarily focus on Japanese language proficiency for courses taught in Japanese. For programs conducted in English, some institutions may require proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS scores. It's essential to check the specific requirements of each university.
Which course is best in Japan for Nepali students?
Japan offers a wide range of courses suitable for Nepali students. Popular fields include Engineering, Information Technology, Business Management, Economics, and Tourism and Hospitality Management. The best course depends on individual interests and career goals.
Also Read:
Best Japanese Language School in Nepal - YOJALA
Best Consultancy in Nepal for Japan: A Guide 2025
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