Study in Japan for free

Studying in Japan for free is the ambition of every student looking for a new destination, because it is the dream destination of anyone who wants to experience its rich culture and amazing sights. From the cherry blossoms to the lights and sounds of Tokyo, Japan is definitely one of the best study abroad destinations.

If you want to study in Japan for free and save money at the same time, here are some important things you will need to learn

Some suggestions that we will explain one by one to everyone looking for the opportunity to study in Japan for free

• Apply for free scholarships at universities in Japan.
• Find cheap accommodation.
• Direct enrollment in a Japanese university.
• Find a part-time job.
• Study in small Japanese cities.

Applications to study in Japan for free

The first thing to do is to apply for scholarships. You should be well specific about your destination and try to apply for every scholarship you find. 

Here are some ways you can find a scholarship in Japan:

1- Japan Government MEXT Scholarship

The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship provided by the Japanese Government to international students, which aims to give students the opportunity to study in Japan for free. And strengthen the bridges of friendship between your country and Japan by studying in Japan for free. Submission of applications for free study grants in Japan issued by the Ministry of Education by international students to study bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Japanese universities.

Find out the details Japanese government scholarship from here

2- Temple University scholarship in Japan for bachelor’s studies

 The Temple University Scholarship in Japan offers an opportunity to undergraduate students wishing to study in Japan for free. An educational award open to all outstanding participants who are seeking an opportunity to study an undergraduate degree program at Temple University in Japan.

Find out the details Temple University Scholarship in Japan from here

3- University of Tsukuba International Scholarship in Japan for all students

The University of Tsukuba Scholarship seeks to support talented and deserving students wishing to study in Japan for free who wish to obtain a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the University of Tsukuba.

The University of Tsukuba is one of the most prestigious national universities in Japan, located in Tsukuba, Ibaraki (established by the Japanese government). The university has 28 academic groups and colleges with approximately 16500 students

Find out the details University of Tsukuba International Scholarship from here

4- Rotary scholarships in Japan for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral studies

Rotary Scholarship offers a real opportunity for students wishing to study in Japan for free through applications for Rotary Scholarships in Japan for International Students to undertake studies at a Japanese university or postgraduate studies in Japan. International applicants can apply.The foundation is awarded to foreign students looking to study or conduct research at Japanese universities or graduate schools. Its fund is supported by contributions from Rotarians across Japan.

Find out the details Rotary Scholarships in Japan from here

5- Fully funded postgraduate scholarships in Japan at Keio University for master’s and doctoral degrees

Keio University in Japan offers the “Design the Future” scholarship to international students wishing to study in Japan for free and who are enrolled in graduate schools at Keio University. The duration of the scholarship is a maximum of two years for students in a master’s program and a maximum of three years for students in a doctoral degree or professional degree programme. (Note: For a student who obtains his/her degree before the end of the specified period, the scholarship will be discontinued once the degree is obtained).

Read alsoHow to apply for the Japanese scholarship

Find cheap accommodation

Once you decide that you want to study in Japan for free, you need to carefully choose where you will stay. You can cut costs by staying with a family, which can be provided through study abroad programs. You can arrange your accommodation early even before you arrive in Japan.

Direct enrollment in a Japanese university

Try applying directly to a Japanese university. When you travel abroad, you can save money by dealing with a university directly. You will also be surprised to get some benefits through live recording. Likewise, there are also cheap or low-cost study abroad providers that help students.

Find a part-time job

If you intend to study in Japan for free, another option you may want to consider is getting a part-time job depending on your study schedule. This way, you will be able to work and study and this will help offset your expenses. 

While the student visa does not allow working hours. However, you can apply for a permit, which is not difficult to apply for and obtain. 

Once you obtain the required permit, you will be able to work up to 28 hours per week. Make sure your academics don't suffer. Remember that education and excellence are really valued in Japan, and you will want to give your best during your time at their school.

If you choose to follow this option, be careful. A number of positions are restricted to international students. They go from working in a video game arcade to working as a waiter. Interestingly, jobs that would be considered normal for students in other countries are not allowed in Japan. It is important that you find out all the relevant information before starting work so that you do not get into trouble with the law.

These are just a few of the options you can consider if you want to pursue studying in Japan for free. The large number of scholarships represents a very attractive option for international students.

 Remember, there is no limit to the number of scholarships you can apply for and this is one case where the more you apply, the better your chances of getting the financial assistance you need. Also consider your living expenses and try to get a full scholarship. This way you will be able to focus completely on succeeding academically.

Read also: Language schools in Japan

Study bachelor's degree in Japan for free

For the purpose of studying in Japan for free for a bachelor's degree, you should consider one of the following universities

1- Kyoto University

Known as Kyoto University, Kyoto University is the second oldest educational institution in Japan. It offers several scholarship programs, including the Japanese MEXT Scholarship. This covers tuition, admission and examination fees. This also comes with a round-trip airfare and a monthly salary of 117000 yen.

Another option is the AEON Scholarship, which is open to students from certain Asian countries who major in non-religious or non-political courses. You can study in Japan for free with AEON Scholarships because they cover tuition fees for 4 years and a monthly stipend of 100 yen.

2- University of Tokyo

It is one of the four imperial universities. Founded in 1877, it is one of the oldest educational institutions in Japan.

Scholarship programs for foreign undergraduates include the UTokyo Scholarship, which is awarded to 10 students who demonstrate exceptional academic talent. It covers four years of tuition, admission fees, and a monthly stipend of 126000 yen.

3- Sofia University

Sophia University is a prominent private educational institution in Tokyo, Japan. Ranked as the third best school across the country, it offers two scholarships covering the full cost of tuition fees, so international students can study in Japan for free. One of them is the Sofia University Scholarship for New Students, which covers the first year of study.

For other years, you can try to get a Sofia University Scholarship, which covers full tuition fees and additional educational improvement fees. A good example of this is the Volvo Global Challenge Grant, which is worth up to 1 million yen. This is offered to students who show an interest in global issues.

Eligibility is based on an evaluation that addresses grades, financial situation and character of the student.

Study in small Japanese cities

The cost of living in big cities like Tokyo can be more expensive than smaller cities in Japan. Try applying to universities in small towns in Hokkaido or Kyushu, for example.

4- Meiji University

Meiji University is a Tokyo-based institution founded in 1881. As of now, this private university offers the following scholarships to undergraduate students:

• Meiji University International Student Incentive Scholarship Program is open to students from 8 countries. It covers full tuition fees, admission fees, air tickets, and a monthly stipend of 100000 yen.
• Meiji University Scholarship for Privately Funded International Students, which will cover up to 100% of the tuition fee amount. This is offered to applicants who entered via the Type II Student Examination or Overseas English Pathway Examination.
• MEXT ScholarshipWhich covers full tuition fees and living allowances.

5- Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University is a national educational institution known as the fifth imperial university in the country. Undergraduate scholarships include a MEXT scholarship, which covers tuition fees and monthly living allowances.

6- Kyushu University

Kyushu University or Kyōdai is a national school located in Fukuoka. As with most Japanese institutions, Kyushu University offers MEXT scholarships to international students who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree at the university.

7- Keio University

Keio University is a private university located in the Japanese capital. The scholarship programs include the Yamaoka Kenichi Memorial Scholarships for Freshman Undergraduates, which comes with an annual scholarship amount of 700 yen for economics, law, business, commerce, and arts students. The budget was increased to 000 yen per year for students of other colleges.

Students can also apply for the MEXT Scholarship, which covers tuition fees and monthly stipends, among many other benefits.

7- Tokyo Institute of Technology

It is a national research university located in the greater Tokyo area. As Japan's largest science and technology institution, it offers a variety of scholarship programs for undergraduate students. One of these scholarships is the Japan MEXT Scholarship, which covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and monthly living allowances.

Study Master's in Japan for free

Complete your master's program at these Japanese universities for free:

• University of Tokyo Masters Scholarship.
• Kyoto University Masters Scholarship.
• Tokyo Institute of Technology Masters Scholarship.

Read more about Study a master's degree in Japan

Study PhD in Japan for free

Completing a doctorate. Studies and research can be expensive, but you can study a PhD in Japan for free at these Japanese institutions:

• University of Tokyo PhD Scholarship.
• Kyoto University PhD Scholarship.
• International University in Japan PhD Scholarship.

Each of the above universities offers the opportunity to study a doctorate in Japan for free and obtain the following benefits:

• The first scholarship: which covers full tuition fees, exemption from housing fees, and a monthly allowance of 50000 yen.
• The second scholarship: which covers tuition fees and partial admission fees only
• Third Scholarship: which covers full tuition fees, airfare, and a stipend of 144000 yen per month.

How to save money while studying in Japan

Once you have made up your mind about studying in Japan and decided what exactly you want to study, you need to make a budget plan and stick to it. You have to be frugal in order to save money in Japan.

Here are some ways you can do this.

1. Savings on shopping in Japan

Local markets are your best friend. You can save money on fresh produce and street food, compared to convenience food or fast food. When shopping for clothes, try to go within 30 minutes before closing time, as they offer discounts before closing.

2. Free events

Attending free events is one of the best ways to explore the city on a budget. You don't need to hide in your room forever!

3. Riding a bike to college and work

Public transportation in Japan can also help cut your budget. Avoid this by renting or buying your own bike. You will find that you can rent a bike for free on Sunday in Tokyo. How cool is that?

Aside from increased career opportunities and new perspectives, you will gain a lot of unforgettable experiences while studying in Japan.

Sources: aid4students