The cost of studying in Japan
Plan your budget.
Explore your possibilities.
Plan your study budget around the full experience: school fees, accommodation, everyday expenses and travel. Your total will depend on your course, destination and length of stay.
Build your budget in three parts
School costs
Tuition and any additional enrollment, screening, materials or activity fees.
Living costs
Accommodation, food, utilities and transport, plus phone service and insurance.
Travel and setup
Flights and arrival arrangements, housing setup and an emergency reserve.
Check which costs are already included in a school or accommodation package so you do not count them twice.
Want to see example totals? Explore our sample budgets for studying Japanese in Japan for four weeks, three months and one year, including school fees, accommodation and everyday expenses.
Compare the full school fee
Ask each school for a current written breakdown for your intended course and starting date.
- Tuition for your full course duration
- Registration or enrollment fees
- Student visa screening fees, if applicable
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Facilities, insurance or activity charges
- Optional lessons, exams or excursions
Check payment deadlines, installment options and cancellation or refund terms. Compare quotes for the same course length and confirm whether taxes are included.
Short-term study
Request a quote for your exact number of weeks and lesson schedule. Include accommodation for all nights of your stay.
A monthly student living-cost average may not suit a short visit with hotel stays and frequent sightseeing.
Long-term study
Budget for the full course and the months you expect to live in Japan, including school holidays.
Separate payments due before arrival from ongoing monthly expenses.
A reference point for living costs
JASSO 2023 survey · Excludes study and research costs
JASSO’s 2023 survey of privately financed international students reports national average living expenses of approximately this amount.
This is a survey benchmark, not a current price quote or a minimum budget. Your accommodation, destination and lifestyle may result in higher or lower spending.
Check current housing prices and prepare your own budget rather than relying on the average alone.
Source: JASSO — Living Costs and Expenses.
Check accommodation costs carefully
Compare the total cost of a dormitory, share house, homestay, apartment or other accommodation available for your stay.
- Rent and any minimum stay requirement
- Deposits and other initial charges
- Utilities, internet and included meals
- Furniture, bedding and household supplies
- Cleaning or move-out charges
- Daily transport costs to your school
Ask which payments are refundable and what happens if your arrival date or study plans change.
Not sure which accommodation suits you? Explore our Student Accommodation in Japan guide to compare housing options and learn what to check before booking.
Allow for travel and unexpected expenses
Include flights, airport transport, insurance, any applicable visa fees and document preparation costs.
Keep an emergency reserve. If your money is held in another currency, allow for exchange-rate changes and bank or international transfer charges.
Build a budget you can cover without assuming you will receive a scholarship or find part-time work.
Confirm fees before making a payment
School profiles provide a starting point for comparison. Confirm current fees, availability and payment instructions directly with your chosen school.
All tuition and other school fees are paid directly to the school. Study Japan Your Way never asks students to pay us any fees and never collects or holds tuition payments.
Browsing schools, comparing your options and requesting introductions are free for students. We never charge service or introduction fees.
For more planning information, explore Short-Term Study, Long-Term Study and Visa & COE.
Compare schools and published fees
Explore school profiles, then ask your selected schools for a quote that matches your study plans.
Send one free inquiry for up to three schools. After our introduction, discuss fees and study options directly with school staff, with no commitment to enroll.
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