Silk Way Explore
Student life in Japan
Japan is safe, clean and well organised. Student life is calm, with cheap food if you cook, great public transport and a strong campus culture. Costs depend most on housing and the city.
What daily life costs and feels like
Housing
University dormitories are the cheapest option. Private apartments are common; deposits, key money and guarantor fees can add up to several months' rent at the start.
Food
Student canteens and supermarkets keep food affordable. Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out.
Transport
Trains and buses are excellent. A commuter pass and an IC card cover most daily trips.
Work
International students need permission for part-time work and are limited to a set number of hours per week.
Health insurance
Students enrol in National Health Insurance, which covers most medical costs after a small share.
Academic year
Most degrees start in April. Some programmes also start in autumn (October).
Rough cost calculator
Draft Draft figures: these numbers are placeholders that are still being checked with professionals. Please do not rely on them yet.
Choose a city and a programme to see a rough monthly and total cost. This is a guide, not a quote.
Estimates are based on public figures from official sources and university pages (checked October 2026). Scholarship amounts and fees change every year. Always confirm on the official websites before you decide.
Scholarships that can lower the cost
MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship
Covers tuition and a monthly stipend, plus airfare. Very competitive; applications go through embassies or universities.
JASSO Honors Scholarship
A monthly amount for privately financed international students with good results, usually after you have enrolled.
University scholarships and tuition waivers
Many universities reduce tuition for strong students. Terms differ for each university.
Find flights to your university city
Pick where you fly from and which month you want to travel. The links open Google Flights in a new tab.