March 23, 2025 Japan has become one of the top study destinations for Nepali students. With its high-quality education, diverse scholarship opportunities, and a growing Nepalese community, it’s no surprise that more students are choosing Japan for higher studies. But before making the move, one of the most important things to figure out is how much would it cost to study in Japan from nepal. Is studying in Japan expensive? What is the cost to study in Japan from Nepal? And how much will you need for tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and travel?
This blog covers all cost-related aspects, giving you a clear picture of what to expect. Let’s break it down in detail.
1. Tuition Fees in Japan
Tuition fees vary depending on the type of university and program you choose. Mostly, undergraduate and graduate-level tuition fees for similar programs are similar in range. Public universities are more affordable than private ones. Let’s compare the average costs of studying in different Japanese institutions:
Tuition Fees for International Students
|
Institution Type |
Annual Tuition Fees (JPY) |
Approx. Cost in NPR* |
|
Public Universities |
535,800 – 820,000 |
475,000 – 725,000 |
|
Private Universities |
800,000 – 1,500,000 |
700,000 – 1,300,000 |
|
Junior Colleges |
600,000 – 1,200,000 |
530,000 – 1,050,000 |
|
Japanese Language Schools |
600,000 – 900,000 |
530,000 – 790,000 |
(Currency conversion is based on 1 JPY ≈ 0.89 NPR, subject to fluctuations.)
While budgeting for tuition fees in Japan, consider that:
- Public universities are significantly cheaper and often have scholarship options.
- Some programs, like MBBS and engineering, cost more than others.
- Private universities offer diverse programs but come at a higher cost.
- Japanese language schools charge tuition annually, which can range from JPY 50,000 to 80,000.
- During admission to a Japanese college or university, you will be subject to a one-time payment, which can cost you around JPY200,000–300,000.
2. Visa Application Fee
Before travelling to Japan for studies, you need to apply for a student visa. The cost varies depending on the visa type.
Visa Application Fees
|
Visa Type |
Cost (JPY) |
Approx. Cost in NPR |
|
Student Visa (Single Entry) |
3,000 |
2,700 |
|
Student Visa (Multiple Entry) |
6,000 |
5,300 |
Additional Visa-Related Expenses
|
Expense |
Estimated Cost (NPR) |
|
Certificate of Eligibility (Processing Fee) |
5,000 – 10,000 |
|
Document Translation & Notarization |
5,000 – 15,000 |
|
Health Check-up for Visa |
3,000 – 7,000 |
Visa Application Tips:
- Apply at least 3 months in advance to avoid delays.
- Ensure all required documents, such as the Certificate of Eligibility, are ready.
- Translation and notarization of documents can add extra costs.
3. Cost of Accommodation in Japan
Your choice of stay can significantly impact your lifestyle and expenses. You can compare the traits and expenditures associated with each option to decide your most favourable option. Here’s a cost breakdown based on housing options to study in Japan:
Accommodation Costs
|
Type of Housing |
Monthly Rent (JPY) |
Approx. Cost in NPR |
|
University Dormitory |
25,000 – 60,000 |
22,000 – 53,000 |
|
Shared Apartment |
30,000 – 80,000 |
26,000 – 71,000 |
|
Private Apartment |
50,000 – 150,000 |
44,000 – 132,000 |
Accommodation Tips:
- University dorms are cheaper and come with utilities included.
- Shared apartments help reduce rent and utility costs.
- Private apartments are costly but offer more independence.
4. Living Expenses in Japan
Living expenses include costs related to food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment while you study or work in Japan. Here’s a rough estimate:
Monthly Living Costs
|
Expense Type |
Monthly Cost (JPY) |
Approx. Cost in NPR |
|
Food |
30,000 – 50,000 |
26,000 – 44,000 |
|
Transportation |
10,000 – 20,000 |
9,000 – 18,000 |
|
Utilities (Electricity, Internet) |
7,000 – 15,000 |
6,000 – 13,000 |
|
Health Insurance |
2,000 – 3,000 |
1,800 – 2,700 |
|
Miscellaneous |
10,000 – 30,000 |
9,000 – 26,000 |
Managing Living Costs:
- Cooking at home helps save money on food.
- Public transport in Japan is efficient and offers student discounts.
- Health insurance is mandatory for all international students but affordable.
5. Cost to Go to Japan from Nepal (Flight Costs)
Flights from Nepal to Japan vary depending on the airline, season, and booking time.
Flight Costs to Japan from Nepal (One-way)
|
Airline Type |
One-Way Ticket (NPR) |
|
Budget Airlines |
50,000 – 70,000 |
|
Full-Service Airlines |
75,000 – 150,000 |
Tips to Reduce Flight Costs:
- Book tickets early to get discounts.
- Choose transit flights for lower fares.
- Travel during off-peak seasons.
6. Scholarships for Nepali Students in Japan
Several scholarships help reduce costs for international students. Some major scholarship options in Japan include:
Popular Scholarships in Japan for International Students
|
Scholarship Name |
Coverage |
|
MEXT Scholarship |
Full tuition, stipend, flight ticket |
|
JASSO Scholarship |
Monthly stipend for living costs |
|
University Scholarships |
Partial or full tuition fee waivers |
Note: Applying early increases your chances of securing funding through prestigious Japanese scholarships.
7. Part-Time Jobs in Japan for Students
International students in Japan can work up to 28 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays.
Expected Earnings from Part-Time Jobs
|
Job Type |
Hourly Wage (JPY) |
Monthly Earnings (JPY) |
|
Convenience Store |
900 – 1,200 |
80,000 – 120,000 |
|
Restaurant Work |
1,000 – 1,500 |
90,000 – 130,000 |
|
English Tutoring |
1,500 – 3,000 |
100,000 – 180,000 |
Part-Time Job Insights:
- Popular part-time job options in Japan include English teachers, convenience store staff, restaurant and café staff, retail assistants, delivery drivers, and freelance writers/translators.
- Learning basic Japanese helps in getting better-paying jobs.
- Work schedules are flexible, but balance studies and work wisely.
- Total Estimated Cost to Study in Japan from Nepal
Based on the costs discussed, here’s an estimated annual budget you will need to set apart to study in Japan from Nepal:
Total Annual Cost Breakdown
|
Expense Category |
Estimated Cost (JPY) |
Approx. Cost in NPR |
|
Tuition Fees |
600,000 – 1,500,000 |
530,000 – 1,300,000 |
|
Accommodation |
300,000 – 900,000 |
265,000 – 790,000 |
|
Living Expenses |
500,000 – 800,000 |
440,000 – 700,000 |
|
Flight (One-time) |
50,000 – 150,000 |
44,000 – 132,000 |
|
Miscellaneous |
100,000 – 300,000 |
90,000 – 265,000 |
|
Total Annual Cost |
1,550,000 – 3,650,000 |
1,370,000 – 3,200,000 |
Note: Scholarships can significantly reduce the total costs. And additional income through part-time jobs is usually very helpful.
Conclusion
So, is studying in Japan expensive? The answer depends on your choices. Public universities are comparatively easier to afford than private universities. The choice of accommodation can widely change the numbers too. Living expenses can add up, but they are manageable with a balanced lifestyle. Moreover, scholarships and part-time jobs help manage the costs of studying in Japan.
If we are to compare education and living in Japan, it is a lot more affordable than other top study destinations.
Japan offers quality education and career opportunities. With the right planning, you can study in Japan without financial stress!
If you are looking for guidance to plan your budget to study in Japan, or need any assistance to apply for Japan from Nepal, Contact Us or book a FREE consultation with abroad education experts!
Also Read: Study in Japan from Nepal: A Guide 2025
