Travel guide
Studies
JP

Studying in Japan as an Australian: Guide 2026

Student visa, MEXT, fees, New Colombo Plan – guide for Aussie students in Japan.

Capital
Tokyo
Language
Japanese
Currency
Â¥ JPY
Timezone / Local time
UTC+9
Electricity
100V / Type A/B
Visa
Visa-free 90 days
eSIMVPNInsuranceBankingDestinationCost of living
Student Visa
COE required
Tuition
A$5,000–12,000/yr (public)
MEXT
Free + A$1,100/mo
AU Students
~2,000/year
Safety
9/10
Time Zone
0-2h from AEST
Prepare my trip0/8

before

during

  • Register at ward office
  • Enroll in NHI
  • Apply for work permit

Studying in Japan as an Australian student

Japan is a top study destination for Australians. Public university tuition is only ~A$5,400/year – a fraction of Australian HECS fees. The MEXT Scholarship covers tuition plus ~A$1,100/month. Australia's New Colombo Plan also funds study and internships in Japan.

The near-identical time zone means staying connected with family is easy. English-taught programmes are growing rapidly (SGU initiative).

Student visa

Type
Student Visa
Duration
Programme duration
Cost
Â¥3,000
Processing
3–4 months
Required documents
  • Admission from Japanese institution
  • COE from school
  • Proof of funds (Â¥2M or sponsor)
  • Academic transcripts
  • Australian passport

Student visa for Australians

Your institution applies for a COE. Then apply for the student visa at Japanese Embassy Canberra or consulates in Sydney/Melbourne/Perth/Brisbane. Part-time work: up to 28 hours/week.

Student budget

Budget
A$1,500–2,200/ per month
  • Dormitory (A$300–500)
  • Cooking + cafeteria (A$400–550)
  • Transport (A$65–130)
  • Tuition ~A$450/mo (public)
Comfortable
A$2,500–3,500/ per month
  • Private apartment (A$800–1,100)
  • Mixed dining (A$550–750)
  • Transport + phone (A$200)
  • Social (A$250)

The studies budget in Japan depends on your lifestyle and chosen city.

Financial tips

Financial tips

HECS-HELP: If you have an existing HELP debt, repayments are based on worldwide income above the threshold. Report income to ATO even while overseas.

New Colombo Plan: Australian government-funded scholarships for study/internships in the Indo-Pacific, including Japan. Up to A$7,000 for semester mobility.

Banking: Wise for cheap AUD to JPY transfers. Japan Post Bank accepts foreigners easily.

Steps to study in Japan

Application

  • Research via JASSO/university websites
  • Apply 6-12 months ahead
  • Apply for MEXT or NCP
  • Prepare transcripts

Pre-Departure

  • Receive COE
  • Apply for student visa (Embassy Canberra)
  • Arrange housing
  • Get eSIM

Arrival

  • Ward office registration
  • Enroll in NHI
  • Open bank account
  • Apply for work permit
  • Get student transit pass

Pros & challenges

Advantages

  • Tuition fraction of AU costs
  • MEXT scholarship: free + stipend + flights
  • New Colombo Plan funding available
  • Near-identical time zone
  • Safest student environment
  • Part-time work allowed (28h/week)
  • English-taught programmes growing
  • Gateway to Asian careers

Challenges

  • 3-4 month visa processing
  • Language barrier
  • Different academic culture
  • Tokyo housing expensive
  • HELP debt repayment still applies
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Limited social safety net vs AU

Yes! NCP funds study mobility and internships in Japan. Up to A$7,000 for semester programmes. Apply through your Australian university.

Yes. Since 2017, HELP debt repayment obligations apply to worldwide income. Report your income to the ATO even while studying abroad.

Yes. Apply through the Japanese Embassy in Canberra. Full tuition + ~A$1,100/month stipend + flights. Very competitive.