Studying in Japan as a British Student: Complete Guide 2026
Student visa, MEXT scholarship, tuition fees, university ranking – guide for British students.
before
- Research programmes (JASSO, SGU)
- Apply for MEXT (Embassy London)
- Apply to universities 6-12 months ahead
- Apply for student visa
- Get eSIM
- Apply for campus housing
during
- Register at ward office
- Enroll in NHI
- Apply for part-time work permit
Studying in Japan as a British student
Japan is an excellent study destination for British students. Public university tuition averages ¥535,800/year (~£2,200) – dramatically less than the £9,250/year for UK universities. The MEXT Scholarship offers full tuition plus a monthly stipend of ¥117,000 (~£600) for undergraduates.
Top institutions like University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Tohoku University offer world-class education with growing numbers of English-taught programmes (SGU/Global 30 initiative).
Student Finance England: Note that UK student finance does not cover study in Japan. However, MEXT and university-specific scholarships can make studying in Japan cheaper than the UK.
Student visa for Brits
- Admission from Japanese institution
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Proof of funds (Â¥2M or sponsor)
- Academic transcripts
- UK passport
- Passport photo (4x3cm)
Student visa for British citizens
The process mirrors other nationalities: your Japanese institution applies for a COE, then you apply for the student visa at the Japanese Embassy in London or Consulate in Edinburgh. Processing is typically 1 week after COE arrives.
Part-time work: Up to 28 hours/week during term, 40 hours during holidays. Apply for permission at immigration after arrival.
Student budget in Japan
- Dormitory (£150–300)
- Cooking + cafeteria (£250–350)
- Transport (£40–80)
- Tuition ~£200/mo (public)
- Private apartment (£500–700)
- Mixed dining (£350–500)
- Transport + phone (£120)
- Social & activities (£150)
- Nice apartment (£800+)
- Dining out (£550+)
- Private uni tuition (£600+/mo)
- Travel & lifestyle (£350+)
The studies budget in Japan depends on your lifestyle and chosen city.
Internet & connectivity
A good VPN is essential to access your online services from Japan.
Average speed: 200 Mbps
Financial tips
Financial tips for British students
Student Finance: UK student loans do not cover study in Japan. However, if you have an existing UK student loan, repayments are based on UK earnings – if you have none, you don't repay.
Scholarships: MEXT (Japanese government), JASSO (monthly stipend ¥48,000), and individual university scholarships. Many are specifically open to UK students.
Banking: Use Wise for cheap GBP→JPY transfers. Open a Japan Post Bank account on arrival. Revolut also works well in Japan.
Steps to study in Japan
Application
- Research programmes via UCAS-style JASSO platform
- Apply 6-12 months ahead
- Apply for MEXT through Japanese Embassy London
- Prepare IELTS/JLPT scores if needed
- Obtain transcripts and references
Pre-Departure
- Receive COE from institution
- Apply for student visa at Embassy London
- Arrange housing (campus dormitory recommended)
- Get eSIM for arrival
- Register with FCDO travel alerts
Arrival
- Register at ward office within 14 days
- Enroll in NHI
- Open bank account
- Apply for part-time work permission
- Get student transit pass (up to 50% discount)
Pros & challenges
Advantages
- Tuition dramatically cheaper than UK (£2,200 vs £9,250/year)
- MEXT scholarship: free tuition + stipend + flights
- World-class universities (UTokyo top 30 globally)
- Safe environment for students
- English-taught programmes available
- Part-time work allowed (28h/week)
- Cultural immersion experience
- Gateway to Asian careers
Challenges
- UK student finance doesn't cover Japan
- 3-4 month visa processing time
- Language barrier for daily life
- Different academic culture
- Housing expensive in Tokyo
- 8-9 hour time zone from UK
- Limited social safety net compared to UK
- Cultural adjustment significant
Yes, significantly. Public uni tuition is ~£2,200/year vs £9,250 in the UK. With MEXT scholarship, it's free plus you receive a £600/month stipend. Even without scholarships, Japan is very competitive.
No. Student Finance England/Wales/Scotland/NI does not cover overseas study. Look at MEXT, JASSO, Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, and university-specific scholarships instead.
Not for English-taught programmes (SGU/Global 30). For daily life, basic Japanese (JLPT N4-N3) is strongly recommended. Most universities offer free Japanese language courses.
Yes. A post-graduation job-hunting visa (Designated Activities) allows up to 1 year to find employment. Japan actively encourages international graduates to stay.