Located in East Asia, Japan is a developed country called “Land of the Rising Sun”, the name seemingly promises to unlock the doors of opportunity in your pursuit of academic excellence. We understand that studying abroad can be a very exciting yet scary experience for international students, so we have compiled this guide designed to be your compass, navigating through the intricacies of requirements, visa processes, and study programs. Let’s get started!

1. Why choose Japan?

Japan boasts an extensive array of universities, colleges, and high schools as one of the global leading countries in academia. The University of Tokyo has ranked among the top 20 prestigious universities worldwide. Moreover, the diversity of majors and subjects offered provides international students with ample choices for pursuing their preferences of study and research.

As widely known, Japan is a country with a high aging population, causing a serious shortage of human resources. In an effort to tackle this situation, the Japanese government is also having many preferential immigration policies to attract foreign students and labor. 

Studying abroad in Japan also enables us to explore the country to the fullest, ranked the top spot in the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2021, according to the World Economic Forum. From the cityscape of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Kyoto's traditional temples, traveling in Japan is a captivating journey through a blend of modernity and tradition.

2. What are the latest requirements for studying abroad in Japan?

Japan has a variety of study programs for international students. As applying for full-ride scholarship MEXT of the Japanese Government or other scholarships offered by schools, universities, and corporations can be difficult and time-consuming, most applicants choose to support themselves financially.

Here are latest requirements for studying abroad in Japan:

• The recommended age to apply is 18 - 30 years old.
• Graduated from university less than 5 years.
• University GPA of 6.0 or higher (depending on the school).
• Have a certificate of JLPT N5 or higher. For those who have been trainees or interns in Japan, they need to have an JLPT N3 certificate or higher, have a return period of 6 months - 1 year, and have all the documents when they return home.
• Proof of Financial Status:
  • The guarantor must be a parent or sibling who commits to being able to pay the entire cost of studying abroad in Japan for the student during the period of study at the school;
  • Cash book with minimum balance of 500 - 600 million or upon request, deposited for at least 3 months.
  • Savings book in the name of the international student's father or mother.
• Students have no criminal record; Not on the banned list of the Vietnam Immigration Department. Good health according to the standards of the Ministry of Health, including infectious diseases.

3. How to get a visa to Japan as a foreign student?

One of the most important documents to obtain a Japan visa for foreign students is Certificate of residence (COE). It is submitted by the school in person or via email to the Japanese Immigration Department regarding the customer's legal residence status in Japan.

What you need to include in your application:

• Original and copy of Passport (Requires signature of passport holder).
• Visa application form.
• Original and copy of COE Certificate of Residence Status. If receiving a COE via email from the Japanese Immigration Agency, send a copy of the email.
• Original and copy of Admission Notice.
• 01 original and 02 notarized copies of High School, Intermediate, College, and University diplomas and transcripts.
• 01 original and 02 notarized photocopies of Academic Records/Transcripts not older than 6 months
• 01 notarized photocopy of Japanese Language Proficiency Certificate (JLPT or NAT-TEST exam) (if any).
• Financial proof: Savings book + Payroll/Tax payment certificate + Income proof
• Depending on each case, the Embassy/Consulate may request additional documents or request an interview.