Master's Degrees in Singapore

Study in Singapore

With the latest in pedagogic tools, technology and research facilities, Singapore’s institutions deliver top quality courses that promote creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Strong links between institutions and the industry also ensure industry-relevant courses.
Singapore is an open and cosmopolitan city-state and island country that welcomes more than 86,000 international students from 120 nationalities every year. As a choice destination for advanced education, Singapore distinguishes itself by providing a safe and conducive environment to nurture future global leaders.

Education System

The government supports the education system of Singapore. Singapore is a cosmopolitan city and a premier destination for lifelong learning complemented by diverse educational institutions.
Over the years, Singapore has evolved from its traditional British-based education system to one that endeavours to meet the needs of individuals and seeks to nurture talents. The strength of Singapore's Education system lies in its broad-based curriculum. Individuals acquire the relevant skills and abilities to succeed in competitive environments.
Even after graduating into the workforce, there are numerous opportunities for further training. Professional and skills-based training are offered and popularly subscribed to international students.

General application requirements

Applying to a university in Singapore may require part or all of the following documents:
  • Completed application form;
  • Copy of highest academic qualification and highest academic transcripts;
  • Photocopy of passport;
  • Latest CV (if applicable for Masters degree application);
  • 1 passport-sized photograph of the applicant;
  • Program application fee.
For detailed information about the admission process request information from the university international admission office.

Study programmes

Singapore higher education institutions offer a wide range of education programmes to both local and international students. Private universities offer courses at the certificate, diploma, bachelor and postgraduate levels. They complement the public education institutions in offering additional education pathways to international students. Private higher-education institutions may also offer various external degree programmes through partnerships with overseas universities.
Private universities provide students with the opportunity to attain qualifications from partner overseas universities, whilst studying in Singapore’s affordable and comfortable environment.

Language

International students seeking admission to universities in Singapore should note that the language of instruction is English is the medium of instruction. Most study programmes have a bilingual policy, combining English with Malay/Mandarin/Tamil study languages.

Study visa

International students will be admitted to Singapore upon production of a valid passport. On arrival, social visit passes will be issued for an initial stay of two weeks.
Nationals of certain countries may enter Singapore without a visa. Nationals from other countries should obtain a visa to enter Singapore but are not required to pay for visa application. Only upon approval of the application, a fee for the issuance of your Student's Pass is required. If a visa is required to enter Singapore, an additional fee for the visa is payable during the collection of Student's Pass from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Student visa/application must be applied electronically via Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR).
Applicants must have the following information before logging into SOLAR:
  • A registration acknowledgement notice with the login information;
  • Travel document/passport details;
  • Singapore’s address and contact details;
  • Applicant’s email address;
  • One recent passport-sized colour photograph (to be pasted on the top-right corner of eForm 16).

Living in Singapore

  • Excellent networking and career opportunities in a myriad of industries, ranging from established sectors like engineering and finance, to new growth sectors, such as digital media and tourism.
  • One of the safest Country to live & Crime Free Country
  • Singapore is a nation built by immigrants and it still welcomes all who are keen to play a part in its economic development.
  • Close to 99% of the population or almost every home, school & business has access to Broadband Internet.
  • The nation's rich multicultural heritage is highlighted through the various ethnic groupsa: Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians.
  • Wide range of foods and cuisine, as well as the proliferation of shops in the city and suburban centres.
  • Students have the opportunity to live with a local family, in a boarding house (single or shared), or in a hotel or a service apartment.
  • A bustling cosmopolitan city of high-rise buildings, landscaped gardens and heritage-rich precincts
  • A vibrant array of nightlife and entertainment choices
  • Even though Singapore has a tropical climate, you’ll find a “Snow City” that offers selected winter sports.

About Singapore

Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore has a land area of about 710 square kilometres – one of the smallest countries in the world and the smallest in the region. Singapore commands an enormous presence in the world today with its free trade economy and highly efficient workforce. Also, her strategic location in the region has enabled her to become a central sea port along major shipping routes.
Singapore is a parliamentary republic with a political system that’s centred on democracy.
Before becoming the cosmopolitan city of today, Singapore was just a humble fishing village, inhabited by an indigenous settlement. During the 14th century, this small but strategically-located island was named “The Lion City” or Singapura. The next important period in the history of Singapore was during the 19th century, when modern Singapore was founded. It was when Great Britain started to see the need for a port in the region. In particular, British traders needed a strategic venue to base the merchant fleet of the growing empire. Singapore was established as a trading station. Soon, the island’s policy of free trade attracted merchants from all over Asia and from as far away as the Middle East and the US.
With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of the telegraph and steamship, Singapore's importance as a center of the expanding trade between the East and West increased tremendously. Singapore fell under the Japanese invasion on 15 February 1942 and remained occupied for the next three years. In 1946, Singapore became a Crown Colony. In 1959, Singapore became an independent nation led by a prime minister.
At present, Singapore’s population stands at slightly over five million people, with English as the main language of instruction, and a mother tongue for each major ethnicity. Coming together as a society and living in harmony, there are four major communities – namely the Chinese (majority), Malay, Indian and Eurasian.
Singapore’s global economy is home to over 7,000 multinational corporations and over 110,000 professional expatriates. It is the fourth biggest commercial center in the world.
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Master's Degrees in Hong Kong (SAR)

Study in Hong Kong (SAR)

Over the years, universities in Hong Kong have been focusing on promoting quality higher education by welcoming talents, upholding academic freedom, respecting institutional autonomy, supporting collaboration, and promoting academic exchanges. Hong Kong aspires to further develop itself as a regional education hub with world-class universities and quality institutions, through diversification and internationalisation. Universities focus on offering bilingual students a broad knowledge base, a global outlook, as well as the ability to think critically and creatively, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Over 3 700 overseas companies have based their Asia-Pacific operations, employing over 200 000 people.

Higher education institutions

Of the 17 local degree-awarding institutions in Hong Kong, three are ranked in the world’s top 50 and Asia’s top 10 by the Quacquarelli Symonds University Rankings 2013-14. Nine are publicly funded and eight are self-financing institutions. In 2013, the Times Higher Education survey ranked two universities in Hong Kong in the top 100 of the world, and three in the “100 under 50”rankings (top 100 universities less than 50 years of history).
According to Financial Times surveys in 2013, Hong Kong universities also host some of the world’s best business administration and executive business management programmes.
Many institutions collaborate with prestigious universities worldwide to offer joint academic programmes – especially MBAs.

Admission Requirement

Institutions in Hong Kong enjoy a high degree of autonomy in admission of students, and admission requirements may vary between different institutions. Some institutions will invite applicants to attend interviews. You are advised to read the course information provided by institutions carefully and contact the institution(s) you intend to apply for if you need further advice and clarification.
Generally, the main documents students should provide include the following:
  • A secondary school graduation certificate;
  • Proof of satisfactory results in your country's Leaving or Aptitude exams;
  • If English is not your mother tongue, you will need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or equivalent exams.
Of course, you should contact the admission office of institutions for more detailed information. For more information regarding the higher education admission process visit: http://studyinhongkong.edu.hk/en/apply-to-study/admission-requirement.php

Academic degrees

The Government strives to provide multiple study pathways for secondary school leavers, with multiple entry and exit points. Some of them will study bachelor's degree programmes. Some will choose to study sub-degree programmes. Upon graduation, they can pursue study in top-up degree programmes and obtain their undergraduate qualifications.
Apart from undergraduate programmes offered, students can also choose a wide diversity of sub-degree programmes, various continuing and vocational programmes that best suit their interests and ability.
There is also a wide array of taught and research postgraduate programmes for students who have graduated from their undergraduate studies to choose from.

Research Opportunities

Higher education institutions in Hong Kong also provide quality research. They emphasize inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration in research activities.
The Hong Kong Government established the Research Endowment Fund in 2008, which provides a stable source of funding for research conducted by the higher education sector in Hong Kong.
To attract both outstanding local and non-local students to pursue PhD studies in Hong Kong, The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme was launched in 2009. The scheme provides a monthly stipend and a conference and research-related travel allowance per year will be provided for a period up to three years. Additional support is possible for students who need more than three years to complete their PhD degree.

Study language

Hong Kong is an international city where both English and Chinese are official languages and English is used as teaching medium in most university courses. Students are able to learn authentic Chinese at the higher education institution they are enrolled in.
To find and compare English language courses visit: www.languagelearningportal.com

Curriculum

Higher education institutions in Hong Kong adopt international standards in curriculum design and quality assurance, and their qualifications awarded are internationally recognized. Academic freedom and a highly internationalized campus broaden student’s gained knowledge and expose them to different learning perspectives.

Study Visa

Once accepted by a higher education institution, students must get a student visa or entry permit in order to be able to study in Hong Kong. All non-local students need one, whether they come for an exchange programme or full-time studies. In general, non-local students will need local sponsors, which can be arranged through their institutions, with the necessary supporting documents. Normally, the Immigration Department requires the following documents, although they may ask for others depending on the actual circumstances:
  • ID995A form, completed and signed
  • ID995B form completed by university representative
  • Photocopy of identity card and/or travel documents
  • Recent photo
  • Photocopy of letter of admission to an education institution in Hong Kong
  • Evidence of your financial standing (bank statements, passbooks, proof of scholarship funds)
  • Evidence of your accommodation arrangement in Hong Kong
Please contact your institution for visa information upon admission. Individual institutions will help non-local students apply for their visas or entry permits, or even complete the process for them.

Living in Hong Kong (SAR)

  • Tuition Fee (for non-local students) vary between US$11,500 – US$34,000 per year.
  • Accommodation in a hostel costs between US$1,900 – US$5,800 per year.
  • A one-bedroom rented flat may cost anywhere between US$12,600 and US$23,000, depending on the location.
  • Additional living expenses are usually not higher than US$6,400 per year, although this amount may be lower.
  • Save money and dive into local culture - eat in a Cha Chaan Teng, the Chinese answer to a café. Service is basic, but the food is delicious, and you can't beat the prices. Besides, you can have your meals at the campus student canteens, and the price is low. Having meals there can save much.
  • Although credit cards issued overseas are mostly accepted in Hong Kong, overseas card issuers may charge foreign transaction fees, making credit card payment more costly.
  • Having inherited ancient Chinese heritage and experienced a period of Western, colonial influence, Hong Kong is a multifaceted city where English and Cantonese, Feng Shui and football, towering skyscrapers and historical sites exist side by side.
  • You can relax at a sidewalk café, take up Tai Chi, or go hiking in one of our stunning country parks.
  • Hong Kong is also known as a shopper's paradise.
  • State-of-the-art telecommunications and internet system enable you to contact your friends and family, order a meal, and get high speed downloads.
  • Hong Kong is the perfect entry point to the exciting Chinese mainland.
  • To the north, the rural New Territories are home to vast country parks, ancient villages, tranquil wetlands, and diverse wildlife.
  • Over 200 outlying islands have largely retained their natural character, accessible to the adventurous yet removed from the rigors of modern life.

About Hong Kong (SAR)

Hong Kong is a small but dynamic city located to the southeast of the Mainland China, adjoining the province of Guangdong. It forms a triangle with Macau to the west and Guangzhou to the Northwest in the Pearl River Delta.
Hong Kong spreads over 1,104 square kilometers. Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsula are at the core of the city, surrounding famed Victoria Harbour, one of the world’s most renowned deep-water harbours. This is where you can see Hong Kong's celebrated skyline and experience urban dynamism at its utmost.
Currently, the city’s population is over 7 million. People of Chinese descent comprise the vast majority of the population. The Chinese majority forms the core of the local culture. Yet Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city with a significant foreign population. There are about 500 ,000 people from different parts of the world living here for education, employment, business, etc. Indonesian, Filipinos, British, American, Thai, Indian, Japanese, Australian, Pakistani and Nepalese form the majority foreign population here.
There is evidence of human settlement in Hong Kong from Neolithic times. Several thousand years ago, people here were hunting, fishing and making exquisite rock carvings.
The city was a British colony from 1842 to 1997. China assumed sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997, since then the city was formally renamed as "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China".
Hong Kong's economy is characterized by free trade, low taxation and minimum government intervention. Hong Kong is one of the largest trading economies in the world. Hong Kong is also a major service economy, with particularly strong links to the Mainland China and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.
Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in winter and exceeding 31 degrees Celsius in summer. It is warm, sunny and dry in autumn, cool and dry in winter, and hot, humid and rainy from spring to summer.
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Master's Degrees in South Korea

Study in South Korea

Over the past years, South Korea has become a more convenient and interesting option for international students. The country has lower costs regarding tuition and living expenses compared to English speaking countries. The government of South Korea does not impose additional fees to foreign students and is in fact offering these students many scholarship programmes. Among advantages, universities here support students with housing, they are legally allowed to have part-time jobs and there are great employment after graduation opportunities.
Education System
There are currently over 350 institutions of higher education operating in South Korea with an enrolment of just under 3.3 million students. There are six different types of institution at the higher education level: colleges and universities, industrial universities, universities of education, junior colleges, broadcast and correspondence universities and technical colleges.
Undergraduate programmes normally last four years, except for medicine and dentistry which last six years. The academic year starts in March, but many universities admit new international students twice a year, in March and September.
Study Options
South Korea is a leader in IT and robotics expertise, making this nation a great place for international students with an interest in technology to study. Other popular areas of study include: business administration, agriculture and life sciences, international trade, engineering, communications, computer science and electronics systems.

Application Requirements
According to the policy of each university, applicants may be required to undertake examinations, interviews or performance test. International students who wish to study programmes taught in Korean, TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) or KLPT (Korean Language Proficiency Test) are generally used with a score of Level 3 or above accepted.
The following documents are examined as admission criteria:
·         - Academic Transcripts
·        -  Personal Statement and Study Plan
·         - Letters of Recommendation/Counsellor Reference
·         - Proof of language proficiency: applicants must submit at least one proof document of language proficiency either in Korean or English. In case of being unable to submit a proof document as listed below, other supporting documents may be submitted instead. Such documents should be officially approved ones clearly demonstrating the level of language proficiency.
-Korean: TOPIK, KLPT
-English: TEPS, TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC
·         Other than the required document, any additional document(s) of language proficiency may be submitted as a supplementary material.

Language of Instruction
Main language of instruction is Korean, but most international students in South Korea take courses offered in English.
Many universities offer courses in different subject areas and majors in English, with some institutions offering nearly a third of their courses in the language. English-language courses are more common at graduate level.
Student Visa
Students who plan to stay longer than 90 days are required to get a student visa for South Korea. A visa is not required for participating in a short-term study abroad programme and for staying in the country for less than 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected departure date from South Korea. Apply for your student visa through the Korean consulate with jurisdiction over your permanent state of residence.
Documents to be submitted for student visa:
-Valid Passport
-One recent 2 x 2 passport type photograph, in colour
-Visa application form or Certificate for Recognition of Visa Issuance
-Processing Fee: Amount corresponding to 45 EUR (Single-entry) or 73 EUR (Multiple-entry)
-Admission from the school with its Recognition of the student’s aptitude for study and financial ability
-Most recent certificate of school record
-Proof that you have more than 10.900 EUR in a current bank account or documentation under a university academic exchange agreement
-Family Registry (Applies to Chinese only; Must include whole family)
For more information, visit South Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/visa/application/index.jsp?menu=m_40_10

Living in South Korea

  • Cost tuition goes between 1800 and 4650 EUR to per semester; for a private university the amount goes from 2700 to 6350 EUR per semester-fees depend on the course and level studied.
  • An average student would spend around 270 EUR for food per month.
  • Monthly rent costs around 280 EUR per month (although a deposit of between 2700 and 4500 EUR is required)
  • Health insurance for a month is about 18 EUR.
  • Student visa holders in degree courses of more than one year's duration may take up short-term internships that are study/curriculum-related (and be arranged or endorsed by their university).They can work for up to one year with no restriction on the nature of work, level of salary, location, number of working hours and employers. They can also alternatively take up part-time jobs on-campus for up to 20 hours per week throughout the year or summer jobs with no limit on work hours and location.
  • South Korea has some of the biggest shopping malls in the world, with stores open until 4 in the morning.
  • The taxis in South Korea are colour coded according to the level of service offered (grey or white -basic car with a fully qualified but not so experienced driver, whereas as a black cab -a luxury car with a more experienced driver).
  • Students can enjoy Cherry Blossom Festivals, held every spring, usually in April, for free. They take place in different areas of the country, but the most famous flower festivals are in: Jinju, Gyeongju, and Seoul.
  • Worth visiting are the ancient tombs of Jisandong, Hwaseong Fortress and the country’s numerous national parks.

About South Korea

South Korea, officially called The Republic of Korea, is an independent state in East Asia, covering the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. The country is fenced in by the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan, the closest neighbouring countries are North Korea, China, Taiwan and Japan. With an overall population of over 50 million, the capital Seoul- a vibrant city, second largest in the world, is home to almost 20 million people.
Like all Asian countries, South Korea is a nation of contrast, having a mix of Oriental traditions and modern technology, a leader notably in biotechnology industry innovations. The government’s continuous investments and growth in this field has led to South Korea become known as one of the ‘Asian Tiger’ economies, alongside Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. A developed country with a high-income economy and with the most industrialized member country of the OECD, South Korea is renowned for its global position in telecommunications, automobile and robotics industries. Investments in education and research have also played an important role in the country’s becoming the world’s 13th largest economy and the third largest economy within Asia.
Although influenced by other cultures, like Chinese and Japanese, South Korea has maintained its distinctive language, culture and customs. According to Korean culture, education is the key to success in life. The country has a literacy rate of near 100%, one of the highest levels of education anywhere. Fundamental values centre on family and the religion of the majority is based on Confucianism or Buddhism, reflecting Korean lifestyle, culture and arts.
South Korea is a democratic state, divided into three branches: executive, judicial, and legislative. The president is the head of state, elected for a single five-year term in office by popular vote and the prime minister is the head of government.
Around seventy percent of the country is mountainous, with mountain views even in the most crowded cities.
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Master's Degrees in Taiwan

Study in Taiwan

Taiwan is an appealing destination for international students, due to the country’s academic resources, rich cultural environment and future job prospects. Taiwan has favourable living conditions and lower tuition rates compared to western countries. Universities have been actively recruiting exceptionally talented international students and they continue to increase number of degree courses taught in English. Another important aspect is that government of Taiwan offers numerous scholarships including for international students.
Over the last years, numerous students from Taiwan have been winners of prestigious honours and product design awards for innovative research in the technology field.
Education System
There are over 100 higher education institutions in Taiwan. All schools, including higher education institutions focus on Technological and Vocational Education (TVE), which involves matching the industries’ workforce demand and student abilities in a way that leads and highly contributes to Taiwan’s economic development and prosperity. Study period for university education is 4 years, between 1-4 years for Master’s degree and from 2 to 7 years for PhD studies.
General Application Requirements
Only foreign students who meet the eligibility terms required by Taiwan Ministry of Education can apply for an undergraduate or graduate degree programme.
Check and read carefully eligibility conditions here: http://law.moj.gov.tw/Eng/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?PCode=H0110001
Here is a list of necessary documents for university application:
·         -Photocopies of original diplomas or exam certificates (translated in Chinese or English, if it’s the case)
·         -Application form
·         -Financial statement of self-sufficiency
·         -Statement of purpose
·         -Letter of recommendation
·         -Application fee
·        - Any other documents, as required by individual universities
Study Options
Taiwan’s most popular university subject areas are engineering and technology, social sciences and management, with eight Taiwanese universities appearing in the world’s top 400 for each. Students are especially attracted to these disciplines due to Taiwan’s exceptional tradition in business and technology, being a leading supplier of computer chips, smartphones and GPS devices.
There are other universities ranked for natural sciences, life sciences and medicine, and for arts and humanities, but one of the biggest attractions for international students is to learn Mandarin Chinese.
Language of instruction
Language of instruction used in universities in Taiwan is Chinese, the country’s official language. International students can follow undergraduate and graduate studies that are taught in English. They can choose between programmes that are 50% or 100% in English. Computer science and information engineering, health science, business administration, law, global politics and economics are a few examples of degree programmes that are offered in English in over 40 universities.
Taiwan Visa
A Student Visa allows students to stay in Taiwan and study Mandarin for up to 180 days as long as they remain a full-time student at an approved school. Students who decide to stay longer than 180 days, can apply for a resident visa only after having had student visa for 4 months.
The following documents are required for international students
  1.            Application form
  2.          Two colour passport size photos
  3.          Passport and 1 photocopy of the passport
  4.          Original and 1 photocopy of health certificate
  5.          Original and 1 photocopy of admission permit or record of enrolment, registration and                transcripts
  6.          Highest education diploma and transcripts
  7.          Original and 1 photocopy of proof of financial support
International students with an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) who have resided in Taiwan for six months must enrol in the National Health Insurance (NHI) programme at a local administrative office.
For more information, please check the Bureau of Consular Affairs in Taiwan:
http://www.boca.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=6139&ctNode=778&mp=2

Living in Taiwan

  • Number of international students has reached over 5,000 in the last years.
  • Tuition fee ranges from 2400 to 4700 EUR a year for undergraduates and from 2400 to 6000 EUR for graduates, depending on the programme.
  • The rent for 1 room apartment could go between 180-300 EUR per month.
  • Utilities cost about 70 EUR per month.
  • An average student would pay around 300 EUR for food per month.
  • International students are allowed to work only after completing two semesters and having great academic record and, if they can prove financial inability to support themselves.
  • Not to miss: Kinmen Island - frontline between Taiwan and China, an absorbing blend of former battlefields and well-preserved imperial Chinese monuments.
  • Worth visiting is Taipei 101, at 509m, East Asia’s tallest building, located in Taipei, providing outstanding views of the surrounding area.
  • One of the most attractive places in Taiwan is old town Lugang, with traditional architecture, beautiful temples, tasty snack food and shops stocked with the work of the island’s most talented craftsmen.

About Taiwan

Taiwan, also known as Republic of China, was founded in 1912, becoming the first democratic republic in Asia. With an area of 36,000 square kilometres, land of Taiwan lies off the South-Eastern coast of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan Strait from China - an island on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. Neighbouring countries are Japan in the North and the Philippines in the South. The capital is Taipei, one of the largest cities in the country.
Portuguese sailors who first saw the island called it “Ilha Formosa”, which means the beautiful island.
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, but since many Taiwanese people are of southern Fujianese descent, Minnan is also widely spoken. English is the main foreign language taught in schools, thus it is spoken and understood.
Total population of Taiwan counts 23 million people, whose religion belong mainly to Buddhist or Taoist beliefs. During the country’s long history, Taiwan was populated by indigenous tribes, Dutch, Spanish, Japanese, and Han Chinese population, creating a varied culture and developing different local customs and traditions. Because the longest domination was under the Japanese rule, from 1895 to 1945, Taiwan today presents a unique culture, combining Chinese and Japanese elements.
The Republic of China is a sovereign state, with a government divided into five administrative departments: the cabinet, the legislative, the judicial and the examination (civil service). The president is elected by popular vote for a maximum 2 terms comprised of 4 years, on the same voting ticket as the vice-president.
Taiwan today is often described as economically prosperous and politically vibrant. The 21st-largest economy in the world, its high-tech industry plays an important role in the global economy. The country offers an excellent environment for learning Chinese and over the last decades it has continuously improved the standards of higher education, targeting students’ creativity.
Taiwan is known for its towering mountains and numerous mountains peaks that rise over 3,000 meters. The country is the home of Northeast Asia's tallest mountain, Yu Mountain (Yushan), which is nearly 4,000 meters in height, and has nine national parks.
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Master's Degrees in Japan

Study in Japan

Japan is a country of contrasts, preserving old traditions related to the unique Japanese culture, like the Buddhist heritage, and, at the same time, the nation is a leader in scientific research, mostly technology, famous for manufacturing robots. More than 100,000 international students from every corner in the world enrol in Japanese universities every year. Higher educational institutions here focus on academic performance based on innovative and creative ideas, but they also set much value in developing human quality.
Since 1949, there have been twenty-two Japanese (or Japanese born) winners of the Nobel Prize, especially in the fields of medicine, biology, chemistry and physics.
Education system
University applicants can select between five major types of institutions: Colleges of Technology, Specialized Training Colleges, Professional Training Colleges, Junior Colleges, Universities and Graduate Schools.
One unique aspect about Japan education system is that most universities start their academic year in April. However, there are a few institutions which start the academic year in autumn, mostly universities with degree programmes taught in English.
There are numerous courses that include a variety of fields including medicine, business studies, information and communication technology and engineering and more. Students can join different student organisations that will help them enrich cultural literacy and make international friends.
General Application Requirements
Most undergraduate and graduate programmes are taught in Japanese and universities require Japanese language ability, level N1 or level N2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). These levels are equivalent to between 600 and 900 or more hours of Japanese language study.
EJU (examination for Japanese university) is an exam used for testing international students who plan to study in Japan. The test includes Japanese language, science, mathematics, Japan and the World and takes place biannually in Japan and in selected cities outside of Japan. The examination can be written in Japanese or English (except the section on Japanese language).
These are the documents necessary for university submission:
  • Application form
  • Curriculum vitae
  • School transcript
  • Graduation certificate
  • Proofs of financial means (including the documents on a guarantor providing means to support the applicant)
  • Screening fee (about 145 to 215 EUR)
  • Certificate of Japanese language proficiency
  • Medical certificate
Some institutions may require different sets of documents for submission, so it is best to check the policy for document submission of the university you are interested in. For more information, check: http://www.gstudyinjapan.jasso.go.jp/en/modules/pico/index.php?content_id=11
Study Options
The number of international students who apply for Japanese universities is on the rise. Students find the warmly welcome offered by educational institutions and the fact that Japan is a leading nation in terms of futuristic technology, engineering or biomedical research, as very appealing and consider Japan an interesting study abroad option.
Language of instruction
Higher educational institutions in Japan teach their courses in Japanese with a few exceptions. A few universities offer one or more English courses for masters and PhD level and even fewer universities offer English courses at bachelor level. Especially on graduate level, number of courses related to science continue to rise every year.
Visa
Students interested in short time studies at Japanese language schools are allowed to register with a tourist visa. Applicants willing to study full time for more than three months need to apply for a student visa, which can be provided by the Japanese consulate available in any country.
The following documents are required for student visa application:
  • A valid passport
  • Passport size picture
  • Statement of financial support (younger students who don’t have a job need to provide a document stating that a member of their family or another person, will guarantee they will support them financially during his/hers stay in Japan as a student)
  • Documents to prove financial sponsor's income
  •  Certificate of Eligibility (issued before a visa by a regional immigration authority under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice as evidence that the applicant fulfils various conditions of the Immigration Control Act)
Some universities may submit visa application documents to the Japanese Immigration Bureau on your behalf. For more information, check immigration procedures here:
Or the Immigration Bureau of Japan official website:

Living in Japan

  • Tuition fees at Japanese universities are lower compared to other countries. Average fee payment for the first year unit covers a range from 6.800 and 13.500 EUR.
  • International students are allowed to work 28 hours of part-time job in a week, and 8 hours a day during summer or winter breaks.
  • Students who are unable to find a job before your graduation may continue job-seeking activities for 1 year after the graduation by changing their resident status from “College Student” to “Designated Activities (for continued job-seeking activities).” Period of stay of “Designated Activities” is six months and only one additional 6-month extension is allowed.
  • Many universities in Japan offer accommodation for international students. There are rooms and apartments with low rents but availability is usually limited. Another option for affordable housing is the share house, in which students can rent their own private room or share one with another tenant of the same gender.
  • Monthly rent is between 190- 390 EUR depending on the type of room.
  • Utilities count for about 120 EUR per month for a small apartment.
  • Most Japanese ATMs don’t accept foreign ATM cards. You have to use the machines at the post office or find a 7-11.
  • Monthly subscription for internet communication costs around 50 EUR.
  • Health insurance for a month is about 22 EUR.
  • Not to be missed in Japan is the cherry blossom festival, across the country between April and May.
  • Check out the Japan National Tourism Organization as many temples and shrines can be visited for free. 
  • Japan has some unique and incredible traditional dishes, one of the most popular that spread all over the world, especially in the West, is sushi.
  • Green tea is the national beverage of Japan, and plays an important role in Japanese life and culture.
  • Popular tourist attractions are: The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Mount Fuji and the Temple of the Golden Pavilion.

About Japan

Japan is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, divided into four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Honshu is home to Tokyo and many of Japan’s other largest cities, including Yokahama, Osaka and Nagoya. Closest neighbouring countries by sea are China, North and South Korea and Taiwan.
The meaning of the name Japan is "sun-origin", the reason why the nation is known as the "Land of the Rising Sun". Although the country’s territory is smaller than California, Japan is presently the 10 th most populated country in the world, with 127.3 million people.
First record of Japan dates from 400 A.D., when Yamamoto clan controlled family groups in Japan’s territory of today. Influenced by Korea, Buddhism principles were introduced in this period also. Around 1542, the first contact with the West was realised, when a Portuguese ship landed in Japanese waters. From the 12th to the 17th century the nation was led by military shoguns.
Most well-known moment of Japan in history remains the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings during World War II. After many years of conflict, Japan set up a unitary constitutional monarchy in 1947, which follows liberal policies.
From 1970’s to 2010, Japan was the world’s second largest economy. Today, Japan is famous for scientific and technology advance and innovations, especially in the fields of electronics, automobiles, machinery, earthquake engineering, industrial robotics and also for biomedical research.
Japanese society is linguistically and culturally homogeneous, composed of 98% ethnic Japanese, with small populations of foreign workers. Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, is the world’s largest metropolitan area, with a population of 32.5 million people. The literacy rate of the country is almost 100%, the biggest in the world.
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