With 51 universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings, Japan stands out as an academic powerhouse.
With 51 universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings, Japan stands out as an academic powerhouse.
Japan is rapidly becoming a major player in international education, luring in over 300,000 students worldwide.
While traditional educational powerhouses like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia have long been preferred destinations for Indian students, Japan’s appeal is fueled by its rich cultural heritage and cutting-edge academic offerings, the Free Press Journal reported.
World-class universities
Government statistics underlined Japan’s position as an academic powerhouse, boasting 51 universities featured in the prestigious QS World University Rankings.
Tokyo University, securing the 28th spot globally, emerges as a particularly attractive option for ambitious students. Japan also stands out by offering a diverse range of academic programs, catering to students at various stages of their educational journey.
What sets Japan apart is its inclusive approach, allowing even Class 12 pass candidates to apply to its universities. Institutions like Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tohoku University, Nagoya University, Kyushu University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Hokkaido University significantly contribute to Japan’s appeal as an educational hub.
Affordable education
Another feature drawing students is the relatively low tuition fees compared to other developed countries, making quality education more accessible.
Japanese universities typically require international students, including Indians, to pass the IELTS exam, along with submitting essential documents such as university application forms and recommendation letters.
500,000 students abroad by 2033
Japan has recently announced an ambitious plan to send 500,000 students abroad by 2033.
Proposals include expanding scholarships and boosting loan repayment assistance for Japanese students studying overseas, the Japan Times reported.
The goal is to welcome 400,000 foreign students annually by 2033, double the current range of 200,000 to 300,000.
To achieve this, Japan plans to create a roadmap this summer, emphasizing the transformative impact of studying abroad.
Targets include 150,000 students earning degrees abroad, 230,000 on shorter study visits while enrolled in Japanese universities, and 110,000 high schoolers on overseas study tours.
The government will provide financial aid, grant-type scholarships, and information terminals for online international exchanges to junior and high school students.
Japanese universities gain flexibility to adjust tuition rates and manage enrollment capacity to attract more international students.
Companies are also encouraged to expand hiring schedules, and a certification scheme for high-quality vocational schools will extend benefits to foreign students, aligning with those of university graduates to encourage them to stay in Japan.
“The growth and success of young people, who are the bearers of the future, through studying abroad is the key to transforming society,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in the report.
Int’l student enrollment
In 2021, Japan witnessed a 13.2 percent decrease in international student enrollment, dropping from 279,597 to 242,444 students, according to data from Erudera.
The majority, 76,301 students, were enrolled in Social Sciences, with 76,499 pursuing undergraduate studies or colleges of technology.
The Kanto region had the highest concentration of international students at 122,383, and China contributed the largest number of international students, with 114,255 students.
Results from an annual survey by the Japan Student Services Organization also revealed that the majority or 231,077 students self-funded their studies.
