What costs do international students often underestimate before moving to Japan?
International students often underestimate non-tuition start-up and living costs. These may include airfare, visa-related expenses, housing deposits, key money or agency fees, furniture and bedding, utilities, communications, insurance, textbooks, commuting, and bank-transfer or exchange-rate costs. The amounts and applicable items vary by university, location, and contract, so check current official information.
Key points
- Housing can involve deposits, key money, agency fees, and other guarantee-related costs in addition to rent.
- After moving in, students may need ongoing funds for furniture, bedding, utilities, communications, insurance, textbooks, and transportation.
- Airfare, visa-related expenses, international transfer fees, and exchange-rate changes should also be included in the budget.
Things to check
- Costs and required items vary by university, faculty or program, location, housing contract, and the student's circumstances; confirm the latest details through official information.
Admissions route guidance
Applying from overseas
In addition to tuition and airfare, include in your pre-arrival budget fees for various examinations, entrance examination application fees, a medical examination if required, mailing application documents, applying for a passport, a visa, and dormitory fees. If you travel to Japan to take an entrance examination, you may also need to budget separately for airfare, accommodation, visa application fees, and insurance for that trip. You should also allow for temporary accommodation after arrival, initial rental costs, and furniture and appliances, while considering regional differences in housing and living expenses. Because you may be asked to provide documents demonstrating your ability to cover the costs of studying abroad when applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or visa, it is advisable to prepare a financial plan and supporting documents as well.
Official sources
Admissions information can change. Check the current official guidance before applying.