COUNTRY FACTS Capital: Tokyo Population: 127,214,500 Area: 377,837 sq km Language: Japanese Religion: Buddhism, Christianity Continent: Asia

The greatest reason for studying in Japan is its academic environment where one can study state-of-the-art technology and acquire the knowledge that enabled Japan's phenomenal postwar economic growth. Whether it is electronics, Japanese literature, medicine or international business administration, Japanese universities and other institutes of higher education can offer course studies or research programs of virtually any field. Many institutions of higher education, such as universities and junior colleges, are well equipped with fine research, computer, and library facilities and enable students to carry out their research in an excellent environment.  
STUDENT VISA PROCESS

The procedures that need to be taken to obtain visa for Japan as a foreign student are as follows:

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility
2. Two photographs
3. Letter of Acceptance from University

Please inquire at an overseas Japanese embassy or consular offices (http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html) for details regarding visas. Please note that a "temporary visitor" visa is normally needed to enter Japan in order to take an entrance examination.

1) Be sure to note your term of residence
Students who hold the College Student residency status are permitted to reside in Japan for either 2 years or 1 year. Those holding the Pre-college Student status of residence are allowed to stay in Japan for either 1 year or 6 months. If you wish to extend your stay or change your status of residence, you will need to make an application to do so.

2) Be sure to make the application as soon as possible
If you should happen to reside in Japan without extending the term of your stay or changing your status of residence, you will become an illegal alien even if you do not mean to do so. You can make applications to extend your stay 2 months before the end of the term, so it is recommended that you make your application as soon as possible.

In recent years, a growing number of schools have begun making the application for extension of stay on behalf of foreign students. Therefore, there are an increasing number of foreign students, such as those attending Japanese-language institutes, who do not know about the immigration bureaus. Because procedures related to staying in Japan need to be taken by the individual in essence, it is important that you clearly understand your status of residence, term of residency as well as the necessary procedures.

3) If you are unsure of anything, be sure to check with a counseling center before you make your application
If your class attendance is low without a reason such as illness, you will be judged as not concentrating on your studies. In such cases, you will not receive permission to extend your stay or change your status of residence. Even if there is a valid reason, your extension or change of status of residence may not be approved without documentary proof. Once your application for an extension of stay or change of status of residence is turned down, it is extremely difficult to reverse the decision. Therefore, if you should have any questions or doubts about your application, be sure to consult with the Immigration Information Center or a counseling center for foreign students before making your application.

To support you financially during your study in Japan, various government related scholarship programs are available. Besides, scholarship are provided from private foundations as well as scholarships offered by university itself can also be very helpful to you. Most of the scholarships introduced by university are primarily targeted at privately financed students currently holding resident visa status in Japan.

However, scholarships in Japan are limited in number. Scholarship related matters are managed through the Student Affairs Division's Scholarship Section but consulting with each undergraduate school or graduate school as to the details regarding scholarship including candidate recruitment.

You may contact to the Japanese Consulate in your vicinity for information on Embassy recommends scholarships in case you would like to apply before leaving to Japan.  
LIVING COST IN JAPAN

Living Cost in Japan varies with the individual, but we recommend you to prepare at least 1,000,000 JPY for one year of academic study and for living costs in Japan.

You will need to manage facilities like: public utilities, telephone services, Bedding, kitchen supplies, tableware, Washing machine, Dryer by yourself. So on your stay in Japan you must be able to pay for the charges of facilities.

Japanese accommodations (dormitories and apartments) are generally not furnished. Although some dormitories may supply beds, you will usually have to buy such items as a bed and/or bedding, refrigerator, microwave, television, etc. Prices for such items have become quite inexpensive as compared to the past at discount shops, etc. You can also check the bulletin boards at your university or school for notices regarding sale of inexpensive items.

Public utility fees for water, gas and electricity are not included in your rent. Therefore, you will need to subscribe to and pay for the services yourself. If you will be living in an apartment, you can check with your landlord, etc. for contact information.

Unlike Europe and the United States, apartments in Japan do not have a laundry room equipped with washing machines and dryers. Therefore you will have to either buy your own washing machine or go to a neighborhood coin-operated laundry.

Living in Japan is recognized as one of the most expensive one in the world, so be very careful about your ability to fulfill required cost during your stay there.