How to Study in Japan Without Going Broke

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Partnership
Learn Japanese with Toranomon Language School

I often get messages from readers asking: “How can I actually learn Japanese if I’m moving to Japan?”

After trying a few different approaches myself, I wanted to share a school I feel confident about. Over the past several months, I’ve been speaking with Ryoko Marumo, the CEO of Toranomon Language School (TLS), about how her team supports international professionals.

What stood out to me is that TLS isn’t just about textbooks, their teachers are experienced in helping people who want to work and live in Japan, not just pass an exam. They also offer flexible options (beginner to advanced levels, group or private lessons, and online formats) so you can choose what works best for your schedule.

TLS even provides consultation so you can talk through your goals before deciding. It’s a helpful way to understand how their programs fit your situation.

And as a small bonus, TLS has offered readers of this newsletter get ¥10,000 off your class when you sign up with code Quinn

Click here to claim your discount and start learning

Scholarships
Studying in Japan Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Many people assume studying in Japan means paying out-of-pocket for tuition, housing, and living costs.

But what surprises most is how much financial aid is actually available for international students, including full scholarships that cover tuition, housing, and even flights.

If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in Japan, here are the main programs that can make it happen.

MEXT
The Japanese Government Scholarship

The MEXT Scholarship (also called Monbukagakusho) is Japan’s most well-known and prestigious scholarship. It’s funded by the Japanese government and covers nearly every major expense for selected students.

What it includes:

• Full tuition and admission fees

• A monthly living stipend

• Round-trip airfare to and from Japan

Who can apply:

• Students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or research degrees

• Teacher training or specialized programs

• Applicants who meet age and education requirements (varies by category)

There are two main ways to apply:

1. Through your local Japanese embassy or consulate (the most common route)

2. Directly through a Japanese university, which may recommend you for the scholarship

Learn more about the categories and application process on Study in Japan (Official Site)

University Programs
JASSO Scholarships & University Programs

If you don’t qualify for MEXT, don’t worry, there are many other options.
JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) offers the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship and several grants for privately funded international students.

In addition, many Japanese universities have their own internal scholarships, tuition waivers, and fee reductions for international students.

Examples include:

• Kyoto University — private scholarships up to ¥180,000/month

• Waseda University — partial tuition waivers for international students

• Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) — need-based and merit-based scholarships

You can browse a full database of scholarships on Study in Japan’s official search tool.

Scholarships
Private & Foundation Scholarships

Beyond government and university programs, many private foundations support international students in Japan.

A few worth noting:

• Honjo International Scholarship Foundation — for graduate students enrolled in Japanese universities (hisf.or.jp)

• Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship — for students with strong academic and volunteer backgrounds

• Local Prefecture Scholarships — smaller awards available through city or regional governments

While competitive, these often have fewer applicants than MEXT and may be easier to secure once you’re already living in Japan.

Costs
What It Really Costs

Even with scholarships, living in Japan comes with everyday costs, rent, transport, and food.
But compared to the U.S. or U.K., the numbers are much lower.

For example:

• Tokyo one-bedroom apartment: ¥80,000–¥100,000/month

• Osaka: ¥60,000–¥80,000/month

• Sharehouse options: as low as ¥40,000–¥50,000/month (Oakhouse)

You can calculate your own expected budget using Numbeo’s Japan Cost of Living Estimator.

Improve Your Chances
How to Improve Your Chances

A few simple strategies can make your scholarship application stand out:

• Apply early — most programs close 6–12 months before the start of classes

• Write a clear statement of purpose showing why Japan specifically

• Include proof of Japanese or English ability, even if basic

• Reach out to professors or departments before applying for graduate programs

Embassy staff and university coordinators are often willing to help, as long as you reach out before deadlines approach.

CONCLUSION
What This Means for You

Japan has quietly become one of the best destinations for affordable higher education.
Whether you’re applying through MEXT, JASSO, or a university scholarship, the key is consistency, start early, stay organized, and apply to multiple programs.

Even if you don’t land a full-ride, partial scholarships combined with Japan’s reasonable cost of living can make studying here far more attainable than most people think.

The Japan Work Report
Want to Move to Japan But Don’t Know Where to Start?

You don’t need a degree. You don’t need fluent Japanese.
But you do need a roadmap.

The Japan Work Report is the only newsletter that shows you real jobs you can apply for, with visa sponsorship, salary info, and no fluff.

Every Friday, you'll get:

• Job listings for foreigners outside Japan

• Exact visa type, Japanese level, and employer info

• What’s working right now (and what’s not)

• Industry snapshots across care work, logistics, tourism, and tech

• Advice from someone who’s helped hundreds of people get hired in Japan

If you’re serious about living and working in Japan, this saves you months of guesswork.

Upgrade here

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