Japan is offering more job opportunities to international students, with a new visa policy aimed at helping them stay and work after graduation.
The country plans to host 400,000 international students by 2033, and has already welcomed over 312,000 students as of May 2024.
Japan’s rise as a top study destination comes from government support, easier visa rules, and quality education. Since 2010, the number of foreign students has grown by 37%, showing Japan’s success in globalising its education system.
Why Students Are Choosing Japan
Students choose Japan for many reasons: affordable tuition, top universities, and fields like engineering, IT, and robotics. Programs such as Global 30 and Top Global University Project also boost English-taught courses and attract talent worldwide.
Simplified Student Visa Process
The student visa process is now simpler, with more English programs, scholarships, and less paperwork. After graduating, students can apply for either a Designated Activities Visa (to job hunt for up to a year) or a Work Visa for jobs in fields like software, healthcare, education, and engineering.
While Japanese language skills (JLPT N2) help in full-time jobs, more firms now offer bilingual roles. Also, students can work part-time during their studies, giving them both income and experience.
With efforts to create inclusive classrooms, global faculty, and cultural exchange programs, Japan is making higher education more welcoming for students from all over the world.