Japan has long been one of the top destinations for Vietnamese students thanks to its high-quality education system, safe living environment, and abundant job opportunities. However, before making the decision to study abroad, the most common and important question remains: How much does it cost to study abroad in Japan?

In reality, the cost of studying in Japan is not fixed. It depends on various factors such as the chosen study program, living area, and whether students opt for a self-funded pathway or a work-study option. In this article, we will provide a detailed answer to how much it costs to study abroad in Japan in 2025, along with a clear breakdown of each expense to help you prepare your finances more effectively.

How much does it cost to study abroad in Japan in 2025? (Overview)

How much does it cost to study abroad in Japan in 2025?

Overall, the cost of studying abroad in Japan in 2025 typically ranges as follows:

• VND 180 – 250 million per year for Japanese language schools

• VND 200 – 350 million per year for colleges and universities

• VND 350 – 500 million for the first two years in total

These figures include tuition fees and basic living expenses but do not cover higher-than-average personal spending. Therefore, when considering how much it costs to study abroad in Japan, it is important to look at the long-term total cost rather than focusing on tuition fees alone.

Detailed breakdown of study abroad costs in Japan (2025)

To accurately answer the question “How much does it cost to study abroad in Japan?”, it is essential to understand each specific expense throughout the entire study process. In reality, the cost of studying abroad in Japan in 2025includes not only tuition fees but also various other expenses, from the preparation stage in Vietnam to living and study costs in Japan.

Below are the detailed cost categories that international students must prepare in order to calculate exactly how much it costs to study abroad in Japan and determine how much financial preparation is truly sufficient.

1. Costs before arriving in Japan

Before traveling to Japan, students need to prepare several initial expenses. This is a category that many people often overlook when estimating how much it costs to study abroad in Japan.

Common pre-departure costs include:

• Japanese language training in Vietnam: VND 10 – 25 million

• Application processing, document translation, COE & visa fees: VND 20 – 40 million

• Medical check-up: VND 1 – 2 million

• Airfare: VND 10 – 15 million

• Financial proof: in accordance with Japanese Immigration regulations

Total pre-departure cost: approximately VND 50 – 80 million

This amount plays an important role in answering the question how much it costs to study abroad in Japan from the very beginning.

2. Tuition fees in Japan

When discussing how much it costs to study abroad in Japan, tuition fees are the largest expense.

• Japanese language schools: 600,000 – 750,000 JPY/year

• Colleges and universities: 700,000 – 1,200,000 JPY/year

• Enrollment fees, facility fees, and textbooks: 50,000 – 100,000 JPY

In most cases, international students are required to pay the full first-year tuition before departing for Japan. Therefore, proper financial preparation is essential to avoid financial pressure during the initial period.

3. Living expenses in Japan

In addition to tuition fees, living expenses play a major role in determining how much it costs to study abroad in Japan per year.

Average monthly living costs include:

• Rent: 20,000 – 40,000 JPY

• Food: 20,000 – 30,000 JPY

• Transportation, utilities, and internet: 10,000 – 15,000 JPY

• National health insurance: approximately 2,000 JPY/month

Average total living expenses: 50,000 – 80,000 JPY/month, equivalent to VND 9 – 15 million

How much does it cost to study abroad in Japan (self-funded option)?

Many international students today choose the self-funded study abroad option in Japan because it offers a high level of flexibility in selecting schools, majors, and academic pathways. However, along with this flexibility comes the requirement for a strong financial foundation, as most initial expenses are covered by the student’s family.

How much does it cost to study abroad in Japan as a self-funded student?

So, how much does it cost to study abroad in Japan if you choose the self-funded option?
Based on actual figures for 2025, the estimated costs are as follows:

• First-year cost: approximately VND 200 – 300 million, including tuition fees, enrollment fees, accommodation, living expenses, and mandatory initial costs

• Following years: around VND 180 – 250 million per year, depending on the school and living area

All tuition fees and living expenses during the initial period must be prepared in advance. Therefore, for students who are unable to start part-time work early or do not yet have stable employment, the cost of studying abroad in Japan under the self-funded option is generally higher than the work-study pathway.

However, in return, the self-funded study abroad option allows students to:

• Experience less financial pressure during their studies

• Have more time to focus on improving their Japanese language proficiency

• More easily pursue academically intensive and specialized programs

How much does it cost to study abroad in Japan while working part-time?

In recent years, the work-study option in Japan has become increasingly popular among Vietnamese students thanks to its ability to reduce financial pressure and allow students to cover part of their living expenses independently. This is also why many students wonder how much it costs to study abroad in Japan when they can partially support themselves through part-time work.

According to Japanese government regulations, international students are allowed to work up to 28 hours per weekduring the academic term and may work longer hours during long school breaks. Common part-time jobs include working at restaurants, convenience stores, factories, warehouses, and supermarkets.

Part-time income for international students in Japan

The income of international students depends on the region, type of job, and Japanese language proficiency:

• Part-time wage: approximately 900 – 1,200 JPY per hour

• Average monthly income: around 70,000 – 120,000 JPY

With this level of income, many international students are able to:

• Cover most monthly living expenses such as rent, food, and transportation

• Significantly reduce the financial burden on their families

• Manage personal spending more independently

As a result, when considering the overall picture, the cost of studying abroad in Japan while working part-time is significantly lower than the fully self-funded option, especially from the second year onward.

How to save on study abroad costs in Japan in 2025

If you are wondering how much it costs to study abroad in Japan and how to optimize your budget, choosing the right cost-saving strategies from the very beginning is extremely important. In fact, with proper planning, the total cost of studying in Japan can be reduced by 20–40% compared to the average, while still maintaining a good quality of education and living standards.

1. Choose schools outside Tokyo and Osaka

Tokyo and Osaka are Japan’s largest cities and also have the highest living costs. To reduce financial pressure, consider studying in areas such as Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Saitama, Chiba, or Aichi.

Benefits include:

• Rent that is 20–30% cheaper

• Lower food and transportation costs

• Plenty of part-time job opportunities

Choosing the right study location is one of the most effective ways to solve the question how much it costs to study abroad in Japan, starting from the very first year.

2. Stay in a dormitory or shared housing

This option helps optimize the annual cost of studying abroad in Japan, making it easier to answer the question: How much does it cost to study abroad in Japan?

Accommodation accounts for a large portion of total living expenses. To reduce this cost:

• Student dormitories: affordable, convenient, and safe for newly arrived students

• Shared housing (share houses): lower rent and reduced utility costs

These options can help students save VND 3 – 7 million per month, significantly optimizing the annual cost of studying abroad in Japan.

3. Apply for language school and government scholarships

Scholarships are one of the most effective ways to reduce tuition fees, which are the largest expense when studying abroad.

• Language school scholarships: tuition reductions of 30 – 100%

• Government and Japanese organization scholarships: support for both tuition and living expenses

With a well-prepared application and good timing, students can significantly reduce the total cost of studying abroad in Japan, even from the first year.

4. Manage personal expenses carefully

Effective expense management helps you determine how much it realistically costs to study abroad in Japan

Many international students overspend simply because they are not yet familiar with life in Japan. To keep finances under control:

• Create a monthly budget plan

• Cook at home instead of eating out

• Avoid unnecessary shopping

Effective expense management helps you determine how much it realistically costs to study abroad in Japan, rather than facing unexpected financial shortfalls.

5. Work part-time legally and comply with visa regulations

Part-time work is an important source of income, but it must comply with Japanese law:

• Do not exceed 28 working hours per week

• Choose legal jobs with clear contracts

• Prioritize jobs that fit your study schedule

Working within the regulations not only increases income but also helps avoid visa cancellation or residency issues, ensuring a stable and long-term study plan in Japan.

Why choose ANKOI when researching how much it costs to study abroad in Japan?

ANKOI is a trusted Japan study abroad consultancy specializing in helping students build study abroad plans that match their real financial capacity. Instead of providing vague estimates, ANKOI helps you calculate exactly how much it costs to study abroad in Japan, based on your academic goals, living area, and your family’s budget.

ANKOI is the right choice when you want clear and accurate answers to the question:How much does it cost to study abroad in Japan?

With experience handling thousands of applications every year, ANKOI provides:

• Transparent and detailed 2025 Japan study abroad cost consultation, broken down by each expense

• School and location selection strategies to optimize costs

• Clear guidance for both self-funded and work-study study abroad pathways

• Full support from application, visa processing, pre-departure preparation, to settlement in Japan

If you are still wondering how much it costs to study abroad in Japan, how to optimize your budget, or which pathway best suits your financial situation, ANKOI is a reliable partner to help you stay on the right path, within budget, and aligned with your long-term goals from the very beginning.

In summary, how much it costs to study abroad in Japan depends on your chosen program, living area, and study format. Preparing a realistic and well-structured financial plan from the start will help you study with peace of mind, minimize risks, and optimize costs throughout your Japan study journey in 2025.

If you are still unsure how much it costs to study abroad in Japan, whether you should choose a self-funded or work-study option, or if you need a personalized cost estimate based on your profile, ANKOI is ready to support you with free consultation.

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