- Choose a school and programme on Study in Japan (studyinjapan.go.jp), including English-taught degree programmes.
- Take the EJU and any other tests the school requires (or English/Japanese proficiency tests).
- Apply to the school, send the required documents and pay the examination fee.
- After admission, the school or your proxy applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at a regional immigration bureau in Japan.
- Prepare proof you can cover your expenses (your sponsor's savings balance certificate and income certificate).
- Once you receive the COE, apply for a student visa at the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan.
- Arrange flights and insurance, travel to Japan, register your address and join National Health Insurance.
- Apply for permission before starting any part-time job.
Study in Japan from Pakistan
Checked October 9, 2026 against official sources
Japan appeals to Pakistani students for its high-quality universities, strong research in engineering and technology, and generous scholarships such as MEXT and JASSO. A growing number of universities now offer full degrees taught in English, so Japanese is not always required to get in. Students can work part-time with permission and stay on after graduation to look for a job. Learning Japanese alongside your studies makes daily life and finding work much easier.
Work while studyingUp to 28 hours a week (up to 8 hours a day during long school holidays), after getting permission to engage in activities outside your status of residence.
Work after graduationGraduates still job hunting can change from Student to Designated Activities status: granted for 6 months with one extension, up to 1 year in total.
Why Pakistani students choose Japan
- Growing number of bachelor's and graduate degrees taught entirely in English
- MEXT (Japanese Government) and JASSO scholarships for international students
- Part-time work up to 28 hours a week with permission
- Graduates can stay up to one year to look for a job
- National Health Insurance covers 70% of medical costs
What it costs
Living costs: Tokyo (daily food, transport and rent estimates).
Work out the money to show in PKR → · Tuition is listed on each university page below.
Universities in Japan
All 1 →Scholarships in Japan
All 2 →
Check official site
MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship - Research Students (Embassy Recommendation)
MEXT research scholarships fund Pakistani graduates for master's or doctoral study at Japanese un...
Check official siteMEXT Japanese Government Scholarship - Undergraduate Students (Embassy Recommendation)
This MEXT scholarship funds a full bachelor's degree at a Japanese university, normally after a p...
Student visa and English
- Classes are generally in Japanese, but an increasing number of universities and graduate schools offer degree programmes taught entirely in English (not at colleges of technology or specialised training colleges).
- Foreign residents staying three months or more must join the National Health Insurance (NHI), which covers 70% of medical costs.
Steps to study in Japan
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in Japan without learning Japanese?
Yes, at some universities. Classes are usually in Japanese, but more universities and graduate schools now offer degrees taught entirely in English. Learning daily Japanese is still recommended because it makes living in Japan and finding a job much easier.
How many hours can international students work in Japan?
Students can work up to 28 hours a week, and up to 8 hours a day during long school holidays, once they get permission to engage in activities other than study. This permission can be requested at the airport on first entry or later at a regional immigration bureau.
Can I stay in Japan after graduation to find a job?
Yes. If you have not found a job by graduation, you can change from Student to Designated Activities status to keep job hunting. It is granted for six months and can be extended once, for a maximum of one year.
How much money do I need to show for a Japanese student visa?
Study in Japan does not publish a fixed amount. When applying for the Certificate of Eligibility or visa, you may need your sponsor's savings balance certificate, income certificate and proof of the source of funds. Check the exact requirement with your school and the Embassy of Japan.
Amounts in PKR use today's exchange rate. Rules change; always confirm on the official pages linked here before you apply.
Plan your application
Embassy & visa centres in Pakistan
- Consulate General of Japan Karachi
- Embassy of Japan Islamabad
