Studying in Japan: Trends for International Students

The newest survey shows more than 400,000 international students in Japan, with Nepal and Myanmar growing fastest and language schools still the largest group.

Published October 26, 2026 at 9:48 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: According to the Japan Student Services Organization survey released in May 2026, Japan had 408,069 international students as of May 1, 2025, up 21.2 percent from the year before. China, Nepal and Vietnam were the top sources. Japanese language institutes enrolled the most students, followed by professional training colleges, universities and graduate schools.

Japan keeps attracting students from abroad, and the newest statistics show the biggest group yet. People searching for study trends usually want to know how many students come, where they come from, what they study, what it costs and what happens after graduation. This guide answers those questions with the latest official figures from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) and the Study in Japan website, plus practical rules on part-time work and living costs. It looks at trends rather than application steps, which the site covers in a separate guide, and it reflects data as of autumn 2026.

The latest numbers

JASSO conducts an annual survey of international students enrolled in Japanese institutions as of May 1, and the results for 2025 were published on May 29, 2026. The survey counted 408,069 international students, an increase of 21.2 percent from about 336,700 the year before.

That is a large one-year jump, taking the total above 400,000. It includes students at universities, graduate schools, professional training colleges, Japanese language institutes and other institutions, so it is wider than a count of degree students alone.

Another government statistic, the Immigration Services Agency's count of residents with the Student status, was 464,784 at the end of 2025, up about 62,650 in a year. The two figures differ because they measure different things and different dates, so each should be quoted with its source.

Where students come from

China remains the largest source with 131,097 students, a rise of 6.2 percent. Nepal is second with 100,239, a jump of 54.7 percent, followed by Vietnam with 43,366 (up 7.5 percent), Myanmar with 29,413 (up 77.2 percent) and Sri Lanka with 17,626 (up 43.7 percent).

The fastest growth therefore comes from South and Southeast Asia. The same pattern appears in the Immigration Services Agency's resident figures, where Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka also rose strongly in 2025.

This mix shapes campus life, since classrooms bring together students from many regions. Prospective students can compare their own country's trend by checking the full JASSO tables.

Types of schools

The survey breaks the total down by school type. Japanese language institutes were the largest group with 140,174 students, followed by professional training colleges with 106,829, universities at the undergraduate level with 92,442 and graduate schools with 60,013. Smaller numbers attended junior colleges (4,138), university preparatory courses (3,946) and colleges of technology (527).

Language institutes can act as a gateway. The Study in Japan timeline includes a route in which applicants study Japanese first and then apply to a university or professional training college.

Degree seekers at universities should note the structure of the system. The Study in Japan website lists 86 national, 101 public and 620 private universities, and says four-year programs are standard, with medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses taking six. The academic year starts in April, though some universities offer fall admission in September or October.

English-taught programs

A major trend is the growth of programs taught fully in English. The Study in Japan site explains that some universities and graduate schools allow students to earn a degree through classes taught only in English, and that Japanese language ability is not required to complete them. These programs are not offered at colleges of technology or professional training colleges.

The site offers a school search for English-taught programs. Because availability and entry conditions differ by university, applicants should check each school's own admission pages. Even in English programs, basic Japanese is useful for daily life.

This option appeals to students who want a degree in Japan without first spending a year or more learning the language, though language study can still be added alongside the degree.

Costs and part-time work

The Study in Japan site cites JASSO's 2023 survey of privately financed international students, which put average living costs at about 105,000 yen per month, excluding study and research costs. Rent averages about 41,000 yen nationally and about 57,000 yen in Tokyo. Tuition varies by school and is listed in a separate section of the site.

Students on a student visa can work part-time only with permission. The site says to apply for permission to engage in activities other than that permitted by the status of residence, limits work to 28 hours per week, and allows up to 8 hours a day during long school holidays. Certain adult entertainment work is prohibited.

The site stresses that work must not interfere with studies, and that earnings are intended to cover school and living costs. Breaking the conditions can lead to penalties. Students should check details with the regional immigration bureau.

Scholarships

Funding options are listed on the Study in Japan website in four groups: an overview of scholarships in Japan, the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, JASSO scholarships and other scholarships. The site also lists tuition reductions and exemptions that individual schools offer.

Amounts, eligibility and deadlines differ by program and can change from year to year, so readers should check the official pages and the university concerned.

Start research early. The Study in Japan timeline suggests that applicants coming directly from abroad begin gathering information about a year before enrollment, take the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students and other tests about nine months ahead, and submit applications six to eight months ahead.

After graduation

Employment is a growing part of the study story. The Study in Japan website says more companies are hiring international students, though it adds that getting hired is not easy. Graduates of Japanese universities and graduate schools who have not yet found a job can change their status from Student to Designated Activities to keep job-seeking, normally for six months with one extension.

Support includes Employment Service Centers for Foreigners in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka run by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and a job-hunting guide from JASSO.

The overall picture is one of choice: more routes, more countries sending students and more English-taught options. Readers should confirm current rules with official sources before applying.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book TokyoPaul's Guide to Japanese Universities is available on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many international students are in Japan?

JASSO's survey counted 408,069 international students as of May 1, 2025, up 21.2 percent from the previous year. The results were released in May 2026. Japanese language institutes had the most students, followed by professional training colleges, universities and graduate schools.

Which countries send the most students to Japan?

China is first with 131,097 students, followed by Nepal with 100,239, Vietnam with 43,366, Myanmar with 29,413 and Sri Lanka with 17,626. Nepal and Myanmar showed the fastest growth in the 2025 survey, rising 54.7 percent and 77.2 percent.

Can international students work part-time in Japan?

Yes, with permission. The Study in Japan website says students may work up to 28 hours per week, and up to 8 hours a day during long school holidays, provided work does not interfere with their studies. Rules can change, so confirm with the regional immigration bureau.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Studying at a Japanese University: Application Basics for International Students, Foreign Residents in Japan: A Growing Community and Working Holiday Visas for Japan: Countries, Age Limits and Basics.