Study in Japan from Nepal
Combine cutting-edge technology, scholarship opportunities, and immersive culture while pursuing your degree in Japan.
Quick answer
Nepali students study in Japan on a Student visa, issued after the school obtains a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Most start at a Japanese language school (around JLPT/NAT N5 level required) before university. National university tuition is about ¥535,800 a year, intakes are in January, April, July and October, and students may work up to 28 hours a week. Univa Education in Putalisadak, Kathmandu has guided students to Japan since 2011.
Top universities in Japan
University of Tokyo
Kyoto University
Osaka University
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Tohoku University
Waseda University
Popular courses for international students
Engineering & robotics
Computer science & AI
Business & management
Japanese language & culture
International relations
Automotive engineering
Build a technology career in Japan
Work part-time up to 28 hours per week with a student work permit.
Apply for the Designated Activities visa after graduation to seek full-time employment.
Leverage Japan’s demand for STEM and bilingual professionals in leading corporations.
¥535,800
¥800,000 – 1,500,000
How to apply to study in Japan from Nepal
- 1
Free counselling: profile, budget and goals reviewed by a Univa counsellor.
- 2
Begin Japanese study (JLPT/NAT N5 level) and choose a school or university and intake.
- 3
Prepare documents: academics, language certificate, sponsor and bank papers.
- 4
The school applies to Japanese immigration for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- 5
After the COE is issued, apply for the student visa at the Embassy of Japan, Kathmandu.
- 6
Pre-departure briefing, accommodation guidance and travel to Japan.
Guided support for Japan admissions
University shortlisting aligned with STEM, business, and cultural pathways.
Full support for MEXT and JASSO scholarships plus Statement of Purpose (SOP) editing.
Certified JLPT instructors and Japanese language preparation for daily life.
Visa documentation, accommodation arrangement, and pre-departure orientation.
Studying in Japan: frequently asked questions
Reviewed by Univa counsellors on 2026-10-07. Rules change — confirm current requirements with us.
Which visa do Nepali students need to study in Japan?
Students need Japan’s “Student” (Ryugaku) status of residence. Your Japanese school or university applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf, and you then get the visa from the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu.
What documents are required to study in Japan from Nepal?
You typically need a passport, academic certificates and transcripts, a Japanese language certificate or proof of study hours, sponsor and bank balance documents, sponsor income proof, and the school’s application forms. Univa reviews every document before submission because the COE stage is document-heavy.
Do I need JLPT or NAT to study in Japan?
Most Japanese language schools expect around JLPT or NAT N5 level (or 150+ hours of documented Japanese study) at application. Japanese-taught university programmes usually require N2 or higher, while English-taught degrees accept IELTS or TOEFL.
How much does it cost to study in Japan?
Tuition at national universities is about ¥535,800 per year (around USD 3,600), while private universities charge roughly ¥800,000–1,500,000. Language schools typically cost ¥700,000–900,000 for the first year.
Can students work part-time in Japan?
Yes. With a “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” from immigration, students can work up to 28 hours per week during term and up to 8 hours per day during official school holidays.
When are the intakes for Japan?
Japanese language schools take students in January, April, July and October, with April and October being the largest. Universities mainly start in April, and some also have a September intake. Applications usually close about six months in advance.