Study in Japan

Considering study in Japan? Read our guide to learn everything you need to know about universities and Japanese culture, and what steps to take next. Known for making smaller , faster things and, above all , first , Japan was until recently the second largest economy in the world (now third behind the U.S. and China) . Its economic strength is at least partly due to the strong industry research and development behind successful international brands , such as Nissan , Toyota, Panasonic , Canon and Sony - as well as producing robots for all conceivable needs. As expected , an excellent higher education system behind all this innovation . In the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings, three of the 50 best places to go to Japanese universities : the University of Tokyo at 30, Kyoto University 35 and the University of Osaka in 50 . Why Study in Japan? If you want to study in Japan , the homeland of the bullet train, Nintendo Wii , instant noodles in a pot and karaoke course , you will be pleased to know that Japan also wants . The government is keen to attract more international students, and has set a target of having 300,000 foreign students in the country in 2020 (which totaled 100,000 in 2003). As a result , universities are doing everything possible to make life easier for foreign students from the application process to the end to find a job after graduation. One thing that will definitely make life easier for many international students is the introduction of a greater number of courses taught in part or entirely in English . Other schemes to attract more foreign students are: The hiring of key personnel to support international students Allowing students to start courses in September ( instead of April , when the Japanese academic year usually starts ) , Recruiting more teachers outside Japan , Increased exchange programs with universities in other countries. Realizing that living and studying in Japan is expensive compared to many countries, the government has also introduced additional financial support for international students . Several college grants and scholarships are available through the Ministry of Education, Culture , Sports, Science and Technology ( MEXT) and the Japan Student Services Organization ( JASSO ) . Japan has approximately 780 universities , of which about 80% are private. There are also specialized schools and colleges offering more types of vocational degree.