How to Apply for Abroad Study in Japan After 12th & After Bachelor’s (For Nepali Students)
Japan is becoming one of the most preferred study destinations for Nepali students due to its high-quality education, affordable tuition, and strong job market. Whether you have completed 12th grade (high school) or a Bachelor’s degree, Japan offers diverse programs—from language courses to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
This guide explains step-by-step how Nepali students can apply to study in Japan, including eligibility, language requirements, scholarships, visa process, and more.
Step 1: Choose Your Study Path
After 12th (High School)
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s degree)
- Duration: 4 years
- Requirements: High school transcripts, recommendation letters, English/Japanese language proficiency
Japanese Language School
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Helps prepare for university entrance exams or improve Japanese (JLPT N5–N3 level
After Bachelor’s (Postgraduate / Masters)
Master’s Programs
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree transcript, English/Japanese language test, SOP, recommendation letters
Professional Courses / Vocational Programs
- Duration: 1–3 years
- Offers practical skills for career advancement
Step 2: Select Universities or Colleges
- Japan has national, public, and private universities
- Popular cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Nagoya
- Check programs in Engineering, IT, Business, Medicine, Hospitality, and Japanese Language
- Use official university websites or consult a reliable consultancy like Ideal Education Consultancy
Step 3: Check Eligibility & Language Requirements
Japanese Language
- Most undergraduate programs require JLPT N2/N1 or completion of a preparatory course
- Language schools: Start from JLPT N5/N4
English Programs
- Some universities offer programs in English
- Required tests: IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL iBT 80+
Academic Requirements
- After 12th: Minimum 50–60% in high school
- After Bachelor’s: Minimum 2.5 GPA (on 4.0 scale)
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents
- Application Form (university-specific)
- Academic Transcripts & Certificates
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Language Proficiency Certificates (JLPT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Recommendation Letters
- Financial Proof / Sponsor Documents
- Medical Certificate (if required)
Step 5: Apply for Admission
- Submit applications online or offline before university deadlines
- Some universities have rolling admissions, others have fixed semesters (April & September intake)
- Pay application fees (approx. ¥5,000–¥30,000)
Step 6: Receive Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
- After admission, the university issues Certificate of Eligibility
- CoE is required to apply for a Japanese student visa
- Usually takes 1–2 months for approval
Step 7: Apply for Japanese Student Visa
- Submit CoE to the Japanese Embassy / Consulate in Nepal
- Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- CoE
- Financial proof
- Photos (passport size)
- Visa Processing: 2–3 weeks (after CoE approval)
Step 8: Arrange Accommodation & Travel
- University dormitories or private apartments
- Budget around ¥30,000–¥60,000/month for rent
- Book flights after visa approval
Step 9: Pre-Departure Preparation
- Attend pre-departure counseling (by consultancy)
- Learn basic Japanese phrases for daily life
- Prepare bank accounts, health insurance (NHI), and SIM card
Step 10: Arrival & Registration in Japan
- Register at city office for residence card
- Open bank account
- Attend university orientation
- Join student support services for Nepali students
Tips for Nepali Students
- Apply 6–12 months in advance
- Choose programs in English if Japanese skills are low
- Look for MEXT and university scholarships
- Use a reliable consultancy for guidance, document checking, and visa support
Conclusion
Studying in Japan after 12th or Bachelor’s is achievable with careful planning, timely preparation, and expert guidance. At Ideal Education Consultancy and Career Development Pvt. Ltd., we help Nepali students choose courses, prepare documents, apply for admission, and secure visas, making your dream of studying in Japan smooth and successful.