Japan offers various opportunities for students through graduate language schools and other educational institutions. Every year, thousands of scholarships are available for bachelor's and master's degrees, providing Pakistani students with stipends ranging from two to ten lakh rupees. However, today's post focuses on those who wish to go to Japan at their own expense.
Bachelor and Language Course
Method #1: Japan Study Permit
To obtain a Japan Study Permit, confirm your admission to a Japanese language school. This visa will be valid for 6 months to 2 years.
Benefits:
- No need to take any courses in your home country.
- Staying in Japan for 2 years allows you to learn the language and plan your future.
Drawbacks:
- You must cover tuition and living expenses for 2 years.
- If you cannot gain university admission during this period, you must return to Pakistan.
Method #2: Entrance Test
Travel to Japan, take the test, and wait for the results.
Benefits
- Less expensive compared to Method #1.
- No need to return if you pass the test and complete the process.
Drawbacks
- Must master Japanese in your home country (N5 level).
- Multiple trips to Japan can be costly.
- A friend or relative in Japan is required to send your form.
Both bachelor's and language courses in Japan are conducted in Japanese, with annual fees around 1 million Pakistani rupees or higher.
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Master's Program:
Master's programs in Japan are conducted in English, so Japanese language proficiency is not required. Although IELTS is not mandatory, it offers advantages like easy visa approval and scholarship opportunities. Thousands of scholarships are available annually for master's degrees, which we will discuss in another post. No entrance tests are required for master's programs.
Benefits of Studying and Living in Japan
1. Job Opportunities:
Completing your courses and achieving a good JLPT score (aim for JLPT N2) puts you in a strong position to secure a job in Japan. The Japanese job market is extensive, with higher earning potential.
2. Quality Education:
Japan offers an excellent educational system with relatively low tuition fees compared to other developed countries.
3. Immigration-Friendly:
The Japanese government is more prepared for increasing immigration, making it an ideal time to move to Japan.
4. Global Recognition:
Experience and skills gained in Japan are highly valued globally.
5. Language Proficiency:
Living in Japan accelerates language learning. Achieving JLPT N2 can take 6 months to a year in Japan, compared to 2-3 years abroad.
6. Safety: Japan is one of the safest developed countries, offering a peaceful lifestyle.
7. Cultural Richness:
Japan is known for its rich culture and innovation, providing endless opportunities for amazing experiences.
8. Affordable Living: The cost of living is manageable, with many tips to save money. Part-time work can cover expenses.
9. **Student Work Opportunities:
Students can work up to 28 hours a week. Finding part-time jobs (arubaito) is relatively easy.
10. Excellent Living Conditions:
Japan offers top-notch healthcare, transportation, food, services, and housing, ensuring a comfortable life.
Working with a Japanese Student Visa
A Japanese student visa does not automatically allow you to work. You need to obtain a work permit from the local immigration office. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 28 hours a week, with some restricted professions. After completing your degree, you can apply to change your visa category from a study visa to a work visa with a job contract.
Changing a Student Visa to a Work Visa
If you find a job while on a student visa or after completing your degree, you need to apply to change your study visa to a work visa. Submit the following documents at the local immigration offices in Japan:
- Job contract
- Application form
- Other required documents specified by the immigration office
Part-Time Jobs
Approximately 67% of international students in Japan work part-time, earning an average of 59,000 yen (413 USD) per month. Relying solely on part-time work to cover all expenses is challenging, so ensure a proper financial plan.
Requirements for Obtaining Japanese Citizenship
1. Permanent Residency: Must have lived in Japan for more than 5 years.
2. Age: Must be over 20 years old.
3. Financial Stability: You and your spouse must be financially independent.
4. Single Citizenship: Must renounce Pakistani citizenship, as dual citizenship is not allowed.
5. Respect for Japanese Constitution: Must not engage in political violence against the Japanese government.
Visa-Free Countries for Japanese Passport Holders
With a Japanese passport, you can travel to 193 countries without a visa. Some countries provide a visa on arrival, and for some, you need to apply for a visa. As of now, the Japanese passport ranks third in the world according to the Passport Index.
Countries Japanese Passport Holders Can Travel to Without a Visa
As of December 2022, Japanese passport holders can travel visa-free to 193 countries and regions, including:
American Samoa
Andorra
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bolivia
Caribbean Netherlands
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Colombia
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Curaçao
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Estonia
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French West Indies
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guam
Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Kazakhstan
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lesotho
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Myanmar
Namibia
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niue
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestine
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Réunion
Romania
San Marino
São Tomé and PrÃncipe
Senegal
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turks and Caicos Islands
Türkiye
United States Virgin Islands
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Venezuela
Vietnam
Eswatini.