Summarizing the pros and cons of studying in Japan can be encapsulated in one phrase: it offers a high cost-performance ratio. Indeed, there are limitations such as Japanese being a less commonly spoken language, potentially restricting future employment opportunities; or due to geographical constraints in Japan, there are fewer prestigious institutions, which limits options for further education. However, there are still several advantages to studying in Japan.
The visa application process for studying in Japan is cumbersome, but the approval rate is relatively high and secure.
Although Japan's "Plan to Accept 300,000 International Students" has been largely achieved (about a year ago, I wrote an article discussing possible changes to student visa issuance following the achievement of that target).
Recently, it has been observed that under the pressure of "aging" and "declining birth rates", Japan has not imposed strict controls on the acceptance of international students, and the requirements in the visa application process, aside from some pressure on students' Japanese language abilities, remain largely the same as before with respect to guarantee procedures and educational qualifications of students.
This means that Chinese students can study in Japan with a relatively high visa approval rate, provided that their application materials are well-organized and they meet the language proficiency requirements.
The financial burden of studying in Japan is low.
Japan is already known as a cost-effective destination for study abroad: tuition fees are low and educational resources are abundant. In recent years, the depreciation of the yen has made the exchange rate significantly lower compared to its peak of 0.08 a decade ago; the current exchange rate is around 0.06, meaning that what cost 56,000 yuan for one year of tuition a decade ago now only costs about 48,000 yuan.
In addition, Japan has systems in place that encourage international students to work part-time, allowing students to gain valuable experience while also earning some living expenses (there are many part-time job opportunities in Japan, with wages around 800 to 1,200 yen, which is more than in many other countries).
Therefore, generally, about 120,000 yuan per year is sufficient, which is significantly less than studying in other countries.
Moreover, a significant proportion of students studying in Japan can enjoy ; approximately 50% to 90% of international students at public universities in Japan are fully waived tuition, and some private institutions also offer tuition waivers for outstanding students. Furthermore, there are over 200 types of provided by the government, foundations, and private entities in Japan.
Thus, the cost of studying in Japan is less of a concern compared to other countries. In other words, Japan provides more study abroad opportunities for economically constrained yet ambitious students wishing to study abroad.
There are many options for further education in Japan.
Although Japan is a small country, it has nearly 800 institutions of higher education. As of 2017, there were 764 universities currently enlisting students in Japan (82 national universities, 87 public universities, and 588 private universities, approximately 90% of which are recognized by the Ministry of Education of our country). To put it into perspective, our vast China only has around 2,800 institutions of higher education.
There are various methods for taking entrance examinations in Japan, and to provide more opportunities for international students, many national universities have set minimum EJU scores for admission, and some private universities accept students with Japanese proficiency at Level 2 or with Level 2 results.
In conclusion, the diversity of examination methods allows for a wide range of choices for students studying in Japan, enabling them to select universities based on their skills, strengths, and interests. This diversification of exams provides opportunities for students who may have subject biases or anxiety towards major exams, thus offering a chance for success.
The quality of education in Japan is high.
It is well-known that Japan is the second-largest economy in the world, where students can access the latest and highest levels of knowledge. Additionally, Japan places a high value on education, with stricter management than in many Western countries, which aligns well with the management habits that Chinese students have developed over time.
Graduates from Japan have a wide range of employment opportunities and greater room for development.
Many students' parents may be concerned about Japan's current economic downturn, but we can look back at Japan's economic crisis in 1998, where the employment rate for university graduates was around 87%. This is a figure that many countries, including China, cannot compare with.
Under the current pressure of "aging" and "declining birth rates", the Japanese government supports the employment of international students in Japan. Obtaining a work visa is relatively easy, unlike in some Western countries that require a green card for visa issuance.
Furthermore, there is a distinct feature of employment in Japan: it does not necessarily require a degree to match one's field of study. This means that there won't be limitations on future career development. Most importantly, working in Japan can help improve one’s resilience and adaptability to meet the requirements of any country.
