Study in Japan: Guide for Mongolian Students
This guide explains how Mongolian students can study in Japan, from language schools and universities to visas, scholarships, costs, and part-time jobs. Use it as a simple, step-by-step roadmap from Mongolia to Japan, from first planning to life after graduation.
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Why Mongolian Students Are Choosing Japan
Japan and Mongolia have long, friendly relations. As of late 2023, there were about 19,000โ20,000 Mongolian residents in Japan, and the number is still growing. Many of them are students, researchers, or young professionals.
At the same time, Japan is welcoming more and more international students. In 2024, foreign student enrollment hit a record high of around 336,000 students, more than before the pandemic and about 20% higher than the year before.
For Mongolian students, Japan offers:
- High-quality universities and research labs
- Strong programs in engineering, IT, medicine, and business
- A safe and clean environment with good public transport
- Many scholarships and part-time work options
Of course, there are also challenges:
- Japanese is not easy and takes time to learn
- Living in cities like Tokyo can be expensive
- The student visa process has many documents and deadlines
Study in Japan Options for Mongolian Students
Japanโs education system offers several paths for international students. The official Study in Japan portal divides schools into: universities, graduate schools, colleges of technology, professional training colleges, and Japanese language institutes.
Japanese Language Schools
For many Mongolian students, the first step is a Japanese language school.
At a language school you can:
- Study Japanese full-time (usually 1โ2 years)
- Prepare for the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
- Learn academic Japanese for university or college entrance
- Get support for your next step (degree, vocational college, or job)
This path is good if:
- Your Japanese level is beginner or low-intermediate
- You want to live and maybe work in Japan long term
- You are not yet sure which major or university you want
Undergraduate Universities
If you want a bachelorโs degree, you can apply to:
- National universities โ high academic reputation, usually cheaper
- Public universities โ run by local governments
- Private universities โ lots of choice, but often higher tuition
You can choose between:
- Japanese-taught programs (most traditional courses)
- English-taught degree programs, which are increasing in fields like engineering, economics, international relations, and business
For Japanese-taught programs, you may need:
- EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students)
- University entrance exams or interviews
For English-taught programs, you usually need:
- Strong high school grades
- English test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
You can learn more in Japanese University Admission Guide for International Students.
Graduate Schools (Masterโs and PhD)
If you already have a bachelorโs degree from Mongolia, you can apply for:
- Masterโs programs
- Doctoral (PhD) programs
- โResearch studentโ status (non-degree, often a path to a degree later)
Japan is strong in:
- Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering
- Computer science, AI, and robotics
- Medicine, pharmacy, and life sciences
- Economics, business, and public policy
Many graduate programs now welcome international students through English-taught courses, especially under the MEXT Scholarship and other schemes.
If you are thinking about a research career, you should also look at MEXT Scholarship Guide for Mongolian Students.
Professional Training Colleges
Professional training colleges (senmon gakkล) focus on practical skills. Popular areas include:
- Game design, animation, and CG
- Web development and networks
- Hotel and tourism management
- Fashion, beauty, and design
- Business and accounting
These programs usually take 2โ3 years and are great if you want to work soon after graduation. Most classes are in Japanese, so language schools or strong JLPT scores are important.
Short-Term and Exchange Programs
If you are already studying at a university in Mongolia, you may also:
- Join a one-semester or one-year exchange at a partner university
- Join short-term Japanese language programs in summer or winter
- Visit as a research student under a professorโs supervision
This is perfect if you want to โtestโ Japan first, then decide if you want a full degree later.
Study Paths in Japan at a Glance
| Study Path | Duration | Main Language | Typical Goal | Best For Students Whoโฆ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Language School | 6โ24 months | Japanese | JLPT, entry to uni or college | Need language base before anything else |
| Undergraduate University | 4 years | Japanese / English | Bachelorโs degree | Want full degree and global career |
| Graduate School (Master/PhD) | 2โ5 years | Japanese / English | Research and advanced professional roles | Already have degree in Mongolia |
| Professional Training College | 2โ3 years | Mostly Japanese | Practical skills and job preparation | Prefer hands-on learning over theory |
| Short-Term / Exchange | 3โ12 months | Japanese / English | Language + cultural experience | Want a short, focused Japan experience |
Japan Student Visa for Mongolian Students
For any long-term study (more than 3 months), you need a Student status of residence. The basic process is similar for all nationalities, including Mongolian students.
Main Requirements
Always check the latest rules at the Embassy of Japan in Mongolia, because details can change. In general, you will need:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form and ID photos
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by Japanese immigration
- Letter of admission from a Japanese school
- Financial proof, such as:
- Bank statements
- Income certificates from parents or sponsor
- Scholarship letters, if you have them
- Academic transcripts and certificates (high school, university, etc.)
- Sometimes extra documents like a police clearance or medical certificate
Visa Application Steps
- Choose a school
Decide if you will attend a language school, university, graduate school, or vocational college. - Apply to the school
Send your application form, transcripts, passport copy, and other required papers. - COE application in Japan
If you are accepted, the school applies to Japanese immigration for your Certificate of Eligibility. - Receive your COE
When the COE is issued, the school sends it to you (original by courier, often with a scanned copy by email). - Apply at the embassy
Take the COE, visa form, passport, photo, and financial documents to the Embassy of Japan in Mongolia. - Get your visa
After your visa is approved, the embassy will place a student visa sticker in your passport. - Arrive in Japan
At the airport, you receive a Residence Card. Within 14 days, you must:- Register your address at the local city/ward office
- Join a health insurance system
Tuition Fees in Japan for Mongolian Students
Tuition in Japan depends on school type and program. Recent official guides give these rough ranges for annual tuition:
- National universities: about ยฅ535,000โยฅ600,000 per year
- Public universities: similar to national, sometimes slightly higher
- Private universities: usually ยฅ800,000โยฅ1,200,000 per year (more for medicine or special fields)
- Language schools / vocational colleges: often ยฅ600,000โยฅ900,000 per year
Remember:
- The first year often includes a one-time admission fee, so you pay more in year 1.
- Some universities offer partial fee reductions for international students.
Cost of Living in Japan for Mongolian Students
The official Study in Japan site shows that average monthly housing costs for students are about ยฅ41,000 nationwide, and about ยฅ57,000 in Tokyo, where rent is higher.
Recent 2025 cost-of-living guides say international students should expect roughly ยฅ120,000โยฅ150,000 per month for living expenses, including rent, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Example Monthly Budget
| Expense Category | Tokyo / Big City (approx.) | Smaller City (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (share/dorm/1 room) | ยฅ60,000โยฅ90,000 | ยฅ35,000โยฅ60,000 |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, water) | ยฅ8,000โยฅ12,000 | ยฅ6,000โยฅ10,000 |
| Food | ยฅ25,000โยฅ35,000 | ยฅ20,000โยฅ30,000 |
| Phone & Internet | ยฅ5,000โยฅ8,000 | ยฅ5,000โยฅ8,000 |
| Transport | ยฅ5,000โยฅ10,000 | ยฅ3,000โยฅ8,000 |
| Other (books, fun, clothes) | ยฅ10,000โยฅ20,000 | ยฅ8,000โยฅ15,000 |
| Total (rough) | ยฅ113,000โยฅ175,000 | ยฅ77,000โยฅ131,000 |
You can reduce costs by:
- Sharing a room or using a student dorm
- Cooking at home instead of eating out
- Using a student commuter pass for train or bus
For deeper money planning, see Cost of Living in Japan for International Students and How to Save Money in Japan as a Student. You may also want Banking in Japan for Foreign Students to understand fees and transfers to Mongolia.
Scholarships for Mongolian Students in Japan
Studying in Japan can be affordable if you use scholarships wisely.
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
The MEXT Scholarship is the most famous fully funded option.
Main categories include:
- Research students (Masterโs / PhD)
- Undergraduate students
- College of technology students
- Specialized training college students
- Japanese studies and teacher training students
Benefits often include:
- Full or almost full tuition coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Sometimes round-trip airfare
You usually apply either:
- Through Embassy Recommendation (via the Embassy of Japan in Mongolia), or
- Through University Recommendation (via a Japanese university that nominates you)
For tips, timelines, and sample study plans, see MEXT Scholarship Guide for Mongolian Students.
JASSO and University Scholarships
Other support options include:
- JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) scholarships and grants for self-funded students
- Tuition reduction programs for international students offered by many universities
- Department-level scholarships for excellent grades or research
When checking schools, always open the โScholarships for International Studentsโ page on each universityโs website.
Scholarships From Mongolia and Other Sources
Sometimes, Mongolian government agencies, private companies, or international organizations offer:
- Partial scholarships
- Loanโscholarship mixes
- Travel grants
These programs change often, so watch:
- Official Mongolian education ministry announcements
- Your current schoolโs international office
- Locally trusted education consultants
For an overview, keep an eye on Scholarships in Japan for International Students 2025โ2026.
Working Part-Time While Studying in Japan
Most international students in Japan work part-time to help pay for living costs and to practice Japanese. However, you must follow the rules.
Part-Time Work Rules
Japanese immigration law says:
- You must get permission called โPermission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permittedโ (่ณๆ ผๅคๆดปๅ่จฑๅฏ) stamped on your residence card before you start working.
- During the school term, you can work up to 28 hours per week.
- During long vacations, you can work up to 8 hours per day, within legal limits
- You are not allowed to work in adult entertainment or similar businesses (this is strictly prohibited by law).
If you break these rules, your visa may be at risk, so always respect the 28-hour limit and job-type restrictions.
Common Student Jobs
Typical part-time jobs for international students include:
- Staff in convenience stores or supermarkets
- Restaurant, cafรฉ, or fast-food crew
- Hotel/hostel front desk or cleaning staff
- Private tutor for English or Mongolian
- Simple office or assistant work (if your Japanese is stronger)
Hourly wages are often around ยฅ1,050โยฅ1,300 per hour, sometimes higher in central Tokyo or late-night shifts.
To plan better, read Part-Time Jobs in Japan for International Students.
Best Cities in Japan for Mongolian Students
There is no single โMongolian cityโ in Japan, but some areas are especially attractive for Mongolian students.
Tokyo and Surrounding Area
- Biggest number of universities and language schools
- Many international programs and research labs
- Active Mongolian and inner Asian communities, plus the Union of Mongolian Students in Japan and other groups
Pros:
- Many choices for study and part-time jobs
- Easier to find Mongolian restaurants, shops, and community events
Cons:
- Rent and general costs are higher than in other areas
Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe (Kansai Region)
- Strong universities and cultural life
- Large student population and many language schools
- Slightly lower living costs than central Tokyo in many cases
Kansai is a good choice if you want a mix of city life, history, and a more relaxed feel.
Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Other Regional Cities
- Important industrial and tech hubs
- Growing international student communities
- Lower rent and quieter environment
These cities are good if you want to focus on study, save money, and still have access to part-time work.
Language, Culture, and Daily Life Tips
Japanese Language Targets
You do not need perfect Japanese on day one, but setting clear goals helps:
- Before arrival: aim for JLPT N5โN4 basics
- During your first year in Japan: move towards N3
- For university lectures in Japanese or job hunting: N2 is a strong goal
You can study by:
- Taking classes at local community centers or universities
- Using online platforms and JLPT textbooks
- Practicing daily conversations at shops and part-time jobs
Cultural Adjustment
Japanese culture can feel different from Mongolia in many ways:
- People value politeness and quietness in public spaces
- Trains and buses are usually on time
- Trash separation and recycling rules are strict
Most Mongolian students adjust well after a few months, especially if they build both Mongolian friends and Japanese or other international friends.
To prepare, you might want to read Everyday Life in Japan: Transport, SIM Cards and Banking and Japanese University Life: What International Students Should Expect.
Health, Insurance, and Safety
Japan is generally very safe, with low crime rates and good public systems. But you still need to understand the basics.
Health Insurance
If you stay in Japan for more than three months, you must join an insurance system:
- Most students enter National Health Insurance at their city or ward office.
With this insurance, you usually pay 30% of medical costs, and insurance covers the other 70%.
Basic Admin Tasks After Arrival
- Register your address at the local city/ward office
- Join National Health Insurance
- Get your My Number card (individual ID for tax and social systems)
- Open a bank account to receive money and pay bills
- Get a SIM card or mobile contract
For more support, see Japan National Health Insurance Guide for Foreigners.
From Mongolian Student to Worker in Japan
Many Mongolian students hope to stay and work in Japan after graduation. There is a clear legal path for this.
In general, you:
- Graduate from a recognized Japanese school (language + degree, or degree directly).
- Receive a job offer from a company in Japan.
- Apply to change your status from Student to a work-based status such as:
- Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
- Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) in certain sectors
- Highly Skilled Professional (for senior roles)
To increase your chances:
- Work on your Japanese, aiming for N2 if possible
- Use your schoolโs career center and job fairs
- Do part-time work or internships related to your field
Checklist for Mongolian Students Planning to Study in Japan
Here is a quick checklist you can save and adapt:
- Clarify your goal
- Language only, full degree, or research?
- Short stay or long-term study + work plan?
- Choose a study path
- Language school, undergraduate, masterโs/PhD, or vocational college?
- Check requirements
- School grades and degree certificates
- English test (if needed) and Japanese level (JLPT, if required)
- Application deadlines
- Plan your budget
- Tuition for at least one year
- Living costs for 6โ12 months
- Emergency savings
- Research scholarships
- MEXT
- JASSO and university scholarships
- Mongolia-based supports
- Apply to schools
- Prepare all documents carefully
- Follow each schoolโs instructions exactly
- Apply for the student visa
- Wait for the Certificate of Eligibility
- Submit your visa application at the Japanese embassy
- Prepare for arrival
- Arrange temporary or long-term housing
- Read Setting Up Utilities in Japan: Electricity, Gas, Water and Internet
- After arrival
- Register address, join health insurance
- Open a bank account, get a SIM card
- Apply for part-time work permission if needed
- Think about your future
- Start planning for job hunting by your second or third year
- Improve Japanese steadily
- Decide whether you want to stay in Japan, return to Mongolia, or work in a third country
Final Thoughts: Turning Your Japan Dream into a Clear Plan
Studying in Japan as a Mongolian student is a big decision, but it can be a very positive one. You can:
- Gain strong academic and language skills
- Experience life in one of the worldโs safest, most innovative countries
- Build a career that connects Mongolia, Japan, and the wider world
The keys to success are:
- Clear planning of your study path and budget
- Early preparation for visas and scholarships
- Continuous effort to learn Japanese and adapt to local life
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
