15 Cheapest Universities in Japan for International Students

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In Japan, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Japan without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Japan, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 705 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Japan, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Japan for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Japan ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Chugoku Gakuen University 250,000 Yen - 295,000 Yen 67%
Nakamura Gakuen University 260,000 Yen - 400,000 Yen 66%
Jobu University 264,000 Yen 65%
Onomichi University 267,900 Yen 64%
Shigakukan University 300,000 Yen 60%
Ashiya University 300,000 Yen 60%
Kyoai Gakuen University 306,000 Yen 59%
Yashima Gakuen University 306,000 Yen 59%
Fukuoka Jo Gakuin University 306,300 Yen 59%
Tokyo Kasei-Gakuin University 308,000 Yen 59%
Aomori Chuo Gakuin University 325,000 Yen - 400,000 Yen 57%
Sakushin Gakuin University 325,000 Yen 57%
Takamatsu University 325,000 Yen 57%
Ube Frontier University 330,000 Yen 56%
Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University 335,000 Yen 55%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 743,800 Yen for universities in Japan.

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1. Chugoku Gakuen University

Chugoku Gakuen University is a private university in Okayama, Japan. Its history dates to the establishment of a junior college in 1962, but it only became a four-year college in 2002. Nutrition, humanities, liberal arts, childcare, and business are among the degree programs available at the university. The university’s mission is to advocate for and promote its students’ mental, moral, cultural, psychological, and physical development.

2. Nakamura Gakuen University

Nakamura Gakuen University, a private institution in Fukuoka, ranks 201st in the Japan University Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education. It is named after its founder, Professor Haru Nakamura, who advocated for human-centered education. Initially, education centered around nutrition studies. Now, it includes courses in business and education. Nakamura Gakuen University is organized into three sectors: graduate school, university or faculties, and junior college. Thus, it can offer courses from junior college to doctorate level.

3. Jobu University

Jobu University aims at educating professionals that will be able to offer solutions to Japan’s issues with an international approach. Perseverance is the founding principle of the institution, which is why students will learn how to overcome challenges and will obtain problem-solving skills. The university offers degree programs in the fields of business information, medical psychology, nursing, and sports physiology. Regarding non-academic activities, this university is famous for the extraordinary performance of its baseball, track field, and ekiden teams.

4. Onomichi University

Onomichi City University may have been considered a small institution, yet this has worked well for the school as it boasts of having a close-knit community with a dynamic relationship between students and faculty members. It has transformed and reshaped the lives of numerous students into becoming accomplished professionals, leaders, innovators, and experts in various industry sectors. Over the years, the university has aimed to significantly contribute to society by constantly maintaining its high quality of education, reevaluating its current programs, and developing new career-oriented programs that can address future market needs.

5. Shigakukan University

Shigakukan University is a private liberal arts university committed to developing human resources with intellect, creativity, and adaptability in the contemporary world. The university integrates general education, career development, and experiential and active learning into all of its programs for students to acquire broad knowledge and skills sought after by industries around the world. Part of the university’s career development program is internships in different companies and government organizations for students. These allow them to gain first-hand experience in the realities of professional life and deepen their desire to contribute to society.

6. Ashiya University

Ashiya University is a private university in the city of Ashiya in Hyōgo, Japan. Dr. Shigeichi Fukuyama founded it in 1964. The university’s academic programs are divided into four categories: teacher education, management education, sports education, and career education. Students will also benefit from small-class education with a maximum enrollment of 1000 students per year.

7. Kyoai Gakuen University

Kyoai Gakuen University, formerly known as Maebashi Kyoai Gakuen College, is one of the excellent schools in Maebashi, Gunma. The institute offers full-time undergraduate studies in highly selected educational programs. It aims to generate elite individuals who will take on significant roles in the local and international community. Its curriculum is designed to equip students with sufficient knowledge and develop core capabilities deemed essential for their chosen careers.

8. Yashima Gakuen University

Yashima Gakuen University was founded in 2004 and is located in Yokohama, Japan. It is a private university that offers basic and specialized courses in different fields of study such as literature, language, history, religion, and museology, but it is best known for its lifelong learning courses. Scholarships and discounts are provided by the university to help students finance their education.

9. Fukuoka Jo Gakuin University

Fukuoka Jo Gakuin University is a privately funded women’s institution that aligns its education with Christian values. And in accordance with its Christian principles, the university cultivates responsible leaders, professionals, and experts who will significantly contribute to the betterment of society.  Some cutting-edge programs suited to produce competent individuals include media and communication, psychology, early childhood development, and literary arts.

10. Tokyo Kasei-Gakuin University

Tokyo Kasei-Gakuin University is a private university located in the Chiyoda ward in Tokyo, Japan. The school’s predecessor was founded in 1925, but it was only recognized as a university in 1963. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in a variety of disciplines are available, including human life science, economics, design, nutrition, and child studies.

11. Aomori Chuo Gakuin University

Aomori Chuo Gakuin University is a private university in Aomori, Japan. The predecessor of the school, Aomori Tanaka Educational Academy, was founded in 1946 as a junior college, and it became a four-year college in 1998. The university offers undergraduate degree programs in law, management, and nursing, as well as graduate school programs.

12. Sakushin Gakuin University

Sakushin Gakuin University seeks to transform the lives of countless students. It has created and developed first-class academic programs that will equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to succeed in their future endeavors. The university currently awards degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels in various career-oriented academic disciplines.

13. Takamatsu University

Takamatsu University is a private university in the city of Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. Takamatsu Junior College was founded in 1968, but it was only in 1996 that it was designated as a university. Human development, education, business administration, and childcare are among the undergraduate and graduate courses available at the university.

14. Ube Frontier University

A private university in Ube, Japan, Ube Frontier University was founded in 1960. It is accredited by the Japan Institution for Higher Education Evaluation. Also, international students may be accepted through direct admission or exchange programs. Aside from the university, Ube Frontier also has schools for junior college, high school, and kindergarten level education.

15. Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University

Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University is situated in Nagasaki’s vibrant yet tranquil city on the island of Kyushu, Japan. It has an expansive campus surrounded by nature and overlooking seas. Furthermore, it is a Catholic university initially established to educate women. It has transformed into a co-educational school admitting local and international students regardless of ethnicity, gender, and background.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Japan for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Japan ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Shujitsu University 215,000 Yen 67%
Sophia University 240,000 Yen - 473,000 Yen 63%
Jobu University 240,000 Yen 63%
Onomichi University 267,900 Yen 59%
Tokyo Zokei University 300,000 Yen 54%
Hiroshima Jogakuin University 300,000 Yen 54%
Takamatsu University 305,000 Yen 53%
Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University 310,000 Yen 52%
Sakushin Gakuin University 325,000 Yen - 650,000 Yen 50%
Meiji Gakuin University 340,000 Yen - 510,000 Yen 47%
Hiroshima University of Economics 340,000 Yen 47%
Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology 340,000 Yen 47%
Mimasaka University 350,000 Yen 46%
Aichi University of Technology 365,000 Yen - 415,000 Yen 43%
Okinawa Christian University 370,000 Yen 43%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 639,300 Yen for universities in Japan.

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1. Shujitsu University

The primary goal of Shujitsu University is to help students find their self-worth by acquiring a quality education. Through scholarly activities, students are given a chance to explore life outside of their own comfort zones and pursue their dream careers. Shujitsu University is known for producing graduates who are in pursuit of contributing to society rather than chasing vanity.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Shujitsu University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 215,000 Yen annually for their master's degree.

2. Sophia University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Sophia University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Sophia University is 240,000 Yen to 473,000 Yen.

Sophia University, one of the elite private universities in Japan, ranks highly in international rankings, including QS Top Universities and Times Higher Education. It is primarily established in globalization, literature, and foreign languages, ranking 360th for Arts and Humanities worldwide. Besides such courses, the university has science, engineering, and religious programs. It is a Roman Catholic institution founded by the Society of Jesus.

3. Jobu University

Jobu University aims at educating professionals that will be able to offer solutions to Japan’s issues with an international approach. Perseverance is the founding principle of the institution, which is why students will learn how to overcome challenges and will obtain problem-solving skills. The university offers degree programs in the fields of business information, medical psychology, nursing, and sports physiology. Regarding non-academic activities, this university is famous for the extraordinary performance of its baseball, track field, and ekiden teams.

The tuition fee at Jobu University for incoming international master’s students is 240,000 Yen. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Onomichi University

Another affordable university to consider in Japan is Onomichi University.

Onomichi City University may have been considered a small institution, yet this has worked well for the school as it boasts of having a close-knit community with a dynamic relationship between students and faculty members. It has transformed and reshaped the lives of numerous students into becoming accomplished professionals, leaders, innovators, and experts in various industry sectors. Over the years, the university has aimed to significantly contribute to society by constantly maintaining its high quality of education, reevaluating its current programs, and developing new career-oriented programs that can address future market needs.

The tuition fee in Onomichi University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 267,900 Yen.

5. Tokyo Zokei University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Tokyo Zokei University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 300,000 Yen yearly.

Tokyo Zokei University (TZU) is a privately-funded institute that offers comprehensive art and design programs. This specialized university was founded by a design journalist, Kuwasawa Yoko, in 1966. She had successfully convened numerous educators, artists, and art experts to educate and train students in her school. Today, TSU has a vibrant academic faculty that is comprised of highly-qualified professors and experts working together to support the school’s creative and talented students.

6. Hiroshima Jogakuin University

Founded more than a century ago, Hiroshima Jogakuin University is a women-only private institution and one of the first of this kind in Japan. It strives for providing a comprehensive education that will give female students the tools to become successful and responsible professionals that will serve society. It has a liberal arts approach and offers degrees in the fields of human life studies, language and culture, childhood education, nutrition and health, and many others. The university also has English-taught programs specially designed for international students in Global Studies and English Language and Culture.

7. Takamatsu University

Takamatsu University is a private university in the city of Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. Takamatsu Junior College was founded in 1968, but it was only in 1996 that it was designated as a university. Human development, education, business administration, and childcare are among the undergraduate and graduate courses available at the university.

8. Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University

Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University is situated in Nagasaki’s vibrant yet tranquil city on the island of Kyushu, Japan. It has an expansive campus surrounded by nature and overlooking seas. Furthermore, it is a Catholic university initially established to educate women. It has transformed into a co-educational school admitting local and international students regardless of ethnicity, gender, and background.

9. Sakushin Gakuin University

Sakushin Gakuin University seeks to transform the lives of countless students. It has created and developed first-class academic programs that will equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to succeed in their future endeavors. The university currently awards degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels in various career-oriented academic disciplines.

10. Meiji Gakuin University

Meiji Gakuin University is a Christian university that integrates science with Christian principles. Its exceptional academic curriculum and training programs allow students to explore academia with a strong presence of mind and passionate heart. The university’s mission is to produce highly competent graduates that are not just intelligent but also empathetic and compassionate.

11. Hiroshima University of Economics

The Hiroshima University of Economics is a private institution that provides world-class education with a practical approach to economics, business, and communication. The university aims to impart students with solid foundational knowledge in their chosen fields and develop strong presentation and personal skills that would help them thrive in modern society. The university also has a total of 19 sister schools around the world with which it conducts foreign exchange programs. 

12. Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology

Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology is a student-friendly institution that primarily focuses on giving high-quality technological education. It seeks to create a welcoming academic community that caters to the needs of thousands of learners worldwide. As a practical-based institute, it connects with multiple companies and universities to let its students explore and collaborate with other intelligent learners.

13. Mimasaka University

Founded in 1951, Mimasaka University has a long history of education and research excellence in its three focus areas: food, children, and welfare. Internship and volunteer training is incorporated into the university’s curriculum not only for students to gain practical skills but also for them to gain awareness of different social issues and a sense of compassion towards their fellowmen. Mimasaka University is also known for its high graduate employability, with an average of 98.5% employability rate for three consecutive years.

14. Aichi University of Technology

The Aichi University of Technology is a comprehensive university that offers education in highly-technical courses. It is equipped with the tools and equipment needed to improve the critical thinking and innovative skills of the students. As a contributor to the science academe, the university aims to promote the importance of science in people’s daily lives.

15. Okinawa Christian University

Okinawa Christian University was founded in 1957 as a junior college. In 2003, a separate building for the university was established. The university has the Department of English Communication, while the junior college has the Department of English and the Department of Early Childhood Care and Education. There is also the Graduate School of Intercultural Communication for its graduate education.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Japan?

Applying to cheap universities in Japan requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Japan for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Japan?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Japan. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Japan is the Aomori Chuo Gakuin University, which offers Food Dietetics, Infant Education, and Nursing to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Aichi University of Technology offers Materials Chemistry , Mechanical Engineering , and Construction Systems Engineering .

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Japan, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Japan as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Japan for international students was helpful!