Study in Japan from Bangladesh: Cost, Visa, MEXT & Universities
Japan attracts Bangladeshi students with its safety, technology-focused universities and generous scholarships. You can study a full degree in English, or start at a Japanese language school and progress to a university or vocational college.
Why Bangladeshi students choose Japan
- Leading universities in engineering, technology and business
- English-taught degree programmes at many universities
- Very safe cities with excellent public transport
- Government and university scholarships, including MEXT
Cost of studying in Japan (in BDT)
Tuition at national universities is often moderate compared with other popular destinations. Living costs depend heavily on the city.
| Item | Typical cost | Approx. in Taka |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, national university (per year) | about ¥540,000 | ≈ ৳4.4 lakh |
| Tuition, private university (per year) | ¥800,000–1,500,000 | ≈ ৳6.5–12 lakh |
| Living costs (per year) | ¥1,000,000–1,800,000 | ≈ ৳8–15 lakh |
BDT figures are rough conversions (about ৳122 per US$ and similar rates for other currencies, as of 2026) to help you plan. Check today’s exchange rate and the university’s current fees.
Admission requirements & English tests
Academic transcripts, English test or Japanese proficiency (JLPT) depending on the programme, and sometimes EJU or an interview.
English-taught degrees usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL. Japanese-taught programmes and language schools look at JLPT or NAT-TEST levels; JLPT is held in Bangladesh twice a year. Some undergraduate admissions also use the EJU.
Intakes: Main intakes in April and September (programme-dependent).
Document checklist for Bangladeshi applicants
- Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your planned stay)
- SSC and HSC certificates and transcripts (or O/A Level results)
- Bachelor’s certificate and transcript for master’s applications
- English test result (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo), or a Medium of Instruction letter where accepted
- Statement of purpose and CV
- Two academic or professional recommendation letters
- Bank solvency certificate and recent bank statements (yours or your sponsor’s)
- Sponsor’s income documents, e.g. tax return (TIN), salary certificate or trade licence
- Birth certificate and passport-size photos
- Attested copies of certificates where required (Education Board and Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Also needed for Japan
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Japanese language study certificate (for language schools)
- Sponsor’s relationship proof and financial documents
Japan student visa from Bangladesh: step by step
Student residence status. Your university usually helps apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before the visa.
- Get admitted to a university or Japanese language school
- The school applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan
- Receive your COE (usually takes 1–3 months)
- Apply for the student visa at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka with your COE and passport
- Receive your residence card when you land in Japan
Scholarships
The Japanese government’s MEXT scholarship covers tuition, a monthly stipend and flights; Bangladeshi students can apply through the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka or a university. JASSO and many universities also offer tuition reductions.
Universities in Japan to explore
See all universitiesFrequently asked questions
01Can I study in Japan without knowing Japanese?
Yes. Many universities offer English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Learning basic Japanese still helps with daily life and part-time jobs.
02How much does it cost to study in Japan from Bangladesh?
National university tuition is about ¥540,000 a year (around ৳4.4 lakh), and living costs are roughly ¥80,000–150,000 a month depending on the city.
03Can students work part-time in Japan?
Yes, with a ‘permission to engage in activity other than that permitted’, usually up to 28 hours a week during term and longer in official holidays.
This guide is general information for planning. Fees, visa rules and requirements change often and differ by university. Always confirm with the university and the official embassy or government website, or ask your advisor for the latest information.
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