Japan has announced plans to ease student visa regulations in 2025 and expand opportunities for international graduates to reside in the country, aiming to attract 400,000 international students by 2033.
The announcement came amid increasing restrictions on foreign students worldwide, especially in the United States, where new limitations have impacted access to institutions such as Harvard University and other elite schools.
Japan is already well on its way, welcoming over 312,000 foreign students by mid-2024, up from 228,000 in 2010.
Education officials have stated that the streamlined visa process and growing number of English-language degree programs were helping drive the trend. “This is more than a recruitment effort, it’s about building a global academic community,” a senior official at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology said.
Japan’s appeal is to lower tuition than many Western countries, access to prestigious universities, and a reputation for academic rigour.
Projects such as the “Global 30” and “Top Global University Project” have helped internationalise Japanese campuses by encouraging foreign enrollment and attracting faculty abroad.
Under the revised visa policy, standard documentation, such as a valid passport, Certificate of Eligibility, financial proof, and academic transcripts, remained unchanged for international students. Still, new procedures will reduce bureaucratic delays and improve access.
The government is also expanding scholarships and increasing the number of English-language degree programs to lower barriers for talented students worldwide.
Foreign graduates will be eligible to stay in the country under a Designated Activities Visa for up to one year while job hunting.
Once employed, they can transition to a standard work visa under categories such as Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, or International Services. Part-time work remains an option during studies.
