Undergraduate research student → Master’s
Plan 6–12 months of research, then typically 2 years for the Master’s
A research student is a non-degree student who conducts research with a supervisor. During this period, prepare for the degree entrance exam and study Japanese. Selection can include a written exam and interview, or a presentation and interview, depending on the university. Degree admission is a separate decision.
Example university charges: ¥84,600 admission + ¥29,700 monthly tuition. Six months: ¥262,800. Twelve months: ¥441,000. Add the ¥9,800 application fee in this example, plus, living and travel costs.
JASSO living-cost reference: ¥105,000 per month, excluding academic costs. Add travel and any application or KIA service fees. Example including admission, tuition, application fee and average living costs: ¥902,600 for 6 months or ¥1,710,800 for 12 months.
KIA processing estimate: 6–12 months from file activation to admission for an April or October intake at a Japanese national or public university. The first approximately six weeks are for application preparation and submission. The timing depends on document readiness and the university’s intake and selection calendar.
Requirements and documents
Confirm academic eligibility, language evidence, intake deadlines and any entrance assessment with your institution.
- Passport, academic certificates and transcripts
- Application forms, study plan and language results when requested
- CV, research proposal, references and supervisor correspondence where required
- Financial support declaration, bank evidence, income and relationship documents where sponsorship applies
Confirm the exact bank balance, currency and statement period with the institution and visa office. Budget separately for housing, living expenses, travel and any KIA service fee.
Preparation roadmap
Planning estimates. Some steps can overlap.
- Prepare and submit the application: confirm eligibility, shortlist programs or supervisors, assemble academic and research documents, and submit within the applicable window · First approximately 6 weeks after file activation
- Complete university screening and any required exam or interview · University schedule within the 6–12 month estimate
- Receive the admission decision for the April or October intake · University decision date within the 6–12 month estimate
- Complete any remaining COE, visa and travel arrangements · Confirm separately against the institution and immigration schedule
- Conduct supervised research, study Japanese and prepare for the degree entrance exam · 6–12 months after arrival, if the university offers this period
- Take the university’s entrance assessment and start the degree if admitted · Follow the university exam and intake calendar