Living costs
Source: https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/admissions/financial/costs/ Parent: https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/admissions/
Cost of living for international students
Studying in Japan offers exceptional value for money, with tuition fees and living costs significantly lower than other major study destinations. Nagoya, in particular, provides an affordable lifestyle while maintaining the high quality of life Japan is known for.
Why Japan is an affordable choice
Academic fees in Japan are not as high as those in the United States and the United Kingdom, and tuition fees, regardless the nationality of students, are 535,800 yen per academic year – 3 to 4 times less expensive than at comparable institutions in many other countries. As a national university, Nagoya University charges the same low fees to international and domestic students.
Key advantages of studying in Japan:
- Post-pandemic, the Japanese yen has decreased in value against many major currencies, making Japan very affordable for students
- Inflation in Japan is historically low, and lower than most other developed nations
- Many Japanese schools provide scholarship programs and tuition exemption/reduction programs to international students
Why Nagoya is particularly affordable
Although some areas of Japan have been noted for their high cost of living, Nagoya benefits from the rich natural resources of the neighboring area and remains a comfortable and affordable place to live. Compared to other major Japanese cities:
- Living expenses in Nagoya are on average 30% lower than Tokyo
- Nagoya offers a moderate cost of living, balancing modernity with tradition
- The average home in the city tends to be larger than in other major cities, such as Tokyo or Osaka
Monthly living expenses
Overall monthly budget
Nagoya, a crucial industrial and cultural hub, balances modernity with tradition, offering a moderate cost of living for students. Monthly expenses are estimated to be around 86,500 to 106,500 yen.
| Item | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (Off-campus apartment) | ¥ 30,000–50,000 |
| Utilities | ¥ 10,000 |
| Food | ¥ 30,000 |
| Telecommunications | ¥ 5,000 |
| Insurance | ¥ 1,500 |
| Other personal expenses | ¥ 10,000 |
| Total | ¥ 86,500–106,500 |
Living expenses vary depending on students’ lifestyle and spending patterns. The amount suggested above is for reference only.
Food and dining
Japan offers excellent value for fresh, healthy food:
- University cafeterias: Most affordable option with nutritious meals
- Cooking at home: Groceries can be affordable, especially if you buy locally produced items
- Local specialties: The food in the city is mostly prepared locally and fresh, and eating out is much cheaper than many OECD ountries
Transportation
- Public transport: Efficient and reasonably priced
- Cycling: Very popular and cost-effective option in Nagoya
- Walking: Many areas are pedestrian-friendly
Personal expenses
- Mobile phone: options available from approximately 3,000 yen per month
- Entertainment and leisure activities
- Study materials and supplies
Housing options and costs
University accommodation
Campus accommodation cost for Nagoya University international students is 42,000 yen (includes utilities)
Benefits of university accommodation:
- All utilities included
- Close to campus
- International community
- Furnished rooms
Private accommodation
- Shared apartments: More affordable option
- Studio apartments: Greater privacy but higher cost
- Guest houses: These kind of houses are an inexpensive type of accommodation and can be rented for a shorter period of time
Financial support and scholarships
Government scholarships
There is a variety of Japanese government scholarships available to support students studying at Japanese universities. See the scholarships page for details.
University support
Nagoya University provides a range of support for top students. This includes tuition fee waivers and needs-based financial support.
Part-time work opportunities
International students can supplement their income through part-time work:
- Under a “Student” visa, you are allowed to work part-time for up to 28 hours per week during the term and full-time during vacation periods
- Popular job types include convenience stores, restaurants, tutoring, and campus positions
- This not only aids in covering living expenses but also enhances your Japanese language proficiency and understanding of the local culture
Safety and quality of life
Nagoya has a low crime rate when compared to other large Japanese cities. The whole of Japan is mostly a very safe country. Additionally, the World Health Organization has given a low pollution rating to Nagoya, ensuring a healthy living environment.
Living in Nagoya provides an excellent balance of affordability, quality education, rich culture, and modern convenience. With careful planning and the abundant support available, international students can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while pursuing their academic goals in one of Japan’s most livable cities.
Further information
See the following websites for more information.