Japan is moving steadily toward its long-term goal of hosting 400,000 international students by 2033. As of May 2024, the country had already exceeded its first milestone-reaching and surpassing its pre-pandemic benchmark of 312,000 students three years ahead of schedule, as per a report by ICEF Monitor.
According to data from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), there are now 336,708 international students in the country. This marks a 21% increase from the previous year and positions Japan well on the path to meeting its 2033 target.
Most of the students (96%) are self-funded, while the remaining few receive scholarships from the Japanese government or foreign governments. Higher education institutions account for 68% of enrolments, and Japanese language schools make up the remaining 32%.
Among those enrolled in higher education (229,467 students), 40% are in undergraduate or junior college programmes, 25% are pursuing graduate studies, 33% are in professional training colleges, and 2% are in university preparatory courses.
The majority of international students in Japan come from other Asian countries. In 2024, 92.5% of students came from within the region, with China, Nepal, Vietnam, Myanmar, and South Korea making up nearly 80% of total enrolments. Nepal saw particularly strong growth, with a 70% increase in student numbers year-on-year.
Japan’s major urban regions remain the key destinations. The Kanto and Kinki prefectures, which include Tokyo and Osaka, hosted more than 75% of the international student population.
Academically, 70% of international students were studying humanities or social sciences, while 14% were enrolled in science or engineering programmes. Japan's education policy continues to prioritise global engagement, and the current enrolment numbers reflect growing interest and access for students from across Asia.
According to data from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), there are now 336,708 international students in the country. This marks a 21% increase from the previous year and positions Japan well on the path to meeting its 2033 target.
Most of the students (96%) are self-funded, while the remaining few receive scholarships from the Japanese government or foreign governments. Higher education institutions account for 68% of enrolments, and Japanese language schools make up the remaining 32%.
Among those enrolled in higher education (229,467 students), 40% are in undergraduate or junior college programmes, 25% are pursuing graduate studies, 33% are in professional training colleges, and 2% are in university preparatory courses.
The majority of international students in Japan come from other Asian countries. In 2024, 92.5% of students came from within the region, with China, Nepal, Vietnam, Myanmar, and South Korea making up nearly 80% of total enrolments. Nepal saw particularly strong growth, with a 70% increase in student numbers year-on-year.
Japan’s major urban regions remain the key destinations. The Kanto and Kinki prefectures, which include Tokyo and Osaka, hosted more than 75% of the international student population.
Academically, 70% of international students were studying humanities or social sciences, while 14% were enrolled in science or engineering programmes. Japan's education policy continues to prioritise global engagement, and the current enrolment numbers reflect growing interest and access for students from across Asia.
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