Japan is known for its beautiful seasons, high-tech cities, and unique culture — and now, it’s also becoming a top destination for international students.
According to the latest 2024 data from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), more foreign students are studying in Japan than ever before. As of May 1, 2024, a record-breaking 336,708 international students were enrolled in Japanese educational institutions — a remarkable 20.6% increase compared to the previous year.
Where Are These Students Studying?
This number includes students in a wide range of programs:
- 🗣 Japanese language schools: 107,241 students (+18.2%)
- 🎓 Universities: 87,421 students (+8.8%)
- 🧑🔬 Graduate schools: 58,215 students (+4.8%)
- 🛠 Specialized training colleges: 76,402 students (+64.9%)
- 🏫 Junior colleges: 3,265 students (+67%)
The strongest growth is coming from students enrolling in vocational and trade schools, which focus on career-ready skills in industries like IT, hospitality, healthcare, and more.
Where Are the Students Coming From?
The majority of foreign students in Japan come from Asia, with China leading the list, accounting for over 36% of the total international student population.
Top 5 countries of origin in 2024:
- 🇨🇳 China – 123,485 students
- 🇳🇵 Nepal – 64,816
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam – 40,323
- 🇲🇲 Myanmar – 16,596
- 🇰🇷 South Korea – 14,579
English-speaking countries are also represented, with the United States leading the group, followed by the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Why Is Japan So Attractive to Foreign Students?
A few key reasons explain the surge:
- 💴 Cost-effectiveness: The weaker yen makes studying in Japan more affordable than ever for students with overseas savings.
- 🏫 More opportunities: Japanese universities and vocational schools are actively encouraging foreign enrollment.
- 💼 Career pathways: Many international students begin at a language school, continue to university or a trade school, and then transition into work in Japan.
- 🌏 Global value: Even students who return home gain career advantages from studying in Japan, especially as Japanese companies expand overseas.
With growing support systems and more global-minded employers, Japan is becoming not just a study destination — but a launching pad for future careers.
At WORK JAPAN, We’re Here for You
Whether you’re a student thinking about working part-time or planning a future career in Japan, WORK JAPAN is here to help. From finding jobs that match your language skills to understanding life in Japan, we support every step of your journey.
