Pop culture in Japan has positively affected Filipino youths, and to many, studying in Japan has been a dream for reasons other than education. Both Asian countries share many similar cultural aspects, and through the help of various programs, studying in Japan is no longer a pipe dream.
Table of Contents
- A dream come true for Filipino students
- Choosing a University in Japan
- “Pass Your Paper!” - Applying to a Japanese University
- Scholarships available to international students
- Summary
A dream come true for Filipino students
Pursuing an academic life in Japan is a dream come true for many Filipino students. The affinity of the two Asian countries can be one of the reasons why students from the Philippines admire Japan as a whole. Japan’s astounding culture and a respected educational system are also included in the list of reasons why it enjoys an attractive status, not only for students, but for people coming from all walks of life. The two Asian countries share some commonalities and overlaps when it comes to the history of East Asia. Until now, Japan and the Philippines remain connected through the socioeconomic and political partnership formed by the two governments. This bilateral partnership is the reason why Filipino students are given the chance to study in Japan.
International students such as Filipino students who consider the possibility of studying in Japan can adjust nicely to the existing community upon entering Japan. Studying in a foreign country brings about a new set of challenges for an international student. Barriers brought by language, practices and other forms of cultural expression can impede one’s exercise of self-growth in a new place. Nevertheless, students can empower themselves by practically immersing and living with the Japanese community. Learning the Japanese language and understanding the cultural underpinnings of Japan would be a beneficial pursuit to take on before and while studying in the country.
Understanding is a key factor that international students should keep in mind, which can be brought through interaction. Other than university circles, there are social media groups that may be of help, like the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ) available on Facebook. The students are also encouraged to join, or participate in cultural events, study the language, or simply do the regular everyday routine of local students and people. It is expected that many factors, both personal and cultural, may come as hindrance but through small efforts can be mitigated. It is through simple practices that any international students, including Filipinos, could be able to manifest themselves in their predisposition within the Japanese community as a whole.
Writer's Pick
Choosing a University in Japan
Some of the world’s leading universities can be found in Japan. According to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the country has 110 universities that made it to the list. Up to this date, Japan has more than 700 universities and colleges, classified into three groups: national universities, non-national (prefectural) universities, and private universities. Higher education in Japan is patterned with the western model of higher education by providing 4-year degree courses in various fields.
Another feature of Japanese higher education is its focus on extensive research. This translates to various innovations especially in the fields of science and technology and gives it the advantage of being one of the Asian countries to have the most Nobel prizes recipients. It reflects the competitive and high-quality education system of the country.
※ Times Higher Education World University Rankings, "Best universities in Japan" ※ Top Universities, "Study in Japan"
With excellent educational standards, costs of tuition fees can vary from one university to another. National universities have a fixed annual tuition fee with ¥535,800. Meanwhile, tuition fees in private universities cost about ¥1.4 million annually; private junior colleges costs ¥1.1 million; and fees in private colleges cost ¥1.1 million. It may seem expensive at first glance but the quality of education would be worthwhile considering the concentrated and world-class curriculum that each university offers. Nevertheless, there are scholarship programs that could help in alleviating university expenses throughout. Scholarships are offered not only for Japanese citizens but also for foreign students who wish to pursue collegiate education in the Asian country.
※ The University of Tokyo, Prospective Students, "Admission Fee, Tuition and Exemptions" ※ Keio University, Admissions, "Academic Fees" ※ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan, "Survey results for student fees related to students enrolled in 2018 at private universities, etc."
“Pass Your Paper!” - Applying to a Japanese University
It is fundamental for studying in Japan to acquire a student visa. The application for a student visa for Japan in the Philippines involves coordination with the chosen university in Japan. Every year, the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is held. This is a centralized examination for international students who wish to study in Japan. Through this, students are assessed in their proficiency in various fields (Mathematics, Science, Japanese language and Japan and the World) to determine whether or not they are a good fit with the higher education system in Japan. Afterwards, students who passed the EJU will apply for another round of entrance examination to their university of choice. In the Philippines, the EJU representative is De La Salle-College of Saint Belinde (CSB). Aspiring Filipino students may submit their application for EJU in the admission center of CSB.
Upon confirmation of available slots within the degree program, the applicant can now request for Certificate of Eligibility or COE. COE is a document that serves as the proof of qualification to engage in activities in Japan, which in this case is studying. It is a requisite for the student visa application. COE application is done in Japan through regional immigration offices and may take 3 months to process. This means that it should be requested to the university for processing or any representative of the applicant in the country. When the COE is approved, the university will send it to the applicant overseas, who will now be beginning the processing of his or her student visa.
Here are the requirements that should be submitted to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines to apply for a student visa once obtaining the COE:
· Original Copy of Certificate of Eligibility
· Original Copy of PSA Birth Certificate
· Philippine Passport
· 2 copies of 4.5cm x 4.5cm photo
· Visa Application Form
Ideally, student visa processing will take around 3-7 working days.
※ Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, "Application with Certificate of Eligibility (COE)"
Scholarships available to international students
Pursuing higher education in Japan can be costly but could be managed especially if there are sufficient economic assets that can support overseas education. On the other hand, Filipino students can also opt for scholarships that will definitely support education all throughout.
There are four scholarships that Filipino applicants may apply for to support their studies in Japan. Take note that exchange student programs are taken out of the list because arrangements in such programs are different from the personal application. Exchange programs are institutionally designed which means that its processing involves coordination between universities in different countries. These scholarship programs are considered primarily because of their policies pertaining to undergraduate studies. Here are the scholarship programs:
· Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
· Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship
· Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
· Private Organization Scholarships
· University-based Scholarships
For Filipino professionals and with master's degrees, you can apply for a Japanese Grant Aid (JDS) scholarship through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Details of the application can be found here on their website
The application for these scholarship programs requires basic eligibility requirements including student visa and acceptance to a Japanese university. Scholarships of these kinds may cover the tuition expenses and provide ¥50,000 to ¥ 250,000 monthly stipend and may cover some of the student necessities throughout. Of course, students should maintain academic excellence, depending upon the program’s policy. However, Filipino students may opt to apply for these scholarships even if they are privately funded.
The administrative offices of the university concerned with scholarships can support university-based applications. Students in their respective departments could inquire about the application process through the admissions office. Take note that these scholarships may be specialized for a certain field. For example, the University of Tokyo offers a scholarship for research-based postgraduate degrees depending upon the field.
※ The University of Tokyo, Prospective Students, "University of Tokyo Fellowship; The University of Tokyo Special Scholarship for International Students"
Summary
Chasing one’s educational dreams abroad isn’t impossible at all. Different opportunities abound through various means that only require suitable attention and knowledge. Worldwide integration in numerous aspects including communication, economy, information, and politics determines a unique direction of changes. This brings about new items to suffice new demands. Students from different countries may as well adapt to such a trend. Japan’s esteemed higher education sector continues to attract foreign students and Filipino students have the opportunity to take part.
