Japan Student Work Rights 2026

International students in Japan can work part-time on a Student Visa, but they need a work permit before starting. After graduation, they may be able to move into a work visa or look for jobs related to their field.

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Students on a Student Visa can work part-time in Japan, with work allowed during the academic term and full-time work possible during vacations. A work permit called Shikakugai Katsudo Kennkyo is required before any job starts.

The kinds of jobs mentioned include cafes, restaurants, and administrative roles. These jobs can help with living expenses and support Japanese language practice.

After finishing studies, graduates may apply for a work visa to seek employment in Japan. There may also be a short-term stay option to look for jobs related to their field of study.

Japan allows graduates to transition into the workforce, especially in sectors with labor shortages. A work visa typically requires an offer from a Japanese company, and students are advised to use university resources for job searches and networking.

Universities in Japan

QS World #36 #1 in Japan Tokyo, Kantō, Japan

University of Tokyo

Public University — The University of Tokyo is a public research university in Bunkyō, Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1877 as the nation's first modern university by the merger of several pre-westernisation era insti...

JPY 640,000 – JPY 860,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1877Founded

28,000Students

4,000International

Admissions open

#36 QS World University Rankings 2026

#1 in Japan

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QS World #51 #2 in Japan Kyoto, Kansai, Japan

Kyoto University

Public University — Kyoto University , or KyotoU , is a national research university in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 1897, it is one of the former Imperial Universities and the second oldest university in Japan.

JPY 640,000 – JPY 860,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1897Founded

22,000Students

3,000International

Admissions open

#51 QS World University Rankings 2026

#2 in Japan

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QS World #84 #3 in Japan Tokyo, Kantō, Japan

Institute of Science Tokyo

Public University — The Institute of Science Tokyo is a public research university in Tokyo, Japan. It was officially established on 1 October 2024, by a merger between the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tok...

JPY 640,000 – JPY 860,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1881Founded

18,000Students

3,000International

Admissions open

#84 QS World University Rankings

#3 in Japan

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QS World #91 #5 in Japan Osaka, Kansai, Japan

Osaka University

Public University — The University of Osaka , abbreviated as UOsaka or Handai (阪大), is a national research university in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The university traces its roots back to Edo-era institutions T...

JPY 640,000 – JPY 860,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1931Founded

23,000Students

3,000International

Admissions open

#91 QS World University Rankings 2026

#5 in Japan

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QS World #109 #6 in Japan Sendai, Tōhoku, Japan

Tohoku University

Public University — Tohoku University is a public research university in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan. It is colloquially referred to as Tohokudai or Tonpei .

JPY 640,000 – JPY 860,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1907Founded

18,000Students

2,000International

Admissions open

#109 QS World University Rankings 2026

#6 in Japan

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QS World #85 #4 in Japan Japan

Tokyo Institute of Technology

Public University — The Tokyo Institute of Technology (東京工業大学) was a public university in Meguro, Tokyo, Japan. It merged with Tokyo Medical and Dental University to form the Institute of Science Tokyo on...

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

—Students

—International

Admissions open

#85 QS World University Rankings 2026

#4 in Japan

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All universities in Japan →

Questions about working & jobs in Japan

Can international students work in Japan on a Student Visa?

Yes. International students on a Student Visa are allowed to work part-time in Japan, with work during academic terms and full-time work during vacations.

Do students need permission before working in Japan?

Yes. Students must apply for a work permit called Shikakugai Katsudo Kennkyo before starting any employment.

What can happen after graduation?

Graduates may apply for a work visa to seek employment in Japan, or there may be a short-term stay option to look for jobs related to their field of study.

Student cities in Japan

Each one has its own guide to life, costs and working.

Tokyo 2 universities

Student life Cost of living Working & jobs

Kyoto 1 universities

Student life Cost of living Working & jobs

Osaka 1 universities

Student life Cost of living Working & jobs

Sendai 1 universities

Student life Cost of living Working & jobs

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