Japan Steps Up to Attract Indian Students, Professionals

• Japan introduces initiatives to attract more Indian students and job seekers.
• Top universities like Tokyo and Kyoto offer globally recognized engineering and research programs.
• Language barriers, rigid curriculum, and disaster concerns limit Japan’s appeal for Indians.

The Japanese government is introducing initiatives to draw more Indian students and job seekers, presenting itself as a viable option compared to countries such as the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Germany.

To promote higher enrolments, Japan is providing the MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship, which greatly alleviates the financial strain on international students, including Indian nationals, according to a report by The Hindu.

The University of Tokyo is highly esteemed for its Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering programs among the leading institutions. The institution has the notable achievement of generating multiple Fortune 500 CEOs, ranking just behind Harvard in 2011.

Kyoto University, a prominent institution, is recognized worldwide for its research, boasting 13 Nobel Prize laureates among its former students. It excels notably in Environmental, Nuclear, Materials Science, and Energy Engineering.

A significant challenge faced by Indian students has been the obstacle of language. Although understanding Japanese is crucial for everyday living, universities have started to provide entirely English-taught programs in recent years, enhancing the accessibility of studying in Japan.

Also Read: IHM Ranchi Introduces Japanese Language Course for Students

The fixed curriculum framework in Japanese universities, however, offers little opportunity for experimentation, which Indian students frequently mention as a disadvantage, according to The Hindu.

Safety remains a significant issue. Despite Japan being among the safest countries in the world regarding crime, parents remain concerned about natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, even though there is proof that preparedness and resilience efforts are effective. 

By May 2024, merely about 1,600 Indian students were registered in Japanese schools, a tiny portion relative to other nations. Even with its esteemed reputation for discipline, innovation, and academic excellence, Japan remains outside the top options for Indians seeking higher education overseas.