Japan has officially become a global education hotspot. According to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), as of May 1, 2024, the number of foreign students in Japan hit a record-breaking 336,708, marking a 21% increase from the previous year.
This figure surpasses the 2019 pre-pandemic peak of 312,000 and reflects a strong rebound in international education.
💴 Why the Sudden Growth?
A major factor behind this surge is the weak yen, which has made tuition and living costs in Japan more affordable for international students. Japan’s reputation for safety, technological advancement, and cultural richness also makes it a highly attractive destination for study.
📊 Breakdown of Enrollment (2024 Data)
Japanese Language Schools: 107,241 students (record high)
Higher Education Institutions: 229,467 students
Undergraduates / Junior & Technical Colleges: 91,192
Vocational Colleges (Senmon Gakkō): 76,402
Postgraduates: 58,215
🌏 Where Are the Students From?
Asia continues to dominate the student demographic, with 92.5% of all foreign students hailing from the continent.
🌟 Top Countries:
China – 123,485 (36.7%)
Nepal – 64,816 (19.2%) 🔺 (up by over 26,000 YoY)
Vietnam – 40,323 (12.0%)
Myanmar – 16,596 (4.9%)
South Korea – 14,579 (4.3%)
Sri Lanka – 12,269 (3.6%)
Taiwan – 7,655 (2.3%)
🌍 Others:
Europe: 13,312 (4.0%)
North America: 4,516 (1.3%)
👨🎓 Male vs Female
Male students: 55.3%
Female students: 44.6%
This reflects a consistent trend in the gender ratio for overseas learners in Japan.
🎓 Top 5 Universities Hosting Foreign Students
Rank University Name Foreign Students
1 Waseda University 5,562
2 University of Tokyo 4,793
3 Ritsumeikan University 3,258
4 Kyoto University 2,791
5 Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) 2,776
📈 The Future of Study in Japan
With the easing of visa procedures, the global interest in Japanese pop culture, and government efforts to internationalize education, Japan is poised to attract even more students in coming years.
Whether it’s engineering in Tokyo or language schools in Osaka, Japan is opening its doors wide to global learners.
📌 Final Thoughts
The 2024 data confirms it: Japan is back on the global education map, stronger than ever. If you’re considering studying abroad, this might just be your sign to explore the Land of the Rising Sun.
Source Jasso