This headline suggests that Japan’s Ministry of Education is encouraging national universities to ensure tuition fees for international students reflect fair and appropriate amounts—possibly leading to changes in how tuition is calculated or increased in the future.
Japan’s Ministry of Education has decided to push national universities to charge appropriate tuition fees for international students. In March 2024, a regulation removing the tuition cap for these students was enacted, but in reality, few universities have raised their fees.
At the same time, the government plans to invest around ¥1 trillion to attract global talent and enhance research environments, partly in response to the outflow of skilled individuals to the U.S. This investment might reduce universities’ need to raise tuition, making institutional responses a key focus.
A forthcoming national science and innovation strategy includes a recommendation that universities charge fair tuition to international students, since supporting their education often incurs different costs than for domestic students. Stable financial support systems require appropriately set fees.
Although the tuition cap was lifted, national university corporations decide their own tuition policies. The University of Tokyo will raise tuition from 2025 for new students, but both international and domestic students will be charged equally.
Meanwhile, the government’s massive budget also aims to improve support for foreign researchers and their families, including assistance with administrative procedures in foreign languages. These upgrades could overlap with benefits for international students, potentially reducing the need to increase tuition.
However, disparities between universities and regions may widen. If well-funded research universities maintain tuition while others raise it, more students might gravitate toward urban academic centers.
Historically, Japan’s affordability has been a strength in attracting international students, so institutions have been cautious about raising costs. Still, the ministry’s push for fair compensation may spark resistance, putting pressure on universities to strike a balance.