26-Dec-2025
Best Course to Study in Japan from Nepal: Cost, GPA, Visa & Top Cities
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Environmental Science has emerged as one of the most critical and in-demand fields globally as the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and sustainable development. The demand for skilled environmental scientists, researchers, and policymakers continues to surge, with professionals needed in government agencies, international organizations, research institutions, environmental consultancies, and private corporations committed to sustainability.
Japan stands at the forefront of environmental innovation, sustainable technology, and climate research, making it an exceptional destination for Nepali students aspiring to study Environmental Science. As a nation that has successfully balanced rapid industrialization with environmental protection, Japan offers unique insights into sustainable development particularly relevant to developing countries like Nepal facing similar environmental challenges.
Why This Guide Matters for Nepali Students:
Studying Environmental Science in Japan from Nepal opens doors to world-class education, cutting-edge research, international career opportunities, and potentially full scholarships that cover all costs. Japan's commitment to environmental education for international students is demonstrated through generous scholarship programs, particularly the MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship and Japanese Embassy Scholarships, which provide full funding including tuition, living allowance, and airfare.
For Nepali students specifically, Japan presents unique advantages:
What This Comprehensive 2026 Guide Covers:
This guide provides everything Nepali students need to successfully pursue Environmental Science education in Japan:
Whether you're completing +2 and planning undergraduate studies, holding a Bachelor's degree seeking Master's programs, or pursuing doctoral research, this guide will navigate you through the entire journey of studying Environmental Science in Japan from Nepal in 2026.
Japan offers compelling reasons for Nepali students to pursue Environmental Science education:
Environmental Innovation Pioneer:
Japan stands as a global leader in environmental technology and sustainable practices:
Renewable Energy Leadership:
Waste Management Excellence:
Water Technology:
Green Transportation:
Climate Research Excellence:
Japan contributes significantly to global climate science:
Environmental Policy Leadership:
World-Class Universities:
Japanese universities offering Environmental Science consistently rank among Asia's and the world's best:
Top Universities for Environmental Science:
University of Tokyo:
Kyoto University:
Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech):
Tohoku University:
Hokkaido University:
Research Excellence:
Research Facilities:
Research Opportunities:
Publication and Impact:
Teaching Methodology:
Global Recognition:
Degree Recognition: Japanese Environmental Science degrees recognized worldwide:
Professional Networks:
Employment in Japan:
International graduates with Environmental Science degrees find strong opportunities:
Research Positions:
Private Sector:
Government and NGOs:
Work Visa and Permanent Residency:
Employment in Nepal:
Returning to Nepal with Japanese Environmental Science degree:
Salary Premium: Japanese degrees command 50-100% higher salaries than local degrees:
Career Opportunities in Nepal:
Nepal-Relevant Research:
Japanese universities research areas directly applicable to Nepal:
International Opportunities:
Japanese Environmental Science degree opens global doors:
PhD and Academic Careers:
Understanding program structure helps you choose the right educational path:
Bachelor's Programs (Undergraduate)
Duration: 4 years
Degree: Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Environmental Science/Studies/Engineering
Program Structure:
Entry Point: After completing +2/A-Level/12th grade in Nepal
Tuition at National Universities: ¥535,800/year (NPR 6.25 lakhs)
Tuition at Private Universities: ¥800,000-1,500,000/year (NPR 9.3-17.5 lakhs)
Popular Bachelor's Programs:
Master's Programs (Postgraduate)
Duration: 2 years
Degree: Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Engineering (MEng) in Environmental Science/Studies/Engineering
Program Structure:
Typical Course Load:
Entry Point: After completing Bachelor's degree in Nepal
Tuition at National Universities: ¥535,800/year (NPR 6.25 lakhs)
Tuition at Private Universities: ¥900,000-2,000,000/year (NPR 10.5-23 lakhs)
Popular Master's Programs:
Research Focus:
Master's programs are research-intensive with students working in specific labs:
PhD Programs (Doctoral)
Duration: 3 years (sometimes 4-5 years)
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Science/Engineering
Program Structure:
Research Expectations:
Entry Point: After completing Master's degree
Tuition at National Universities: ¥535,800/year (NPR 6.25 lakhs)
Tuition at Private Universities: ¥900,000-2,000,000/year (NPR 10.5-23 lakhs)
Funding: Most PhD students receive scholarships (MEXT, university, or research grants) covering tuition and providing stipend
Career Outcomes:
Core Subjects (Common Across Environmental Science Programs):
Foundational Sciences:
Environmental Science Core:
Environmental Assessment:
Policy and Management:
Technical Skills:
Specializations Available:
Climate Science and Atmospheric Studies
Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation
Water Resources and Hydrology
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
Disaster and Risk Management
Marine and Coastal Environmental Science
Mountain and Forest Ecosystems (Particularly relevant for Nepali students)
English-Taught Programs (Increasing Availability):
Advantages:
Available Programs:
Many Japanese universities now offer Environmental Science programs in English:
University of Tokyo:
Kyoto University:
Tokyo Institute of Technology:
Hokkaido University:
Tohoku University:
Tsukuba University:
Tuition: Same as Japanese-taught programs (¥535,800 at national universities)
Application: Usually through university's international admissions office
Japanese-Taught Programs (Traditional):
Advantages:
Language Requirement:
Preparation:
Most programs in Japan are still Japanese-taught, especially at undergraduate level.
Understanding entry requirements ensures you prepare adequately. Here's everything about study environmental science in japan from nepal requirements and requirements to study in japan from nepal:
For Bachelor's Programs:
Minimum Education:
Academic Performance:
Subject Requirements:
Entrance Examinations:
Most Japanese universities require entrance exams for international students:
EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission):
University-Specific Exams:
Alternative Pathway:
For Master's Programs:
Minimum Education:
Academic Performance:
Relevant Background:
Research Proposal:
Entrance Process:
For PhD Programs:
Minimum Education:
Academic Performance:
Research Experience:
PhD Research Proposal:
Entrance Process:
Finding Supervisor:
For English-Taught Programs:
IELTS Academic:
|
Level |
Minimum Overall |
Section Requirements |
Preferred Score |
|
Bachelor's |
6.0 |
5.5 in each |
6.5+ |
|
Master's |
6.5 |
6.0 in each |
7.0+ |
|
PhD |
6.5-7.0 |
6.0-6.5 in each |
7.5+ |
TOEFL iBT:
|
Level |
Minimum Overall |
Section Requirements |
Preferred Score |
|
Bachelor's |
80 |
All sections 19+ |
90+ |
|
Master's |
85-90 |
All sections 20+ |
95+ |
|
PhD |
90-95 |
All sections 22+ |
100+ |
Alternative Tests:
University-Specific Variations:
Test Validity: English test scores typically valid for 2 years
For Japanese-Taught Programs:
English Still Important: Even Japanese-taught programs often require English proficiency:
Requirement:
Japan offers extensive scholarship opportunities making education affordable or even completely free for Nepali students. Understanding these options is crucial for planning your studies.
The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarship offered by the Japanese government to international students.
Types of MEXT Scholarships
MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship
Eligibility:
Coverage (100% Full Scholarship):
Application Process:
Selection Timeline for 2026:
MEXT Master's (Research) Scholarship
Eligibility:
Coverage (100% Full Scholarship):
Application Routes:
Embassy Recommendation (Primary Route):
University Recommendation (Alternative Route):
MEXT Doctoral (PhD) Scholarship
Eligibility:
Coverage (100% Full Scholarship):
Application Process: Same as Master's (Embassy or University recommendation)
JDS (Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship)
Target: Mid-career professionals working in government, NGOs, or public sector
Eligibility:
Coverage:
Fields Available:
Application:
JICA Scholarship Programs
JICA Long-Term Training:
Many Japanese universities offer their own scholarships for international students:
University of Tokyo Scholarships
GPEAK-MEXT Combined Scholarship:
Graduate School of Frontier Sciences Fellowship:
President's Fellowship:
Kyoto University Scholarships
Kyoto University Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship:
Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies Scholarship:
Tokyo Institute of Technology Scholarships
Tokyo Tech International Students Scholarship:
Tsubame Scholarship:
Tohoku University Scholarships
Tohoku University International Scholarship:
Graduate School of Environmental Studies Fellowship:
Hokkaido University Scholarships
Hokkaido University Clark Memorial Scholarship:
Faculty of Environmental Earth Science Fellowship:
Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation
Coverage:
Requirements:
Application:
JASSO Scholarships
Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-term Study):
JASSO Honors Scholarship:
Mitsubishi Corporation Scholarship
Coverage:
Requirements:
Honjo International Scholarship Foundation
Coverage:
Eligibility:
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
Target: Students from ADB member countries (Nepal included)
Coverage:
Eligibility:
Participating Universities:
Even without scholarships, international students can apply for tuition reduction:
National University Tuition Exemption
Full Exemption (100%):
Half Exemption (50%):
Quarter Exemption (25%):
How to Apply:
For MEXT Undergraduate (Starting April 2026):
For MEXT Graduate/Research (Starting April 2026):
For University Scholarships:
Understanding total costs helps with financial planning, whether you receive scholarships or self-fund.
National (Public) Universities
Undergraduate:
Graduate (Master's/PhD):
Private Universities
Undergraduate:
Graduate:
Living costs vary by city, with Tokyo being most expensive and smaller cities more affordable.
Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown
Tokyo (Most Expensive):
Total Monthly (Tokyo): ¥120,000-180,000 (NPR 1,40,000-2,10,000)
Kyoto/Osaka (Moderate):
Smaller Cities (Sendai, Sapporo, Fukuoka):
When arriving in Japan, expect these initial costs:
Total Initial Costs: ¥255,000-480,000 (NPR 3-5.6 lakhs)
Bachelor's Degree (4 Years)
National University in Smaller City:
National University in Tokyo:
Private University in Tokyo:
Master's Degree (2 Years)
National University in Smaller City:
National University in Tokyo:
PhD Degree (3 Years)
National University (Most PhD students receive funding):
Part-Time Work
International students can legally work:
Common Jobs:
University Dormitories
Advantages:
Availability:
Student Discounts
Cooking at Home
When applying for student visa, you must prove financial capacity:
Required Amount:
Documents:
Successfully applying to Japanese universities requires careful planning and following proper procedures. Here's the complete process for Nepali students.
12-18 Months Before (July 2024 - January 2025):
10-12 Months Before (January - April 2025):
6-9 Months Before (April - July 2025):
3-6 Months Before (July - December 2025):
1-3 Months Before (January - March 2026):
April 2026: Departure and program start
Step 1: Choose Universities and Programs
Research Factors:
Target 3-5 Universities: Mix of highly competitive and moderate options
Step 2: Check Eligibility and Requirements
Review:
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Standard Documents:
Document Preparation:
Step 4: Take Entrance Examinations
EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission):
University-Specific Exams:
Step 5: Submit Application
Application Methods:
Deadlines: Typically October-January for April entry
Application Fee: ¥17,000-30,000 (NPR 20,000-35,000)
Step 6: Await Results
Step 1: Research Programs and Find Supervisor
Critical Step: Graduate programs require supervisor acceptance
Process:
Step 2: Contact Potential Supervisors
Send email to the potential supervisor with:
Attachments:
Follow-up:
Step 3: Research Student Option
If supervisor interested but wants to assess you first:
Advantages:
Step 4: Prepare Application Documents
Standard Documents:
Research Proposal Should Include:
Step 5: Submit Application
Deadlines: Vary by university
Application Fee: ¥30,000 (NPR 35,000) typically
Step 6: Entrance Examination (if required)
Some universities require:
Process Similar to Master's but More Research-Intensive:
Key Differences:
Supervisor Agreement Essential:
More Comprehensive Research Proposal:
Publications Helpful:
Interview More Intensive:
Once admitted to university, you need a student visa.
Step 1: Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
University Processes COE:
Step 2: Gather Visa Documents
Required Documents:
Step 3: Submit at Japanese Embassy
Process:
Processing Time: 5-10 working days
Step 4: Receive Visa
Studying Environmental Science in Japan from Nepal in 2026 presents a unique opportunity to gain world-class education, access cutting-edge research facilities, and build a global career in sustainability and environmental management. With Japan’s leadership in renewable energy, climate research, waste management, and environmental policy, Nepali students can acquire skills directly applicable to Nepal and beyond. Generous scholarship programs, such as MEXT and university-specific awards, make studying in Japan financially feasible, while English-taught programs and Japanese language options ensure accessibility for international students. Whether pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, Japan offers a safe, innovative, and globally recognized environment to become a leader in environmental science.
Can Nepali students study Environmental Science in Japan without knowing Japanese?
Yes. Many universities offer English-taught programs at both Master’s and PhD levels. Undergraduate programs are mostly Japanese-taught, but some universities provide preparatory courses for international students.
What scholarships are available for Nepali students?
The most popular is the MEXT Scholarship (undergraduate, Master's, and PhD). Other options include Japanese Embassy Scholarships, JICA/JDS programs, university-specific scholarships, and private foundation scholarships.
How much does it cost to study Environmental Science in Japan from Nepal?
Without scholarships, tuition at national universities ranges from NPR 22 lakhs (Bachelor’s) to NPR 22 lakhs (PhD). Living expenses vary by city, from NPR 45-100 lakhs for multi-year programs. Scholarships can cover tuition, living costs, and airfare.
Are there job opportunities in Japan after graduation?
Yes. Graduates can work in research positions, private sector sustainability roles, government agencies, and international organizations. Japan also offers work visas and a pathway to permanent residency for skilled professionals.
Can I return to Nepal and use my Japanese degree?
Absolutely. Japanese degrees are highly recognized globally. Graduates can work in government, NGOs, research institutes, academia, and private environmental consultancies in Nepal, often earning higher salaries than locally educated professionals.
How do I apply for a student visa?
After receiving a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from a Japanese university, apply at the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu with financial proof, admission documents, and passport.
Also Read: IT Courses in Japan: Your Complete Guide 2026
Business Courses in Japan from Nepal: Your Complete Guide to Success
Engineering in Japan: Top Courses, Eligibility, Fees & Scholarship
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