28-Jan-2026
International Relations and Political Science Course in Japan: Your Complete Guide 2026
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Thinking about studying in Japan and wondering how much you can actually earn while pursuing your degree? You're not alone. Thousands of international students head to Japan each year with dreams of quality education and financial sustainability through part-time work. Let's break down exactly what you can expect to earn in 2026 and how to make the most of your working opportunities in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Before we dive into numbers, it's essential to understand how the system works. Japan welcomes international students but has specific regulations to ensure your primary focus remains on education, not employment.
Here's the crucial rule: international students on a student visa can work up to 28 hours per week during regular academic periods. During official university breaks (summer, winter, and spring vacations), this limit extends to 40 hours per week. Think of it as the government's way of saying, "We want you here to study first, work second."
To work legally, you'll need to obtain a "Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" – quite a mouthful, right? Most students simply call it "work permission" and apply for it at the airport upon arrival or at the immigration bureau.
Breaking these rules can result in serious consequences, including visa revocation and deportation. It's simply not worth the risk, no matter how tempting extra hours might seem.
International students typically find work in convenience stores (konbini), restaurants, hotels, language teaching, campus jobs, factory work, and warehouses. The beauty of Japan's student job market is its diversity – whether you're outgoing or prefer behind-the-scenes work, there's something for everyone.
Jobs requiring Japanese language skills naturally pay more, but don't worry if you're still learning. Plenty of positions in tourist areas, international restaurants, and certain factories specifically seek English speakers or don't require advanced Japanese.
Let's get to the numbers you're really here for. What's the hourly rate you can expect?
Japan's minimum wage varies by prefecture, and it's been steadily increasing. As of 2026, the national average minimum wage stands at approximately 1,050 to 1,100 yen per hour, though this varies significantly by location.
Tokyo offers the highest minimum wage at around 1,163 yen per hour, followed by Kanagawa and Osaka at similar levels. If you're studying in these metropolitan areas, you'll earn more per hour but also face higher living costs – it's a trade-off.
Rural prefectures like Okinawa, Iwate, or Kagoshima have lower minimum wages, typically ranging from 950 to 1,000 yen per hour. However, your living expenses will be considerably lower, which often balances out the equation.
Not all student jobs pay minimum wage. English conversation teaching can fetch 1,500 to 3,000 yen per hour, especially if you're a native speaker with teaching experience. Translation and interpretation work pays similarly well for those with strong bilingual skills.
On the other end, basic factory work or food service typically pays closer to minimum wage. However, many offer shift differentials – working late nights (10 PM to 5 AM) often comes with a 25% wage premium, bumping your hourly rate significantly.
Now let's translate those hourly rates into monthly earnings – what actually lands in your bank account?
Working the maximum allowed 28 hours per week at an average rate of 1,100 yen per hour gives you approximately 123,200 yen per month. That's roughly your baseline expectation.
During university breaks when you can work 40 hours weekly, your monthly income jumps to around 176,000 yen. Smart students capitalize on these breaks to build savings for the leaner academic months.
Most international students report monthly earnings between 80,000 and 150,000 yen, depending on their work schedule, job type, and how consistently they work. Some overachievers managing higher-paying jobs or maximizing their hours report earning up to 170,000 yen monthly even during regular semesters.
Your actual monthly income depends on several variables. First, job availability – finding enough hours can be challenging, especially when you first arrive and your Japanese is limited. Location matters tremendously; Tokyo offers more opportunities but also more competition from other students.
Your Japanese language level directly impacts earning potential. Even basic conversational Japanese opens doors to better-paying positions. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role – restaurants and retail shops desperately need staff during holidays and peak tourist seasons, often offering temporary wage increases.
Looking at the bigger picture, what can you expect annually?
Assuming you work consistently throughout the year – 28 hours weekly during the academic year (approximately 40 weeks) and 40 hours weekly during breaks (approximately 12 weeks) – at an average hourly wage of 1,100 yen, you're looking at annual earnings of roughly 1,750,000 to 2,000,000 yen.
That breaks down to approximately $12,000 to $14,000 USD or 1,400,000 to 1,600,000 Nepali rupees annually, depending on exchange rates. It's substantial money for a student, though remember these figures assume maximum allowable work hours and consistent employment.
Here's where reality kicks in – very few students actually maintain maximum work hours throughout their entire stay. Academic demands fluctuate, with exam periods and assignment deadlines requiring you to reduce work hours. Most students find 15-20 hours weekly more sustainable long-term.
Working full 28 hours weekly while maintaining good grades requires exceptional time management. It's like juggling while riding a bicycle – possible, but requiring practice and balance. Consider your academic program's intensity when planning work schedules.
Nepali students represent one of the largest international student communities in Japan. What's their earning experience?
The salary in Japan for Nepali students mirrors the general international student experience, typically ranging from 80,000 to 150,000 yen monthly. However, Nepali students often demonstrate remarkable dedication to maximizing earnings within legal limits.
Many Nepali students work in factory settings, logistics, or food service industries where Japanese language requirements are minimal initially. As their language skills improve, they transition to higher-paying positions in hospitality or retail.
Nepali students commonly find work in convenience stores, which offer flexible schedules and are everywhere in Japan. Restaurant work, particularly in ethnic restaurants or family-style dining establishments, is another popular choice.
Factory and warehouse jobs attract many students due to consistent hours and straightforward work requirements. While perhaps less glamorous, these positions often offer stable income and overtime opportunities during breaks.
Industry-Specific Earnings
In the food service industry, Nepali students typically earn 1,000 to 1,200 yen per hour, with tips not being customary in Japan. Factory work often pays slightly better at 1,100 to 1,300 yen per hour, particularly for night shifts.
Those who develop strong Japanese skills and move into translation, teaching, or specialized services can command 1,500 to 2,500 yen per hour. It's a significant jump that makes language study well worth the investment.
Understanding the student context means knowing how it compares to full-time foreign workers.
Full-time foreign workers in Japan earn vastly more than students. Entry-level positions for university graduates typically start at 200,000 to 250,000 yen monthly, nearly double what students can earn part-time.
Experienced foreign professionals in fields like IT, engineering, or business can earn 400,000 to 800,000 yen monthly or even more. This puts student earnings in perspective – you're not expected to live luxuriously on student wages, but rather supplement scholarships or family support.
Many international students remain in Japan after graduation. Fresh graduates typically secure positions paying 230,000 to 280,000 yen monthly. With a few years' experience, this climbs to 350,000 to 500,000 yen monthly.
Senior positions and specialized roles can exceed 600,000 yen monthly. The jump from student part-time work to professional employment is significant – it's like upgrading from a bicycle to a sports car in terms of financial capacity.
Let's get practical about realistic expectations and strategies.
For most international students, realistic monthly earnings fall between 80,000 and 120,000 yen. This assumes working 15-25 hours weekly at average wages. Students in Tokyo or other major cities might earn slightly more due to higher minimum wages.
During vacation periods, motivated students can earn 150,000 to 180,000 yen monthly by working full 40-hour weeks. These intensive work periods help build financial cushions for the academic year ahead.
Want to maximize earnings without breaking rules? Start by developing Japanese language skills immediately – even basic proficiency significantly expands job options and pay rates. Look for jobs offering shift differentials for night or weekend work, which legally pay 25% premiums.
Apply for multiple positions to ensure consistent hours. Having two part-time jobs gives flexibility if one reduces your schedule. Focus on tourist-heavy areas if your Japanese is limited, as these locations specifically value English speakers.
Consider seasonal opportunities – ski resorts during winter, beach areas during summer, or agricultural work during harvest seasons often desperately need workers and pay accordingly.
Numbers mean nothing without context. Let's convert these salaries into currencies you might be more familiar with.
For students from Nepal, India, or Pakistan, understanding earnings in rupees helps with planning. Monthly student earnings of 100,000 yen convert to approximately 62,000 to 65,000 Nepali rupees, depending on current exchange rates.
Annual student earnings of 1,800,000 yen translate to roughly 1,100,000 to 1,150,000 Nepali rupees. This represents substantial income in South Asian contexts, though remember Japan's higher cost of living consumes much of this.
In US dollar terms, monthly student earnings of 100,000 yen equal approximately $670 to $700. Annual earnings of 1,800,000 yen convert to about $12,000 to $12,500 USD.
While these figures might seem modest compared to American wages, Japan's student accommodation, healthcare, and education systems offer substantial value that raw salary comparisons don't capture.
Not all jobs are created equal. Let's identify the cream of the crop.
English conversation teaching tops the list for native English speakers, paying 2,000 to 3,000 yen per hour. Many conversation schools or private tutoring gigs offer this work, though competition exists.
Translation and interpretation work pays similarly well for bilingual students. If you're fluent in Japanese and another language, this skill commands premium rates.
IT-related work, such as website maintenance, programming, or technical support for international companies, can pay 1,500 to 2,500 yen per hour for students with relevant skills.
Office work at universities or companies typically pays 1,200 to 1,500 yen per hour and offers valuable professional experience. Customer service roles in retail or hospitality pay similarly and accelerate language learning.
Tour guide positions for your home country's tourists combine cultural knowledge with language skills, often paying 1,500 to 2,000 yen per hour plus tips (though tipping isn't customary, some tourists do).
Earning money is only half the equation; managing it wisely completes the picture.
In Tokyo, expect monthly expenses of 100,000 to 150,000 yen including rent, food, utilities, and transportation. Student dormitories significantly reduce costs, with rooms ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 yen monthly.
Regional cities offer cheaper living, with total monthly expenses potentially as low as 70,000 to 100,000 yen. Your part-time income can cover basic living expenses, though having additional financial support provides comfort and reduces stress.
Cook at home rather than eating out – it's healthier and saves 30,000 to 40,000 yen monthly. Use student discounts aggressively; they exist for transportation, museums, software, and many services.
Share textbooks with classmates or buy used ones. Bicycle instead of taking trains for short distances. Shop at discount supermarkets like Gyomu Super or OK Store rather than convenience stores for groceries.
Track expenses using apps like Zaim or Money Forward – awareness prevents overspending. Build an emergency fund of at least one month's expenses for unexpected situations.
Understanding the average salary in Japan for international students in 2026 helps set realistic expectations for your study abroad journey. With hourly wages ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 yen for most student jobs, monthly earnings typically fall between 80,000 and 150,000 yen, depending on hours worked and job type. Annual earnings can reach 1,800,000 to 2,000,000 yen for students who maximize their allowable work hours throughout the year.
Whether you're from Nepal earning what translates to substantial rupees, or from anywhere else converting yen to your home currency, remember that these earnings supplement your education funding rather than replace it entirely. The Japanese student work system offers genuine opportunities to support yourself financially while gaining valuable work experience and cultural immersion. Approach it strategically, stay within legal limits, and you'll find that balancing work and studies in Japan is not only feasible but incredibly rewarding.
How much can international students earn per hour in Japan in 2026?
International students typically earn between 1,000 to 1,200 yen per hour for standard part-time jobs, with minimum wages varying by prefecture. Tokyo offers the highest at around 1,163 yen per hour, while rural areas may be closer to 950-1,000 yen. Specialized jobs like English teaching can pay 2,000-3,000 yen per hour.
What is the maximum monthly salary for international students in Japan?
Working the legal maximum of 28 hours per week at average wages, students can earn approximately 120,000-150,000 yen monthly during regular semesters. During university breaks when 40 hours weekly is permitted, monthly earnings can reach 170,000-180,000 yen.
Can Nepali students earn enough to support themselves in Japan?
Nepali students can earn 80,000-150,000 yen monthly through part-time work, which covers basic living expenses in many Japanese cities. However, having additional financial support through scholarships or family assistance provides greater security, especially during the initial adjustment period and exam seasons when work hours may need to be reduced.
Is student part-time income in Japan taxable?
Yes, income over 1,030,000 yen annually is subject to Japanese income tax. Most students earning through part-time work fall below this threshold, but those working maximum hours throughout the year may exceed it. Tax filing is straightforward, and overpaid taxes can be refunded.
What happens if international students work more than allowed hours?
Exceeding the 28-hour weekly limit (or 40 hours during breaks) violates visa conditions and can result in serious consequences including visa revocation, deportation, and being banned from re-entering Japan. Immigration authorities regularly monitor student work hours, making it crucial to stay within legal limits regardless of financial pressures.
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