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Masters Application
Nepal → Japan
Masters Application
Document Checklist
Core steps for Nepali students applying for a Masters and Student Visa (Ryugaku) in Japan.
5 phases·41 items·Last Updated: October 28, 2026
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Academic Documents
Original academic transcripts and mark sheets (all semesters)Required
Bachelor's degree certificate (notarised copy)Required
JLPT N2 or higher score (for Japanese-taught programmes) or IELTS/TOEFL (for English-taught)Required
Research plan or Statement of Purpose
Japanese graduate schools typically require a detailed research plan specifying your intended research topic and methodology.
Two academic recommendation letters (from professors)
Published research papers or abstracts (if any — strongly recommended for research-focused programmes)
Passport copy (bio-data page)
Application Submission
Apply via the university's online portal or by post (some Japanese universities still accept postal applications)
Pay the application screening fee (typically JPY 10,000–30,000)
Check MEXT Scholarship eligibility — Japan's government-funded scholarship covering tuition, living allowance, and airfare
MEXT applications open through the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu around April each year. Extremely competitive but fully funded.
Contact a potential supervisor (sensei) before applying — many Japanese graduate programmes require prior faculty agreement
Document Attestation
Get transcripts verified by your university's examination controller
Notarise documents at a Nepali notary public
Translate any Nepali-language documents into English or Japanese by a certified translator
Legalise documents through Nepal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (if required by the university)
Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
After admission, the university applies to Japan Immigration on your behalf for the CoE (在留資格認定証明書)Required
The CoE is essential for the visa application. Processing takes 1–3 months. You cannot apply for it yourself — the university acts as your sponsor.
Provide financial proof to the university — bank statements showing ability to support yourself (approx. JPY 2,000,000/year)
Provide a sponsor's letter and employment certificate (if sponsored by family)
Receive the original CoE by post from the university
Pre-Visa Preparation
Confirm accommodation arrangement — university dormitory or private housing
Pay the first semester tuition or confirm scholarship coverage
Arrange health check if required by the university
Book flight (tentatively — confirm after visa approval)
Visa Application Documents
Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)Required
Visa application form (available from the Embassy of Japan)
Passport-sized photo (4.5 × 4.5 cm, white background)
Original Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)Required
Admission letter from the university
Financial documents (bank statements, sponsor letter)
JLPT or IELTS/TOEFL score report
Embassy Submission
Submit documents at the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu (Pani Pokhari)
Visa processing typically takes 5 working days. No appointment needed — walk-in submission during morning hours.
Visa fee is free for Nepali nationals (Japan does not charge visa fees for Nepal)
Collect passport with student visa
Arrival & Registration
Receive Residence Card (在留カード) at the airport immigration counterRequired
Register your address at the local ward office (市区町村役場) within 14 daysRequired
Enrol in National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) at the ward office — mandatory, approximately JPY 1,500–2,000/month
Open a Japanese bank account (Japan Post Bank or Yucho is the easiest for students)
Get a Japanese phone number or SIM card
Attend university orientation and register for courses
Apply for permission to engage in activities other than permitted (資格外活動許可) at the airport or later at Immigration — required before starting any part-time work
International students can work up to 28 hours/week during term and 40 hours/week during holidays.
Get a commuter pass (通学定期券) for discounted train/bus travel