Study in Ireland vs Japan: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Ireland and Japan— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | Ireland | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 10,000 EUR | 2,000,000 JPY |
| Living cost (per month) | 833 EUR | 120,000 JPY |
| Visa fee | 60 EUR | 3,000 JPY |
| Typical processing time | ~8 weeks | ~10 weeks |
| Main intakes | Jan, Sep | Apr, Oct |
| Required documents | 6 | 6 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: Ireland vs Japan
- Ireland needs less money up front — about €10,000/year versus €11,765 for Japan (≈ €1,765 less).
- Ireland is typically faster to process (~8 weeks vs ~10 for Japan).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Ireland
- Letter of acceptance
- Evidence of finances (€10,000)
- Tuition fees paid
- Private medical insurance
- English language proof
Unique to Japan
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Admission to a Japanese institution
- Proof of funds
- National Health Insurance
- Language proof
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Ireland or Japan?
By proof of funds, Ireland is cheaper — €10,000/year versus €11,765 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, Ireland or Japan?
Ireland typically processes faster (~8 weeks vs ~10). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Ireland or Japan?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Ireland needs less money up front — about €10,000/year versus €11,765 for Japan (≈ €1,765 less). Ireland is typically faster to process (~8 weeks vs ~10 for Japan). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.