Study in Japan vs South Korea: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Japan and South Korea— 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 | Japan | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 2,000,000 JPY | 20,000,000 KRW |
| Living cost (per month) | 120,000 JPY | 1,200,000 KRW |
| Visa fee | 3,000 JPY | 80,000 KRW |
| Typical processing time | ~10 weeks | ~4 weeks |
| Main intakes | Apr, Oct | Mar, Sep |
| Required documents | 6 | 5 |
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: Japan vs South Korea
- Japan needs less money up front — about €11,765/year versus €13,333 for South Korea (≈ €1,568 less).
- South Korea is typically faster to process (~4 weeks vs ~10 for Japan).
- South Korea asks for fewer required documents (5).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Japan
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Admission to a Japanese institution
- Proof of funds
- National Health Insurance
Unique to South Korea
- Certificate of Admission
- Financial requirement
- National Health Insurance (NHIS)
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Japan or South Korea?
By proof of funds, Japan is cheaper — €11,765/year versus €13,333 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, Japan or South Korea?
South Korea typically processes faster (~4 weeks vs ~10). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Japan or South Korea?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Japan needs less money up front — about €11,765/year versus €13,333 for South Korea (≈ €1,568 less). South Korea is typically faster to process (~4 weeks vs ~10 for Japan). South Korea asks for fewer required documents (5). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.