Study in Japan vs Poland: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Japan and Poland— 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 | Poland |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 2,000,000 JPY | 9,312 PLN |
| Living cost (per month) | 120,000 JPY | 776 PLN |
| Visa fee | 3,000 JPY | 340 PLN |
| Typical processing time | ~10 weeks | ~6 weeks |
| Main intakes | Apr, Oct | Feb, Oct |
| 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 Poland
- Poland needs less money up front — about €2,166/year versus €11,765 for Japan (≈ €9,599 less).
- Poland is typically faster to process (~6 weeks vs ~10 for Japan).
- Poland 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
- Language proof
- Accommodation
Unique to Poland
- Admission to a Polish institution
- Financial resources
- Health insurance
- English/Polish language proof
- Proof of accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Japan or Poland?
By proof of funds, Poland is cheaper — €2,166/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, Japan or Poland?
Poland typically processes faster (~6 weeks vs ~10). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Japan or Poland?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Poland needs less money up front — about €2,166/year versus €11,765 for Japan (≈ €9,599 less). Poland is typically faster to process (~6 weeks vs ~10 for Japan). Poland asks for fewer required documents (5). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.