Current average monthly living costs totals about ¥153,000 for international students. This breaks down as follows (estimates)
Accommodation and utilities
Rent can vary from cheap tiny apartments of around 10 square meters to exorbitantly priced luxury apartments in prime districts. Outside of central Tokyo, housing costs are distinctly lower, especially in the suburbs, surrounding prefectures and in other regions and cities of Japan.
Can I work during my studies?
Yes. The student visa allows holders to work up to 28 hours per week and up to 8 hours per day during the long-term school breaks with a few restrictions on the type of employment (games arcades and jobs in the adult entertainment industry are prohibited). The hourly wage for staff in restaurants and convenience stores is typically about ¥1,100, although some jobs may pay up to ¥1,200-¥1,300 for late-night shifts.
International students also have the option to heath their own language privately. One-to-one lessons pay about ¥2,000- ¥3,000 per hour and you may also be able to do translation work which, again, should pay better than standard part-time jobs.
In japan, the minimum wage for part-time work is specified by the law. The minimum wage varies depending on prefecture. According to the JASSO survey, 75.8% of international students have part-time job during their studies.
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