Fewer hurdles for study in Japan

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

High living costs and language barriers have become non-issues for Indonesians studying in Japan, a 2007 report has shown.

The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) data in 2007 revealed 58 percent of some 1,600 Indonesians admitted to Japanese universities spent their own money to finance their study there, while the rest received scholarships.

Verawati, a JASSO representative, said during the one-day Japan Education Program Exhibition at the Jakarta Convention Center on Sunday the number of Indonesians studying in Japan was on the increase.

There were 1,553 Indonesian students admitted to universities across Japan in 2006, up from 1,488 in 2005.

"Science and technology are no longer the only favorite programs of study," Verawati said.

"Many Indonesian students pursue studies on animation and communication."

Many Indonesians seek to study in Japan because the country offers a lot of scholarships, Verawati said.

"This helps students who find difficulties in dealing with the expensive living cost in Japan."

The Japan government provides free education for foreigners through its Monbukagakusho program.

An independent student who studies in Japan will have to pay an average 136,000 yen (US$1,162) per month.

This expenses includes school fees, insurance, meals and entertainment costs.

In the first year, each post graduate student who studies in a state university must pay 817,800 yen in fees, while those in private universities must spend 911,369 yen.

Many universities are now offering graduate and post-graduate programs in English other than Japanese language.(ewd)