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Frequently Asked Questions regarding costs:

If you have additional questions or need information that isn't on the homepage or that you haven't been able to find yet, please email us.

  • Why aren't the tuition amounts rounded off?

    The reason why there is no rounding off of figures (up or down) is because of the commitment to provide the program at 'cost price'. As a non-profit institution we do not need a commercial margin. For this reason we can instead invest heavily in facilities, quality infrastructure and student support. Once the cost of providing the program been calculated, we are able to charge the tuition accordingly. Please note that the tuition fees do not always cover the full cost of the program. On-going support from the Hattori Foundation provides considerable financial assistance to all students. The administration of the Institute is also fairly lean and extensive use of intranets and effective management keeps the cost overhead and structure down. This cost saving is passed on to students.

  • Do I need to pay all the fees in advance?

    No. You can pay the accommodation separately, even after you arrive. Please note that the refund policy in place protects you against substantial loss if you need to leave earlier than planned.

  • What is the minimum payment required?

    Depends on the program. The minimum fee is for 4 weeks tuition for Extension programs (SILAC, Discovery, Internship). For academic programs it is the full program fee per quarter or term. For extended studies using a student visa, a minimum of 2 quarters (6 months) is required.

  • Can I pay the tuition and accommodation on a pay as you go basis?

    The accommodation can be paid in advance, but may also be paid on arrival. The minimum accommodation payment is also 4 weeks (3 months if you have a student visa). You can easily extend your accommodation by contacting the housing office.

  • Are there any discounts?

    Yes, at present there are 4 discounts available. (a) Off-season discounts via the Gold Pass, Silver Pass and Bronze Pass. (b) 10% discount on initial program fee transfer from students participating in the JET program. (c) 10% discount on initial program fee transfer from students with Working Holiday visas. (d) Discount of up to 10% on program fee tuition transfer for students enrolling in groups of 5 or more.

  • How much do the textbooks and other materials cost?

    The textbooks are included as part of the program.

  • How much are the laboratory and library fees?

    There are no laboratory or library fees.

  • How much is the airport/train station pickup service?

    The airport/train station pickup service is a free service. Yamasa faculty members drive to the airport or station in our own time as part of our service as educators.

  • How much does the accommodation cost? Does that include bills?

    It depends on which accommodation option you choose. We try to provide a wide range as every student has different needs and preferences. The cost of bills is included in the Yamasa Student Village but not for the apartments. All of the accommodation is within walking distance and many students buy/rent bicycles so there is no need to budget for public transport (which is expensive in Japan). Remember also that you can change your preferences as Yamasa has a full-time Housing Office. Please read through the accommodation files so that you can calculate your accommodation budget.

  • What is the average cost of living? How much money do I need?

    According to surveys of our students, their average cost of living is just 50000 - 55000 yen per month. This does not include their housing. It does include bills (such as power/gas/water) as well as groceries and basic essentials. Most of the students can cook (or soon learn), and the prices in Okazaki are lower than average. The problem of course is that this is only an average and that average falls over time as the students extend their stay. Your first couple of weeks will usually cost a little extra (for example - the cost of setting up your room, bicycle purchase/hire, sightseeing etc.) We advise that you estimate an average of 20,000 yen per week. 12,000 per week if you cook your own meals. Also please note that your cost-of-living will be higher if you prefer single accommodation (no one to split the rent and bills with), or if you rent cellphones, buy VCD players, travel, visit nightclubs or just can't walk home from the campus to the accommodation without stopping for coffee etc. You need to do a realistic calculation of expenses and think about what kind of lifestyle you can handle.

  • Am I allowed to work part-time?

    To work part-time, you must have a student visa or other suitable visa. There are various restrictions which you can read about in the Visa Information section. If you are on a tourist visa then you cannot work at all.

  • What should I do regarding Health Insurance?

    Please ensure that you purchase appropriate travel insurance or other suitable health cover. For more details please read the Health Care file in the center homepage.

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