Hey everyone,

I’m an Indian student planning to move to Japan in 2 years year to pursue a Master’s in Computer Science, and I wanted to get some honest insights from people who have already gone through the process or are currently studying there.

A bit about me:

• 1st year BCA STUDENT
• Aiming for universities like UTokyo, Kyoto University, Tohoku, Keio, etc.

Things I’m unsure about and would love input on:

1. Admission Process & Professors

How responsive are professors to cold emails? Do they actually expect us to already have strong research experience before applying? Any tips on writing a research proposal specifically for Japanese universities?

2. Scholarships

I know about MEXT, JASSO, and university-specific scholarships, but how competitive are they really for Indian students? Anyone here get MEXT as a direct applicant or embassy-recommended?

3. Language Barrier

I’ve heard mixed things. Some say life is smooth in big cities; others say even getting a part-time job or doing admin work is tough without Japanese.
How necessary is JLPT N2/N1 if the program is in English?

4. Job Prospects After Graduation

As an international CS graduate, how’s the tech job market in Japan right now? Are companies open to English-speaking CS grads, or is Japanese proficiency still a must for most roles?
How easy is it to transition from a student visa to a work visa?

5. Cost of Living

Tokyo vs. other cities? I keep seeing conflicting numbers. I’m okay living modestly but don’t want any surprises.

I PLAN TO BECOME A GAME DEV