Japan eyes foreign students for labour gaps, academic tells HU

Toyo University professor cites 10,000+ scholarships, part-time work and rising graduate employment

IV Report

KARACHI: Japan’s ageing population and declining birth rate have created significant labour gaps across multiple sectors, prompting its government and universities to attract more international students, including from Pakistan, a senior visiting Japanese professor said at Hamdard University on Thursday.

Prof Dr Susumu Nijema of Toyo University told faculty and students that Japan’s birth rate has fallen far below its death rate, creating personnel shortages “in almost every sector.”

“We need young people... because our total population is declining and the average age is rising,” he said.

The cultural anthropologist said international students who meet required academic and language qualifications can obtain student visas easily. He added that more than 10,000 scholarships are available, including MEXT government and university-funded programs, with some being fully funded.

Speaking on costs, Prof Nijema said studying in Japan is comparatively less expensive than in Canada, the US, or the UK. He put the average monthly cost of living for students at approximately Rs81,000 in Pakistani currency.

International students are permitted to work part-time for up to 28 hours per week. Citing a minimum wage of about $7 per hour, he said it helps students “maintain a decent standard of living.” Fee reductions are also available for those without full scholarships, he added.

Quoting official figures, he said the number of international graduates finding jobs in Japan rose from around 12,000 in 2014 to over 33,000 in 2020, with about 90 per cent receiving work permits. Many are hired in IT, engineering, healthcare and service sectors, he noted.

Prof Nijema said he previously conducted research in Pakistan in the 1980s on the Ismaili community in Gilgit and Chitral, and in the 1990s on NGOs including the Edhi Foundation and Hamdard Foundation. He added that he is currently studying Pakistanis living in Japan, noting their involvement in philanthropic work, including relief efforts after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

He advised prospective students to contact the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad and the international office of Toyo University for details on admissions, scholarships and visa procedures.

Hamdard University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Imran Amin delivered the vote of thanks. Chancellor Sadia Rashid presented a souvenir to the visiting professor.

Inputs: Hamdard University press release