Japan vs Korea (Singapore) 2026: The 4-Route Decision Tree (Degree vs Language-First)
TL;DR
Japan vs Korea becomes easier when you pick a route: Japan degree (English-taught) Japan language-first Korea degree Korea language-first Then you plan the visa, budget, and documents around that route.
20 Jan 2026, 00:00 Z
Reviewed by
Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)
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> **Q:** I’m stuck choosing between Japan and Korea. What’s the fastest way to make a decision I can actually execute?
> \
> **A:** Pick a “default plan” by choosing one of four routes. Then check the stop conditions (language, budget, timeline) and take one next action this week.
> **TL;DR**
> Japan vs Korea becomes easier when you pick a route:
>
> * Japan degree (English-taught)
> * Japan language-first
> * Korea degree
> * Korea language-first
>
> Then you plan the visa, budget, and documents around that route.
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src="/optimised/study-abroad-japan-korea-checklist-hero-20260119-d7fc4a55.avif"
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*Status:* Last reviewed 2026-01-20. This is a decision aid, not a guarantee. Always verify requirements on official pages and the university’s programme page.
If you want the full long-form checklist (more detail than this one-pager):
* https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/Study-Abroad-Japan-vs-South-Korea-Checklist
---
## The 4-route decision tree (start here)
### Route 1) Japan degree (English-taught)
Choose this if:
* you want a degree now,
* you prefer an English-medium programme,
* you can budget for tuition + housing + buffer.
Official starting page (Japan, English degree programmes):
* https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/learn-about-schools/english-programs/
Next action this week:
* build a shortlist of 10 programmes and verify requirements on the programme page.
### Route 2) Japan language-first (then wider degree options)
Choose this if:
* you want wider programme options later,
* you’re willing to invest 12–24 months into Japanese,
* you prefer “immersion” as a strategy.
Stop condition:
* if you can’t commit consistent language study for a year, don’t choose this route (yet).
Next action this week:
* choose a language timeline and confirm what level programmes require (on official programme pages).
### Route 3) Korea degree (degree route)
Choose this if:
* you want the degree route now,
* you can verify an acceptable language-of-instruction path,
* you’re comfortable planning visa/admin steps early.
Official visa/stay starting page:
* https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/plan/visaAndStay.do
Next action this week:
* shortlist 10 programmes and verify language-of-instruction and admissions requirements on the programme page.
### Route 4) Korea language-first (then degree)
Choose this if:
* you want to build Korean proficiency first,
* you want to reduce friction in daily life/internships later.
Stop condition:
* if you need “certainty” quickly, language-first can feel slow. Consider degree-first instead.
Next action this week:
* verify the visa category and requirements for your language route using the official Visa Navigator:
- https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10101
---
## What to do after you pick a route (don’t skip these)
### A) Budget (Japan vs Korea)
* https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Japan-vs-Korea-Student-Budget-Singapore-Practical-Cost-Checklist-Guide-2026
### B) Visa flow (Singapore, practical)
* Japan: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Japan-Student-Visa-Singapore-COE-to-Visa-Arrival-Checklist-Guide-2026
* Korea: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Korea-Student-Visas-Singapore-D2-vs-D4-1-Degree-vs-Language-Guide-2026
### C) Documents (Singapore execution)
* https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Singapore-Overseas-Scholarship-Document-Pack-Playbook
---
## Next action (today)
Pick one:
* Decide your route (1–4) and write it down.
* Create a 10-row shortlist sheet and verify requirements for each programme.
* If you want the long-form checklist: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/Study-Abroad-Japan-vs-South-Korea-Checklist
