Educational Alternatives, Volume 20, 2022

Abstract: Japan is an attractive study abroad destination for international students worldwide. However, there are still challenges in attracting international students and internationalization, especially for the universities not enlisted among the top-tier universities, and universities which locate outside metropolitan areas. Despite relative advantages of quality of education, affordable cost, student- friendly environment, and exotic region-specific culture, Japanese universities still face certain challenges in attracting international students. We conducted a literature review to investigate challenges that may hinder attracting international students to Japan's universities. The data showed that there are challenges in maintaining academic ranking and internationalization level, diversifying the student body, securing revenues for operation, regional popularity and disparity, strengthening the supporting system, maintaining cross-cultural exchange and communication, mobilizing scholarship, supporting employment and a part-time job, online transformation, etc. that may influence the efforts for effectively attracting international students.