This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #4,000 most common 12 min read

学費

gakuhi Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 学費 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 学費 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 学費 (gakuhi) as 'school money'. It is a noun that describes the money you give to a school so you can study there. Even though it's a bit of a big word, you can use it in simple sentences. For example, 'Gakuhi wa ikura desu ka?' (How much is the school money?). You don't need to worry about the complicated kanji yet, just remember that 'gaku' is for school/study and 'hi' is for cost. At this level, you might use it to talk about your Japanese language school. It is a very important word if you are a student in Japan because you will see it on your bills and in your school office. Just remember: Gakuhi = School + Cost.

At the A2 level, you can start using 学費 (gakuhi) with basic verbs like 'harau' (to pay) and 'takai' (expensive). You should understand that 'gakuhi' is the total amount you pay for a semester. A common sentence for you might be 'Gakuhi wo haraimashita' (I paid the school expenses) or 'Daigaku no gakuhi wa takai desu' (University school expenses are expensive). You should also begin to recognize the difference between 'gakuhi' and 'okane' (money). 'Okane' is for everything, but 'gakuhi' is only for school. If you are working a part-time job, you might say 'Gakuhi no tame ni hatarakimasu' (I work for the sake of my school expenses). This shows you can express a purpose for your actions.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of 学費 (gakuhi) as an institutional cost. You should be able to use more formal verbs like 'osameru' (to pay/deliver) and understand related terms like 'shogakukin' (scholarship). At this stage, you can discuss the social aspects of education costs. For example, 'Gakuhi wo kasegu no wa taihen desu' (Earning school expenses is difficult). You should also be aware that 'gakuhi' covers more than just tuition—it includes facility fees too. You can now use the word in complex sentences with particles like 'node' or 'noni', such as 'Gakuhi ga takai node, shogakukin wo moshikomimashita' (Because school expenses are high, I applied for a scholarship).

At the B2 level, you can use 学費 (gakuhi) in discussions about policy, economics, and personal finance. You should be familiar with compound words like 'gakuhi menjo' (tuition waiver) and 'gakuhi neage' (tuition hike). You can express opinions on whether 'gakuhi' should be free (moshoka) or how it affects the birthrate in Japan. You should be able to read news articles that use 'gakuhi' in the context of government budgets or university rankings. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the formal 'nofu' (payment) system and the legal obligations of a student. For example, 'Gakuhi no mino wa jugyo shusseki wo seigen sareru riyu ni naru' (Unpaid school expenses can be a reason for restricted class attendance).

At the C1 level, you should be able to use 学費 (gakuhi) in academic or professional writing. You understand the historical context of education costs in Japan and can compare the 'gakuhi' of national universities (kokuritsu) versus private universities (shiritu). You can engage in deep debates about 'kyoiku no kikai kinto' (equality of educational opportunity) and how 'gakuhi' acts as a barrier. You use the term with high-level vocabulary like 'futanteki' (burdensome) or 'shien saku' (support measures). You are also comfortable with the administrative jargon found in university financial reports, such as 'gakuhi shunyu' (tuition income) for the institution's budget. Your mastery allows you to navigate the subtle differences between 'gakuhi', 'kyoikuhi', and 'nofukin' without hesitation.

At the C2 level, 学費 (gakuhi) is a tool for nuanced socio-economic analysis. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'gakuhi' as a commodity in a neoliberal education system versus education as a fundamental human right. You are familiar with the legal precedents regarding 'gakuhi' refunds in cases of school closures or scandals. You can interpret and produce complex documents regarding 'gakuhi' subsidies and their impact on national debt. Your command of the language allows you to use 'gakuhi' in metaphors or sophisticated rhetoric about the 'price of knowledge'. You have a native-like grasp of the emotional and social weight the word carries for different generations in Japan, from the 'bubble' era to the current 'lost decades'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

学費 in 30 Seconds

学費 (Gakuhi) refers to the total cost of schooling, including tuition and other mandatory institutional fees.
It is a formal noun commonly used in university contexts, news reports, and family financial discussions.
Common verbs include harau (pay), osameru (submit/pay), and kasegu (earn).
It is broader than 'jugyoryo', which specifically refers only to the instruction fee for classes.

The Japanese word 学費 (gakuhi) is a compound noun composed of two kanji: 学 (gaku), meaning 'study' or 'learning', and 費 (hi), meaning 'expense' or 'cost'. Together, they represent the total financial investment required for schooling. While often translated simply as 'tuition', gakuhi is actually a broader term that encompasses not just the fee for instruction, but also facility fees, lab costs, and other mandatory institutional expenses. It is a word that carries significant weight in Japanese society, often discussed in the context of family planning, social mobility, and the economic burden on the younger generation.

Etymological Breakdown: The first kanji 学 appears in words like 学校 (gakko - school) and 学生 (gakusei - student). The second kanji 費 is found in 費用 (hiyo - cost) and 消費者 (shohisha - consumer). Thus, 'gakuhi' is literally 'the cost of being a student'.
Usage Context: You will encounter this word in official university documents, news reports about rising education costs, and private conversations between parents or students struggling to balance their budgets.

日本の私立大学の学費は、年々上がっている傾向にあります。 (The school expenses for private universities in Japan have a tendency to rise year by year.)

In a cultural sense, gakuhi is often linked to the concept of 'oyakoko' (filial piety). Many Japanese students feel a strong sense of responsibility to succeed because their parents are paying the gakuhi. Conversely, students who pay their own way through 'arubaito' (part-time jobs) often use this word to describe the primary goal of their labor. It is less about a single 'fee' and more about the 'economic reality of education'.

彼はアルバイトをして、自分で学費を稼いでいる。 (He works part-time and earns his own school expenses.)

When discussing scholarships, the term gakuhi menjo (学費免除) is used, meaning 'tuition waiver' or 'exemption from school expenses'. This is a critical term for international students applying to Japanese language schools or universities. Understanding the nuances of gakuhi helps you navigate the administrative side of Japanese life, from banking (making a 'gakuhi furikomi' or tuition transfer) to social discussions about the value of a degree.

奨学金のおかげで、学費の心配がなくなりました。 (Thanks to the scholarship, I no longer have to worry about school expenses.)

Formal vs. Informal: The word itself is relatively formal but used in everyday conversation. In very casual settings among friends, people might just say 'kane' (money) or 'daigaku no o-kane', but 'gakuhi' remains the standard term for clarity.

親に学費を払ってもらうのは当たり前ではない。 (It is not a given that parents will pay your school expenses.)

Ultimately, gakuhi is more than just a financial term; it is a keyword in the narrative of Japanese education. It represents the barrier to entry for prestigious institutions and the sacrifice families make. When you use this word, you are engaging with a fundamental aspect of the Japanese life cycle: the transition from childhood to professional adulthood through the gateway of higher education.

来学期の学費を納入する期限はいつですか？ (When is the deadline to pay the school expenses for next semester?)

Common Collocations: Common verbs paired with gakuhi include 'harau' (pay), 'osameru' (pay - more formal), 'menjo suru' (waive), and 'kasegu' (earn).

Using 学費 (gakuhi) correctly requires understanding the verbs it typically pairs with and the grammatical structures that surround financial transactions. In Japanese, paying for education is not just a 'purchase' but an 'obligation' or 'investment'. Therefore, the verbs used can range from the standard harau (to pay) to the more administrative osameru or nonyuu suru (to supply/pay fees).

Verb Pairing: Harau vs. Osameru: 'Harau' (払う) is the general word for paying. 'Osameru' (納める) is used when paying taxes or official fees to an institution like a school. Using 'osameru' sounds more respectful of the institutional process.

期限までに学費を納めなければなりません。 (You must pay the school expenses by the deadline.)

Another common structure involves expressing the difficulty of the cost. Because gakuhi is often high, you will hear adjectives like takai (expensive) or phrases like futan ga ooi (the burden is great). When a student is struggling, they might use the verb kumen suru (to manage/raise funds), which implies a struggle to get the money together.

親は私の学費を工面するために一生懸命働いた。 (My parents worked hard to raise the funds for my school expenses.)

In the context of scholarships and loans, gakuhi is often the subject of the sentence. For example, gakuhi ga menjo sareru (school expenses are waived) or gakuhi wo kashitsukeru (to lend tuition money). In Japan, the 'shogakukin' (scholarship) system often functions more like a low-interest loan, so gakuhi is frequently discussed alongside debt management.

成績優秀者は学費が全額免除される制度があります。 (There is a system where high-achieving students get their full school expenses waived.)

Compound Words: 学費値上げ (gakuhi neage - tuition hike), 学費未納 (gakuhi mino - unpaid tuition), 学費支援 (gakuhi shien - tuition support).

When writing formally, such as in an email to a professor or an office, you might use the term nofu (payment/delivery). For example, 'Gakuhi no nofu ni tsuite' (Regarding the payment of school expenses). This maintains a professional tone suitable for institutional communication.

海外留学には、多額の学費だけでなく生活費も必要です。 (Studying abroad requires not only a large amount of school expenses but also living expenses.)

Finally, consider the passive voice. If you are a student, you might say gakuhi wo dashite morau (to have someone pay my tuition), which expresses gratitude toward the person (usually a parent) funding the education. This reflects the social interdependence inherent in Japanese family structures regarding education.

彼は奨学金で学費をまかなっている。 (He is covering his school expenses with a scholarship.)

Common Questions: 'Gakuhi wa ikura desu ka?' (How much are the school expenses?) is the most basic and useful question for any prospective student.

The word 学費 (gakuhi) is ubiquitous in Japanese society because education is highly prioritized and increasingly expensive. You will hear it in various settings, ranging from the highly formal to the deeply personal. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the societal 'weight' the word carries.

In the Media and News: News anchors often report on 'gakuhi no koto' (matters of school expenses) when discussing government policy, the declining birthrate, or the financial struggles of university students. It is a political keyword used in debates about social welfare.

ニュース：政府は低所得世帯の大学学費を無償化する方針を固めました。 (News: The government has firmed up a policy to make university school expenses free for low-income households.)

At the university level, students will hear this word during orientation or see it on the 'keijiban' (bulletin board). Administrative staff will use it when discussing deadlines for 'nofu' (payment). If you visit the 'gakumu-ka' (student affairs office), gakuhi will be the primary term used for any financial inquiries.

事務室：学費の振込用紙は郵送されましたか？ (Office: Was the school expenses transfer form mailed to you?)

In a family setting, parents often discuss gakuhi when looking at their 'kakeibo' (household account book). It is a major line item in long-term savings. Children are often made aware of the cost of their education as a way to motivate them to study harder, leading to the phrase 'gakuhi ga mottainai' (the tuition is being wasted) if a student is lazy.

母親：そんなに遊んでばかりだと、学費がもったいないわよ。 (Mother: If you do nothing but play, the school expenses are a waste, you know!)

In Financial Institutions: Banks offer 'kyoiku ron' (education loans) specifically for gakuhi. When applying, you'll see the term in all the fine print regarding interest rates and repayment schedules.

For international students, the word appears in the 'zairyu shikaku' (Certificate of Eligibility) process. You must prove you have the funds to cover your gakuhi to get a student visa. Immigration officers and school recruiters will use this word constantly during the application phase.

面接官：日本での学費は誰が支払いますか？ (Interviewer: Who will pay your school expenses in Japan?)

Finally, in the world of work, HR departments might discuss 'gakuhi hojo' (tuition assistance) as a benefit for employees who want to pursue further certification or graduate degrees. In this context, the word represents a path to professional growth funded by the employer.

会社は資格取得のための学費を一部負担してくれます。 (The company will cover part of the school expenses for obtaining certifications.)

Summary of Locations: University offices, banks, dinner tables, news broadcasts, immigration offices, and corporate HR departments.

While 学費 (gakuhi) seems straightforward, English speakers often make several nuanced mistakes when using it. The most common error is failing to distinguish it from more specific terms like jugyoryo (tuition) or broader terms like kyoikuhi (education costs). Learning these distinctions is key to sounding like a natural speaker.

Mistake 1: Gakuhi vs. Jugyoryo: Many learners use 'gakuhi' when they mean only the price of the classes. 'Jugyoryo' (授業料) is the specific fee for instruction. 'Gakuhi' includes the enrollment fee (nyugakukin), facility fees (shisetsuhi), and lab fees. If you are looking at a bill, use 'gakuhi' for the total, but 'jugyoryo' for the specific instructional line item.

❌ 学費の中の授業料が高い。(The tuition within the school expenses is high - redundant but okay.)
✅ 授業料のほかに、施設費も払う必要がある。(In addition to the tuition fee, I must also pay facility fees.)

Another mistake involves the verb 'to pay'. While harau is common, learners often forget the more formal osameru or nofu suru when dealing with institutions. Using harau in a formal letter to a university might sound slightly too casual, though it is grammatically correct.

⚠️ 学費を払いました。(I paid the school expenses - Normal.)
💎 学費を納めました。(I paid/delivered the school expenses - Polished/Formal.)

Learners also confuse gakuhi with kyoikuhi (教育費). Kyoikuhi is a much broader economic term that includes everything from pencils and school lunches to the bus fare to get to school. If you are talking about the money you pay directly to the school office, use gakuhi. If you are talking about the total cost of raising a child's education, use kyoikuhi.

❌ 子供の学費にはお弁当代も含まれる。 (School expenses include lunch money - Technically incorrect in Japan.)
✅ 子供の教育費には、塾の月謝や食費も含まれる。 (Education costs include cram school fees and food costs.)

Mistake 4: Plurality: In English, we say 'tuition' (singular) or 'school expenses' (plural). In Japanese, 'gakuhi' is an uncountable concept. Don't try to make it plural with suffixes like '-tachi'. It represents the collective cost.

Finally, watch out for the kanji. Learners sometimes confuse hi (費) with hi (比 - ratio) or hi (非 - non-). Always remember the 'shell' radical (貝) at the bottom of 費, which historically represents money or value. Writing the wrong kanji is a common mistake in written exams like the JLPT.

❌ 学比 (Wrong Kanji)
✅ 学費 (Correct Kanji - 'Expense' radical)

In summary, keep 'gakuhi' for the total bill paid to a formal school, use 'jugyoryo' for the class fee specifically, and avoid using it for informal lessons. Pay attention to the formality of the verb you choose to accompany it.

Checklist for Correct Use: 1. Is it a formal school? Yes. 2. Is it the total cost? Yes. 3. Am I paying an institution? Use 'osameru'.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for money and costs. Understanding the alternatives to 学費 (gakuhi) will help you navigate different social and administrative situations with precision. Here is a comparison of similar words you might encounter.

授業料 (Jugyoryo): This specifically means 'tuition fee'. It is the money paid for the actual instruction. In a university context, the 'gakuhi' is the total, and the 'jugyoryo' is one part of that total. If a school says 'tuition is free', they usually say 'jugyoryo busho', but you might still have to pay 'shisetsuhi' (facility fees).
教育費 (Kyoikuhi): This means 'education expenses' in a broad sense. It includes 'gakuhi' plus textbooks, school supplies, uniforms, and even transportation costs. It is used more in economic statistics or family budgeting than in school administration.
月謝 (Gessha): This literally means 'monthly thank-you' and refers to monthly fees for private lessons, such as piano, English conversation schools (Eikaiwa), or martial arts. You would never call university tuition 'gessha', and you would rarely call piano lesson fees 'gakuhi'.

比較：大学の学費は高いが、ピアノの月謝は手頃だ。(Comparison: University school expenses are high, but piano monthly fees are affordable.)

Other administrative terms include nofukin (納付金), which is a very formal way to say 'money to be paid/delivered' to an institution, often used on official bank transfer forms. There is also nyugakukin (入学金), the one-time entrance fee paid when first joining a school, which is a significant part of the first year's gakuhi.

初年度は入学金があるため、学費の総額が高くなる。(Since there is an entrance fee in the first year, the total school expenses become high.)

In a more casual or slangy context, young people might refer to school costs simply as 'o-kane' (money), but 'gakuhi' is the term they use when complaining about why they need to work so many hours at their part-time job. It's a word that bridges the gap between the 'student world' and the 'economic world'.

Summary Table

学費 (Gakuhi): Total school costs (Formal).
授業料 (Jugyoryo): Tuition/Instruction fee (Specific).
教育費 (Kyoikuhi): All education-related costs (Broad/Economic).
月謝 (Gessha): Monthly fee for lessons (Casual/Private).
納付金 (Nofukin): Payment/Fees (Highly Formal/Administrative).

Choosing the right word shows your level of Japanese proficiency. Using gakuhi correctly in a university setting will make you sound like a serious student who understands the system, while using gessha for a piano teacher shows you understand the polite, traditional way of paying for private skills.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The '費' kanji contains the '貝' (shell) radical, because shells were used as currency in ancient China. Almost all Japanese kanji related to money contain this radical.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡɑːkuːhiː/

US /ɡɑkuhi/

Flat (Heiban) pitch accent. The pitch stays relatively level.

Rhymes With

Ryoushi (Fisherman) Juushi (Emphasis) Koushi (Lecturer) Soushi (Creator) Toushi (Investment) Houshi (Service) Moushi (Mencius) Youshi (Form/Paper)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'hi' as 'hee' with too much English aspiration.
Elongating the 'u' in 'gaku' too much; it should be very short.
Stressing the first syllable like 'GA-ku-hi' (incorrect).
Confusing the pitch with 'gakusei'.
Forgetting to devoice the 'u' between 'k' and 'h'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge.

Writing 4/5

The second kanji '費' is often written incorrectly by learners.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce with flat pitch.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

学生 (Student) 学校 (School) お金 (Money) 高い (Expensive) 払う (To pay)

Learn Next

奨学金 (Scholarship) 授業料 (Tuition) 合格 (Passing an exam) 入学 (Enrollment) 卒業 (Graduation)

Advanced

納付 (Payment/Delivery) 免除 (Exemption) 滞納 (Arrears) 減免 (Reduction) 公費 (Public funds)

Grammar to Know

Noun + のために (For the sake of)

学費のために働きます。

Passive Voice (Exemption)

学費が免除されました。

Potential Form (Ability to pay)

学費が払えません。

Conditional ~たら (If/When)

学費が上がったら困ります。

Giving/Receiving (Gratitude)

親に学費を出してもらった。

Examples by Level

学費はいくらですか？

How much are the school expenses?

Basic question structure.

学費を払います。

I will pay the school expenses.

Object marker 'wo' with 'harau'.

この学校の学費は安いです。

This school's expenses are cheap.

Adjective 'yasui' describing the noun.

学費は高いですか？

Are the school expenses expensive?

Question form of 'takai'.

父が学費を払います。

My father pays the school expenses.

Subject marker 'ga'.

学費は一万円です。

The school expense is 10,000 yen.

Identifying a specific amount.

明日、学費を払います。

I will pay the school expenses tomorrow.

Time adverb 'ashita'.

学費の紙はどこですか？

Where is the school expense paper?

Possessive 'no' and question 'doko'.

学費のためにアルバイトをしています。

I am doing a part-time job for the sake of school expenses.

'No tame ni' (for the sake of).

大学の学費はとても高いです。

University school expenses are very expensive.

Adverb 'totemo' for emphasis.

毎月、学費を貯金しています。

Every month, I am saving money for school expenses.

'Chokin suru' (to save money).

学費を払うのを忘れました。

I forgot to pay the school expenses.

Nominalizing a verb with 'no'.

奨学金で学費を払いたいです。

I want to pay the school expenses with a scholarship.

Instrumental 'de' and 'tai' form.

兄は自分で学費を稼ぎました。

My older brother earned the school expenses by himself.

'Jibun de' (by oneself).

学費の締め切りは来週です。

The deadline for school expenses is next week.

'Shimekiru' (deadline).

学費を安くしてほしいです。

I want them to make the school expenses cheaper.

Adjective to adverb + 'shite hoshii'.

学費が免除されるかどうか、確認してください。

Please check whether the school expenses will be waived or not.

'Ka doku ka' (whether or not).

学費を工面するのは簡単ではありません。

Raising the school expenses is not easy.

'Kumen suru' (to raise/manage funds).

奨学金のおかげで、学費の心配がなくなりました。

Thanks to the scholarship, I no longer worry about school expenses.

'No okage de' (thanks to).

国立大学の学費は私立より安いです。

National university expenses are cheaper than private ones.

Comparison with 'yori'.

学費を納めるために銀行へ行きました。

I went to the bank to pay the school expenses.

Purpose 'ni' with 'iku'.

学費の支払い方法を教えてください。

Please tell me the method of payment for school expenses.

'Shiharai hoho' (payment method).

もし学費が払えなかったら、どうなりますか？

If I can't pay the school expenses, what will happen?

Potential form 'haraeru' in conditional 'tara'.

学費の負担を減らすために、制度が変わりました。

The system changed to reduce the burden of school expenses.

'Futan' (burden) and 'herasu' (reduce).

学費の値上げに反対する学生たちがデモを行いました。

Students opposing the tuition hike held a demonstration.

'Neage' (price hike) and 'hantai suru' (oppose).

学費の未納が続くと、除籍処分になる可能性があります。

If unpaid tuition continues, there is a possibility of expulsion.

'Mino' (unpaid) and 'joseki shobun' (expulsion).

教育ローンを組んで、子供の学費をまかなう親が多い。

Many parents take out education loans to cover their children's school expenses.

'Ron wo kumu' (to take out a loan).

学費の総額には、入学金や施設費も含まれています。

The total amount of school expenses includes the entrance fee and facility fees.

'Sogaku' (total amount) and 'fukumareru' (included).

海外の大学は学費だけでなく、寮費も非常に高いです。

Overseas universities are very expensive not only in tuition but also in dorm fees.

'Dake de naku' (not only).

学費支援制度を利用して、大学院に進学することにした。

I decided to go to graduate school using the tuition support system.

'Shien seido' (support system).

経済的な理由で学費を払うのが困難な場合があります。

There are cases where it is difficult to pay school expenses due to economic reasons.

'Keizaiteki' (economic) and 'konnan' (difficult).

学費の振込用紙が届いたら、すぐに手続きをしてください。

Once the tuition transfer form arrives, please complete the procedure immediately.

'Furikomi yoshi' (transfer form).

学費の無償化は、少子化対策として有効だと考えられています。

Making school expenses free is thought to be effective as a measure against the declining birthrate.

'Mushoka' (making free) and 'shoshika taisaku' (birthrate measures).

大学の学費高騰は、若者の将来設計に大きな影響を与えている。

The soaring university tuition is significantly impacting the future plans of young people.

'Koto' (soaring) and 'shorai sekkei' (future design).

奨学金の返済が、卒業後の学費負担として重くのしかかる。

Scholarship repayment weighs heavily as a tuition burden after graduation.

'Hensai' (repayment) and 'omoku noshikakaru' (weigh heavily).

学費の減免措置を受けるには、所得証明書が必要です。

To receive tuition reduction measures, an income certificate is required.

'Genmen sochi' (reduction measures) and 'shotoku' (income).

私立大学は学費収入に頼らざるを得ない経営状況にある。

Private universities are in a management situation where they have no choice but to rely on tuition income.

'Tayorazaru wo enai' (have no choice but to rely on).

学費の適正な価格設定について、社会的な議論が必要だ。

Social debate is necessary regarding the appropriate pricing of school expenses.

'Tekiseina' (appropriate) and 'giron' (debate).

学費を滞納すると、学位の授与が保留されることがあります。

If tuition is in arrears, the granting of a degree may be suspended.

'Taino' (arrears) and 'juyo' (granting).

日本の学費水準は、他の先進諸国と比較しても高い水準にある。

The level of school expenses in Japan is high even compared to other developed nations.

'Suijun' (level) and 'hikaku' (comparison).

学費の受益者負担という考え方は、教育の公共性と対立する側面がある。

The idea of 'beneficiary payment' for tuition has aspects that conflict with the public nature of education.

'Juekisha futan' (beneficiary payment) and 'tairitsu' (conflict).

学費の返還を求める訴訟が、大学側の不祥事を受けて提起された。

A lawsuit seeking the return of school expenses was filed following a scandal on the university's part.

'Henkan' (return/refund) and 'teiki sareru' (be filed).

学費の格差が、教育格差ひいては所得格差の固定化を招いている。

The disparity in school expenses is leading to the fixation of educational disparity and, by extension, income disparity.

'Hiite wa' (and by extension) and 'koteika' (fixation).

大学側は学費の使途について、より高い透明性を確保すべきである。

The university should ensure higher transparency regarding the use of school expenses.

'Shito' (use/expenditure) and 'tomeisei' (transparency).

学費が障壁となり、有能な人材が学問の道を断念せざるを得ないのは国家的損失だ。

It is a national loss when school expenses become a barrier and talented individuals are forced to give up their academic paths.

'Shoheki' (barrier) and 'dannen' (abandonment).

学費の徴収システムをデジタル化することで、事務の効率化を図る。

By digitizing the tuition collection system, we aim to improve administrative efficiency.

'Choshu' (collection) and 'hakaru' (aim for).

学費の奨学制度を拡充することは、社会の多様性を維持するために不可欠だ。

Expanding the tuition scholarship system is essential for maintaining social diversity.

'Kakuju' (expansion) and 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

学費免除の選考基準が不透明であるとの批判が相次いでいる。

Criticisms that the selection criteria for tuition waivers are opaque are following one after another.

'Senko kijun' (selection criteria) and 'aitsugu' (to happen in succession).

Common Collocations

学費を払う

学費を納める

学費が高い

学費を稼ぐ

学費を免除する

学費の未納

学費の値上げ

学費をまかなう

学費の負担

学費の振込

Common Phrases

学費免除

— Tuition waiver. When a student doesn't have to pay due to high grades or financial need.

学費免除の申請を出す。

学費支援

— Tuition support. Financial aid provided by the government or organizations.

新しい学費支援制度。

学費未納

— Unpaid tuition. The state of failing to pay school costs on time.

学費未納者への通知。

学費高騰

— Soaring school expenses. Rapidly rising costs of education.

学費高騰が問題だ。

学費ローン

— Education loan. A loan specifically for paying school costs.

銀行で学費ローンを組む。

学費の総額

— Total amount of school expenses.

四年間で学費の総額はいくらか。

学費の減免

— Reduction or waiver of tuition fees.

学費の減免措置を受ける。

学費返還

— Refund of tuition fees.

学費返還を求める。

学費自己負担

— Paying school expenses out of one's own pocket.

学費は自己負担です。

学費補助

— Tuition subsidy/assistance.

会社からの学費補助。

Often Confused With

学費 vs 授業料

Gakuhi is the total; Jugyoryo is only the class fee.

学費 vs 教育費

Gakuhi is paid to the school; Kyoikuhi includes all costs of raising a student.

学費 vs 月謝

Gakuhi is for formal schools; Gessha is for monthly private lessons.

Idioms & Expressions

"学費をどぶに捨てる"

— To waste tuition money (literally 'throw it in the gutter') by not studying.

サボってばかりで学費をどぶに捨てている。

Informal

"学費を稼ぐために身を粉にする"

— To work oneself to the bone to earn tuition money.

彼は学費のために身を粉にして働いた。

Formal/Literary

"学費の工面に走り回る"

— To scramble around trying to raise money for school expenses.

親は学費の工面に走り回った。

Neutral

"学費が首を絞める"

— Tuition costs are 'strangling' someone (putting them in financial distress).

高い学費が家計の首を絞めている。

Informal

"学費は親のすねをかじる"

— To live off one's parents (be a parasite) for tuition.

いつまでも親のすねをかじって学費を出してもらう。

Informal/Common

"学費を棒に振る"

— To let tuition money go to waste (by failing or dropping out).

退学して学費を棒に振った。

Neutral

"学費が底をつく"

— Tuition funds have run dry.

学費が底をついて休学した。

Neutral

"学費を捻出する"

— To squeeze out/find the money for tuition.

生活費を削って学費を捻出する。

Formal

"学費が重くのしかかる"

— Tuition weighs heavily on one's mind or finances.

学費の支払いが重くのしかかる。

Formal

"学費の元を取る"

— To get one's money's worth out of the tuition paid.

しっかり勉強して学費の元を取ろう。

Informal

Easily Confused

学費 vs 生活費

Both end in 'hi' and concern students.

Seikatsuhi is living expenses (food, rent); Gakuhi is school costs.

学費の他に生活費も必要だ。

学費 vs 交通費

Concerns the cost of getting to school.

Kotsuhi is travel/commute costs; Gakuhi is the institutional fee.

学費と交通費で予算がいっぱいだ。

学費 vs 教材費

Often paid at the same time as gakuhi.

Kyozaihi is specifically for books and materials; Gakuhi is the overall education fee.

学費とは別に教材費がかかる。

学費 vs 会費

Both are fees.

Kaihi is a membership fee for a club or gym; Gakuhi is for an academic institution.

テニス部の会費を払う。

学費 vs 手数料

Both involve paying for a service.

Tesuryo is a processing/service fee (like at a bank); Gakuhi is the primary cost of education.

振込には手数料がかかる。

Sentence Patterns

[School] の学費は [Price] です。

この学校の学費は五十万円です。

学費のために [Verb-masu] ます。

学費のために貯金します。

学費が [Adjective] ので、[Result]。

学費が高いので、奨学金を借りました。

学費を [Verb-potential] ない。

学費を払えない学生が増えています。

学費が [Verb-passive] 制度。

学費が免除される制度を利用する。

学費の [Noun] が問題だ。

学費の値上げが社会問題だ。

学費を [Verb-causative]。

政府は学費を無償化させた。

学費の [Concept] は [Opinion]。

学費の受益者負担論は再考すべきだ。

Word Family

Nouns

学生 (Student)

学校 (School)

学部 (Faculty)

学科 (Department)

学者 (Scholar)

Verbs

学ぶ (To learn)

費やす (To spend/consume)

Adjectives

学術的な (Academic)

費用のかかる (Costly)

授業料 (Tuition)

奨学金 (Scholarship)

入学金 (Entrance fee)

教育費 (Education costs)

寄付金 (Donation)

How to Use It

frequency

High (especially in spring/autumn when semesters start).

Common Mistakes

Using 'gakuhi' for a piano lesson. → Gessha (月謝)
Gakuhi is reserved for formal academic institutions like schools or universities.
Writing '学比' instead of '学費'. → 学費
The second kanji must be 'expense' (費), not 'ratio' (比).
Saying 'Gakuhi wo kaimasu' (Buy tuition). → Gakuhi wo haraimasu (Pay tuition)
Tuition is an expense you pay, not a physical product you buy.
Confusing 'gakuhi' with 'gakki'. → Gakuhi (学費)
Gakki means musical instrument. The sounds are similar but the meanings are unrelated.
Thinking 'gakuhi' includes living rent. → Gakuhi + Seikatsuhi
Gakuhi only covers school-related institutional fees. Rent is seikatsuhi.

Tips

Verb Choice

Always use 'osameru' (納める) when writing formally about paying your gakuhi. It shows respect for the institution.

The 'Hi' suffix

Remember that '-hi' (費) always implies an expense. This helps you understand related words like 'kyoiku-hi' or 'seikatsu-hi'.

Timing

Gakuhi deadlines are usually in April and October in Japan. Be prepared for these big expenses twice a year.

Kanji Practice

Practice writing '費' by focusing on the 'shell' (貝) at the bottom. It represents the money involved.

Pitch Accent

Say it flat. Do not stress the 'ku'. If you stress it, it might sound like you're saying 'gakki' (musical instrument).

Context Clues

In a school office, if you hear 'shimekiru' (deadline) and 'nofu' (pay), they are almost certainly talking about gakuhi.

Compound Words

Learn '学費免除' (gakuhi menjo) as a single block. It's a very common phrase on university websites.

Tax Deductions

In some cases, paying gakuhi for a dependent can lead to tax deductions in Japan. Keep all your 'ryushusho' (receipts).

JLPT Prep

This word often appears in the reading section of JLPT N3/N2. Make sure you can read it in the context of a student's budget.

Politeness

When a parent pays your gakuhi, the appropriate phrase is 'Gakuhi wo dashite moratte arigatou' (Thank you for providing the tuition).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Gaku (School) + Hi (He/She pays). 'School is where HE or SHE pays the fee.'

Visual Association

Imagine a student (Gaku-sei) holding a bill (Hi-yo) in front of a school gate.

Word Web

School Money Tuition Scholarship Bank Parents Degree Future

Challenge

Try to write a sentence using 'Gakuhi' and 'Arubaito' to describe your own student life or a character's life.

Word Origin

Composed of the Middle Chinese-derived kanji '学' (learning) and '費' (expenditure).

Original meaning: The specific expenditure required for the pursuit of learning within an institutional framework.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing 'gakuhi' with Japanese friends, as it can be a source of significant family stress or pride.

In the US/UK, 'tuition' is the most common term, whereas 'gakuhi' is more like 'total cost of attendance'.

The 'Gakuhi' struggle is a central theme in the movie 'Nobody Knows' (Dare mo Shiranai). Discussed frequently in the manga 'Silver Spoon' regarding agricultural school costs. A key plot point in 'Dragon Zakura' where students aim for Tokyo University partly because its 'gakuhi' is low.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Enrollment

入学金と学費
振込用紙
納入期限
合格通知

Part-time Job

学費のために
シフトを増やす
稼ぐ
貯金

Financial Aid Office

奨学金の申請
学費免除
所得制限
貸与型

Family Discussion

家計の負担
私立か国立か
仕送り
節約

News Report

学費無償化
少子化対策
教育格差
値上げ

Conversation Starters

"日本の大学の学費についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about university expenses in Japan?)"

"学費を払うためにアルバイトをしたことがありますか？ (Have you ever worked a part-time job to pay for school?)"

"あなたの国では、学費は高いですか？ (Are school expenses high in your country?)"

"学費が無料になったら、何を学びたいですか？ (If school expenses became free, what would you want to learn?)"

"奨学金で学費をまかなうのは大変だと思いますか？ (Do you think it's hard to cover school expenses with a scholarship?)"

Journal Prompts

もし学費が全額免除されたら、あなたの生活はどう変わりますか？ (If your school expenses were fully waived, how would your life change?)

学費を払ってくれた親や支援者に、どのような感謝を伝えたいですか？ (What kind of gratitude do you want to express to your parents or supporters who paid your school expenses?)

高い学費を払ってでも大学に行く価値はあると思いますか？ (Do you think it's worth going to university even if you have to pay high school expenses?)

自分の子供の学費のために、今から準備していることはありますか？ (Is there anything you are preparing now for your future children's school expenses?)

学費と教育の質について、あなたの考えを書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the relationship between school expenses and the quality of education.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

学費 (Gakuhi) is the total amount, including tuition, facility fees, and enrollment fees. 授業料 (Jugyoryo) specifically refers to the tuition fee for the classes themselves. If you are looking at a total bill, use 'gakuhi'.

In Japan, university 'gakuhi' is typically paid in two installments (semesters). However, some vocational schools or language schools allow monthly payments, which might be called 'bunkatsu-barai' (split payment).

Usually, you need to have excellent grades (成績優秀) or demonstrate financial need (経済的困難). You must apply through the school's student affairs office (gakumu-ka).

National universities (kokuritsu) have a standardized annual fee of around 535,000 yen. Private universities (shiritsu) vary widely but often average 1 million to 1.5 million yen per year.

Yes, many universities offer a 30% to 100% reduction for international students. This is called 'ryugakusei gakuhi genmen'. You should check the requirements before applying.

If you fail to pay (mino), the school will send warnings. Eventually, you may be suspended (teigaku) or expelled (joseki/taigaku). It also prevents you from receiving your degree or transcripts.

Usually, no. 'Gakuhi' covers tuition and facilities. Textbooks (kyokasho) and materials (kyozai) are typically an additional out-of-pocket expense for students.

'Shiharai' (支払い) is a general term for paying. 'Nofu' (納付) is more formal and used for official payments to the government or institutions like schools.

A loan (kyoiku ron) is from a bank and usually has higher interest. A scholarship (shogakukin) in Japan is often a low-interest or interest-free loan from an organization like JASSO, or sometimes a grant (kyufu-gata) that doesn't need to be repaid.

You should contact the university's accounting or student affairs department immediately to have it reissued (saifuku). They may also provide the bank details for a direct transfer.