Country guide
Quick answer
Japan suits students willing to learn Japanese and adapt to a new culture. Most start at a language school, need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and can work part-time with permission.
Key takeaways
- Language school intakes: April, July, October and January
- A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued before the visa
- Japanese language ability (e.g. JLPT/NAT-TEST) is important
- Part-time work is allowed with permission, within limits
Studying in Japan: an overview
Studying in Japan usually begins with one to two years at a Japanese language school, followed by a vocational school (senmon gakko) or university. Some universities also offer English-taught degrees.
Who it suits
Disciplined students who are excited to learn Japanese and interested in technology, hospitality, business or engineering.
Quick facts
- Intakes
- April, July, October, January (language schools)
- Work while studying
- Up to 28 hours a week with permission from immigration, and up to 8 hours a day during long school holidays. Check the latest rules with us.
- Post-study work
- Job-seeking and work visas available for eligible graduates
- English requirement
- Japanese language (JLPT/NAT-TEST) for most programs
- Average tuition
- Varies by school. Language schools usually cost less per year than universities. Ask us for a costing based on your chosen school.
- Living cost
- Depends on the city and your lifestyle. Tokyo costs more than regional cities. We'll help you plan a realistic budget.
- Currency
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
Why study in Japan?
Safe and organised
Japan is known for safety, punctuality and excellent public transport.
Technology and innovation
Study in one of the world's leading technology economies.
Language advantage
Japanese language skills open up unique career opportunities.
- Intakes
- 4 per year
- Language
- Japanese
Ready to plan your Japan journey?
Popular courses
| Field | Levels | Career outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Language | Language school | Pathway to further study |
| IT & Engineering | Vocational, Bachelor's | Engineer, IT professional |
| Hospitality & Business | Vocational, Bachelor's | Hotel staff, business roles |
Cost of studying in Japan
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Tuition: undergraduate (per year) | Varies by university and course. Ask us for a costing based on your shortlist. |
| Tuition: postgraduate (per year) | Depends on the course and university. We'll calculate this for your profile. |
| Living costs (per year) | Depends on the city and your lifestyle. We'll help you plan a realistic budget. |
| Student visa application fee | Set by the government and reviewed regularly. We'll confirm the current fee when you apply. |
| Health insurance | Students join Japan's National Health Insurance after arrival. |
Figures are indicative and change with fees, exchange rates and policy. Your counsellor will confirm current costs for your course.
Eligibility by background
| Your background | Options | Academic minimum | English score |
|---|---|---|---|
| After +2 | Language school, then vocational college or university | Completed +2, with 12 years of schooling in total | Basic Japanese, usually around 150 hours of study or JLPT N5, for language schools |
| After bachelor's | Language school, master's or research student | A recognised bachelor's degree | Japanese for most programs. Some master's programs are taught in English (usually IELTS 6.0 to 6.5). |
Requirements
Academic
- Completed +2 or higher with academic documents
English
- Basic Japanese study hours or test certificate for language schools
Financial
- Proof that you can pay tuition and living costs for the period required by the visa
- Funds or loans from acceptable sources, with a clear paper trail
- Sponsor's legitimate income sources documented (tax clearance, salary, business registration)
- Sponsor documents as required by the school and immigration
Documents checklist
- Valid passport
- SEE, +2 and (if applicable) bachelor's transcripts, certificates and character certificates
- English test score report (IELTS, PTE or as accepted)
- Offer letter from your institution
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Bank balance certificate and education loan letter (if any)
- Sponsor's income documents (salary, business, rent, agriculture) with tax records
- Relationship verification certificate (if sponsored by family)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Work experience letters and gap explanation (if applicable)
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Japanese language study certificate
Application & visa process
- 1
Free counselling
Understand the language school pathway and choose a school.
- 2
Japanese language preparation
Begin learning Japanese and take a recognised test if required.
- 3
Apply to school
Submit documents; the school applies for your COE.
- 4
Receive COE & apply for visa
Apply for the student visa with your COE.
- 5
Pre-departure
Prepare for life and work rules in Japan.
Scholarships in Japan
Some Japanese language schools and universities offer tuition reductions for students with good attendance and grades, and the Japanese government runs scholarships for some programs. We help you find the options that fit your plan and prepare your application.
FAQs about studying in Japan
Most language schools require a basic level of Japanese study before you apply. We'll guide you on the requirement for your chosen school.