Friday, 02/Jan/2026
What is Student
Studying at a Japanese Language Institute/School under Student Visa
Studying at a Japanese Language Institute/School is the most common entry point for foreigners looking to build a long-term life in Japan. Unlike a typical university degree, these programs focus purely on language acquisition and cultural immersion, providing a ‘Student’ visa status that serves as a bridge to higher education or employment.
The ‘Student’ Visa Framework
To study at a language institute/school for more than 3 months, you must obtain a Student Visa. Typically this visa is granted for 6 months to 2 years. The maximum stay allowed at a language school is 2 years.
Intake Periods: The schools may have four main start dates: April (the primary intake), July, October, and January. However, most of the schools receive foreign students in three different semesters - April, July and October.
The COE: The most critical step is obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The school applies for this at the Japanese Immigration Bureau on behalf of the applicants before they apply for the actual visa at their local embassy.
Eligibility and Requirements
Educational Background: Most schools require at least 12 years of formal education (equivalent to a high school diploma in Japan).
Financial Solvency: The applicant (or a financial sponsor) must prove that he/she has sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses - usually up to 2 million JPY in a bank account.
Language Prerequisite: Some schools or immigration offices require proof of basic Japanese study (approximately 160 hours of study or an N5 level certification).
Working While Studying
Job opportunity: One of the unique benefits of the Japanese student visa is the permission to engage in activity. The students can work part-time up to 28 hours per week during school terms and up to 40 hours during long vacations (summer/winter breaks). However, they are strictly prohibited from working in ‘adult entertainment’ businesses (bars, clubs, or gambling parlors).
Attendance: Immigration monitors your attendance closely. Falling below an 80% attendance rate can lead to visa renewal denial or even deportation.
Many foreigners choose this path because it offers a ‘soft landing’ into Japanese society for higher education and job hunting. Schools often provide EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) preparation for those wanting to enter Japanese universities. In addition, for those with a degree from their home country, a year at a school provides the language skills and local networking needed to transition to a Work Visa.
Studying at a Japanese Language Institute/School is the most common entry point for foreigners looking to build a long-term life in Japan. Unlike a typical university degree, these programs focus purely on language acquisition and cultural immersion, providing a ‘Student’ visa status that serves as a bridge to higher education or employment.
The ‘Student’ Visa Framework
To study at a language institute/school for more than 3 months, you must obtain a Student Visa. Typically this visa is granted for 6 months to 2 years. The maximum stay allowed at a language school is 2 years.
Intake Periods: The schools may have four main start dates: April (the primary intake), July, October, and January. However, most of the schools receive foreign students in three different semesters - April, July and October.
The COE: The most critical step is obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The school applies for this at the Japanese Immigration Bureau on behalf of the applicants before they apply for the actual visa at their local embassy.
Eligibility and Requirements
Educational Background: Most schools require at least 12 years of formal education (equivalent to a high school diploma in Japan).
Financial Solvency: The applicant (or a financial sponsor) must prove that he/she has sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses - usually up to 2 million JPY in a bank account.
Language Prerequisite: Some schools or immigration offices require proof of basic Japanese study (approximately 160 hours of study or an N5 level certification).
Working While Studying
Job opportunity: One of the unique benefits of the Japanese student visa is the permission to engage in activity. The students can work part-time up to 28 hours per week during school terms and up to 40 hours during long vacations (summer/winter breaks). However, they are strictly prohibited from working in ‘adult entertainment’ businesses (bars, clubs, or gambling parlors).
Attendance: Immigration monitors your attendance closely. Falling below an 80% attendance rate can lead to visa renewal denial or even deportation.
Many foreigners choose this path because it offers a ‘soft landing’ into Japanese society for higher education and job hunting. Schools often provide EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) preparation for those wanting to enter Japanese universities. In addition, for those with a degree from their home country, a year at a school provides the language skills and local networking needed to transition to a Work Visa.
