FAQ
Answers on cost, language requirements, applications, study paths and safety.
Costs
How much does a year of study in Japan cost?
Tuition plus living costs vary widely by the type of school and the region. For a language school, tuition is roughly 700,000-900,000 JPY per year as a guide. Living costs run about 100,000-150,000 JPY a month in the Tokyo area, and tend to be lower in regional cities. These are guide figures only — check each school's admissions material for current amounts. Tell us your budget and we will suggest schools within a realistic range.
How much is language school tuition?
Around 700,000-900,000 JPY per year is the usual guide. Enrolment fees, materials and facility charges are often billed separately. Amounts differ by school, region and course length, so we give you exact figures once your shortlist is set.
How much do I need for living expenses?
Including rent, food, transport and phone, budget around 100,000-150,000 JPY a month in the Tokyo area. Regional cities have lower rents, so 80,000-120,000 JPY is often enough. Access to student housing changes this considerably.
Are scholarships available?
Several routes exist: Japanese government (MEXT) scholarships, JASSO study incentive grants, local government and private foundation scholarships, and tuition reductions offered by individual schools. Eligibility, timing and amounts differ by programme, so we point you to the ones you qualify for.
Can I work part-time while studying?
After entering Japan on a Student residence status, you may work up to 28 hours per week once you obtain Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted (up to 8 hours a day during long school holidays). Working without that permission is not allowed, so apply for it first.
Can you match schools to my budget?
We match candidate schools to your budget and major, and keep the plan realistic.
Japanese language requirements
Can I study in Japan without speaking Japanese?
You can start at a language school. We map a route that fits your current level and your goals.
What JLPT level do I need for university?
Most universities ask for N2 or above for undergraduate entry, and humanities or highly selective programmes may require N1. Some courses taught in English have much lighter Japanese requirements. Requirements differ by institution, so we confirm them school by school.
What is the difference between JLPT and EJU?
The JLPT certifies Japanese proficiency and is held twice a year, in July and December. The EJU is the examination Japanese universities use for admissions; alongside Japanese it covers science, mathematics and general subjects, and is held twice a year, in June and November. University applications usually require EJU scores.
How long do I need to attend a language school?
It depends on your level on arrival and your goal. Starting from beginner and aiming for university entry, one and a half to two years is a reasonable guide. With some Japanese already, you can begin on a shorter course.
Are there universities I can enter with English alone?
Yes. A number of universities run degree programmes taught entirely in English. Japanese requirements are light, but proof of English ability such as TOEFL or IELTS is normally needed. We can include these schools in your shortlist on request.
Applications and procedures
When should I start preparing my application?
Language schools open applications around six months before each intake (January, April, July and October). Factoring in residence status screening, starting 8-12 months before your target intake leaves comfortable margin.
What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
It is the certificate issued before entry by the Immigration Services Agency for medium to long-term stays in Japan. Your receiving school normally applies on your behalf, and issuance takes about two to three months. Once issued, you apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
What documents do I need to apply?
Typically your passport, graduation and academic transcripts from your most recent school, proof of Japanese study, and your financial sponsor's employment certificate and bank balance statement. Some schools and programme types ask for more. We give you a tailored checklist once your shortlist is confirmed.
Can my visa be denied?
It can happen — usually because documents are incomplete, financial capacity is insufficiently evidenced, or the stated study purpose is inconsistent. Checking that your documents agree with one another beforehand reduces the risk. Your advisor reviews them from the preparation stage.
Do you help prepare application documents?
Yes. From the checklist to drafting, your advisor works through it with you.
Study paths
Can I go to Japan right after high school?
Yes. We map a route through language school, vocational college or university based on your record and goals.
Can humanities students apply to graduate school in Japan?
Plenty of humanities students do. We recommend schools based on your research plan and field.
Should I choose a vocational college or a university?
A vocational college builds practical skills in one field over roughly two years and leads more directly into employment. A university covers more ground across four years and keeps graduate study and research careers open. We suggest working backwards from the job you want and how readily it leads to a post-graduation residence status.
Can I study abroad if I am already working?
Yes. Most schools set no age limit, and some programmes value work experience. If several years have passed since you graduated, you may be asked to explain your reasons for studying now.
Do I need a research proposal for graduate school?
Almost always. It sets out your research topic, prior work in the field, your method and expected findings, and it is the key document a prospective supervisor uses to judge fit. We help you write it.
Can I transfer into a Japanese university?
Some universities offer transfer admission, recognising credits earned at a university in your home country or at a Japanese vocational college and admitting you partway through the course. How many credits are recognised varies by university and faculty.
Our service and your data
Is the consultation free?
Yes. School matching and your first consultation are free. Just tell us what you are looking for.
How does the AI assessment pick schools?
It compares what you enter — budget, intended major, Japanese level and so on — against the school data we hold, and scores how well each one fits. Results appear immediately, and you pick the ones you like to move to the next step.
How long does it take from first enquiry to enrolment?
Including application preparation and residence status screening, six months to a year is typical. Since most schools have fixed intake dates, the earlier you start, the more options stay open.
Can I consult in Chinese?
Yes, we can advise you in Chinese. Discussing things in your own language means the finer points of procedures and paperwork are clear, with nothing lost in translation.
Is my personal information safe?
Your data is encrypted at rest and handled strictly according to our privacy policy.
Can I change direction partway through?
Yes. Revising your plans as your Japanese improves or your interests shift is common. We talk through where you are and put together a fresh shortlist.
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