How to Apply to a Japanese Language School: 2026 Guide

Studying at a Japanese language school (日本語学校 - Nihongo Gakko) is the most popular entry point for foreigners looking to live, work, or pursue higher education in Japan. While the process is highly rewarding, applying requires navigation of strict immigration regulations and school timelines. Since school applications are linked to your Student Visa, the entire process takes between 5 to 6 months from initial application to arriving in Japan. This guide walks you through every stage of the process.

Application Timeline & Intake Semesters

Japanese language schools typically have four intake terms per year. Because of immigration deadlines, you must apply to the school months in advance:

Intake Month	Typical Study Duration	Application Deadline to School	COE Result Released
April (Main Intake)	1 to 2 Years	October of previous year	Late February
July	1 Year 9 Months	February of same year	Late May
October (Popular)	1 Year 6 Months	April to May of same year	Late August
January	1 Year 3 Months	September of previous year	Late November

Step 1: Choose Your School

Not all language schools are the same. When choosing a school, consider the following factors:

Your Goal: Are you studying to pass the JLPT N2/N1 for employment, prepare for university exams (EJU), or just learn conversational Japanese? Choose a school with an academic track or business track matching your needs.
Location: Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka have the most schools and part-time job opportunities, but cities like Fukuoka, Kyoto, or Sapporo offer lower rent and cost of living. You can compare average student budgets using our Budget Calculator.
Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education and authorized to sponsor Student Visas.

Step 2: Submit Application to the School

Once you select a school, you must submit an application form along with initial documents. The school acts as your sponsor to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. You will need to provide:

Application Form: Filled out in detail, detailing your educational history (minimum of 12 years of formal education is typically required).
Graduation Certificate: Copy of your high school diploma or university degree transcript.
Proof of Japanese Study: Many schools (and immigration) require proof of at least 150 hours of formal Japanese study or a basic certificate (like JLPT N5, NAT-TEST, or J-TEST) to prove intent.

Step 3: Documenting Financial Sponsorship

Immigration wants absolute proof that you can support yourself in Japan without relying entirely on part-time work. You must provide:

Bank Balance Certificate: Usually from your financial sponsor (often a parent or yourself). The balance must show at least ¥2,000,000 (roughly $13,000 - $15,000 USD depending on exchange rates) to cover tuition and living costs.
Proof of Income: Tax return slips and employment certificates proving your sponsor earns a steady annual income.
Letter of Financial Support: A signed document explaining the relationship and stating they will pay your tuition and monthly expenses.

Step 4: COE (Certificate of Eligibility) Processing

Once the school approves your documents, they submit them to the regional Japanese Immigration Bureau on your behalf to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This process takes 2 to 3 months. Once approved, immigration sends the physical COE card to the school. For a detailed guide on what this document represents, read our COE Explained Guide.

Step 5: Tuition Payment & COE Delivery

When the COE is approved, the school will send you an invoice for the first 6 or 12 months of tuition (typically ranging from ¥400,000 to ¥800,000). Once you pay the tuition invoice via bank transfer or an international payment service, the school will mail the physical COE to your home address by express post (EMS/DHL).

Step 6: Get Your Student Visa at the Embassy

Take your passport, physical COE, passport photos, and visa application form to your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. They will process your visa and stick the Student Visa inside your passport (usually takes 3 to 7 business days). Now, you are officially ready to buy your ticket and fly to Japan!