How to get a Japanese student visa

1. Student Visa (Ryugaku visa)  

This is the most common type of student visa for foreign nationals planning to study in Japan. If you are enrolled in a full-time programme with a duration that is longer than 90 days at a language school, vocational school, or university, you will be required to apply for this visa. 

You will be required to provide a certificate of eligibility (CoE) from your school, show proof of financial capability and have a valid passport. This visa would typically be granted for a period of four years and three months or less based on the duration of the course you're enrolled for. 

2. Short-Term stay (Single entry visa) 

This visa is for applicants who’s only planning to reside in Japan for 90 days or less for courses such as short-term language programmes or exchange programmes. This visa doesn’t allow any type of employment during your stay and is not extendable after expiry. Some nationalities are exempt from needing a visa to enter Japan. If you’re from one of these countries, you may not need a visa for short-term study programmes.  

3. Training visa 

If an applicant is intending to take part in training provided by a local government or public institution or a publicly funded training facility, they will be required to obtain a training visa. While on this visa, you will be granted a period of stay of 1 year, 6 months or 3 months depending on the duration of the respective training programme. 

4. Research visa 

A Research visa in Japan is typically granted to individuals who have secured a position with a university, research institution, or company to carry out academic or scientific research.  

While it’s not a student visa, graduates (including international students) may switch to this visa if they move into research roles after completing their studies.  

It is usually issued for periods of one, three, or five years, depending on the contract. Holders can engage in paid research activities related to their field but are not permitted to take on unrelated part-time work without special permission.  

5. Dependent Visa (for family members of residents) 

Being on a Dependent Visa can also allow you to study in Japan, including enrolling in language schools, vocational schools, or even universities. In some cases, institutions may ask students to switch to a student visa if they plan to study full-time or access certain student benefits. 

This visa is typically issued to the spouse or children of someone already living in Japan. While dependents are mainly expected to live and be supported by the main visa holder, they can apply for permission to work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) from immigration. 

Language tests 

Many Japanese universities now offer degree programmes taught entirely in English, so if you’re applying to one of these, you usually won’t be required to show proof of Japanese language proficiency. Instead, you may need to demonstrate your English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, depending on the university. 

However, if your programme is taught in Japanese (or a mix of Japanese and English), you’ll likely need to provide proof of your Japanese language ability.  

This is typically done through recognised tests such as the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students), based on the requirements of the institution. 

It’s also worth noting that language requirements can vary significantly between universities and programmes. Always check the specific requirements of your chosen institution, as well as any guidance from official immigration sources, before applying. 

Minimum fund 

To apply for a Japan student visa, you will be required to demonstrate that you can cover tuition fees plus living expenses for at least one year. As a rough guideline students are often advised to show access to around ¥1.5 million to ¥2 million per year (approximately USD $10,000–13,000) to cover living costs, on top of tuition fees which vary by institution. 

This proof can come from personal savings, a sponsor (such as a parent), or scholarships, and must be supported with clear financial documents like bank statements and income proof.  

Since requirements can vary depending on the university/school you're applying to and visa regulations, it’s always best to confirm the latest financial criteria directly with your chosen institution or the official Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying. 

Medical tests 

There isn’t a universally fixed list of mandatory medical tests required when applying for a Japan student visa. In most cases, you won’t need to submit a full medical report during the visa application process, unless your school or university specifically requires a health certificate as part of their admission, or if additional checks are requested based on your home country.  

This usually involves a basic medical examination confirming you’re in good health, and in some cases, screening for conditions like tuberculosis (TB), particularly if you’re from a region where testing is recommended. Some institutions may also request vaccination records as part of their requirements. 

Entrance exams 

Entrance exam requirements for a Japan student visa aren’t set by immigration itself, but rather by the school or university you’re applying to. For Japanese-taught degree programmes, many universities require students to sit for the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU), which tests subjects like Japanese language, science, and mathematics.  

In addition to this, proof of Japanese language proficiency such as JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) scores (usually N2 or N1) is often expected. 

For English-taught programmes, the process is usually more straightforward. Instead of EJU or Japanese language tests, universities may ask for standardised English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, along with their own internal assessments, which could include written tests or online/offline interviews. 

Some institutions also conduct their own entrance exams or interviews, either in person or remotely, to assess your academic readiness and overall fit for the programme. Since requirements differ across universities, it’s always best to check directly with your chosen institution for the most accurate and up-to-date details. 

1. Completed and signed visa application form 
2. Certificate of Eligibility (COE) 
3. Valid passport 
4. Passport-sized photographs 
5. Letter of admission 
6. Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letter (if funded by a parent/guardian), proof of income or employment of sponsor) 
7. Proof of language proficiency 
8. Statement of purpose (if required) 
9. Medical/ health certificates (if required) 

1. Start by securing admission to a recognised institution. 
2. The university will then submit documents to immigration in Japan on your behalf to get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This is a key step and usually takes a few weeks. 
3. Once approved, your school will send you the COE. 
4. Prepare your visa application documents (your passport, visa application form, photos, COE, financial proof, and admission letter.) 
5. Submit your visa application through the Japanese embassy/consulate in your country or through an authorised visa application centre (depending on what’s available in your country). 
6. Visa processing typically takes about five-seven working days, as long as all documents are complete. It can take longer if additional checks are needed. 
7. You’ll be notified by the embassy or visa centre once a decision is made. 
8. If approved, your student visa will be stamped in your passport. 
9. At immigration in Japan, you’ll present your visa and COE and receive your residence card. 

Can:

• Study full-time at your approved school or university 
• Work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) with a work permit 
• Work full-time during long school holidays (with permission) 
• Open a bank account and get a SIM card 
• Travel within Japan and re-enter (with proper re-entry permission) 
• Switch schools or extend your visa (with approval) 

Cannot:

• Work more than the allowed hours (this can lead to visa cancellation) 
• Take up full-time employment as your main activity 
• Skip classes or not attend school regularly (can affect your visa status) 
• Engage in prohibited jobs (e.g. adult entertainment industry) 
• Stay in Japan after your visa expires without renewing or changing status