VisaSHOGUN / Study in Japan / Student route
Start with the course and campus, then check the intake, admission rules and full first-year cost. A school name alone cannot tell you whether your plan qualifies.
Quick answer: For a Student status route, look for a qualifying long-term course at an eligible Japanese language institution, then confirm that the particular campus and intake accept your application. The accepting school usually helps submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application in Japan. After the COE is issued, the student applies for a visa through the relevant Japanese embassy or consulate. Admission and a COE application do not guarantee visa issuance.
Study in Japan says a Japanese language institution must be designated by the Minister of Justice for students to qualify for Student status. Check its current standing.
A school may run both long-term Student courses and short programs for visitors or residents. Confirm the precise course at the campus you want.
Admission rules, financial evidence, prior education, Japanese level and deadlines differ. Immigration and the consulate assess the relevant applications.
See Study in Japan’s institution guide and immigration overview for the official framework.
01 / COURSE EXAMPLES
These are unranked editorial examples, not a complete list or a claim that seats are open. Check the current designated status, intake and eligibility directly with each school.
TOKYO · OSAKA · KYOTO AND OTHER CAMPUSES
ISI publishes a long-term Student application route and campus-specific academic and career options. Its 2027 manual notes additional admission conditions for some career campuses, so ask about your exact campus and pathway.
Ask: Which 2027 course and campus accept my background and target intake?
Official Student application process →
TOKYO · NIPPORI
The school describes its General Course as long-term study under Student status, with January, April, July and October entry periods. Preparatory and employment routes have their own conditions.
Ask: Which track fits my education or career goal, and when must documents arrive?
Official General Course →
TOKYO · SHIN-OKUBO
KAI lists a General Japanese route with the possibility of Student status for study periods of six months to two years. Student applicants face additional academic and financial conditions and charges.
Ask: Which term and class level are available, and what is the full Student-applicant quote?
Official visa information →
OSAKA
OBKG publishes University Prep and Business routes with different durations and application periods for April, July and October entry. Ask which route matches your next step after language study.
Ask: Which intake is still accepting applications and which course supports my goal?
Official admission information →
KYOTO
ARC Kyoto identifies its 1–2 year Study Abroad Course as a Student route, with January, April, July and October entries. Its separate intensive course is listed for statuses other than Student.
Ask: Which entry period and level can I join, and what is the current fee and textbook estimate?
Official Study Abroad Course →
FUKUOKA
GenkiJACS publishes a one-year Student course at Fukuoka and a related course at I.C.Nagoya. Its short-course presence in other cities does not mean those campuses offer the same Student route. Level and funding conditions apply.
Ask: Is my level eligible at Fukuoka and what is the next confirmed deadline?
Official one-year course →Information checked in September 2026. Inclusion does not indicate a partnership, endorsement, available place or a guaranteed immigration result.
02 / BEFORE SHORTLISTING
See our school cost guide for published fee examples and a living budget.
03 / APPLICATION ROUTE
Ask the school whether your background, level and preferred start date fit its long-term route. Begin early: Akamonkai asks for Student-route documents 4–5 months before entry and says preparing them can take another 1–3 months.
The school sets its own forms and admission process. Study in Japan lists graduation records, transcripts and proof of ability to pay among common documents.
The accepting school usually acts as proxy for the COE application. Immigration may seek additional evidence; a COE does not by itself guarantee a visa.
After COE issuance, submit the visa application to the Japanese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Follow the school’s instructions for payment, arrival and registration.
For the immigration process and documents, continue with our Student Visa guide.
A short Japanese course can be a useful way to test a city or teaching style, but the same school's short program may be intended for people with an existing permitted status or an appropriate short visit. Check entry and residence requirements separately. Our Tokyo short-course comparison covers weekly options; the Japan-wide school comparison helps compare cities.
No. Check the institution's current eligibility and whether your specific campus and course accept Student-route applicants. A school may have separate short-term classes.
Some schools accept direct applications. ISI explicitly says applicants can apply without an agency. Ask the school for its current process and document list.
Several months ahead. Deadlines differ by school and intake, and preparing records or sponsor documents takes time. Ask for the next available date rather than relying on a generic calendar.
No. The school assesses admission, Immigration Services assesses the COE, and the Japanese embassy or consulate handles the visa application.
Student status alone does not authorize unrestricted work. You must obtain the applicable permission and follow its conditions; ask the school and check current immigration guidance before working.
NEXT STEP
Tell us your preferred city, start month, study length, Japanese level, academic or career goal, current status and budget. Then compare courses that fit those constraints.
Official information reviewed in September 2026. Confirm current school designation, fees, intake and immigration requirements before applying.
