📌 How to Get a Student Visa for Japan?
Planning to study in Japan? Here’s a step-by-step guide to securing your student visa and starting your academic journey in Japan.
Types of Higher Education in Japan
Japan offers various higher education options for international students:
✅ Colleges of Technology – Focused on practical and technical skills.
✅ Professional Training Colleges – Specialized vocational courses.
✅ Junior Colleges – Two-year associate degree programs.
✅ Universities – Four-year undergraduate programs.
✅ Graduate Schools – Master’s and Doctorate programs.
🔹 Do I Need Japanese Language Proficiency?
Yes! Most university programs require strong Japanese language skills. Therefore, Nepali students typically start with a Japanese language school before applying for higher education programs.
Role of Japanese Language Institutes
Japanese language institutes act as gateways to universities. They provide:
✔ Japanese language training for daily communication.
✔ Preparation for JLPT & university entrance exams.
✔ Guidance for transitioning to higher education programs in Japan.
About the Student Visa for a Japanese Language Course
A student visa is granted based on the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).
📌 How Does the Process Work?
1️⃣ Your language school in Japan applies for the CoE on your behalf.
2️⃣ The Immigration Bureau of Japan reviews the application.
3️⃣ If approved, you receive the CoE.
4️⃣ You submit the CoE & other documents to the Embassy of Japan (VFS Global in Nepal) for final visa approval.
📅 Visa Duration
Depending on your school’s location and policies, your student visa may be:
📌 15 months or 24 months (for most schools)
📌 6 months (if the institute is newly established)
🔹 Visa Renewal: Your language school will assist you in extending your visa when necessary.
Working While Studying in Japan
According to Japanese immigration laws, international students can apply for a Certificate of Authorized Employment, allowing them to work:
✔ Up to 28 hours per week during academic terms.
✔ Up to 40 hours per week during vacations.
🚫 Prohibited Work: Entertainment, amusement, and adult-related businesses.
Health Insurance & Medical Requirements
✅ National Health Insurance (NHI) is mandatory for all international students.
✅ Students cover 30% of medical expenses, while the government covers 70%.
✅ Annual medical check-ups may be required.
Student Visa Application Requirements
When applying for a Japanese language school or university, you’ll need to submit:
✅ Completed application form
✅ Proof of application fee payment (if applicable)
✅ High school diploma (for Bachelor’s programs)
✅ Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s programs)
✅ Academic transcripts
✅ Passport-sized photos
✅ Copy of valid passport or personal ID
✅ Motivation letter
✅ Letter(s) of recommendation
✅ Personal statement
Enrollment Intakes & Course Duration
📌 April Intake – 2 Years (24 months)
📌 July Intake – 1 Year 9 Months (21 months)
📌 October Intake – 1 Year 6 Months (18 months)
📌 January Intake – 1 Year 3 Months (15 months)
🔹 Important Notes:
✔ April & October intakes are the most common and widely accepted.
✔ Most language schools offer 4-hour classes per day.
Application Deadlines
🗓 For April Enrollment → Apply by November (previous year)
🗓 For July Enrollment → Apply by February
🗓 For October Enrollment → Apply by May
🗓 For January Enrollment → Apply by August
🚨 Note: Application deadlines may close earlier if the school fills up its seats.
How to Submit Your Application?
✔ Send your application via postal mail to your chosen school’s address.
📌 What Happens After Submission?
1️⃣ Document Verification – Your submitted documents will be reviewed.
2️⃣ Entrance Exam & Interview – Some schools require an exam or interview.
3️⃣ Visa Processing – Once accepted, the visa process begins.
🚀 Let Us Help You Get Started!
Navigating the student visa process for Japan can be challenging, but we’re here to help! From admission to visa processing, we provide step-by-step guidance to ensure a smooth journey to Japan.
📩 Contact us today for expert assistance in studying in Japan! 🌏✈️
