How to Apply for a Student Visa to Study Japanese in Japan: A Complete Guide for Nihongo Learners

JLRC – Content Team
2026/02/10

studying in japan

Studying Japanese in Japan is more than just language learning. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, build an international career, and open doors to future academic or professional paths.

If you are planning to study or continue studying Nihongo in Japan, one of the most important steps is obtaining a Japanese Student Visa.

This guide explains the process clearly and step by step, from eligibility and document preparation to visa approval based on real application cases and current immigration trends.

Whether you are a beginner or already learning Japanese, this article will help you understand how to apply, what to prepare, and how JLRC can support you from start to finish.

Table of Contents

Japanese Language Class Outline
  1. Why Study Nihongo in Japan?
  2. What Is a Japanese Student Visa?
  3. General Qualifications for Student Visa Applicants
  4. Required Documents for Application
  5. Step-by-Step Student Visa Application Process
  6. Why Apply Through JLRC’s Study in Japan Program?
  7. Estimated Cost of Studying in Japan
  8. Admission Periods for Japanese Language Schools
  9. Real Stories from JLRC Learners in Japan
  10. Start Your Study in Japan Journey Today
  11. Final Thoughts

Why Study Nihongo in Japan?

Learning Japanese in your home country is valuable but studying in Japan itself accelerates your progress dramatically.

By studying at a Japanese language school in Japan, you will:

  • Use Japanese daily in real-life situations.
  • Learn natural expressions and pronunciation.
  • Understand Japanese culture, manners, and work ethics .
  • Build a strong foundation for careers, university, or long-term stay in Japan.

Many JLRC learners start their journey in the Philippines or overseas and successfully continue their studies in Japan through our Study in Japan Program.

What Is a Japanese Student Visa?

A Student Visa allows foreign nationals to legally study at a Japanese language school for a long-term period (usually 6 months to 2 years).

To obtain this visa, applicants must first receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by Japan Immigration.
This COE confirms that the applicant meets all requirements to study in Japan.

General Qualifications for Student Visa Applicants

To be eligible for a Japanese student visa, applicants generally must:

  • Be at least a Senior High School graduate (12 years of education or more).
  • Be 18 years old or above (ideally under 30).
  • Have financial capability or a qualified sponsor.
  • Have proof of Japanese language study.
    • JLPT N5 certificate, or
    • Certificate of 150 hours of Japanese language study

If you do not yet have the required Japanese study certificate, JLRC provides an online JLPT N5 / basic Japanese course to fulfill this requirement.

Required Documents for Application

To apply for a Japanese student visa, applicants must submit a set of personal, educational, and financial documents for evaluation by the Japanese language school and Japan Immigration.

The specific documents required may vary depending on the applicant’s background, educational history, age, and sponsorship arrangement.

General Categories of Required Documents

For the Applicant, documents commonly include:

  • Proof of identity and personal information.
  • Educational background and academic records.
  • Evidence of Japanese language study.
  • Valid travel documentation.

For the Sponsor (if applicable), documents generally relate to:

  • Proof of relationship to the applicant.
  • Financial capacity to support the applicant’s stay in Japan.
  • Employment or income verification.

In some cases, additional documents or written explanation letters may be requested to clarify specific circumstances.

📌 Because requirements and evaluation standards can change, accuracy, consistency, and proper explanation of documents are essential.

Applications often require revisions or supplementary submissions to meet school and immigration standards.

Under JLRC’s Study in Japan Program, applicants receive structured guidance to ensure documents are properly prepared, reviewed, and submitted in accordance with current requirements.

Step-by-Step Student Visa Application Process

student visa application process

Step 1: JLRC Assessment

Applicants complete the JLRC Assessment Form, which serves as the initial screening.

Step 2: Program Agreement

Qualified applicants receive a full explanation of the program terms through an online meeting with a JLRC Program Specialist.

Step 3: Interview with Partner Japanese Language School

JLRC arranges a special online interview involving:

  • The applicant.
  • JLRC Program Specialist.
  • Partner school representative in Japan.

This allows direct clarification and increases application credibility.

Step 4: Document Preparation

Applicants prepare documents with close guidance from JLRC specialists. Revisions and additional explanation documents are common and handled carefully.

Step 5: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application

Documents are submitted to Japan Immigration.
Processing usually takes 2–3 months.

Step 6: School Fees Payment

Once the COE is approved, school fees are paid directly to the Japanese language school..

Step 7: Student Visa Application

Applicants apply for a student visa at the Embassy of Japan in their country, then book flights and depart for Japan.

Why Apply Through JLRC’s Study in Japan Program?

1. Strong Partnership with Japanese Language Schools

JLRC works only with carefully selected and trusted partner schools in Japan.
Applicants are prioritized, and special interviews can be arranged.

2. Up-to-Date Visa Expertise

JLRC specialists continuously exchange information with Japanese schools and stay updated on current visa approval trends.

3. All-in-One Support

JLRC provides:

  • Professional consultation.
  • Japanese language courses (JLPT N5).
  • Document translation into Japanese.
  • Direct communication with Japanese schools.

You don’t need to look for additional service providers.

4. Support Even After Arrival

If issues arise while studying in Japan, JLRC can communicate with partner schools on your behalf.

Estimated Cost of Studying in Japan

The estimated first-year cost ranges from:

¥650,000 to ¥950,000, depending on the school (includes tuition and basic expenses)

JLRC will explain costs clearly before application.

Admission Periods for Japanese Language Schools

Admissions are available four times a year:

  • April
  • July
  • October
  • January

Because document preparation and immigration processing take, early registration is strongly recommended.

Real Stories from JLRC Learners in Japan

JLRC learners are now studying across Japan from Kansai (Osaka / Kyoto) to Tokyo to Yamanashi, achieving their dreams through proper guidance and preparation.

Many started with little or no Japanese background and successfully passed visa screening and school admission.

Their stories prove that with the right support, studying in Japan is achievable.

Start Your Study in Japan Journey Today

JLRC’s Study in Japan Program is designed to guide you from assessment to arrival in Japan - professionally, transparently, and responsibly.

Receive Program Details
By requesting details, you will receive:

  • Requirements
  • School locations
  • Estimated costs
  • Admission schedules
  • Registration procedures

Slots are limited to maintain service quality. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Final Thoughts

Studying Japanese in Japan is more than learning a language. It is a step toward reshaping your future.

Many aspiring learners hesitate due to concerns about visas, documents, finances, or their current Japanese level. Yet every year, countless international students succeed in studying in Japan not because they are exceptional, but because they are well prepared and properly guided.

Success in a student visa application depends on clarity, accuracy, and support. JLRC’s Study in Japan Program exists to provide exactly that. Through strong partnerships with trusted Japanese language schools and up-to-date knowledge of immigration requirements, JLRC helps applicants move forward with confidence, not confusion.

Many JLRC learners once stood where you are now. Today, they are living and studying in Japan, using Japanese daily, and building futures they once only imagined.

Your background does not define your limits. What matters is taking the right first step.

If studying Nihongo in Japan is part of your vision, JLRC is ready to guide you from assessment to arrival, and beyond.

Your journey to Japan begins with an informed decisionand that decision can start today.

👉 Learn more about JLRC’s Study in Japan Program:
https://atjlrc.com/study-japan/

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For inquiries, you may call us at (63)2-7358-0565 or (63)917-163-3371

Japanese Language Research Center

Unit 506 Cityland Shaw Tower, Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong, 1552 Metro Manila, Philippines

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