Japan Student Visa

All international students aiming to study in Japan for more than 6 months must obtain a student visa. The length of student visa depends on the course you enrol in.

Visa for Japanese language studies

A maximum 2-year student visa is applicable for language studies in Japan. The length of the visa depends on the month in which the course starts.

For example, if you enrol in April, you can apply for a full 2-year visa. However, if you enrol in July, the visa period will be reduced to 1 year and 9 months.

The later you enrol, the shorter your student visa will be. Therefore, it would be beneficial for students to enrol in April.

Visa for University studies

University applicants can apply for a student visa for the entire duration of their enrolled course in Japan.

4-year undergraduate course: a student visa will be granted for four years.

2-year postgraduate course: A two-year student visa will be granted.

Requirements for a Japan student visa application

Student visa application form
Most recent bank statements for the last 3 months
Financial certificates from your financial sponsor, such as tax returns or an employment certificate

The above documents are required to demonstrate that your sponsor can support you financially throughout your studies in Japan.

Note that the Immigration Office may ask you to provide additional documents.

Application process

The process of applying for a student visa begins once you have been accepted by a Japanese language school or university.

The process will take approximately 6 months.

Step 1: Submit your application to the course provider by the closing date. (Note that closing dates vary by course provider.)

Step 2: The course provider will submit your application to the Immigration Office for assessment.

Step 3: If your application is successful, the Immigration Office will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and send it to your course provider.

Step 4: The course provider will forward the COE to you in your home country.

Step 5: You will then take the COE to the Embassy of Japan in your home country to apply for a student visa.

A peace of mind with Pathway Japan

The student visa application process in Japan is complex and requires great attention to detail. Any mistakes on the student visa application form can have disastrous consequences. Even more so if required documents are insufficient.

You should avoid any situation that could result in your application being rejected.

With Pathway Japan, you can rest assured. We will guide you through the process, ensuring that your documents are in order and submitted on time.

more advice on student visa

Other types of visa

Visitor Visa

Nationals from the 74 listed countries can enter Japan and obtain a visitor visa upon arrival. Visitors from 70 of these countries will be granted a 90-day stay. Those from non-listed countries must apply for a visa prior to arrival.

This visa type is suitable for those enrolling on a short-term course. Japanese language schools offer courses ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months.

Working Holiday Visa

A Working Holiday Visa is applicable by nationals from 30 countries aged between 18 and 30. It is valid for one year and must be obtained before arriving in Japan.