Language School in Japan: How It Works and How to Get In

What a language school is and how it differs from a university

日本語学校 (nihongo gakkō) is a Japanese language school for international students. It does not grant a degree like a university: its purpose is to bring the language up to a level at which one can continue studying. The Study in Japan portal, run by the Japanese government, notes that such schools offer preparatory courses for entering higher education institutions.

Not to be confused with a Japanese school for Japanese children

A regular Japanese school — 学校 — educates children in the 6–3–3 system and has nothing to do with a language school. How it works is covered separately on the page about Japanese schools. Here we are talking only about a school for international students who come to Japan on a student visa.

Application periods, documents, and the student visa

Study in Japan reports that language school enrollment takes place in April and October, and some schools open groups in January or July as well. The academic year at Japanese universities runs from April to March.

What is required for admission

The official portal states that the list of documents and requirements is different for each school. In general, they ask for an application form, a school graduation certificate, a transcript of grades, and proof that the student has enough money for their stay. Check the exact list and tuition fees on the website of the school you choose: there is no single price.

How the student visa 留学 is obtained

• The school or the student themselves submits an application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the regional immigration office in Japan. Usually the school takes on this role.
• Once the certificate is issued, the student submits a visa application to the Embassy or Consulate of Japan in their country.
• Financial documents may be attached to the application: the student must show how they will pay for their stay.

What Russian citizens should check

The rules for submitting documents for Russian citizens change, and so does the way consular services operate. Therefore, before choosing a school and buying tickets, check the current conditions with the Embassy of Japan in Russia and with the school itself. Promises like "the visa will definitely be granted" cannot exist at legitimate schools: the decision remains with the Japanese authorities.

What comes next: university, college, and the MEXT scholarship

A language school is only the first step. Study in Japan advises asking, when choosing a school, which educational institutions its graduates enter. Some schools attached to private universities can recommend their students to universities and colleges.

Where you can go after language school

The Japanese government MEXT scholarship

The MEXT government scholarship is a program of the Japanese Ministry of Education. It includes seven categories, including for undergraduate students, researchers, and vocational college students. Applications are accepted through embassy recommendation or through an approved university. Study under the scholarship is free, airfare is paid, and the monthly stipend depends on the program. Most programs include a preparatory Japanese course.

The name and kanji: 留学

留 — значение: to remain, to stop — онъёми: リュウ、ル — кунъёми: と.める、と.まる、とど.める、とど.まる、るうぶる — 10 штрих(ов). 留 — "to remain, to stay." In the word 留学 the character means "to stay and study" in a foreign land.

Readings of 留 and words containing it

The on readings are リュウ and ル: 留学 (ryūgaku) "studying abroad," 留守 (rusu) "absence from home." The kun readings are と(める) "to stop" and とど(まる) "to remain." The word 留学生 (ryūgakusei) refers to the international student themselves, and 留学ビザ means student visa.

FAQ

What is a language school in Japan?

It is a 日本語学校 — a Japanese language school for foreigners that prepares them for admission to a university or vocational college. It does not award an academic degree but provides language skills and helps with the next step: preparing documents and submitting an application.

When does enrollment take place at language schools in Japan?

Study in Japan names April and October as the main periods. Some schools enroll in January or July. The specific dates and application deadlines are different for each school, so check its website.

How is a student visa for studying at a language school arranged?

First, the school usually submits an application for a COE certificate to the immigration service of Japan. Once it is issued, the student submits a visa application to the Embassy or Consulate of Japan in their country. The decision remains with the Japanese authorities.

What do people do after language school?

They enter a university, junior college, or vocational college. Study in Japan advises finding out in advance which institutions the graduates of the chosen school go to — some schools attached to private universities have the right to recommend their students.

Is there free education in Japan for foreigners?

There is the MEXT government scholarship: tuition is free, airfare is paid, and a monthly stipend is provided. Applications are submitted through a recommendation from the Japanese embassy or through a university. For conditions and admission for Russian citizens, check with the Embassy of Japan.

Sources

• Study in Japan (JASSO): about Japanese language schools — enrollment in April and October
• Study in Japan: student visa and Certificate of Eligibility
• Study in Japan: education system — types of institutions and durations
• Study in Japan: Japanese government MEXT scholarship
• Kotobank: 日本語学校