What are the requirements to study in Japan? Check out the following list of Frequently Asked Questions and reach out to us if you have further queries!
Note that these are general FAQs for Singaporeans. For students with other nationalities, some criteria or answers may differ. Most of the topics cover Japanese Language Schools and Undergraduate programmes in Universities. Should you have other questions about other programmes such as Master’s, you can contact our Educational Consultants here.
If you have any other questions that are not listed below, please get in touch with our educational consultants here.
Q: What are the requirements to study in Japan?
A: There are different requirements for entering into various types of educational institutions in Japan. For both Japanese language schools and Undergraduate programmes in Universities in Japan, you have to be 18 years old or above, and have completed (or is scheduled to complete) a 12-year education curriculum. For Singaporeans, this means to possess a GCE A’ level certificate or a Diploma certificate. Read more here.
Q: Do you need a certain level of Japanese language proficiency in order to enter a Japanese language school or University in Japan?
A: The answer is both a Yes and No. For Japanese language schools, it is not required for new students to have any Japanese language proficiency, as you are encouraged to start afresh and begin your Japanese language journey with the school. However for certain classes/courses such as “Business Japanese class”, they may require a JLPT N2 level qualification.
For Universities that offer courses and majors in only 100% Japanese (also commonly know as J-track program), you would require a certain level of Japanese language proficiency to enrol. And in such cases, it may be required for you to take the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) before you are assessed for your eligibility to enter the school.
However, there is an increasing number of Universities in Japan that are offering 100% ENGLISH courses (also commonly known as E-track Program or English-taught program), which means you are able to obtain your undergraduate or graduate degree with 100% English as the language of instruction. In this case, NO Japanese language proficiency level is required. On top of this, there would be Japanese language modules covered during your studies in the University, so you would be able to learn Japanese language (for free) as well.
Q: When should I start researching or planning if I want to study in a Japanese Language School in Japan?
A: The following is a rough timeline which we recommend to our students.
9 to 12 months
before target admission intake
Research on study options and gather all essential information.
Contact our Educational Consultants if you need professional advice or assistance.
5 to 7 months
before target admission intake
You should have decided on a list of prospective school(s) to apply to.
Start sending application and required documents to the school(s). Please prepare to pay the application fee as well.
Note that the school will inform you on the application deadline for each intake through email. Also, application may close earlier if slots are taken up.
Once documents are received/verified by the school
The school will apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at the Immigration Bureau in Japan on your behalf. Once the COE is approved and issued, the school will notify you and mail it to you.
2 to 4 months
before admission
Upon receiving your COE, you will need to visit Embassy of Japan in Singapore to apply for your student visa.
1 to 3 months
before admission
Pay your tuition fees, material fees, facility fee etc. Get ready to make your move to Japan!
Q: When should I start researching or planning if I want to study in a University in Japan?
12 months
before target admission intake
Research on study options and gather all essential information.
Prepare all necessary documents.
Contact our Educational Consultants if you need professional advice or assistance.
9 months
before target admission intake
This is usually the START of the application period.
For example, the application period for April 2023 intake is 1st July to 15th July 2022. Before 1st July, you would need to arrange courier mail service for your required physical documents to be sent to the school. Once the application period starts, you should begin your online application and complete it BEFORE the application deadline.
1 month
after the end of application period
The school would notify you of your application result. If successful, you would need to make payment for enrolment fee.
Upon successful enrolment
You would receive an email to prepare the documents required for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application. You only need to reply to the email with all the required documents and the school will apply for your COE at the Japanese Immigration Bureau on your behalf. Make sure to send the documents by the stipulated deadline as well as pay the enrolment fee (if you have not done so). It usually takes about 4-10 weeks for the COE to be issued.
Upon successful application and issuance of COE
Once the school receives your COE, they will arrange for an international courier to deliver the COE to you. And you will need to take this COE to Embassy of Japan in Singapore to apply for your student visa.
1 to 2 months
before admission
Make payment for necessary fees such as Tuition fees. And you can start making flight ticket reservations and other arrangements before moving to Japan.
Q: What is Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
A: It is a fundamental step towards a student visa. It is NOT the visa. It is a required document you need to apply for your student visa.
Q: Can I study in a Japanese Language School if I am over 30?
A: Absolutely! There is no restrictions to the age limit. In fact, there are more students over the age of 25 who are interested to study in a Japanese language school in Japan for their future work prospects.
Q: What are some career paths of international graduates from Japanese Universities and Vocational Schools?
A: Some jobs taken up by these international graduates include investment bankers, business analysts in international firms, researchers, anime and media producers, fashion designers, university professors, and many more.
Q: Generally, what is the cost of living in Japan?
A: This depends on individual needs and expenditure. However, according to a survey conducted by a trusted source, for 4 years inclusive of tuition fees, lodging, food, etc, it would cost about SGD 91,777. And for a 6 months short term study, it would cost about SGD 12,990.
To ease your financial burden, many educational institutions offer scholarships for international students. Please continue reading for more information. Also, you can consider staying in a dormitory on campus (if available).
Q: Are there scholarships available to study in Japan?
A: Yes, there are various scholarships to aid students in their tuition fees. Each scholarship has their respective eligibility criteria and requirements. The most common scholarship for students who are planning to enrol into a University is JASSO Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students Pre-arrival Admission. The monthly stipend is usually 48,000 yen for graduates as well as undergraduates, but the amount may vary from one academic year to another. Visit JASSO webpage for more information.
There are also various types of scholarships offered by schools in Japan, including one-time scholarships and tuition reduction scholarships ranging from 30% to 100% fee reduction. Scholarship application can be submitted during enrolment application or upon successful school enrolment. Do check with your prospective school on the scholarship application guidelines.
Q: Why do you recommend studying in Japan?
For those planning to obtain a Bachelor Degree, Japan offers many underrated incentives that you may not know. For example, the cost of studying in Japan is cheaper than in countries such as US, UK, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong. This means that you can actually get a highly sought-after degree in Japan for a fraction of what others have to pay in other countries. Moreover, Japan has more than 700 Universities hence offering a wide array of courses, and many universities such as University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are ranked top 100 Universities in the world.
Japan is also one of the safest countries in the world. With a rich culture, generous scholarships, strong support, high employability rate, as well as globally recognised qualifications, there are so many benefits of studying in Japan. This is why we want to act as a bridge between Japan and YOU!
For those who are planning to pick up Japanese language, learning a language in its native country is probably the best and fastest way of mastering it. Moreover, learning the language in Japan itself, you are surrounded by natives and you can readily interact with them in Japanese. You definitely need to speak Japanese and that is how you will really grow and learn.