Preparation Steps
Japanese Language Schools
Vocational Schools
Universities
Graduate school
Japanese Language Schools
Step1
✓
Inquiries and research
- Check costs
- Request school brochures
Step2
✓
Choose a school and apply
- Submit your application documents
Step3
✓
Submit application documents to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau
- Handled by the school
Step4
✓
Pay tuition
- Pay your tuition using the method specified by the school
Step5
✓
Apply for a visa and prepare for your trip
- Apply for your visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate
- Book flights and arrange insurance
Step6
✓
Enroll at a Japanese language school
Vocational school
Step1
✓
Research
- Check the language requirements
- Check costs
Step2
✓
Choose a school
12 months before studying in Japan
- Request school brochures and application forms
- Check admission requirements and entrance exams
Step3
✓
Take the required tests
- Take the tests you need
- JLPT, EJU, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, IB, and others
Step4
✓
Apply to a school
6 to 9 months before studying in Japan
- Send the required documents to your chosen school
- Pay the application fee
Step5
✓
Take the entrance exam
- Application review
- Interview
- Take the entrance exam
Step6
✓
Complete enrollment
- Receive your acceptance letter
- Pay your tuition
Step7
✓
Prepare for your trip
- Apply for your visa
- Book flights and arrange insurance
Step8
✓
Enroll at a vocational school
University
Step1
✓
Research
- Check the language requirements
- Check costs
Step2
✓
Choose a school
12 months before studying in Japan
- Request school brochures and application forms
- Check admission requirements and entrance exams
Step3
✓
Take the required tests
- Take the tests you need
- JLPT, EJU, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, IB, and others
Step4
✓
Apply to a school
6 to 9 months before studying in Japan
- Send the required documents to your chosen school
- Pay the application fee
Step5
✓
Take the entrance exam
- Application screening
- Interview
- Take the entrance exam
Step6
✓
Complete enrollment
- Receive your acceptance letter
- Pay your tuition
Step7
✓
Prepare for your trip
- Apply for your visa
- Book flights and arrange insurance
Step8
✓
Enroll at a university
Graduate school
Step1
✓
Choosing a school
- Find a supervisor and discuss your research topic
Step2
✓
Applying
- Send the required documents to the school you are applying to
- Pay the examination fee
Step3
✓
Sitting the entrance exam
- Document screening and interview
Step4
✓
Applying for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Pay your tuition fees
Step5
✓
Travel preparations
- Apply for your visa
Step6
✓
Enroll at a graduate school
*Some students spend a year as a kenkyusei (a non-degree research student) before formally entering a graduate program. A growing number of graduate schools also offer programs taught in English.