What educational background do you need?

Many language schools offering long-term courses under the “Student” residence status «留学» (Student), usually expect applicants to have completed secondary education and around 12 years of formal education. However, this is not a universal rule. Requirements vary by school, country, and education system. If you have 10 or 11 years of schooling, do not give up—ask several schools which qualifications they accept.

What is the minimum age?

For many long-term programmes, the usual guideline is 18 years old by the time of enrolment. There is no universal maximum age. Some schools accept adult students without an upper age limit, while others set their own restrictions. Check the policy of each school.

Do you need to know Japanese in advance?

An advanced level is not always required, but a school may ask you to demonstrate basic preparation through a JLPT certificate, proof of study hours, an interview, or an in-house test. Requirements vary, so do not assume that every school requires JLPT N5.

Which documents are usually required?

• The school’s application form and résumé.
• A graduation certificate or diploma from your most recent school.
• A transcript or academic record.
• A copy of your passport and photographs in the required format.
• Proof of previous Japanese-language study, such as a certificate or a record of study hours, if required by the school.
• A statement of purpose or study plan, if required.
• Financial documents, such as a bank balance certificate and proof of income and employment for the person funding tuition and living costs.
• If a relative or sponsor pays your expenses, the school may request proof of relationship and a financial support statement.

After selection, the school usually helps prepare and submit the documents required for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Once it has been issued, the student applies for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. The exact COE document package depends on the school, its category, and your individual circumstances.

How much money will you need?

The estimated cost of the first year at a Japanese language school may range from 610 000–1 900 000 иен. Additional fees may apply for textbooks, learning materials, and other expenses.

Living in Tokyo usually costs more: the official portal lists average rent at 57 000 иен в месяц против 41 000 иен по стране. Поэтому для Токио разумно планировать примерно 2,17–3,46 млн иен на первый год на основе тех же ориентиров, не считая перелёта, первоначального обустройства, депозита за жильё и непредвиденных расходов. Это расчётный диапазон, а не сумма, которую обязательно потребует школа в качестве подтверждения средств.

My advice: contact schools directly

Whenever possible, I recommend contacting Japanese language schools directly, without intermediaries. It is often simpler and may cost less: you communicate with the people who actually make admission decisions, receive information first-hand, and stay in control of your own documents. The school is responsible for its part of the process: explaining requirements, checking your application, and guiding you through its procedures.

The fewer unnecessary parties involved, the easier it is to track agreements and understand what you are paying for. Read the school’s official instructions carefully, keep written records, and avoid sending original documents unless necessary.