Study in Japan
Japan, one of the top economies in the world and dubbed the “Land of the Rising Sun” has made enormous contributions to the invention of modern technologies and never stops amazing the world with its ever increasing list of inventions and innovations. However, Japan’s expertise extends beyond technology. The nation has created a distinctive educational system that is regarded as one of the greatest in the world. One of the best places to study is Japan where you will encounter a deeply rich culture that values lifelong learning. It will change your life. A student visa is essentially a prerequisite for international students to pursue higher education in Japan.
Why apply for a Japanese student visa?
Long term international students are granted a student visa to Japan. Students can apply for a student visa if they want to study in Japan for longer. Request admission to study visas and admission to Japanese universities both private and public. Additionally a number of countries are exempt from visa requirements under Japanse policy. The exemption is limited to short term goals like travel, visits, conferences and so on. However a study visa is required for those who want to pursue any graduate, postgraduate or masters degree in Japan.
- International students are able to attend Japanese universities with a student visa
- Applicants from outside Japan want to stay longer than six months
- International students are able to work in Japan with student visa
- They have access to Japanese financial and medical services
- International students can convert their study visas into work visas in Japan.
Japan student visa requirements
Japanese student visa requirements are listed below:
- Student visa application form
- Valid passport
- Photocopies of passport
- Passport size photography with the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 4cm x 3cm
- It should be taken within 3 months
- White background without any patterns or shadows
- You should be facing starlight forward with a neutral facial expression
- Face should be fully visible
- The quality of picture should be good with focused, clear and sharp
- The certificate of eligibility
- Letter of admission in Japanese educational institution, stating the duration and details of the course
- Previous academic and professional qualifications as applicable (diploma, transcripts etc)
- Proof of finance which should meet the requirement for the duration of your study in Japan.
- For 1 year the financial requirements for a student visa is 2 million Yen(INR 13,27,240). You can show that you meet the necessary financial requirements through:
- Bank statements
- Proof of scholarship
- Proof of financial aid
- Letter of sponsorship if someone is sponsoring you, along with your sponsor’s proof of income and bank statements
- Letter of invitation and letter of guarantee issued from your educational institution
- A motivational letter or cover letter written by you stating the reason for your travel
How to get a Japanese visa for Indians?
Securing the eligibility certificate and completing the student visa application form are two main steps in the application process for a Japan student visa. So let’s examine each of these steps are explained detailed –
Obtaining the certificate of eligibility
A certificate of eligibility must be obtained from Japan’s immigration services by a non-resident who plans to enter the nation for a short trip. It is among the most important documents you will need when submitting an application for a student visa to Japan. Students should be aware that the certificate of eligibility is required in order to enter Japan and that is separate for the visa, you will only receive this document from the academic institution you are applying to if you have already sent in all required paperwork along with the necessary application fee. You must submit the same set of paperwork and pay the same processing fee as you would for a Japan student visa in order to receive the certificate of eligibility.
Applying for the Japan student visa
Once you have collected all the relevant documents and certificate of eligibility, you are ready to apply for the student visa. Here is the detailed application process for Japan student visa:
- Download the application form form the official website for visa and certificate of eligibility
- Apply for the certificate of eligibility and submit all the relevant documents
- Once you have received the certificate of eligibility then fill up your application form and submit all the important documents required.
- After submitting the application along with all required documents you will receive your Japan student visa.
Post getting Japan student visa
You will receive a landing permission at the port of entry from immigration officers entering Japan on a student visa. As soon as you receive the landing permit a single entry visa expires but a multiple entry visa with a longer validity period continues to be valid. Your landing permit allows you to enter Japan lawfully and serves as a substitute for your visa. In addition to landing permit the following items are required:
A residence card
You will receive a Japanese Residence Card if you enter Japan through Chubu, Haneda, Kansai or Narita Airports. You can pick up a Residence Card at any municipal office in the area if you enter Japan via a different port. After that you have 14 days from the date you establish residency in Japan to register your stay at one of the local municipal offices regardless of when you received the Residence Card upon arrival or later. The Residence Card will be printed with the address you supply.
A re-entry permit
If your visa allows you to leave and return to Japan you can apply for a Japan Re-entry permit at your local Japanese immigration office.
Japan study visa processing time
The application process for a Japan student visa may require 5 to 10 business days. On the other hand the Certificate of Eligibility application procedure could take up to three months.
Duration of the Japan student visa
The appropriate kind of visa is required in order for a prospective student to cross the Japanese border. Depending on how long you plan to study, Indians can apply for either a short stay or long stay Japan visa. You can select your preferred type of visa from the table below in order to finish your educational program and experience Japan’s diverse culture:
Japan Student Visa | Duration |
Short Stay Visa | Less than or exactly 90 days |
Long Stay Visa | More than 90 days |
Applying for a short stay visa is required if you intend to study short term courses in Japan that last anywhere from three months to less than three months. The shirt stay visa is typically chosen by students who want to study for a certificate , diploma or language course in Japan. Before entering Japan you must obtain a long stay visa if your course is longer than 90 days. Most students who want to study in the nation for bachelors or masters degree apply for this kind of visa and have a trouble free stay.
Japan Student Visas are issued for the following durations:
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 1 year and 3 months
- 2 years
- 2 years and 3 months
Enrollment period and other deadlines
Enrollment date (Enrolment Period) *1 | April (2 years) | July(1 year 9 months) | October (1 year 6months) | January( 1year 3months) |
Approximate Application Deadline* | October (Late) | Early February | Late April | Early August |
Application Submission at Immigration Services Agency | Late November | Mid-March | Early June | Apply for Visa at the Embassy/Consulate |
Residency Grant and Payment | Late February | Late May | Late August | Early November |
Apply for a Visa at the Embassy/Consulate | Early March | Early June | Early September | Early December |
How to extend Japan student visa
You have 90 days before your visa expires to apply for a Japan Extension of Stay at the local Immigration Office. The following paperwork is needed when applying:
- Application form for Japan Visa Extension
- Your passport
- Passport size photography with the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 4cm x 3cm
- It should be taken within 3 months
- White background without any patterns or shadows
- You should be facing starlight forward with a neutral facial expression
- Face should be fully visible
- The quality of picture should be good with focused, clear and sharp
- Your residence card
- A copy of your registration certificate issued by your educational institution
- A copy of your results certificates issued by your educational institution
- Proof you can meet the financial requirements related to your stay.
Japan visa fees for Indians
- Short stay and long stay student visa is 3000 Yen(INR 1990)
- Cost of certificate of capacity is 3000 Yen(INR 1990)
- Single Entry Visa: 3000 Yen (INR 1990)
- Double or Multiple Entry Visa: 3000 Yen (INR 1990)
- Transit Visa: 700 Yen (INR 464)
Working with a student visa in Japan
You do not have the ability to work in Japan with a Japan study visa. The local immigration office must issue you with a work permit if you want to work in Japan. In addition, working more than 28 hours per week is not allowed for holders of student visas and certain jobs are off limits like working in bars, clubs, adult bookstores, hotels, massage parlours and so on. After you graduate you can try to change your visa category from student to work. To do so, however, you need a work contract.
How to change a Japanese student visa to a work visa?
You must apply to change your visa type to a work visa if you are an international student studying in Japan and find employment either while on student visa or after graduating. By bringing the required paperwork to one of Japan’s local immigration offices you and your new employer can apply for a Japan Work visa:
- Application Form for permission to change the status of residence
- Your passport and a copy of your passport
- Your Residence Card
- Updated CV
- Proof of Graduation (Diploma)
- Proof of previous academic or professional history
- Your school Transcripts
- A copy of the Employment Contract, stating the details of your employment
- Your employing company’s documents such as:
- Registration Documents
- Financial statements of the latest Fiscal Year
- Income statements
Other Japan visa types
Indians are not allowed to apply for a visa when they get to Japan. You have to apply for a visa before you arrive in Japan. The most common types of visas are listed below:
Tourist visa for Japan: visitors can visit Japan for tourism purposes only with a tourist visa.
Japan business visa: Indians who wish to visit Japan for business purpose they need Japan business visa.
Transit visa for Japan: you can get a transit visa for Japan if you are an Indian citizen,=. You can enter Japan with this visa and travel to another country.
Japan work visa: Indians are permitted to work for Japanese employers once they have obtained an employment visa. The maximum duration of the work visa is five years.
Top universities in Japan
Universities | QS Ranking Universities (2024) |
The University of Tokyo | 28 |
Kyoto University | 46 |
Tohoku University | 113 |
Osaka University | 80 |
Tokyo Institute of Technology | 91 |
Nagoya University | 176 |
Kyushu University | 164 |
Hokkaido University | 196 |
University of Tsukuba | 355 |
Tokyo Medical and Dental University | 611 |
Intakes in Japan
Japan have 2 main study intakes: January and April
Intakes | Study Program | Admission deadlines |
January | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | January – August |
April | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | April – October |
Scholarships to study in Japan
Name of Scholarship | Amount (Per Year) |
Japanese Government Scholarships for Research Students | JPY 1,728,000 |
T. Banaji Indian Students Scholarship | JPY 1,200,000 |
J.T Asia Scholarship | JPY 1,800,000 |
Sato Yo International Scholarship | JPY 2,160,000 |
JPY 1,800,000 | |
YKK Leaders 21 | JPY 240,000 |
