There seems to be many people who want to study Japanese in Japan first before fully committing to studying here. For those people, we will introduce what you need to know, such as the concept of a Japanese language school, the course durations (short-term, long-term), and the application/admission period. We also introduce 「留学生別科」 where you can study Japanese for comparison with Japanese language schools.
Table of Contents
- Types of Japanese Language Institutions
- Japanese Language School Courses and Course Durations
- Special Courses for International Students
- Scholarships for Japanese Language Schools
- Summary
Types of Japanese Language Institutions (日本語教育機関)
Japanese language institutions (日本語教育機関) are establishments where foreign nationals who want to enter higher education institutions (高等教育機関) including Japanese colleges and universities, and foreigners who want to find a job in Japan, study Japanese.
Japanese language institutions can be broadly separated into “Japanese Language School (日本語学校)” and “International Student Special Course (留学生別科)” for those who have received 12 years of schooling in their home country, and 'University Prepatory Course (準備教育課程)' for those who have not.
Japanese Language Schools (日本語学校)
A Japanese Language School (日本語学校 nihongo gakkou) is the main establishment when it comes to learning Japanese. The curriculum is based on learning Japanese in order to pass the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). Depending on the school, business courses for employment seekers, mathematics in Japanese courses for university entrance exams, EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) preparatory courses, etc. are available.
Special Courses for International Students (留学生別科)
Some Japanese universities have established “University Special Courses (大学別科 daigaku bekka)” for the purpose of providing basic functional education. Among these special courses, preparatory education for foreigners who are going to enter university/graduate school/junior college as an international students, researcher, research student that covers Japanese language, affairs, and culture is provided in a “Special Course for International Students (留学生別科 ryuugaku bekka)”. Unlike “study centers (留学センター)” at national universities, most of them are available at private universities, so they are also called “Private Universities Special Course for International Students (私立大学留学生別科 shiritsu daigaku ryuugakusei bekka)”.
Although Japanese affairs and culture are mainly taught in Japanese, there are special courses that teach in English, so you should check carefully before applying. Since it is a university course, you can study on campus as if attending a regular university class.
【Note】Introducing universities with special courses for international students:
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By MEXT, “外国人留学生向けの教育を行う大学別科における教育の実施状況の公表について (English)”
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By JASSO, “Japanese Language Institutes School Search, List of Special Courses for International Students” [Excel]
【Note】University Prepatory Course (準備教育課程)
If you have completed 10/11 years of elementary or secondary education but have not met the 12 years requirement to enter a higher education program such as at a Japanese university, you can enter a Japanese university provided you attend a “University Preparatory Course” designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for at least 1 year. Schools named “Japanese Language Education Center (日本語教育センター)”, “Japanese Language Training Center (日本語研修センター)”, “Japanese Language Institute (日本語学習院)”, “Japanese Academy (日本語学園)”, “Japanese School (日本語学校)”, etc. may conduct university prepatory courses.
If you have completed 12 years or more of schooling, you can attend Japanese language school or special courses for international students which are mentioned above.
Introducing university preparatory courses designated by MEXT:
Writer's Pick
Japanese Language School Courses and Course Durations
When deciding on a Japanese language course, many find it difficult to choose between a short-term course or a long-term course, or in other words how much/how long to study.
According to the data released by MEXT in 2017 on the “Status of Education for Foreign Students in Japanese Language Education Institutions”, the types of courses available in Japanese language schools are as follows:
According to Purpose
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General (一般) Course: For work, return home after complete, etc.
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Furthering Education (進学) Course: Advance to university or other educational institution. Many 1.5 years and 2 years courses are offered.
According to Course Duration
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2 years course
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1 year and 9 months course
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1 year and 6 months course
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1 year and 3 months course
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1 year course
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6 months course
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Short-term Course: Eg.) 1~3 months course / 1~6 months course
(*Courses offered differ from school to school. Regarding short-term courses in particular, it is recommended to enquire with the school for more details.)
According to Admission Period
The admission period for Japanese language institutions varies depending on the establishment, but is usually twice a year (April, October), or four times a year (January, April, July, October).
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January Admission Course: Eg.) 1 year and 3 months course with entry in January 2023 and graduating in March 2024
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April Admission Course: Eg.) 2 years course with entry in April 2023 and graduating in March 2025
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July Admission Course: Eg.) 1 year and 9 months course with entry in July 2023 and graduating in March 2025
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October Admission Course: Eg.) 1 year and 6 months course with entry in October 2023 and graduating in March 2025
※ Information extracted from MEXT, “平成29年度日本語教育機関における外国人留学生への教育の実施状況の公表について” (2017.11.1)
There are some people who want to apply to a Japanese language school, but are worried about whether to take a short-term or long-term course. Decide based on the level of Japanese you want to achieve upon graduating from the Japanese language school
When to apply? How to get a student visa?
Once you have made up your mind to enter a Japanese language school and have submitted the necessary application documents required by the school, your application will go through a screening process to determine whether you are eligible for admission.
If you have been accepted for admission, you will be asked to apply for a student visa (status of residence: student [留学]) for courses that are 3 months or longer. In many cases, the Japanese language institution will apply on your behalf for the issuance of a “Certificate of Eligibility for Residence (在留資格認定証明書)” which is required for student visa application. Therefore, if you want to be admitted at your desired admission period, you must apply to a Japanese language school at least 4 months in advance, and inquire with the school (and get their support) at least 6 months in advance.
Find a Japanese Language School
If you want to find a Japanese language education institution, you can refer to the 日本語教育機関案内 provided by the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education (日本語教育振興協会). The service is available in English, Chinese (Simplified, Traditional), and Korean.
【Note】Accredited School (適正校)
Amongst Japanese language schools, there are accredited institutes (適正校 tekisei kou) and non-accredited institutes (非適正校 hitekisei kou). An accredited institute/school is a school recognized by the government as a “school that manages international students well”. Check in advance whether the Japanese language school you are thinking of entering is accredited or not by visiting the school website or by asking the Japanese language school directly.
WeXpats Guide has prepared articles containing the actual curriculums of Japanese language schools for reference. Interviews with the schools are also included so that you can better understand the features of each school. Please have a look.
【With Personalized Messages】Introducing 5 Japanese Language Schools in Tokyo
【Interview included】Introducing Japanese Language Schools Across Japan
【Interview included】Introducing Japanese Language Schools
Special Courses for International Students
Even those who are enrolled in a Special Course for International Students (留学生別科 ryuugakusei bekka) can get a student visa (status of residence: student [留学]).
Depending on the university that offers International Students Special Course, after graduating from the special course you may directly advance to the university, or in some cases there may be preferential conditions before you can do so. If you are thinking of studying abroad in Japan, you should check the entrance examination guidelines of the relevant school in advance.
When to apply? How to apply?
Admission to Special Courses for International Students is generally aligned with the university's spring semester (April) and fall/autumn semester (September). There may be slight differences between universities, so check the relevant university’s website beforehand to confirm the application period. In many cases, application submissions are done 6 months before the semester begins. Make sure to check the admission period, required documents and certifications for application, etc. in advance.
After passing screening for admission eligibility and subsequently receiving an “Enrollment Certificate (入学許可書)”, an application for issuance of “Certificate of Eligibility for Residence (在留資格認定証明書)” is required in order to apply for a student visa (status of residence: student). In most cases, this will be done on your behalf by the university. After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, it will be sent to you. Bring the Certificate of Eligibility to the Japanese embassy in your country and apply for a visa to enter Japan. For your reference, the validity period of the Certificate of Eligibility is 3 months.
In the case of Special Course for International Students, generally it is not possible to change status of residence to “student (留学)” after entering Japan on a “short-term stay (短期滞在)” visa, such as tourist visa. Apply for a student visa before entering the country.
※ Federation of Japanese Private Colleges and Universities Association, “私立大学留学生別科とは”, “Ⅱ 留学生別科の入学手続きから日本への入国まで” [PDF] Pg. 5-6
Scholarships for Japanese Language Schools
Scholarships are also available for Japanese language schools and special courses for international students.
JASSO STUDY in JAPAN's Pamphlet "Scholarship for International Students in Japan 2022-2023" [PDF: Japanese, English] where you can search for scholarships as of February 2022 will be helpful, excluding scholarships for regular schools, research students, and grants.
Summary
If you want to learn Japanese in Japan, first understand the concepts of schools called “Japanese language schools” and “special courses for international students”, then select a school that suits you, and apply according to the application period. If you are entering a long-term course, a student visa will be necessary.
If you are considering entering a Japanese university after graduating from a Japanese language school, knowledge of the types of Japanese universities is essential.
