FAQ
Yes. Counseling, school matching and application support are free for students. Schools pay us a referral fee when you enrol, and your tuition is the same as applying directly — we state this openly because trust matters more than a hidden margin.
No agency can guarantee either. Schools decide admission and Immigration decides the COE and visa. What we do is check your documents carefully, match you to realistic intakes, and flag problems early — which is what actually raises your chances.
For April or October intakes, start 5–6 months before. Short courses under 3 months are faster, but popular schools in Shinsaibashi and central Kyoto fill early, so 2–3 months ahead is sensible.
Both work. Osaka's intensive schools are strong for speaking early and finding part-time work. Kyoto's calmer, traditional setting suits learners who focus better away from the big city. The Finder weighs this for you.
Yes, with permission to engage in activity other than that permitted — up to 28 hours per week during term. Many students work in convenience stores, cafés and tourism once they reach conversational level.
As a guide, budget tuition of roughly ¥730,000–¥1,077,800 per year (the published range across the 12 schools listed) plus living costs of about ¥91,000–¥141,000 per month before tuition. Use our Costs page estimator, and remember financial proof is also part of the COE application.
None is required for beginner intakes, but learning hiragana and katakana before arrival dramatically speeds your first term. Many schools ask long-term applicants to show some prior study or a JLPT N5-level certificate.
Yes — Human Academy Osaka runs short-term courses from 1 week, MERIC from 3 weeks and Kyoto Minsai from 2 weeks. Depending on your nationality you may enter as a temporary visitor; confirm your case in counseling.
Several listed schools run or arrange dormitories — Kyoto Minsai and JCL have their own, and MERIC and ARC can introduce housing nearby. Availability and prices are confirmed at counseling time because they change by intake.
They are about 30–45 minutes apart by train, so visiting is easy. Switching schools mid-course is harder and depends on each school's rules; choose carefully with the Finder first.
The Certificate of Eligibility is issued by Japanese Immigration after your school applies on your behalf. You then exchange it for a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. Without a COE there is no long-term student visa.
Every fee shown comes from the school's own official website, checked in November 2026 — the same figures the school publishes for direct applicants. Exact totals can still vary by intake and course length, so we confirm your figure in free counseling before you commit to anything.