Study in Japan: Flowchart and Timeline

Flowchart

Preparation in advance is crucial to realizing your study in Japan. Please refer to the following 7 steps to help you prepare. Ex: For Person A

STEP 1 Information gathering

Student: I want to be an architect!
I want to study architecture at a Japanese university!

Shravan: Check required language skills and fees,
Gather information about studying in Japan by attending Study in Japan fairs and searching for Japan education information websites.

Go to

STEP 2 School selection

12 months prior to studying in Japan

Request school information and application forms Check admission requirements and examinations
Pick up a college where you can study architecture with the college search Excel sheet! Decide on the school where you plan to study based on university websites and the opinions of seniors who have studied in Japan. Once you have decided on the school where you plan to study, request school information and application forms, and confirm the necessary documents, tests, and language proficiency.

Types of Schoolsk Search for schools

STEP 3 Take examinations

Take required tests
JLPT, EJU, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, IB, etc.
Make Sure to Take the EJU! Also take other tests designated by the school.

Examinations

STEP 4 Application

Aim to start your application process 6-9 months before you plan to immerse yourself in Japanese studies. During this window, initiate contact with your desired university by submitting the required documents and the examination fee. Don't hesitate to reach out to the university directly if any part of the application process is unclear. Their guidance can ensure a smooth application journey and bring you one step closer to your academic adventure in Japan.

STEP 5 Examination

The application process typically involves an initial screening of documents, followed by an interview and potentially an entrance exam. Depending on the school and program, you may need to travel to Japan for the interview or exam. It's crucial to confirm these details with your chosen institution as soon as possible to ensure proper planning.

STEP 6 Enrollment procedures

Upon receiving your official Letter of Admission, complete your enrollment by finalizing tuition payment. To facilitate a smooth transition, concurrently secure your accommodation in Japan and confirm your intended arrival date with the university. This proactive approach will ensure you are well-prepared to begin your academic pursuits in Japan.

STEP 7 Flight preparation

Upon receiving the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the university, proceed with the visa application process at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. While your visa application is being processed, solidify your travel plans. Research and book flights that align with your communicated arrival date. Additionally, secure comprehensive travel insurance to provide peace of mind during your travels and stay in Japan. By tackling these steps concurrently, you'll ensure a well-organized transition and arrive in Japan prepared for your academic adventure.

Immigration and Students Visas

Timeline

Have you planned your studies in Japan yet?
Next, let's look at the following general timetable and see what sort of preparations you'll have to make.

To study Japanese language only

• START

  Planning and information gathering

  Clarify and concretize your goal for studying in Japan. Confirm the language abilities required and costs for studies in Japan.

  Learn more

• From 10 months to 1 year prior to the start of your course

  Request materials from Japanese language institutes
  Request school information and application materials from several schools you are interested in. Confirm requirements for application.

• Until 7 months prior

  Choose a school
  Select the school you wish to attend based on school information and other materials

  Language Institutes

• From 5 to 7 months prior

  Apply
  Send the application for admittance and other necessary documents to the school you wish to attend.

• 3 months prior

  Admission acceptance letter
  Receive admission acceptance letter. Send money to pay for tuition fees, etc.

• Mean time (3 months)

  Immigration procedures
  Receive your Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence and apply for a visa.

  Immigration Procedures

• Mean time (3 months)

  Prepare to study in Japan
  Find a place to live.

  Living Costs Accommodation

• 1 month prior

  Make travel preparations and depart
  Arrange for a plane ticket and travel insurance.

  ✈️ Arrive in Japan

  
  
  

• Enrollment procedures

  Japanese language institute enrollment
  

• April, July, October or January

  Start studying
  One- or two-year course or One and-a-half-year course

  🎊 Japanese language institute completion

To enter university or a professional training college after studying the Japanese language

• START

  Planning and information gathering

  Clarify and concretize your goal for studying in Japan. Confirm the language abilities required and costs for studies in Japan.

  Learn more

• From 10 months to 1 year prior to the start of your course

  Request materials from Japanese language institutes
  Request school information and application materials from several schools you are interested in. Confirm requirements for application.

• Until 7 months prior

  Choose a school
  Select the school you wish to attend based on school information and other materials

  Language Institutes

• From 5 to 7 months prior

  Apply
  Send the application for admittance and other necessary documents to the school you wish to attend.

• 3 months prior

  Admission acceptance letter
  Receive admission acceptance letter. Send money to pay for tuition fees, etc.

• Mean time (3 months)

  Immigration procedures
  Receive your Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence and apply for a visa.

  Immigration Procedures

• Mean time (3 months)

  Prepare to study in Japan
  Find a place to live.

  Living Costs Accommodation

• 1 month prior

  Make travel preparations and depart
  Arrange for a plane ticket and travel insurance.

  ✈️ Arrive in Japan

  
  
  

• Enrollment procedures

  Japanese language institute enrollment
  

• April, July, October or January

  Start studying
  One- or two-year course or One and-a-half-year course

• From 11 months to 1 year prior to the start of your course at University or professional Training College.

  Request materials from university or professional training college
  Request school information and application materials from several schools you are interested in. Confirm application requirements.

• Until 10 months prior

  Choose a school
  Select the school you wish to attend based on school information and other materials.

  Search for a School

• 9 months prior

  Apply for Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and take necessary examination
  Apply for Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU); take Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), TOEFL®, IELTS, TOEIC® (as necessary)

• From 6 to 8 months prior

  Apply
  Send the application for admittance and other necessary documents to the school you wish to attend.

• From 2 to 5 months prior

  Take entrance examination
  Get your documents screened, take the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU), take the entrance examination of the school you wish to attend, etc.

• 3 months prior

  Admission acceptance letter
  Receive admission acceptance letter. Send money to pay for tuition fees, etc.

• Mean time (3 months)

  Prepare to study at university or professional training college
  Find a place to live.

  Living Costs Accommodation

• Apply for extension of period of stay

• Enrollment procedures

• Japanese language institute completion

  Continue your studies at a Japanese university or a professional training college!

• April / September or October

  Start studying

  
  
  
  🎊Graduation

To enter a university or professional training college in Japan directly from your own country

• START

  Planning and information gathering

  Clarify and concretize your goal for studying in Japan. Confirm the language abilities required and costs for studies in Japan.

  Learn more

• From 11 months to 1 year prior to the start of your course at University or professional Training College.

  Request materials from university or professional training college
  Request school information and application materials from several schools you are interested in. Confirm application requirements.

• Until 10 months prior

  Choose a school
  Select the school you wish to attend based on school information and other materials.

  Search for a School

• 9 months prior

  Apply for Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and take necessary examination
  Apply for Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU); take Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), TOEFL®, IELTS, TOEIC® (as necessary)

• From 6 to 8 months prior

  Apply
  Send the application for admittance and other necessary documents to the school you wish to attend.

• From 2 to 5 months prior

  Take entrance examination
  Get your documents screened, take the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU), take the entrance examination of the school you wish to attend, etc.

• 3 months prior

  Admission acceptance letter
  Receive admission acceptance letter. Send money to pay for tuition fees, etc.

• Mean time (3 months)

  Prepare to study at university or professional training college
  Find a place to live.

  Living Costs Accommodation

• Apply for extension of period of stay

• Enrollment procedures

• Japanese language institute completion

  Continue your studies at a Japanese university or a professional training college!

• April / September or October

  Start studying

  
  
  
  🎊Graduation