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Complete Student Visa Guide

Japan Student Visa

Your pathway to studying in Japan

Everything you need to know about applying for a student visa to Japan

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Application Process

Simple steps to your Japan dream

1

Japanese Language Study at Aspira

3-6 months

Begin your journey by learning Japanese at Aspira Educational Consultancy. Study Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji, and complete Minna no Nihongo (at least 25 lessons) and pass N5 level examination before proceeding to institution selection.

1.1

Complete Minna no Nihongo & Pass N5

3-4 months

Study at least 25 lessons of Minna no Nihongo covering Hiragana, Katakana, and basic Kanji. Pass the JLPT N5 level examination to demonstrate basic Japanese proficiency.

1.2

Institution Selection

1-2 weeks

After passing N5, work with our counselors to select the most suitable Japanese language school (gakko) from our 100+ partner institutions based on your goals, budget, and location preferences.

1.3

Interview Preparation & School Interview

2-3 weeks

Prepare for the school selection interview with our expert guidance. Practice common interview questions, cultural etiquette, and presentation skills. Attend and pass the gakko (school) interview to receive acceptance.

2

Document Preparation Begins

1-2 weeks

After receiving acceptance from your chosen institution, begin gathering required documents. Our team provides a comprehensive checklist and reviews your documents to ensure everything meets the school and immigration requirements.

3

Complete Documentation & Verification

2-3 weeks

Finalize all required documents including educational certificates, financial proof (bank statements showing sufficient funds), passport copies, application forms, and sponsor documents if applicable. All documents are verified and certified.

4

Submit Application to School

1-2 weeks

Submit your application to the chosen institution. The school will review your application and forward it to the immigration bureau if approved.

5

COE Application Processing

2-3 months

The school applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Immigration Bureau. This is the most critical step in the process.

6

Receive COE

1 week

Once approved, the COE is issued and sent to the school, who then forwards it to you. This is your authorization to apply for the actual visa.

7

Apply for Visa at Embassy

1-2 weeks

With the COE in hand, apply for the student visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Submit the COE, passport, photos, and application form.

8

Receive Visa & Travel

1 week

Collect your passport with the student visa stamp. Book your flight and prepare for departure. We provide pre-departure orientation and support.

Required Documents

Complete checklist for your application

Valid Passport

Required

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Japan with clear photo and signature pages

VDC Document from Ward

Required

Village Development Committee (VDC) or Municipality certificate from your local ward office verifying your residence and family details

Academic Documents

Required

Original and photocopies of all educational certificates including high school/+2 transcripts, character certificates, provisional certificates, and migration certificates if applicable

Passport-sized Photos (Student, Mother & Father)

Required

Recent photos 3cm x 4cm with white background - 6 photos each of student, mother, and father (total 18 photos). Photos must be taken within last 3 months

Financial Documents

Required

Bank statements showing ¥2M+ (approximately NPR 2,000,000) for 1 year study. Include 6 months bank statement, bank balance certificate, fixed deposit certificates, income tax clearance, and property valuation documents

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Required

Detailed essay explaining why you want to study in Japan, your educational goals, career plans, and how studying Japanese will benefit your future. Must be genuine and well-written

Personal Details Form

Required

Complete personal information including full name, date of birth, address, contact details, family information (father, mother, siblings), educational background, and work experience if any

Family Information Documents

Required

Details of parents including their occupation, income sources, relationship certificates, and contact information

Sponsorship Letter

Required

Letter from sponsor (usually parents) with their income proof, employment certificate, business registration if self-employed, and relationship documents

Japanese Language Certificate

Required

JLPT N5 certificate or Aspira's Japanese language course completion certificate showing completion of at least 25 lessons of Minna no Nihongo

School Acceptance Letter

Required

Letter of acceptance from Japanese educational institution (gakko) after passing their interview

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Required

Original COE issued by Japanese Immigration Bureau (obtained after school applies on your behalf)

Cost Breakdown

Estimated expenses for student visa and first year

Application & Visa Fees

School Application Fee

One-time fee paid to the institution

Â¥20,000 - 50,000

Visa Application Fee

Fee at Japanese Embassy/Consulate

3,000 NPR

COE Processing

Optional

No charge for COE application

Free

Tuition Fees (Annual)

Language School

Per year for full-time study

Â¥600,000 - 800,000

Vocational School

Per year depending on program

Â¥800,000 - 1,200,000

University

Per year for undergraduate programs

Â¥500,000 - 1,500,000

Living Expenses (Monthly)

Accommodation

Dormitory or shared apartment in major cities

Â¥50,000 - 80,000

Food & Groceries

Monthly food expenses

Â¥30,000 - 40,000

Transportation

Train/bus passes

Â¥10,000 - 15,000

Utilities & Phone

Electricity, water, internet, mobile

Â¥10,000 - 15,000

Initial Costs

Flight Ticket

One-way ticket Nepal to Japan

NPR 50,000 - 80,000

Initial Settlement

Optional

First month expenses, deposits

Â¥100,000 - 150,000

Total First Year Cost: ¥1.5M - 2.5M (NPR 15-25 Lakhs)

Eligibility Requirements

Who can apply for a student visa

Academic Requirements

  • Completed at least 12 years of education (high school)
  • Good academic record in previous studies
  • Basic Japanese language ability (N5 level recommended)
  • Clear study plan and career goals

Financial Requirements

  • Minimum Â¥2,000,000 in bank account
  • Funds must be available for at least 3 months
  • Can be in student's or sponsor's name
  • Clear proof of fund source required

Other Requirements

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • No criminal record
  • Good health condition
  • Genuine intention to study
  • Return intention after study completion

Application Intakes

Four entry periods per year

POPULAR
April
Spring Intake

Most popular intake with maximum available courses

Apply by: October (previous year)

Benefits:

  • Largest intake period
  • Most course options
  • Better scholarship opportunities
  • Ideal for fresh graduates
July
Summer Intake

Good option with decent course availability

Apply by: January

Benefits:

  • Good course selection
  • Shorter wait time
  • Less competitive
  • 9-month programs available
October
Fall Intake

Second largest intake after April

Apply by: April

Benefits:

  • Many course options
  • 1.5 year programs
  • Good for working professionals
  • Moderate competition
January
Winter Intake

Smallest intake with limited courses

Apply by: July (previous year)

Benefits:

  • Less competitive
  • Quick processing
  • 1 year 3 month programs
  • Suitable for gap students

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.How long does the entire visa process take?

The complete process typically takes 4-6 months from application submission to receiving your visa. COE processing alone takes 2-3 months.

Q2.Can I work while studying in Japan?

Yes, with proper work permission. Student visa holders can work up to 28 hours per week during semester and full-time during holidays.

Q3.What is the minimum Japanese language requirement?

While not mandatory, N5 level (basic) is recommended. Language schools accept beginners, but having basic knowledge helps with visa approval and daily life.

Q4.How much money do I need to show in my bank account?

Minimum ¥2,000,000 (approximately NPR 20 lakhs) for one year of study. Funds should be maintained for at least 3 months before application.

Q5.Can my parents sponsor my education?

Yes, parents or close relatives can sponsor your education. You'll need to provide their income proof, bank statements, and relationship documents.

Q6.What happens if my COE is rejected?

If rejected, you can reapply in the next intake after addressing the rejection reasons. We provide full support for reapplication at no extra cost.

Q7.Can I extend my student visa?

Yes, you can extend your visa by enrolling in higher education (from language school to university) or continuing your current program.

Q8.Do I need health insurance in Japan?

Yes, all students must enroll in National Health Insurance (Â¥2,000-3,000/month) which covers 70% of medical costs.

Q9.Can I bring my family on a student visa?

Students in university/graduate programs can bring dependents. Language school students generally cannot, unless they have substantial financial proof.

Q10.What is the visa success rate?

With proper documentation and our expert guidance, the success rate is over 95%. We thoroughly review all documents before submission.

Why Choose Aspira for Your Student Visa

100+ Partner Schools

Direct partnerships with top language schools and universities across Japan

95% Success Rate

Proven track record with thorough document review and expert guidance

Complete Support

From school selection to arrival in Japan - we're with you all the way

Ready to Start Your Japan Journey?

Book a free consultation with our Japan visa experts

Free eligibility assessment
School recommendations
Complete visa guidance