Path to staying
- Study24 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 12 months
- Permanent residencyafter 10 years
- Citizenshippossible
Overview
- Country
- Japan
- Visa name
- Student Visa (Ryugaku)
- Local name
- 留学ビザ
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 24 months
- Max duration
- 51 months
- Renewable
- Yes
The primary residence status for international students in Japan, covering full-time study at universities, graduate schools, junior colleges, colleges of technology, specialized training colleges (senmon gakko), and recognized Japanese-language institutions. Students receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through their institution before applying for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Tuition range
- $3,500 – $20,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $13,000/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
National universities charge approx ¥535,800/yr (~$3,500). University of Tokyo raised to ¥642,960 for 2025 entrants. Private universities range from ¥900,000–¥3,000,000/yr ($6,000–$20,000) depending on discipline. Language schools cost ¥700,000–¥1,000,000/yr.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 28 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- 40 hrs/week
- Permission
- Separate permit
Must obtain "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" (資格外活動許可) from immigration — can apply at the airport upon arrival. Up to 28 hours/week during term (max 8 hours/day), up to 8 hours/day and 40 hours/week during long school breaks (summer, winter, spring). Cannot work in adult entertainment or gambling establishments. Exceeding limits can result in fines up to ¥2,000,000 and deportation with 5-year re-entry ban.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designated Activities Visa (Job Hunting) | Job seeker | 6 mo–12 mo | Any | 28 hrs | No |
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa | Work permit | 12 mo–60 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) | Admission | Japanese | N2 | N2 or higher recommended for Japanese-medium programs. N5/N4 sufficient for language school entry. English-taught programs do not require JLPT. |
| EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) | Admission | Japanese | — | Required by many universities for undergraduate admission. Tests Japanese language, science, mathematics, and Japan and the World. Administered in June and November. |
| TOEFL iBT / IELTS | Admission | English | — | Required for English-taught programs. Scores vary by institution; TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.0+ typical. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee (Single Entry) | Application | $20 | One time |
| Visa Application Fee (Multiple Entry) | Application | $40 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and children only. Dependent visa holders need separate work permission.
- Spouse work
- Limited (28 hrs/week)
- Conditions
- Spouse on dependent visa may work up to 28 hours/week with separate work permission. Same restrictions as student (no adult entertainment).
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 10 years
- Citizenship
- Possible
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Via
- Institution sponsors COE application to Immigration Bureau; student applies for visa at embassy/consulate.
- Processing
- 60-120 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.mofa.go.jp
- Health insurance
- Included
Notes and caveats
COE processing takes 1–3 months; apply well in advance. MOFA visa fees remain about ¥3,000 single-entry or ¥6,000 multiple-entry, while Immigration Services Agency change/extension procedure fees were revised from April 2025 and are generally ¥6,000. National Health Insurance enrollment is mandatory upon residence registration. JASSO provides scholarships (¥48,000/month for college students, ¥30,000/month for language school students).
Also in Japan
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source