Frequently Asked Questions

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Is it possible to work in Japan if I cannot speak Japanese?

In order to work in Japan, the employers usually require you to have a JLPT N2 level or higher. For the ones who have a high level of education (Master’s Degree or higher), the Japanese language levels are less strict depending on the job you apply for.

I want to work in Japan, is it possible?

It is possible for you to work in Japan. In order to work in Japan, you will need to find a company that will support you to apply for a working visa. In other words, you will need to find a job first and then apply for a visa. Finding a job in Japan can be difficult when you cannot speak Japanese. Some industries like English teaching do not require Japanese language skills but for most of the other industries you will be required to have at least an intermediate level in Japanese. That is why the Japanese language schools are essential if you want to work in Japan someday. Some companies might not look at your resume if you do not have a JLPT N2 level which is a requirement for most jobs for foreigners in Japan.

How much does it cost to study one year in Japan?

The tuition fees depend on the school but are usually around 800.000yen/year. For your daily life, about 100.000yen/month is usually enough for most people in order to pay for the rent, the transportation, the food and to go out as well. Most of the students work as part-time workers and this will bring you a monthly income of 100.000yen which usually covers your daily life expenses.

How much can I earn while working as a part-timer (arubaito)?

The student visa does not allow you to work in Japan. However, you can apply for an exemption (that all students can be granted) that will allow you to work up to 28hours a week (40hours a week during the school breaks). You can work outside of your school hours only. The minimum wage in Japan (Tokyo) is about 1,041 yen/hour which will help you to get a little more than 100.000yen every month.

Can I get Health Insurance in Japan as a foreigner?

It is mandatory to subscribe to a Health Insurance in Japan. Within 14 days of your arrival, you will need to register your address on your residence card. At the same time, the government staff will ask you to subscribe to the National Health Insurance if you have not registered to an Health Insurance yet.

What kind of accommodation can I stay in as a student?

Most schools have their own dormitories or facilities for their students. It is up to you to stay in their dormitories or to get an apartment/share house by your own. Dormitories are usually cheaper than apartments but not always. We will guide you to help you make the best choice.

What is the JLPT?

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, or JLPT, is a standardized test to evaluate and certify your Japanese language abilities. N1 being the highest level and N5 being the lowest level. Most of the time, it is required to have a N2 or N1 level in order to work or study at university in Japan.

Is the JLPT N2 achievable?

Except for some cases, every student who has studied for 2 years in a Japanese Language School is able to obtain a JLPT N2 level by the time of the graduation. Learning Japanese in Japan is the most effective way to reach your goals. The total language immersion experience as no equal. We recommend our students to take a 2 years course if they intend to work or study in Japan after their graduation.

I want to study at university in Japan, is it possible?

If you want to study at university or in a vocational school in Japan, it is possible. However, most of the courses you will find will be given in Japanese. In this case, you will need an JLPT N2 level to enroll.

How much does it cost to study one year in Japan?

The tuition fees depend on the school but are usually around 800.000yen/year. For your daily life, about 100.000yen/month is usually enough for most people in order to pay for the rent, the transportation, the food and to go out as well. Most of the students work as part-time workers and this will bring you a monthly income of 100.000yen which usually covers your daily life expenses.

How much can I earn while working as a part-timer (arubaito)?

The student visa does not allow you to work in Japan. However, you can apply for an exemption (that all students can be granted) that will allow you to work up to 28hours a week (40hours a week during the school breaks). You can work outside of your school hours only. The minimum wage in Japan (Tokyo) is about 1,041 yen/hour which will help you to get a little more than 100.000yen every month.

Is working as a part-timer important in order to improve my Japanese language skills?

Working in Japanese with native speakers will drastically improve your speaking and listen skills. You will learn a lot of vocabulary for the everyday work life as well as the very polite Japanese level (keigo).

Can I get a part-time job in Japan if my Japanese level is quite low?

In Japan like anywhere else, not speaking the local language makes things difficult when it comes to find a job. However, having a part-time job in Japan is very a very common thingand it is actually possible to get one after a few months in Japan in most cases.

When can I start studying in Japan?

There are 4 intakes for the Japanese language schools: January, April, July and October. The availability of depends on the schools. Please be careful as the visa process will take about 4-5 months. Please apply to your school through Japanice at least 5 months before the start of the course you want to take.

What kind of accommodation can I stay in as a student?

Most schools have their own dormitories or facilities for their students. It is up to you to stay in their dormitories or to get an apartment/share house by your own. Dormitories are usually cheaper than apartments but not always. We will guide you to help you make the best choice.

What is the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)?

The Certificate of Eligibility is issued by the Japanese Immigration Office. This certificate is required to apply for a visa in Japan. Japanice and the school will prepare your application and apply on your behalf at the local immigration office. If your application fits all the Japanese Immigration Office’s requirements, your Certificate of Eligibility will be issue and given to the school.

When do I have to pay the tuition fees to the school?

The school will ask you pay the tuition fees after they will have received your Certificate of Eligibility. Once the school has received your tuition fees, they will send the CoE to your address. With this, you will be able to apply for a visa at the embassy (or consulate) of Japan in your area. At this point, the tuition fees my not be refundable.

When should I apply for each intake?

Please contact us for more details.

What are the school enrolment and visa application processes?

Please contact us for more details.

What are the school enrolment and visa application processes?

Please contact us for more details.

What are the required documents for a student visa application?

The required documents for a student visa application in Japan can change based on the applicant. However, there is a main documents that all applicants need to submit as follows:
a copy of your passport
ID photos
your resume
a copy of your last degree or diploma
a certificate of Japanese language studies (if you have one),
an official bank statement of the financial garantor’s bank
an official applciation form
According to your situation and the school you apply for, additional documents might be required. Don’t worry, Japanice is there to help you gather all the documents necessary for your application.

When can I start studying in Japan?

There are 4 intakes for the Japanese language schools: January, April, July and October. The availability of depends on the schools. Please be careful as the visa process will take about 4-5 months. Please apply to your school through Japanice at least 5 months before the start of the course you want to take.

How is a daily day at a Japanese Language School?

Most of the school work in shifts of 4 lessons of 45mins each. There are usually two shifts, morning and afternoon. You will be given either a morning schedule or an afternoon schedule depending on the schools and the availability. Most of the time, the students cannot choose their schedule but if you apply for it before the start of the course, you might be able to choose if you have an acceptable reason for that. For example, if you want to work as a part-timer in the afternoon, you can apply for a morning schedule.

How do I know if I will fit the Japanese Language School level?

Before you will start the course, you will take a Japanese language test at the school. According to the restults of this test, the school will put you in a class with other students of your level. The schools organizes tests on a regular basis in order to keep you in classes of your level.

When do I have to pay the tuition fees to the school?

The school will ask you pay the tuition fees after they will have received your Certificate of Eligibility. Once the school has received your tuition fees, they will send the CoE to your address. With this, you will be able to apply for a visa at the embassy (or consulate) of Japan in your area.At this point, the tuition fees my not be refundable.

When should I apply for each intake?

Please contact us for more details.

Is it necessary to contact an association like Japanice in order to study in Japan?

Japanice provides solutions to its students in order to prepare school enrollment and visa application. You can contact a school on your own but you as well as the school might find it difficult to deal with your application if your Japanese level is not good enough. Most students and schools tend to give priority to their trusted partner (like Japanice as example) for smooth and convenient processes. We will save you a lot of time thanks to our experience. We will advice you according to your questions and desires. We will help you to solve problems that are common but difficult to deal with when you experience it for the first time.

Is Japanice really free?

Japanice’s services are 100% free. We do not ask any money from our students. The tuition fees payment will be done to the school directly without any additional charges.

Can Japanice also help me about other topics such as life in Japan?

Japanice is an association that has for main goal to help students to study in Japan. However, Japanice is also a conselor that can help you on other topics related to life in Japan and other topics. Please contact us with your request and we will do our best to guide you accordingly.