Introduction
There are several types of visa available for study in Japan. These are outlined below. Remember that there are usually several options open to you for achieving your goals. Most importantly, remember that there are deadlines throughout the year and you need to plan in advance - not all schools are willing, or able, to assist you with last-minute applications. Also remember that even if you are issued with a visa that is valid for up to 2 or 3 years, for example, it will probably be valid initially for 1 year and you may have to apply for renewal every year. This is generally a formality provided you have proof of sufficient funds to continue your studies, and your attendance record is adequate. Also, you cannot apply for more than one visa at a time. So, for example, you cannot apply for a shugaku visa while holding a ryugaku visa - you have to change status from one to the other. See the section on changing visa status if you are already holding a Japanese visa and want to change or think that you may need to change status.
Student Visas
The most important thing to note is that you do not necessarily require a student visa to study in Japan. If you are only thinking of staying in Japan for up to 3 months, you don't need this visa - you can study on a tourist visa instead. If you are planning to study for 6 months or more, then you will probably require the student visa. However, read the tourist visa section anyway if you are thinking of studying for up to 6 months, or are planning to leave the country at some time during your studies. There are two types of Student Visa:
- The Shugaku Visa: This visa is issued through accredited language schools for students who wish to study from 6 months up to 2 years (but see note below). The duration of the visa depends on the school issuing the visa. The object of this visa is to prepare students for study at University in Japan.
- The Ryugaku Visa: Issued by universities for undergraduate/postgraduate study, universities can also issue the Ryugaku Visa for language study if they offer language programs for foreign students. Usually valid for as long as it takes to complete your program at university.
Nationals of most countries are issued with a tourist visa for 90 days or 3 months. This is adequate for most summer programs or short-term courses. After this period you will have to leave the country. There are exceptions however - nationals of certain countries can extend their tourist visa within the country for a total stay of 6 months, meaning that they do not require the visa unless they wish to stay for over 6 months. It is also sometimes possible to change visa status without leaving Japan - although this will depend on which visa you are changing to, and if you completed the application for that visa in time. It is not possible to enter the country on a tourist visa, and expect to change to a student visa without going through the complete application process.
This visa is only available to nationals of a few countries (at present Australia, Canada, France, Korea, New Zealand). This is a very simple and flexible way to come to Japan - you can apply for this without making any commitments to a language school or without much hassle. The visa generally allows up to 6 months' stay in Japan, and permits work. It is limited to those aged 30 or under at the time of application and can only be taken once in a lifetime. It is occasionally possible to renew this visa, but not usually.
This is not actually a visa for study. However, if you are working in Japan and have a Work Visa, you can still study Japanese for a brief period provided you have permission from your employer.
If your spouse or a parent is either a Japanese national or has permanent residence in Japan, you can get a spousal or dependent visa which permits you to work or study freely in Japan.
Note:
It is possible to enter Japan on a tourist visa and then change to a student visa. However, you still have to complete the entire process of applying for the student visa through a language school or university by the relevant deadlines. It is not a short-cut to a student visa, and being in Japan on a tourist visa does not make the process any easier for you. See the section on changing visa status for information relevant to being in Japan on other visas and changing to a student visa.