To study in Japan in 2026, foreign students residing overseas must obtain a College Student (ryugaku) visa through a Japanese diplomatic mission after receiving an acceptance notification and processing a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) through the Immigration Services Agency. Applicants who must travel to Japan first to sit for entrance examinations require a Temporary Visitor visa, which strictly forbids any paid employment. After arriving for a program lasting three months or longer, students must complete municipal address registration, enroll in National Health Insurance, and obtain a Residence Card.
How do prospective students enter Japan for entrance exams in 2026?
Applicants residing outside Japan who need to travel to the country specifically to take entrance examinations must secure a Temporary Visitor visa from a Japanese diplomatic post in their home nation. Under this visa classification, short-term visitors are strictly prohibited from taking on any paid work or engaging in remunerated activities. Details on these immigration procedures can be reviewed on the Kyoto University visa portal.
Once an applicant passes the examination and receives official acceptance from their educational institution, they can proceed with the formal application for student status. If an individual is already staying in Japan under Temporary Visitor status, they must formally apply to change their status of residence to College Student through the Immigration Services Agency.
What are the rules for obtaining a College Student visa and Certificate of Eligibility?
Successful applicants living abroad must obtain a College Student visa prior to entering Japan. To complete this application at a Japanese embassy or consulate, students must submit a valid passport along with an official certificate or notification of acceptance from their school. Applicants may also be requested to present financial documents demonstrating sufficient funds to cover their living expenses and stay in Japan.
Educational institutions in Japan typically assist by submitting a proxy application for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) directly to the Immigration Services Agency. This certificate confirms that the student meets the preliminary conditions for entry under the College Student status.
What Japanese-language requirements apply to international students?
Unless an applicant is enrolled in a program taught entirely in English, general coursework in Japan is conducted in Japanese. Consequently, students entering regular programs are expected to possess adequate Japanese-language proficiency to understand their lectures and coursework.
Because some academic institutions do not offer specialized language training departments for non-native speakers, students who need to enhance their language skills are advised to attend dedicated Japanese language schools before starting higher education programs.
How do you register your residence and receive your Residence Card upon arrival?
Foreign nationals who enter Japan with permission to stay for three months or longer are issued a Residence Card. If you arrive through major hubs including Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, New Chitose, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka Airports, your Residence Card is printed and handed to you immediately at immigration inspection. For arrivals at other regional airports, the card is mailed to your registered home address after you complete local administrative procedures.
By law, international residents must carry their Residence Cards with them at all times. Note that Residence Cards are not issued to Temporary Visitors or to individuals staying in Japan for less than three months.
Within 14 days of moving into a home, all foreign residents staying for three or more months must register their residential address with the local municipal or ward office. You must bring your valid passport and your Residence Card (if already issued at the airport) to complete this resident registration.
How does National Health Insurance work for international students in Japan?
Anyone residing in Japan for three months or longer is legally required to enroll in the public health insurance system. International students typically register for National Health Insurance (NHI) at their local municipal office immediately after completing their address registration. Under this public plan, insured students pay only 30% of their total medical fees out of pocket when presenting their NHI card at medical facilities.
Annual insurance premiums vary based on personal circumstances and household size. For example, an unmarried student living in Kyoto City pays an annual premium of approximately 18,000 yen. Individuals holding Temporary Visitor visas or three-month College Student visas are ineligible for National Health Insurance and should purchase overseas travel insurance prior to traveling.
What are the rules and hours allowed for part-time work on a student visa?
International students holding a College Student visa may take on part-time employment only after securing an official work permit from the immigration authority or at designated ports of entry upon arrival. Part-time jobs must not interfere with academic studies or violate public order and morals. Specifically, employment in the sex industry is strictly illegal for student visa holders.
Work hours are strictly capped at a maximum of 28 hours per week during standard academic terms. During extended official school holidays, such as summer vacation, working hours may expand up to 8 hours per day, provided total hours remain within the legal limit of 40 hours per week. Working without an official permit carries legal penalties.
Finding a place to stay
When preparing to move to Japan, arranging initial accommodation after receiving your Certificate of Eligibility or visa approval is an essential step before departure. Securing a comfortable home ensures smooth municipal address registration within your first 14 days. Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first to settle in without stress. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). There is no guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Having your housing confirmed early allows you to focus on your studies and immigration procedures upon arrival.