Transitioning from a Japanese language school to a university or vocational school in Japan requires careful planning to maintain your legal status. To complete this path successfully, you must transition your academic enrollment while maintaining a valid "Student" status of residence, which is capped at a maximum of two years for language schools. This process requires meeting specific Japanese language proficiency standards (typically B2 level or higher) and updating your school registration with the immigration authorities. Many international students choose to stay in a furnished monthly apartment first when they arrive in Tokyo to ease this transition.
What are the requirements to advance to a Japanese university or vocational school?
To advance to higher education institutions such as universities, junior colleges, or specialized training colleges (vocational schools) in Japan, you must demonstrate sufficient language ability. The official standard requires a Japanese language proficiency of level B2 or higher under the Japanese Language Education Standard. This level is necessary to fully comprehend academic lectures delivered in Japanese.
In contrast, entering a Japanese language school in the first place requires a basic level of Japanese, equivalent to level A1 or higher. This can be proven through various tests, such as obtaining an A1 or higher on the JFT-Basic, or achieving N5 or higher on the JLPT. Other accepted exams include the BJT (300+ points), J.TEST (F-grade or 250+ points), or NAT-TEST (5-grade+). However, once you complete your studies at a language school—where the maximum enrollment period is usually limited to two years—you must meet the higher B2 standard to move on to a university or vocational school.
There are rare exemptions to these language requirements, such as when a university fully funds your tuition and dormitory fees through scholarships, and more than half of your first-year classes are taught in a foreign language. However, for the vast majority of international students, achieving B2 proficiency is the primary academic milestone.
How do I manage my Student visa and period of stay?
The status of residence for studying at Japanese language schools, vocational schools, junior colleges, and universities is designated as "Student." While the maximum period of stay granted for this status is four years and three months, the actual duration is determined individually by the Minister of Justice.
To take an entrance exam in Japan, you can obtain a 15, 30, or 90-day Temporary Visitor visa by presenting your exam voucher at a Japanese embassy or consulate. If you are from a country with a visa exemption agreement, you do not need to apply for this temporary visa beforehand. However, as a general rule, visa-exempt nationals must return to their home country after passing the exam to obtain a proper Student visa before returning to Japan for their studies.
Please note that visa regulations can be complex. You should always confirm your specific visa requirements and eligibility with the official Immigration Services Agency or your prospective school.
What documents and financial proof do I need?
To transition schools or apply for a visa, you must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), usually applied for by your school as a proxy at a regional immigration bureau.
To secure a COE or a visa, you must provide evidence of your ability to pay all expenses during your stay in Japan. The required documents include:
- A savings balance certificate of your financial sponsor (which can be yourself or a guarantor).
- An income certificate covering the past year.
- Official documentation identifying the sources of your funds.
Once the COE is issued, you can submit your visa application to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need your passport, the visa application form, photographs, and the COE (a copy is accepted).
What are the rules for part-time work during my studies?
While the Student status of residence is primarily for academic purposes, you can work part-time if you obtain official permission for activities outside your status. Under this permit, you are allowed to work up to 28 hours per week. During long school vacations, such as summer holidays, this limit is extended to 8 hours per day.
You must strictly avoid working in adult entertainment or wind businesses, as this is completely prohibited. It is also important to understand that you cannot cover your entire tuition and living costs solely through part-time employment. Relying on deceptive brokers who claim you can easily earn over 300,000 yen per month to pay off debts can lead to illegal overwork. Exceeding the weekly hour limit can result in deportation or the denial of your visa renewal, cutting your academic journey short.
What procedures must I complete upon arrival or moving?
Entering Japan via major airports like Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose, Kobe, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka grants you an immediate Residence Card (Zairyu Card). At other airports, your card is issued later.
You must carry your Residence Card with you at all times. Within 14 days of deciding on your address in Japan, you must visit your local municipal office to register your residence. After this registration, you will receive a 12-digit social security and tax number known as "My Number." This number is separate from your Residence Card number and is required for official municipal procedures, part-time jobs, and receiving international bank transfers. You can use Visit Japan Web to streamline your airport quarantine, immigration, and customs declarations.
Additionally, on March 2, 2026, the government established new guidelines for designing Japanese language examinations.
Finding a place to stay
When transitioning from a language school to a university or vocational school in Tokyo, arranging your accommodation in advance is highly recommended. You should ideally secure your housing once your enrollment is confirmed and before your new classes begin. For a smooth transition, many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first. 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. Additionally, groups, longer stays and students can ask for a quote; a special price is often possible, making it an excellent option for international students starting their higher education journey.
FAQ
How long can I study at a Japanese language school?
The maximum period you can study at a Japanese language school under a Student status of residence is usually limited to two years.
What level of Japanese is required to enter a university or vocational school?
You generally need a Japanese proficiency level of B2 or higher on the Japanese Language Education Standard to understand classes.
How many hours can international students work part-time?
With the proper permit, you can work up to 28 hours per week, which increases to 8 hours per day during long school vacations.
Sources
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Immigration and Students Visas｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-08)
- 出入国在留管理庁「日本語教育機関への入学をお考えのみなさまへ | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-08)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.