Age Limit and Accepted Gap for a Student Visa in Japan

2024/11/04

Are you planning to study in Japan but concerned about age restrictions?

This guide will explain everything you need to know about age limits and acceptable gaps in education for Japanese student visas.

Age Limit for a Student Visa

The age limit in Japan for obtaining a Japanese student visa is relatively flexible.

Generally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, which typically corresponds to completing 12 years of primary and secondary education. This requirement ensures students have the necessary educational foundation before beginning their studies in Japan.

If you are under 18 years old, schools will generally require you to consult with them before applying. This is because Japanese students will complete their high school education after turning 18 years old. Some institutions may also ask your parents to accompany you during the counseling process to ensure proper guidance and support.

While there is technically no upper age limit for a student visa in Japan, applicants over 30 years old should be prepared for additional scrutiny of their application.

The Ministry of Justice will check the reason and may ask for additional documentation and undergo extra screening processes, such as interviews. For instance, certain research programs require candidates to be under 35 years old.

Visa is available for αny age with αny institutions. However, specific age requirements can vary significantly on the type of educational institution:

• Universities and colleges
• Japanese language schools
• Special training colleges (専門学校)
• Graduate schools
• Technical colleges

Each of these institutions maintains its own admission policies and age-related requirements. Japanese language schools tend to be the most flexible regarding age requirements, while universities and specialized training programs might have more strict age-related policies in Japan based on their specific programs and objectives.

If you were not able to receive a student visa even though you’ve tried, you can consider the visas below:

Visa	Content
Tourist Visa	It is for traveling. You cannot work with this visa. Max 90 days
Working Holiday Visa	To understand different cultures. You can work with this visa. Max 1 year
Working Visa	Visa to work in Japan. You can renew the visa to stay longer.

Does Japan Accept Gaps Year?

Japanese vocational schools and universities generally accept gap years. However, Japanese immigration authorities and educational institutions take a holistic approach when evaluating gaps in education. Understanding what constitutes an acceptable gap can help strengthen your visa application.

Short-term Gaps of 1-2 Years

Short-term gaps of 1-2 years are generally viewed favorably when they include the following experiences.

• Working experience after graduation
• Japanese language study preparation
• Study abroad experiences
• Military service

These shorter gaps are typically easy to explain and justify, especially when they demonstrate productive use of time and personal development.

How About the Gap of 2-5 Yeas?

Medium-term gaps spanning 2-5 years require more substantial justification. Professional work experience related to your intended field of study can actually strengthen your application. Time spent on acquiring language skills or pursuing additional certifications also helps justify these longer gaps.

When explaining gaps in your educational history, documentation plays a crucial role. You should prepare the following materials to support your application:

• Work certificates
• Language study certificates
• Volunteer work documentation
• Professional qualification certificates

A detailed explanation letter should accompany these documents. This letter needs to clearly articulate how you used your time away from formal education productively and how it relates to your study plans in Japan. Focus on connecting your experiences during the gap period to your academic goals in Japan.

How About the Gap of Beyond 5 Years?

For gaps extending beyond 5 years, expect closer scrutiny of your application. These longer gaps require particularly thorough documentation and compelling justification.

However, they are not automatically disqualifying. Professional experience, especially when relevant to your intended field of study, can be viewed positively by immigration authorities and educational institutions.

Other Requirements for a Student Visa

In addition to meeting age and educational requirements, student visa applicants must fulfill several other conditions to study in Japan. These requirements ensure that students are prepared for their academic journey and can support themselves financially during their stay.

1. Enrollment in Japanese Educational Institutions

To obtain a student visa in Japan, you must first secure admission to a recognized Japanese educational institution. These institutions include universities, graduate schools, junior colleges, technical colleges, and Japanese language schools. When applying for your student visa, you’ll need to submit an admission permit or equivalent documentation from your chosen institution.

2. Financial Requirements

Financial stability is a crucial requirement for obtaining a student visa. You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your study period in Japan.

• Tuition fees
• Educational materials
• Housing costs
• Living expenses
• Transportation costs
• Travel expenses

While parents often serve as financial sponsors, they must provide proof of adequate income to support their studies. If you’re receiving a scholarship, you can include this as part of your financial proof. However, it’s important to note that planning to support yourself through part-time work in Japan is not acceptable for visa purposes.

Part-time work is possible with a special permission called “Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted”, but it’s limited to 28 hours per week. Immigration authorities view part-time work as supplementary income rather than a primary funding source. Recently, immigration has been strictly monitoring cases of students exceeding this 28-hour limit.

3. Japanese Language Proficiency Requirements

Japanese language requirements vary depending on the intended educational institution you plan to attend. Language schools typically have more flexible requirements, while universities and vocational schools may require a higher level of proficiency. 

Many institutions accept standardized test scores, such as the JLPT or the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students), as proof of language ability. Some schools may also require prior Japanese language study, such as completing a minimum number of hours in a recognized language program.

For Japanese Language Schools

Students who have graduated from a university, junior college, or graduate school in their home country can apply without proving their Japanese language ability by submitting their graduation certificate. However, if your highest education is high school or vocational school, you must demonstrate basic Japanese proficiency through either completing 150 hours of Japanese language education or passing a recognized language test.

Accepted test scores for language schools include the following.

• JLPT N5 or higher
• BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test (300 points or higher)
• J.TEST (F grade or higher, or 250 points or higher in FG level)
• NAT-TEST Level 5 or higher
• Standard Business Japanese Test (STBJ) with 350 points or higher
• TOPJ Practical Japanese Language Test (Elementary A or higher)
• J-cert Daily Life and Vocational Japanese Test (Elementary or higher)
• LCT Japanese Language Test (JCT5 or higher)
• PJBridge (C- or higher)
• JPT Japanese Proficiency Test (315 points or higher)

For Universities and Vocational Schools

Higher Japanese language proficiency is required for university or vocational school admission. Applicants must meet one of these requirements.

• Complete 6 months or more of Japanese language education
• Pass JLPT N2 or higher
• Score 200 points or higher on the Japanese Language section of the EJU
• Score 400 points or higher on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test
• Have received education in a Japanese school (elementary, junior high, or high school) for one year or more

What If You Don’t Meet the Requirements?

Don’t be discouraged if you currently don’t meet all the requirements for a Japanese student visa. With proper preparation and planning, most applicants can successfully qualify for their visa. The key is to start your preparation early and address any gaps in your qualifications.

Japanese Language Requirement Solution

For those who haven’t completed the required 150 hours of Japanese language education for language school admission, there are several solutions available.

One recommended option is the Tailored 150-hour Kick Start Program offered by Nihongo Online School. This program is specifically designed to help prospective students meet the language study requirement for their student visa application.

Unlike other courses, we offer 50 hours of lectures and 100 hours of homework, so you can fulfill the requirements in your free time. The students are happy with our course not only because they fulfilled the requirement, but because their Japanese improved as well. 

>>Check out our Course page for the details or contact us for Japanese Online Classes!

How to Apply for a Visa

Here’s a simple guide to applying for a visa. Please note that you will need to visit the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country to apply.

Steps to apply for a visa:

1. Choose a Japanese language school
2. Prepare the required documents
3. Apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consular
4. Wait approximately one week for processing
5. Submit additional documents if requested
6. The Diplomatic Mission of Japan or the accredited agency will notify you of the result

FAQ for Student Visa in Japan

1. Can I apply for a visa although I do not speak Japanese?

Yes, you can apply for a visa even if you do not speak Japanese. However, to enroll in a Japanese language school, you may need to take a certificate that proves your Japanese or complete at least 150 hours of Japanese study. 

You can fulfill the requirement by taking online Japanese language courses, such as those offered by Nihongo Online School.

2. Can I apply for a visa and come to Japan anytime I want to?

No, you can’t. You can move to Japan 14 days earlier than the first day of school. Also, the application process usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks. 

In the meantime, please be aware that each course and school begins at a different. Contact each school to understand when you can enroll!

3. When does the school usually begin?

For long-term institutions such as vocational schools or universities, the academic year generally begins in April, with some schools offering a September intake. 

For Japanese language schools, enrollment typically occurs 4 times a year: January, April, July, and October.

4. Can I enter Japan on a tourist visa, study for 1~2 months, and then return to my country?

Yes, that is possible. Japan offers short-term Japanese language courses ranging from 1 to 2 weeks, and you can also participate in language meet-ups to practice your skills!

5. Is it possible to take a scholarship in Japan?

Yes, several scholarship programs are available in Japan. However, most of them require you to be in Japan before you can apply. 

6. Do Japanese universities have an age limit?

Most Japanese universities do not have strict age limits, but usually, you need to be at least 18 years old to enroll. If you are under 18 years old, you may want to consult with your university to understand the specific age requirements for admission.