How Go! Go! Nihon’s service works

What does Go! Go! Nihon do?

Since our founding in 2009, Go! Go! Nihon has been helping people from around the world fulfill their dreams of living and studying abroad in Japan. Our service is free and offered in seven languages; we act as a bridge between applicants, schools, and Japanese immigration. 

Our service includes application support, detailed document checks, and direct coordination with schools to help ensure applications are complete and submitted correctly. Beyond the paperwork, we also provide practical guidance before departure and organize welcome events after arrival, helping students feel prepared and supported as they begin their studies and life in Japan. Your Japanese language journey awaits.

Overview of the application journey

• Submit an enquiry
  
• Choose a language school
  
• Pay the school’s application fee
  
• Complete the application and submit documents
  
• Application checked and confirmed
  
• Tuition invoice issued and paid
  
• Optional accommodation arranged
  
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued
  
• Student visa application submitted
  
• Arrive in Japan and begin your studies

What is the application process like with Go! Go! Nihon?

Step 1: Enquiry & application setup

You begin by contacting Go! Go! Nihon with your questions or study plans. Our team answers your questions, explains available options, and helps clarify requirements based on your goals.

Once you’re ready to proceed, we create and send you a unique application link by email, which gives you access to the application forms and document upload system.

Step 2: Complete your application

Using your application link, you will:

• Fill in the required application forms
  
• Upload the necessary documents
  
• Pay the school’s application fee
  

We strongly recommend applying and paying the application fee as early as possible. Earlier applications generally have a better chance of securing places at first-choice schools, especially for popular intakes.

Step 3: Application review & corrections

Before anything is sent to the school, Go! Go! Nihon carefully checks all forms and documents. If there are errors, missing details, or formatting issues, we will guide you through correcting them to ensure the application meets school and immigration requirements.

Step 4: Submission to the school

Once everything is complete and confirmed, your application is officially submitted to the school for review.

Step 5: School approval & COE submission

Around six months before the term start (as an estimate), the school reviews and approves your application. After approval, the school submits your documents to Japanese immigration to begin processing your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Please note that this timeframe varies by school, and some institutions may require additional time for internal review.

Step 6: Tuition invoice & payment

Typically one to four months before the term start (sometimes earlier), the school issues the first tuition invoice. Payment of tuition is required before the COE can be shared once it becomes available.

Step 7: Accommodation options

Around two months before the term start, we provide information about accommodation booking. Depending on your school and region, options may include:

• School dormitories
  
• Go! Go! Nihon partnered accommodation
  
• Homestays
  

Availability varies by location and intake, and accommodation is arranged separately from tuition.

Step 8: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issuance

Around one month before the term start, Japanese immigration completes its review and issues the Certificate of Eligibility. At this stage, most schools also confirm their final term start schedules.

This process is standard and handled by immigration authorities, not Go! Go! Nihon or the schools.

Step 9: Student visa application

Once issued, a copy of your COE is shared with you. You then submit the COE to your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for your student visa.

Visa processing typically takes around one week, though this can vary by country.

Step 10: Final preparation & arrival

After collecting your student visa, you can finalize your travel plans. Some students choose to book flights earlier, but flexible or changeable tickets are strongly recommended if booking before visa issuance or schedule confirmation.

Once you arrive in Japan, you’ll begin your studies and attend your school’s orientation and start-of-term activities.

What do I pay for?

When applying through Go! Go! Nihon, applicants are financially responsible for:

• The school’s application fee
  
• Tuition fees
  
• Optional accommodation fees (if applicable)
  

Go! Go! Nihon supports and coordinates the application process but does not issue visas or Certificates of Eligibility, which are handled by schools and Japanese immigration.

Important timing & planning notes

Application timelines vary depending on the school, intake, and location. Immigration processing is also outside Go! Go! Nihon’s control, meaning exact approval dates cannot be guaranteed.

Applying early improves your chances of:

• Securing your preferred school
  
• Accessing more accommodation options
  
• Allowing enough time for document preparation and corrections

Why should I apply through Go! Go! Nihon?

Applying through Go! Go! Nihon offers:

• Thorough document and application checks
  
• Reduced risk of errors or delays
  
• Ongoing support throughout the entire process
  
• Clear communication between you and your chosen school
  

Our role is to make the application process clearer, more structured, and easier to manage.

Begin your application with confidence

Applying to study in Japan can feel complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Starting early and working with experienced support can make a significant difference.

To learn more about living and studying in Japan, make sure to check out our blog. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.