FAQs
Frequently asked questions
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Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
What different visa options are available to live & study in Japan?
We mainly assist with these pathways to studying at a language school in Japan.For long-term study (6 months or longer), the most common visa is the Student Visa, which you can use to study for up to two years. If your country has a Working Holiday Visa agreement with Japan, you may also use that visa to study for up to 18 months.
Read our ultimate guide to Japan Student Visas here: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/japan-student-visas/
Learn more about the Japan Working Holiday visa here: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/working-holiday-visa-japan/
For short-term study, the course is usually 3 months long and you can study on a Temporary Visitor Visa. To learn more about short-term visas to Japan, visit: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/short-term-visas-to-japan/
Another short-term study option is to join one of our Study Trips on a Temporary Visitor Visa. Each trip is 2-4 weeks long and includes Japanese language classes, sightseeing, activities, and accommodation all in a package. Explore our Study Trips here: https://gogonihon.com/en/trips/
Are there any age restrictions when applying to a language school in Japan?
There are no upper age limits to apply to a language school in Japan, but you generally need to be 18 years old when you arrive in Japan to start school. If you are not yet 18, don’t worry we have a 2-week Youth Japan Study Trip for students aged 15 to 17: https://gogonihon.com/en/tripsNote that if you graduated from your last school more than five years prior to applying for language school, the school may require more information and documentation. But don’t worry too much – we successfully help many students of all ages apply to Japanese language schools!
I haven’t studied Japanese before. Can I apply?
All the schools offer beginner to advanced level classes, however, not all schools accept complete beginners. Prior knowledge of Japanese may be required depending on the school you choose, your country of citizenship, your educational background, etc. In most cases, a JLPT N5 certificate or a document proving 150 hours of Japanese class suffices for the immigration bureau. Even if no proof of Japanese knowledge is required, we recommend learning at least the two kana alphabets (hiragana and katakana) before your arrival. It make a huge difference in helping you get settled into life and classes in Japan!For those interested in starting their Japanese learning journey, we also offer several online course options that have benefits like flexible scheduling, self-paced studying and student communities. Our online courses are listed here: https://japaneseonline.gogonihon.com/
Are there specific education requirements to be able to study at a Japanese language school?
Students need to have, or be scheduled to obtain, a high school diploma (or equivalent), which usually means completing 12 years of formal education. If students have not completed high school, they may be able to take an online course such as the GED or a TAFE course, which, once finished, can count as equivalent to high school completion.What is the Go! Go! Nihon application process for long-term studies at a language school?
- Around 6-12 months before you want to start studying – Research your options, including where in Japan you want to study, what term you want to start in, and what school you want to attend.
- 8 months before you start studying – Start studying Japanese. Japanese immigration requires people from certain countries to have already studied 150 hours or more of a Japanese language school program, or have passed any JLPT level.
- 7-5 months before you start studying – We help you apply for your student visa. This includes gathering documents, document checking, and submitting paperwork to your chosen school and immigration. You will also need to pay your application fee.
- 3-1 months before your start studying – You will receive an invoice for your tuition fees, which you need to pay immediately to complete the application process. You can book your flights once your fees are paid.
- 2 months prior to studying – We help you organize your accommodation through our providers.
- 1 month prior to studying – The school will send you your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You need to take this to your local Japanese embassy immediately to get it converted into a student visa.
- 3-2 weeks before arriving in Japan – Make sure you have your student visa, your accommodation sorted and your flights are confirmed. If you want to book our pick-up service from select airports in Tokyo and Osaka, we will help you arrange this.
- Fly to Japan!
For more information about the application process for 6 months or more of study, read our article: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/study-in-japan-for-6-months/
Can I apply to multiple programs or schools in Japan at the same time?
No, you should not apply to multiple programs or schools in Japan simultaneously. Immigration will only process one visa application per individual. Submitting multiple applications can raise red flags, as it may appear that you are not genuinely committed to your studies and are only seeking a visa. This can jeopardize your chances of obtaining a visa. The outcome of your application does not depend on the school you choose, so there is no advantage to applying to multiple institutions. If you are currently considering other schools or programs, please inform us immediately.
How long can I study in Japan on a student visa?
The duration you can study on a student visa in Japan depends on the type of educational institution you are enrolled in and the length of your program. Generally, the student visa allows you to stay in Japan for the duration of your course of study, which can range from several months to several years.
1. Language Schools
* Duration: 6 months to 2 years
* Details: Language schools usually offer programs ranging from a few months up to 2 years. In some cases, an extension on the visa granted is needed to cover the full course duration. 2 years is the maximum amount of time an individual can study at a language school on a student visa. The maximum amount of time you can study also depends on your chosen intake: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/how-japanese-language-school-terms-work/
2. Vocational Schools (Senmon Gakko)
* Duration: 1 to 3 years
* Details: These schools offer specialized training programs. The student visa typically covers the duration of the program, with 2 years being the most common program length.
3. Universities
* Duration: 2 to 5 years
* Details: Bachelor’s degree programs are usually 4 years in length. Master’s programs usually last 2 years, and doctoral programs can last 3 to 5 years. The student visa granted covers the length of the program.
Does Go! Go! Nihon offer scholarships?
Unfortunately, we do not assist with financial aid or scholarships for our partnered language schools, so we are unable to provide any information about those types of programs. However, individual schools may offer information and/or assistance to students depending on the availability of scholarships and how well students perform.
What can I do after studying Japanese in Japan?
There are many pathways for students after studying in Japan. Typically, to work in Japan, you need an N2 level of Japanese and a bachelor’s degree. With these qualifications, you can move on to employment. If you have a bachelor’s degree from your home country but lack Japanese proficiency, attending a language school in Japan can help you achieve the necessary language skills to work.
Without a bachelor’s degree, you could still complete language school and then pursue further education in Japan, or get qualified to work as a Specified Skilled Worker in certain industries. For some, the goal is to experience Japan’s culture and learn the language before returning home to apply their new skills in their career. You can r ead more about moving from a student to work visa in our in our article https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/student-visa-to-a-work-visa-in-japan/.
Regardless of your path, whether it’s continuing your education, joining the workforce in Japan, or taking your skills elsewhere, the experience will be rewarding and life-changing.
Why should I use Go! Go! Nihon?
Our support is free! We don’t charge for our service, so you pay exactly the same fees as if you applied to your chosen school on your own. We assist you in selecting the right school from the many available options to best achieve your goals. We support seven different languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, German, and Portuguese, so we can help you in your own language. Our team is made up of former language students who have been through the process themselves and can guide you with first-hand experience.
How is Go! Go! Nihon’s service free?
Go! Go! Nihon works closely with our partners to help them attract international students and make it easier for people to apply to their institutions. Whatever you pay will be the same whether you apply through us, or directly through the school.
What is the cost of living in Japan?
The cost of living depends on a number of factors, including where you’re living and your lifestyle. Please see our cost of living calculator to understand average costs. Japanese immigration estimates that 6 months of full-time study in Japan costs about 1,200,000 yen. This includes tuition, housing, and some living expenses. Immigration requires certain funds to be able to issue visas, so please contact us for more information.Read more in our article about the cost of living in Japan: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/the-highs-and-lows-of-the-cost-of-living-in-japan/
Can I bring my pet to Japan?
Yes, however please be aware that the can be very complicated and involves extra paperwork. For further information, we recommend checking out this site: http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/im_index.htmlWe also have an article on this topic: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/bringing-your-pet-to-japan/
It can be hard to find housing in Japan that allow pets, but it isn’t impossible. We are partnered with some accommodation agencies who are able to help with the search. Contact us for more information.
Can I bring medication to Japan?
This depends on your medication. In general, over-the-counter and prescription drugs are acceptable. Depending on how much you want to bring in, you may need a Medicine Import Certificate. A separate Narcotics Certificate is needed if you need to bring in stronger drugs. For more information, please read our article carefully: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/bring-medication-japan/
Can I apply for Japanese Language School with a friend or partner?
Yes, we can help you and your friend or partner apply together. However, due to the way the immigration process works you will each need to complete your own official application paperwork. You can find out more in our article: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/study-in-japan-with-a-friend/Do you have to study Japanese before going to Japan?
Prior knowledge of Japanese may be required depending on the school you choose, your country of citizenship, your educational background, etc. In most cases, a JLPT N5 certificate or a document proving 150 hours of Japanese class suffices for the immigration bureau. Even if no proof of Japanese knowledge is required, we recommend learning at least the two kana alphabets (hiragana and katakana) before your arrival. If you’re not a beginner, you will have the chance to take a placement test before starting classes in Japan and you might get placed into a higher level and therefore save some time and money.
Do I need to speak Japanese to find work in Japan?
Very few employers in Japan hire those who do not know at least conversational Japanese and ideally, you need to be at least JLPT N2 level for full-time roles. Check out our article for more information: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/working-in-japan-without-a-university-degree/
How long does it take to learn Japanese?
This depends on your goals. If you start from a beginner level and aim to move on to higher education in Japan or work in Japan in the future, you will need to study Japanese in Japan full-time for about two years. For more on how Japanese language schools work check our article here: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/how-japanese-language-schools-in-japan-work/How effective is it to learn Japanese in Japan?
Very effective! Learning a language in a country where it is spoken is one of the best and fastest ways of mastering it. This makes a lot of sense when you think about the fact that you are surrounded by people who speak Japanese, you can make Japanese friends and you have so many opportunities to actually use and practise Japanese. There is also so much about the Japanese language that you can only learn once you live in Japan, such as certain words and ways of saying things that sound more natural.
To learn more about the benefits of immersion for language learning, read our article: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/learn-japanese-through-immersion/
Where should I study in Japan?
Go! Go! Nihon is partnered with schools all over Japan. It can be tough to decide where to study Japanese as we have a high number of language school options. Read our article about the best cities to study Japanese in Japan: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/best-cities-to-study-japanese-in-japan We also have a quiz with essential questions that will help determine which city in Japan would be the best fit for you! Click here to find out.Does Go! Go! Nihon offer scholarships?
Unfortunately, we do not assist with financial aid or scholarships for our partnered language schools, so we are unable to provide any information about those types of programs. However, individual schools may offer information and/or assistance to students depending on the availability of scholarships and how well students perform.
What different visa options are available to live & study in Japan?
We mainly assist with these pathways to studying at a language school in Japan.For long-term study (6 months or longer), the most common visa is the Student Visa, which you can use to study for up to two years. If your country has a Working Holiday Visa agreement with Japan, you may also use that visa to study for up to 18 months. Read our ultimate guide to Japan Student Visas here: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/japan-student-visas/ Learn more about the Japan Working Holiday visa here: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/working-holiday-visa-japan/
For short-term study, the course is usually 3 months long and you can study on a Temporary Visitor Visa. To learn more about short-term visas to Japan, visit: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/short-term-visas-to-japan/
Another short-term study option is to join one of our Study Trips on a Temporary Visitor Visa. Each trip is 2-4 weeks long and includes Japanese language classes, sightseeing, activities, and accommodation all in a package. Explore our Study Trips here: https://gogonihon.com/en/study-trips/
How can I get a visa to study Japanese in Japan?
In order to get a student visa to study in Japan, you will need to apply to a language school that supports student visas and have them accept your application. Applying for a student visa requires a lot of documentation and paperwork. Amongst other things, you need to prove you have completed or are on track to complete a high school diploma (or equivalent), and show you have the funds to study in Japan by submitting your bank statement and income proof. Depending on your unique sitation you may also be required to share other documents and information. This is where Go! Go! Nihon comes in as we help you with your paperwork to ensure the highest possible chance of acceptance for the school of your choice. Read more information about applying for a student visa on our blog: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/japan-student-visa/Does Go! Go! Nihon only help with long-term studies in Japan?
We can assist you in applying for short-term studies from 3 months with a visa, or even shorter with our specialized Study Trips in Japan that range from 2 to 4 weeks. You can check these out from our Study Trips page: https://gogonihon.com/en/trips/Can I bring my family with me when I study in Japan?
Unfortunately, due to the rules of our partner schools and Japanese immigration, we are unable to assist with dependent visas for family members. Each member of your family would need to have their own visa.
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Who we are
Go! Go! Nihon Live and Study in Japan!
Founded by students and created for students, we have over 12 years’ experience helping people to live & study in Japan. Go! Go! Nihon makes it easy to choose a Japanese language school, apply for your student visa, find accommodation, and settle into your new life in Japan. Our experienced team will guide you from application to arriving in Japan – all at no extra cost to you.
