{"id":27748,"date":"2025-04-09T20:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=27748"},"modified":"2026-01-22T15:59:53","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T06:59:53","slug":"how-japanese-language-school-terms-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/how-japanese-language-school-terms-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How Japanese language school terms work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Updated January 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re thinking about studying Japanese in Japan, understanding how Japanese language school terms work is key to planning your move. There are generally four terms per year, which means four chances to start. But picking the right term can make all the difference, depending on your overall goals for <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/studying-abroad-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">studying abroad in Japan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to learn more about how Japanese language school terms work, which term suits different goals, and when to apply to guarantee your spot at a language school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This article contains topics on:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The basics of Japanese language school terms<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term vs short-term study options<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to choose the right Japanese language school term<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When to apply for each school term<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What to expect in each term and season in Japan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2026 update:<\/strong> Japanese language school course structures have evolved in recent years. While intake terms still matter, course lengths are no longer fixed in the same way they once were, and many schools now offer multiple course length options across different start dates depending on the course and the school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" src=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGN-Blog-Watermark-Rebrand-1.jpg\" alt=\"Person looking at a digital calendar and deciding which of the Japanese language school terms to choose.\" class=\"wp-image-139435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGN-Blog-Watermark-Rebrand-1.jpg 798w, https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGN-Blog-Watermark-Rebrand-1-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGN-Blog-Watermark-Rebrand-1-768x420.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Basics of Japanese language school terms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are usually four Japanese language school terms for intake each year: <strong>January, April, July, and October<\/strong>. Each term runs for three months. But not all language schools offer all four terms, so it\u2019s always best to <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">check with us<\/a> about the particular school you wish to apply to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Studying long vs. short term at a Japanese language school<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s also important to decide if you want to <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/options-to-study-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">study long or short term<\/a> in Japan, as it will determine if you need to apply for a <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/student-visa-for-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">student visa<\/a>. If you want to study in Japan long term, you will need a student visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The maximum length of time you can <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/extend-a-japanese-student-visa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">extend a student visa<\/a> for Japanese language school is <strong>two years<\/strong>. Most schools reset their full curriculum every two years, starting in April. That makes <strong>April the most common option<\/strong> if you want to complete the entire two-year program from start to finish. <strong>However, this is no longer the only term in which two-year courses may be available<\/strong>, and course lengths can vary depending on the school and course. There are exceptions, and course lengths will differ between schools, so it\u2019s always best to <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/#apply\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">d<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ouble-check with a student advisor<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can still start your course from the beginning in any of the other terms, but keep in mind that the course will usually end in March. Historically, this meant that starting in January, July, or October often resulted in a shorter maximum study period. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>January start<\/strong>: Max of one year and three months<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>July start<\/strong>: Max of one year and nine months<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>October start<\/strong>: Max of one year and six months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, these timeframes should be seen as <strong>general guidelines rather than fixed limits<\/strong>. Many schools now offer longer course options \u2014 including up to two years \u2014 from multiple intake terms, depending on the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can always return to Japan later and use your remaining visa time; just remember to cancel your current visa when you leave. When you&#8217;re ready to come back, you will need to reapply for a new <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/studying-abroad-in-japan\/how-to-apply-for-a-japan-student-visa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">student visa<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All schools test regularly throughout each term and also do an<strong> exam at the end of each term <\/strong>to check your progress. To level up, you must pass these tests as well as attend class, keep up with classwork, and do your homework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing which Japanese language school term is best for you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Deciding on which of the Japanese language school terms you should start in depends on what your goals are and your current level of Japanese. All four of the Japanese language school terms offer something different and will set the tone for your experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The January term is perfect for:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students with some previous Japanese knowledge who want to take the <strong>Japanese Language Proficiency Test<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jlpt.jp\/e\/index.cgi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">JLPT<\/a>) in either July or December to fast-track their progress. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The April term is great for:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students who want to get the most out of their language studies and <strong>complete two full years<\/strong> of Japanese language school.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Students who want to move on to further education<\/strong>, as vocational schools only have one term that begins in April and universities generally have two terms: one in April and another around September.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>April remains the most common and reliable pathway for students aiming for university or full-time work in Japan, particularly for those targeting JLPT N2. However, reaching N2 depends on factors such as starting level and study intensity, and is not limited to April starts alone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The July term is ideal for: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students who want to attend one of the Japanese universities that require the entrance exam for foreign students (<a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/eju\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EJU exam<\/a>). The EJU normally takes place in June and November. Students can sit the exam in November, receive their EJU results in December, and apply for the April intake of their chosen university.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High school or university students who graduate in the spring in their countries and want a seamless transition to attend language school in Japan right after graduation.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The October term works for: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High school students in the northern hemisphere who recently graduated and want to head to Japan to study after enjoying summer break.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some schools also offer <strong>multiple course lengths within the same intake<\/strong> (for example, both one-year and two-year options starting in April). In these cases, shorter courses may require a higher starting level of Japanese \u2014 such as N4 rather than a beginner level like N5 \u2014 to ensure that students can realistically reach their goals in a shorter timeframe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need more advice on which Japanese language school term would be best for you, don\u2019t hesitate to <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/#apply\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">get in touch with us<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/English-1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"study in Japan timeline\" class=\"wp-image-207256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/English-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/English-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/English-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/English-1.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to get your application in<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ideally, you should start your application around <strong>one year in advance<\/strong> to secure a place and process your student visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This long <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/studying-abroad-in-japan\/how-to-study-abroad-in-japan-with-go-go-nihon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">application process<\/a> time is especially important because of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/150-hour-japanese-study-requirement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">150-hour language requirement<\/a><\/strong> that Japanese immigration now requires for long-term study. Applicants can meet the requirement either through obtaining an <strong>N5 JLPT<\/strong> certificate or through an accredited institution. We offer two online options through our <a href=\"https:\/\/japaneseonline.gogonihon.com\/courses\/akamonkai-japanese-12-week-beginner-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Akamonkai beginner course<\/a> or our <a href=\"https:\/\/japaneseonline.gogonihon.com\/courses\/akamonkai-japanese-12-week-pre-intermediate-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pre-intermediate course<\/a>. Both fulfill the 150-hour requirement and were created in partnership with Akamonkai, the largest Japanese language school in Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Start in January<\/strong> \u2192 Apply by <strong>July<\/strong> of the previous year<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start in April<\/strong> \u2192 Apply by <strong>October<\/strong> of the previous year<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start in July<\/strong> \u2192 Apply by <strong>January<\/strong> of the current year<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start in October<\/strong> \u2192 Apply by <strong>April<\/strong> of the current year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that you can always get in touch with us if you\u2019re unsure about the <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/application-process-timeline-when-to-start-your-japanese-student-visa-application\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">application process<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" src=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/calendar.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese calendar book and pencil on a desk\" class=\"wp-image-180109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/calendar.jpg 798w, https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/calendar-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/calendar-768x420.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to do in each term in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is always something <strong>unique<\/strong> to experience in Japan, no matter the time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Catch the best of winter and ring in the new year at <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/japanese-new-year-tradition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the start of the year<\/a>; in spring, you can experience <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/cherry-blossoms-in-japan-sakura-viewing-season\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cherry blossom season<\/a> from March-April onwards; take part in <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/summer-in-japan-festivals-foods-fun-across-country\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">summer festivals<\/a> from July; or go hiking to admire beautiful <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/best-locations-to-experience-autumn-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">autumn colors<\/a> from October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, there are more events and festivals in Japan than you could ever imagine \u2014 see our <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/one-year-in-japan-the-most-popular-events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">blog article<\/a> for the very best of Japan\u2019s events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want more help with deciding which Japanese language school term would work best for you, don\u2019t hesitate to <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact us<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated January 2026 If you&#8217;re thinking about studying Japanese in Japan, understanding how Japanese language school terms work is key to planning your move. There are generally four terms per year, which means four chances to start. But picking the right term can make all the difference, depending on your overall goals for studying abroad [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":117,"featured_media":180100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[404],"tags":[687,680],"class_list":["post-27748","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learn-japanese","tag-student-visa","tag-study-in-japan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27748","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/117"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27748"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27748\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/180100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27748"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27748"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27748"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}