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How it works

From first message to first class

What happens when you apply to a Japanese language school with JapanEasy — the steps, the timeline, and why our help costs you nothing.

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The process

Six steps to your first class in Japan

1. Tell us your plans

Fill in the short form: your goals, budget, preferred city and when you want to start. We reply within 1–2 working days.

2. Choose your school

We suggest schools that fit and answer your questions about programs, prices, housing and life in Japan.

3. Prepare your documents

We tell you exactly which documents your school needs, check them before they are sent and help with the forms.

4. The school applies for your CoE

The school files your application with Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. The Certificate of Eligibility takes about 2–3 months.

5. Pay the school, get your visa

Once the CoE is issued you pay the first year to the school and apply for the student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.

6. Arrive and start classes

Book your flight, move into your dorm or share house and start school. We stay in touch after you arrive.

Visa details: Student visa for Japan · Certificate of Eligibility · Getting the visa at the embassy · Which documents do I need?
Work and money: Part-time work while you study · Your first 30 days in Japan · Work in Japan

Timeline

When to apply

Most schools start four times a year. Apply 5–7 months before the start: the school needs time to get your Certificate of Eligibility. For short courses (1 week – 3 months), 1–3 months ahead is usually enough.

Start Course length Apply at the school Immigration result (CoE)
April 6 months – 2 years September – 31 October end of February
July 6 months – 1 year 9 months December – early March end of May
October 6 months – 1 year 6 months March – early May end of August
January 6 months – 1 year 3 months May – early August end of November

Typical dates — not every school runs all four intakes, and lengths differ by school (see each school page). You pay the school only after your CoE is issued. Scroll sideways on small screens.

Who does what

What we do, what you do

What we do

  • Shortlist schools that fit your goals and budget
  • Answer your questions in English
  • Tell you which documents you need and check them
  • Send your application to the school and keep in touch with it in Japanese
  • Help with the visa application and with housing
  • Advise you before and after you arrive

What you do

  • Choose your school
  • Collect your documents (and your sponsor’s)
  • Pay the school directly — only after the CoE is issued
  • Apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate
  • Book your flight

Why is it free?

The school pays us, not you

Our partner schools pay us a commission when a student enrolls. You pay the school exactly the fees on its price list — the same as if you applied directly. Nothing is added for our help, and there is no fee to apply.

With JapanEasy On your own
Cost of our help Free —
School fees The school’s own price list The same
Shortlist of schools that fit you
Document check before sending
Contact with the school in Japanese
Help with the student visa (CoE) application

Scroll sideways on small screens.

FAQ

Questions, answered

Can’t find yours? Send us a message — a real person replies.

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How long does the whole process take?

For the long-term program, plan 6–12 months from your first message to your first class: the school’s application window, 2–3 months for the CoE, then the visa and your flight. Short courses can start 1–3 months after you apply.

No. Our partner schools pay us a commission when you enroll. You only pay the school’s own fees, the same as applying directly.

Yes — most students haven’t. Tell us your goals, budget and preferred city, and we suggest schools that fit.

The final decision is made by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, and schools’ application fees are usually non-refundable. That is why we check your documents carefully before they are sent.

Only after your Certificate of Eligibility is issued. The school sends the invoice for the first year; you pay it directly to the school.

Tell us your plans. We’ll handle the rest.

One short form — we reply with a shortlist of schools and the next steps.

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Students in yukata at a Japanese language school

Free for students