Study in Japan from India: Language School Visa Steps

Many students ask us, "How can I study in Japan from India?" One common path is to join a Japanese language school (日本語学校, nihongo gakkō) first. This guide explains the steps, the Japanese level you should prepare, and how to start. Rules change, so treat this as a planning guide and always check with your school and official sources. No one can promise you a visa, and we will not either.

How the language school route works

In simple words, the process looks like this:

1. Choose a school and apply. Fees, funds required and interview format vary by school, so compare carefully.
2. The school sponsors your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) with Japan's Immigration Services Agency. This usually takes about 1-3 months.
3. Apply for the visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate with your COE.
4. Travel and start classes.

Plan for about 6 months in total from start to finish. Language-school study is generally limited to 2 years.

What Japanese level do you need?

Japan asks for A1-level Japanese, which you can show with JLPT N5, JFT-Basic or another approved test. The old "150 hours of study" certificate is no longer enough on its own from the October 2026 intake. Graduates may be exempt, so check with your school.

JLPT N5 or JFT-Basic?

• JLPT N5: held twice a year in India (first Sunday of July and December; in 2026 that is 5 July and 6 December). The next test is July 2027, date to be confirmed. The pass mark is 80 out of 180, and you must also reach the minimum in each section. Results come about 2 months after the test. Official site: jlpt.jp.
• JFT-Basic: a computer-based, 60-minute test of everyday Japanese, held many times a year, with results straight away. Scores run from 10 to 250, and 145-174 is A1. It is useful if you do not want to wait for the next JLPT date.

If you are unsure which one suits you, read our comparison of JLPT, NAT and JFT-Basic, or ask your school which test it accepts.

Work and time limits to know

Part-time work is capped at 28 hours a week. Treat it as extra support, not your main plan. Check the full costs and the funds you must show before you commit to any school.

How to prepare your Japanese before you apply

Even before you choose a school, a strong start helps with your test, your interview and your first weeks in Japan. If you are looking for a Japanese language course for beginners, build these basics first:

• Hiragana and katakana. Learn to read them before anything else. Many beginners start with ひらがな (hiragana).
• A short self-introduction (自己紹介, jikoshōkai). For example: はじめまして。わたしは Rahul です。インドから きました。 (Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Rahul desu. Indo kara kimashita.) means "Nice to meet you. I am Rahul. I came from India."
• Daily-life phrases: ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu, thank you), すみません (sumimasen, excuse me / sorry), おねがいします (onegai shimasu, please).
• Listening practice. Both JLPT and JFT-Basic test listening, so listen daily, even for 15 minutes.
• Mock tests. Practise under time limits so test day feels familiar.

Consistency matters more than long, rare sessions. How fast you move depends on your daily practice and your starting point.

Questions to ask before you pay any school

• Which language test do you accept for the A1 requirement?
• What is the full fee list, and what funds will I need to show?
• What does the interview involve?
• How does the COE process work, and how long does it usually take?

Be careful with anyone who guarantees a visa or a job. Nobody can promise that.

FAQ

Can I study in Japan without knowing any Japanese?

For the language school route, Japan now asks for A1-level Japanese to be shown through an approved test, so some preparation is needed. Check your school for the latest rules.

Is this the same as the MEXT scholarship?

No. MEXT is a Government of Japan scholarship with its own application through the Embassy or a university. The language school route is a separate, self-funded path. Check in.emb-japan.go.jp for MEXT updates.

How long should I plan for?

About 6 months in total, including the COE (about 1-3 months) and the visa application. Start early.

Can I work while studying?

Part-time work is allowed up to 28 hours a week. Check the current rules before you plan around it.

Can online classes prepare me for JLPT N5?

Yes. Live online classes with practice tests and doubt support can help you learn Japanese online from anywhere in India. What matters is regular practice and feedback.

Start with a free 2-day demo 🌸

At Japanese Ninjas Institute, our live online classes cover JLPT N5 to N1, plus NAT and JFT preparation. You get study books, tests and assignments, doubt support, mock tests and career counselling. The N5 course fee starts from Rs 17,999, and you can pay in instalments. We do not promise visas or jobs, but we will help you learn Japanese step by step.

Try it first: Book your free 2-day live demo class. You can also message us on WhatsApp at 8168282193. がんばりましょう! (Ganbarimashō, let's do our best!)