Student (留学) status of residence
Status for foreign nationals studying in Japan at universities, junior colleges, vocational schools, Japanese language schools and other schools. The school usually applies for a Certificate of Eligibility on the student's behalf. Students may work part-time with permission, up to 28 hours a week.
Life in Japan
Money
3
Currency
Japanese Yen
JPY
Japanese Yen
Cost of living
69
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
5–45%
Income tax (national)
Consumption tax 10%
Plus 2.1% reconstruction surtax on national tax and about 10% local inhabitant tax; 45% applies above JPY 40 million.
Living
1
Happiness
#59 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
People accepted by a Japanese educational institution who can show how their study and living costs will be paid.
Eligibility
Admission to a Japanese institution
Study at a university, junior college, vocational school, high school, Japanese language school or equivalent institution.
Means of support
A financial support statement and evidence of who will pay study and living costs must be submitted.
School attestation forms
The school prepares confirmation forms for the application, with some exemptions (e.g. high schools).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementPart-time work needs permission
- Document checklistCOE application form
- FeesVisa fee, single entry (approx.)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 1 more requirement
- 9 documents
- 4 fees
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Programs and scholarships Members
Study programs here that can lead to work and settlement, grouped by route and ranked for your background, with scholarships matched to your profile.
Places to visit in Japan
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Japan
- Visit & tourismShort-term stay visa (tourism, business, visiting relatives), including the JAPAN eVISA for tourism
- Work permitsEngineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
- Skilled migrationHighly Skilled Professional (i) (高度専門職1号) under the points-based system
- Permanent residencePermanent Resident (Eijuusha) - including Highly Skilled Professional fast track
- FamilySpouse or Child of Japanese National
- Work permitsSpecified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii)
