Japanese Language Schools
Study the Japanese Language in Singapore and/or in Japan!
Who is this for?
Anyone who wishes to learn the Japanese Language!
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For those of us in Singapore who wish to learn Japanese for work, travel to Japan, or just to understand Manga or watch Anime without having to rely on English translations, there are Japanese Language schools offering language courses (both full-time and part-time).
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For those of us who are planning to study a Japanese-based university degree, you will usually enroll in language schools in Japan having dedicated courses to help you excel in your Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) subjects.
And for the rest of us who are studying an English-based degree in Japan, you can also consider enrolling in a language school prior to or during your studies to help you acquire Japanese Language skills for daily use! There are language schools focusing on the acquisition of language skills land less on EJU subjects!
Japanese Language Schools in Singapore
Japanese Language Schools in Singapore have both part-time (once or twice weekly) and full-time (e.g. Mon - Fri) courses. While there are no standard application timelines for Singaporean language schools - unlike applying for Language Schools in Japan - some language schools may have their intakes at the start of each month, so do be sure to keep a lookout for them!
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Examples of classes offered (non-exhaustive):
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Once a week classes (evening class options are available)
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Twice a week classes (evening class options are available)
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Intensive Course (Varies by Language School, 2 times weekly - 5 times weekly)
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JLPT Preparatory Course
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Private lessons
Links to School Websites
Japanese Language Schools in Japan
Most Japanese Language Schools in Japan offer intensive Japanese Language Courses for international students looking to study and live in Japan. Courses are usually held 5 times weekly, from Mondays - Fridays. In general, Japanese Language schools in Japan have 2 - 4 intakes every year. Most schools have intakes in April and October, with some offering more options with a January and July intake as well.
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Courses at schools targeted at EJU preparations are usually 1 - 1.5 years long depending on the month of intake. Other Japanese language schools focusing on language offer courses ranging from 1 - 2 years.
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EJU/University Preparatory Language Schools - Focus on EJU subjects. Typically for students who intend to sit for the EJU and study a Japanese-based undergraduate degree
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General Language Schools - Focus on Japanese Language skills. For anyone who wishes to learn the Japanese Language. If you're intending to study an English-based degree and wish to enroll in a language bridging course, these might be suitable for you. Students taking EJU can also consider enrolling in these language schools should you prefer more focus on language acquisition.
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You will need to apply for a student VISA before embarking on your studies in a Japanese Language School. Hence, do ensure that you school is able to help you apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that you will need for your student VISA application.
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Searching for Japanese Language Schools in Japan
There are many Japanese Language Schools in Japan, and we understand that it might be slightly confusing as to where to start off your search for your ideal language school. Here are 2 websites which you can visit to search for some of the options available for you:
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PDF documents containing an A-Z list of language schools. Information such as authorized course information, month of intakes, and whether the school offers preparatory courses for EJU/University.
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Apply filters (eg. region, cost fees, course duration etc.) to search for a school suited to your needs
EJU/University Preparatory Language Schools
These language schools provide Courses that Provide Preparatory Education for Admission to a Japanese University Designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan. In general, these schools have intakes in October (1.5 years course) and April (1 year course). These schools are recommended for students looking to take the EJU for admission into Japanese universities.
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*The EJU is the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students.
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Find some of the available options listed below (non-exhaustive).
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View the complete list of Preparatory Education Courses Designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
General Language Schools
These language schools provide comprehensive, intensive Japanese courses for individuals looking to hone their Japanese Language abilities for day-to-day living or for work. Courses at these schools focus on the acquisition of Japanese Language skills and not on EJU subjects. In general, schools have intakes in April and October, with some schools offering additional intakes in January and July as well.
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Courses are generally between 1-2 years long. Some schools also offer additional add-on classes such as
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Kanji Class
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JLPT Preparatory Class
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Business Japanese Class
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Find some of the available options listed below (non-exhaustive).
Application outline
When?
Application deadlines are usually 6 months prior to your enrollment into the language school. For example:
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April intake: Application deadline in October or November the previous year
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October intake: Application deadline in April or May
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Eligibility
Application requirements vary by language school, so do be sure to ascertain your eligibility before submitting your application. In general, these 2 requirements are to be met at the point of your application:
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Completed 12 years of schooling
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JLPT N5 certification (or equivalent), or proof of attending more than 150 hours of Japanese lessons*
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*Even without the official JLPT N5 certification or proof of 150 hours of Japanese lessons, some language schools may accept proof that you are have studied Japanese on your own or at a language school in Singapore as supporting documents. Please verify with the language schools you are applying to that your documents will suffice.
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Application documents
While each language school has their own set of application documents, here are some common ones that are typically required:
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Application form (For filling up personal particulars)
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School Graduation Certificate
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Academic Transcripts
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Japanese Proficiency certificates (JLPT etc.)
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Photocopy of passport
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Passport sized photographs
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Statement of income
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Information of sponsor (for students on scholarship)
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How to submit?
By post
Unless otherwise stated, most language schools would require original copies of application documents to be sent to Japan by post. In some cases, a certified true copy would suffice. These documents are primarily needed for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application at the immigration office.
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If you've never sent a letter overseas before (trust us, it's not uncommon), just head down to Singpost and get an envelope. Place all the documents inside, and tell them you need to mail it to Japan. There's regular Airmail which takes around 2 weeks, and EMS (registered mail with tracking numbers) that usually takes less than a week. Factor this mailing time into your application timeline, most universities set a deadline by which they need to receive their documents by.
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For original documents sent over by post, do be sure to check with the school on how and when they will return those documents to you.
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Online submission by email (*not all schools accept this method)
Some language schools may allow submission of application documents via email, though this may be the minority. Please contact your prospective language schools for more information.
Sample Application Timeline
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