South Korean applicants · Japan
Student Visa (留学) for South Korean citizens
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 2 official citations reconfirmed 13 September 2026
Visa for international students at Japanese universities, language schools, and vocational institutions — includes part-time work rights.
This page covers the Student Visa (留学) specifically for South Korean applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to South Korea. The route's general criteria are summarised below, but the current corridor-specific filing, visa-issuance, and entry position above can still determine whether the route is usable.
- Processing time
- No single Japan-wide clock: COE and visa timing vary by the school, regional immigration bureau and competent consular post.
- Government fees
- COE: free; visa fee varies.
- Typical duration
- Individual period of stay set by the Minister of Justice, not exceeding 4 years 3 months; renew/change status as circumstances require.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a Japan consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for South Korean nationals change periodically and are separate from the Student Visa (留学). Check the destination government's current entry guidance before travel.
Visa overview
The Student visa covers foreign nationals studying at Japanese universities, vocational schools (senmon gakkō), and Japanese-language institutes. Students can work up to 28 hours per week during term and up to 8 hours per day during holidays with a "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted" (資格外活動許可). Graduates can transition to an Engineer/Specialist visa, HSP, or other work status.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Acceptance at a Japanese educational institution.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Ministry of Justice ↗
- ✓Financial resources to cover tuition and living costs (approximately ¥2,000,000/year — varies by region).
Common blockers
- !Insufficient financial guarantees.
- !Institution not recognised by ISA.
Typical evidence
- ·Acceptance letter from institution.
- ·Financial sponsor evidence or bank statements.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Ministry of Justice ↗
- ·Academic transcripts.
Application pathway
Secure admission
Accept an offer from a Japanese institution.
Institution applies for COE
The institution typically applies for the COE on your behalf.
Apply for visa and enter
Apply for a Student visa at the consulate with the COE.
Work part-time with permission
Apply for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted at the immigration bureau. Work up to 28 hours/week during term.
Transition to work visa on graduation
Find employment and apply for a change of status to Engineer/Specialist or HSP.
Plan the practical side of your stay
Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in Japan. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceSchoolPrepare Student COE ↗
Japanese institution uses the status page to prepare the student COE documents and supporting evidence.
Immigration Services Agency (ISA) · verified
- Official guidanceApplicantApply for visa with COE ↗
Student uses the COE to file the entry visa application at the competent Japanese embassy or consulate.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) · verified
Other Japan routes covered for South Korean applicants
Not sure Japan is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer study routes that South Korean nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are South Korean citizens eligible for the Student Visa (留学)?+
Eligibility for the Student Visa (留学) is set by ISA. South Korean applicants must meet the general route criteria plus any nationality- or location-specific intake requirements described in the current corridor guidance above.
Where do South Korean applicants typically file the Student Visa (留学)?+
a Japan consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by ISA — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do South Korean applicants need a tourist visa for Japan as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for South Korean nationals change periodically and are separate from the Student Visa (留学). Check the destination government's current entry guidance before travel.
Can I work while studying in Japan?+
Yes — up to 28 hours per week during term and up to 8 hours per day during holidays, with Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted. You must apply for this permission at the immigration bureau after arriving in Japan (typically at the airport on arrival or at the local immigration office).
Is there a post-study work pathway in Japan?+
Yes. Graduates can apply for a change of status to Engineer/Specialist, HSP, or other work visas. There is also a "Designated Activities" (tokutei katsudo) post-graduation job-seeking status available for 6–12 months. Japanese companies conduct "shūshoku katsudō" (job-hunting) activities annually — foreign students at Japanese universities can participate in this structured recruitment cycle.
Do I need to speak Japanese to study in Japan?+
It depends on the programme. University degree programmes taught in Japanese typically require JLPT N2 (or pass the institution's own Japanese examination). Many top universities offer English-taught programmes — notably the G30 (Global 30) programme at 13 leading universities (University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tohoku University, etc.) does not require Japanese. Language school programmes obviously teach Japanese from beginner level.
How much does it cost to study in Japan?+
National universities charge approximately ¥535,800/year (approximately USD 3,600) in tuition — among the most affordable in developed countries. Private universities range from ¥700,000 to ¥1,500,000+/year. Living costs are approximately ¥90,000–¥130,000/month in Tokyo and ¥70,000–¥100,000/month in other cities. MEXT (Japanese government) scholarships are fully funded and highly competitive.
How we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: ISA
Last checked: 8 July 2026