South Korean applicants · Japan
Student Visa (留学) for South Korean citizens
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 general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 2–6 weeks for COE.
- Government fees
- COE: free; visa fee varies.
- Typical duration
- 1–2 years; renewable for duration of studies.
- 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
South Korean nationals require a visa for any entry into Japan. The Student Visa (留学) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
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.
- ✓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.
- ·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.
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 and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
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?+
South Korean nationals require a visa for any entry into Japan. The Student Visa (留学) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
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.