International Student Program

Q.

I would like to study in Japan. How can I study in Japan?

If you wish to study in Japan, the most common route is to enroll in a government-approved Japanese language school such as TCJ. There are a variety of classes and courses offered at Japanese language schools, so you should consider the one that best suits your needs, and TCJ can guide you through a free counseling session to find the right course for you. TCJ also provides extensive support for obtaining a “college student visa” to study in Japan.

For more details, click here.

Q.

I am considering studying in Japan. Where should I start?

First, please refer to the Study in Japan Guide. Also, please make an appointment for a seminar or counseling session at TCJ. We will support you to make your study in Japan a pleasant experience.

Click here for the Study in Japan Guide
Click here to make an appointment for counseling

Q.

Are there any restrictions on age or educational background when applying for the Study Abroad Visa Course?

There are no restrictions on age or educational background. Admission or denial is mainly based on the results of an interview.

Q.

From which countries do you accept international students?

We accept students from all over the world. We do not have any restrictions on accepting international students based on their country of origin.

Q.

What is the schedule for enrollment in the College Student Visa Course?

The schedule is posted on each course detail page.
University Course
Graduate School Course
Vocational School Course
Employment Course
Admission is four times a year in April, July, October, and January. It takes about one year from the initial counseling to the start of study abroad.

Q.

How many hours of class are there per day?

Each day consists of two 90-minute classes for a total of three hours. There is a 20-minute break between classes. There are morning and afternoon classes, divided by year and class level. The total class time is 600 hours (800 classes) per year, and 1200 hours (1600 classes) if you are enrolled for a maximum of two years.

Q.

What is the class format?

All international students are required to attend classes at the school. A computer or tabbed device will be required for classes and exams, so please be sure to prepare for this before enrolling.

Q.

How many students are in a class?

Twenty students is the maximum.

Q.

Are there any explanations in languages other than Japanese in class?

At TCJ, students of various native languages take classes in the same classroom, so basically all explanations are given in Japanese.

Q.

Does each class have a homeroom teacher?

TCJ has a class homeroom system. The homeroom teacher manages the class and keeps track of student attendance and grades. In addition, homeroom teachers play a central role in providing guidance for higher education.

Q.

What kind of teachers give lessons?

TCJ has over 500 Japanese language teachers, all of whom are carefully selected professionals.

Q.

How much does it cost for tuition and living expenses to enroll and live in TCJ?

The total tuition for the first year of study abroad is approximately 1,000,000 yen (tax included). Meals, transportation, dormitory fees, and other living expenses in Japan should total approximately 100,000 yen per month.

Q.

How long does it take to commute to school? Also, does TCJ have dormitories?

On average, it takes about 20 to 40 minutes. We have a student dormitory, and in principle, all applicants can enter the dormitory. Please click here for details.

Q.

Where can I buy textbooks to be used in class?

Textbooks are included in the tuition fee for the International Student Visa Course. You will receive them at the beginning of class, so there is no need to purchase them yourself.

Q.

How can you measure my level of learning?

TCJ has a unique 13-step Japanese language learning system (5 levels for JLPT) that measures all 5 skills (reading, listening, speaking(Presentation and Conversation), and writing) at each step, and based on the results, students can identify their learning issues and teachers can help them to plan and revise their study plans. The teacher accompanies the student in developing and revising a learning plan.

Q.

Are students divided into classes based on country of origin or cultural background?

Classes are divided according to students’ purpose of study abroad and Japanese language level. However, if a student is unfamiliar with Kanji, we may add additional assignments.

Q.

Does the school provide support for taking the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)?

Students will consult with their homeroom teachers in advance to determine the subjects and test levels they will take. We also set aside time in class to go over the examination procedures.

Q.

Do you offer preparation for entrance exams?

TCJ focuses on exam preparation. We not only prepare students for the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), but also for past university examinations. We also offer individualized essay correction and interview preparation, and for graduate school courses, we also provide guidance on research proposals at an early stage.

Q.

What kind of universities, graduate schools, or vocational schools do TCJ students often go on to?

TCJ students have been accepted to various levels of universities, including difficult national universities, private universities, art universities, and fine arts colleges. They have also been accepted to top-level vocational schools in their respective fields. For more information, please click here.

Q.

How much study is required to enter a prestigious university or graduate school in Japan?

It depends on the individual, but it is considered necessary to study 8 to 10 hours every day. Since the university entrance examinations include interview and writing questions, a high score on the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) or Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is not enough to pass the exam. In addition, research proposals and interview questions are more important in graduate school entrance examinations, and TCJ has very good study guidance to improve students’ speaking and writing skills, so it is not easy, but you can certainly aim to improve your skills.

Q.

I would like to go on to higher education after one year of enrollment, is this possible?

It is possible to enter higher education after one year of enrollment. Even for those who wish to go on to higher education after one year of enrollment, we provide career guidance such as checking the statement of purpose and interview practice as needed. However, in order to ensure that you will be able to pursue your desired career path, it is necessary to significantly improve your Japanese language skills. We recommend a maximum of two years of study in order to realize your desired career path.

Q.

Is it possible to change courses midway through my studies if I am not sure whether I should go to a university or a vocational school?

 Yes, it is possible. While many students have difficulty deciding on a course of study, TCJ teachers will provide the best advice based on the student’s situation and wishes. However, depending on the time of year and conditions, it may not be possible to change courses. If your desired course of study changes, please consult with your teacher immediately.

Q.

If I achieve my goal of higher education or employment earlier than expected and graduate from school, can I get a refund of the remaining tuition?

If you graduate ahead of schedule due to early achievement of your goals, we will refund the remaining tuition for the semester, excluding some fees. Please check with us at the time of counseling for details.

Q.

What level of Japanese language proficiency is required to study in Japan?

The level of Japanese language proficiency required depends on the time of admission and your goals for higher education or employment.
However, if your goal is to enter a higher level school, we recommend that you acquire a certain level of Japanese language proficiency before coming to Japan in order to ensure a smooth transition into your life as a foreign student.

Q.

Can I enroll in the middle of a semester?

No, it is not possible.

Q.

Will I receive a certificate or degree upon completion of the course?

You will receive a certificate of completion upon expiration of the course. If you graduate early without enrolling until the expiration date, you will only receive a certificate of course completion. In both cases, it is not a degree.

Q.

Are there any scholarships available?

Yes, if you meet the requirements, you may be eligible for the school’s own scholarship program. It is also possible to apply for outside scholarships with the school’s recommendation.
The conditions for both scholarships are “high attendance rate” and “willingness to go on to higher education. For more details, please click here.

Q.

Is it possible to have a part-time job while studying in Japan?

Japanese law allows students to work up to 28 hours per week in principle, after applying for and receiving permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence. In addition, TCJ introduces job opportunities for students only.
Please be aware that once you work part-time for more than 28 hours per week, you will not be able to extend your visa in Japan.

Q.

I have a temporary visitor visa. Can I change it to a college student visa in the middle of my stay?

In principle, no. (However, only those who have already obtained a “College Student” Certificate of Eligibility can change their visa status from Temporary Visitor to College Student.) Please contact us for details.

Q.

Is it possible to change from a working holiday to a student visa?

Yes, it is possible. Since this is a change of status of residence, we recommend that you obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (College Student). Please contact us for details.

Q.

I am working in Japan on a technical visa, but I cannot communicate well in Japanese. Is it possible to change to a student visa to study Japanese?

It is possible to change to a student visa. Immigration procedures vary according to each situation, so please consult with TCJ first.

Q.

Are there any age or educational restrictions when applying for the International Student Program?

There are generally no age or educational restrictions. Admission is primarily determined by the results of the interview.

Business & Daily Life Japanese Program

Q.

I am considering enrolling in TCJ, what should I do first?

Please make an appointment for a counseling session at TCJ. A professional counselor will suggest a study plan.

Click here to make an appointment for counseling.

Q.

Are there any restrictions on age, educational background, or Japanese level when applying for TCJ’s Japanese for Work and Life Course?

There are no restrictions on age or educational background. We will check your Japanese level before enrollment, so you can start with lessons at a level that is appropriate for you.

*Class lessons are for adults and high school students (ages 16 and up). For children, we offer TCJ KIDS and private lessons.

Q.

How soon can I start classes after the initial counseling?

Once your application is submitted and the initial tuition payment is confirmed, you may start classes on the following Monday or Tuesday.

Q.

What is the schedule for enrollment in the Japanese for Work and Daily Life Course?

Q.

Does each class have a homeroom teacher?

TCJ has a homeroom teacher system. The homeroom teacher manages the class and keeps track of student goals and attendance.

Q.

How many hours of classes are there per day?

It depends on the course, but the daily class time is 2~3 hours. Please inquire separately for the number of hours per course.

Q.

What is the class format?

 All classes are hybrid, so you can choose either commuter or online.

Q.

I live in a place where I cannot commute to TCJ, can I still participate in online classes?

Yes, it is possible; all of TCJ’s classes are available online. There are people taking TCJ classes in Japan and around the world. You can take classes from the comfort of your own home or office at a level equivalent to the quality of classroom instruction without having to attend school.

Q.

Will the quality of the online classes be any lower than the in-class classes?

The quality of both the commuter and online classes is the same. The results of our semesterly class surveys show that the quality of TCJ’s online classes is comparable to the quality of our commuter classes.

Q.

What kind of students are there in the “Business & Daily Life Japanese Program”?

There are many students who want to use Japanese in their daily lives and in business situations. Many of them are already living in Japan on a work visa and are aiming to improve their careers, and many of them are embassy, consulate, or expatriate employees. We also have Japanese spouse visa holders, family visa holders who plan to go on to higher education, and those who are studying Japanese on working holiday.

Q.

What is the maximum number of students per class?

The maximum number of students is 20.

Q.

Are students divided into classes based on country of origin or cultural background?

Classes are divided according to students’ learning objectives and Japanese language level, so we do not divide students by country or cultural background. However, for students who are unfamiliar with kanji, we may design a special curriculum, add assignments, or provide supplementary lessons.

Q.

How can I measure my level of learning?

TCJ has a unique 13-step Japanese language learning system (5 levels for JLPT). Since many students want to improve their speaking ability in this course, we administer a speaking test at the end of each semester to those who wish to take it and give them an evaluation.

Q.

Does the school provide support for taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)?

The JLPT is taken in specialized evening classes and is part of the curriculum in Morning Intensive class and Afternoon Intensive class, while for the EJU, we recommend that students take advantage of private lessons.

Q.

Is it possible to start the course in the middle of the semester?

Yes, it is possible. Please consult with a counselor.

Q.

Can I change classes after the semester starts?

Yes, please consult with your student navigator.

Q.

Will I receive a certificate or degree after completing the course?

If you maintain a certain level of attendance and complete the study hours stipulated by the school, TCJ will issue a certificate of Japanese language study.

Q.

Is there anything I need to prepare before entering the school?

Please prepare a computer or tablet device. They will be used in classes and exams regardless of the class format. Please be sure to prepare them before enrolling.

Q.

Is there a refund policy?

If a student requests a cancellation or refund within 8 days of the start of the course, a full refund will be issued. After 8 days, we will apply the refund policy in accordance with Japanese law.

Q.

Why is TCJ’s educational quality so high?

TCJ is one of the top training institutions for teachers in Japan. All instructors are qualified and are carefully selected for their high teaching ability. In addition, we have a thorough quality control system in place to ensure that all instructors are always able to provide a high level of instruction and support.

Q.

Is there a discount service for corporate clients?

Yes, we offer a discount on tuition fees if you sign a corporate contract with TCJ and the company you are affiliated with. Please contact a counselor for details.

Q.

Is it possible to add more time for private lessons?

Yes, it is possible to add additional lesson time. Please feel free to contact us.

Q.

What kind of teachers give lessons?

TCJ has over 500 Japanese language instructors, all of whom have been carefully selected as professionals. We will assign a teacher who fits your purpose of study and desired time slot, and together we will create a study plan and curriculum. You may also request a teacher with business experience, who can communicate in English, etc.

CONTACT