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As of May 2025, Nepalese students make up the second-largest group of international students in Japan. With its strong academic environment, advanced technology, affordable education system, and opportunities to work while studying, it offers a practical and inspiring future for students.
If you’re planning to study in Japan, getting a student visa is your first big step. This blog is your complete 2025 guide to the student visa for Japan from Nepal, covering requirements to the full process, estimated costs, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
A Japanese student visa is an official permit issued by the Government of Japan that allows international students to study at recognized institutions such as universities, Japanese language schools, vocational colleges, and specialized training centers.
To legally study long-term in Japan, access education and work opportunities, gain official student status with rights, and build your future there, you need a Japanese student visa.
Before we dive into the visa process, here’s why Japan stands out as the top destination for students worldwide:
For many Nepali students, Japan offers education, exposure to a new culture, self-reliance, and job prospects.
To study in Japan, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), proof of financial resources, a valid passport, and other documents. Make sure you are ready with all the following documents before beginning your Japanese visa process:
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Japan is a document issued by the Japanese Immigration Services Agency, confirming that you are eligible to study and live in Japan. You must receive this certificate before applying for a student visa for Japan.
Typically, once you secure your admission in an educational institution in Japan, the institution will apply for your CoE on your behalf. Then, you receive it from the Japanese Immigration Services Agency.
To apply for a student visa for Japan from Nepal, you need to meet several academic, financial, and language criteria. These are the major Japan student visa requirements:
For studying at a Japanese college or university, having strong Japanese proficiency (JLPT N2 or higher) is generally necessary because most courses are taught in Japanese. While you can study in English-taught programs in Japan, becoming a fluent Japanese speaker is still highly favorable because it significantly enhances daily life, broadens social opportunities, increases job prospects, deepens cultural understanding, and can indirectly benefit your academic experience.
Not usually. Japanese institutions prefer JLPT or language school certificates.
Most Japanese language schools and vocational institutes do not require IELTS. Instead, they may require:
Interested in preparing for JLPT? Join our Japanese language classes.
To acquire a Japanese student visa, you must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for at least the first year of your study in Japan. For this, the Japanese Government implicitly suggests that international students have a minimum bank balance of around ¥2,000,000 (approximately NPR 1,865,000).
You can prove your financial status with sufficient funds through the following documents:
The Japan Student visa process involves securing admission, obtaining the CoE, and applying at the Japanese Embassy.
Here’s how you get a student visa for Japan:
Step 1: Join Japanese Language Classes
Start by learning the Japanese language and preparing for the JLPT N5/N4 level. This is essential for admission into most schools and for your COE application.
Step 2: Apply to a Japanese School
Choose a suitable school or university in Japan and apply. Once accepted, the school will apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf.
Step 3: Prepare Documents for COE
Submit your academic, financial, and identification documents to your school. Once verified, the COE process takes about 1–2 months.
Step 4: Receive COE and Apply for Visa
Once your COE is issued, you can submit your visa application at the Embassy of Japan in Nepal with:
Step 5: Visa Interview and Decision
You may be called for an interview at the embassy. If approved, your visa will be issued within a few working days. Generally, the processing of a Japanese student visa takes around 6-7 days in Nepal.
Planning to apply soon? Contact us for student visa support.
Backed by Nepal's leading Japanese language experts and consultants with 20+ years of experience in international student placement, Yojala offers comprehensive JLPT and JFT classes, along with dedicated support for documentation, scholarships, and your student visa application for a smooth and successful transition to studying in Japan. Join Yojala Today!
Japanese student visa fees are about 3,000 yen for a single-entry visa, and 6,000 yen for a double-entry or multiple-entry visa. While applying from Nepal, your fees will be collected in Nepalese Rupees.
To prepare for a Japanese student visa from Nepal, you should plan an upfront budget of around NPR 10-12 lakhs. The following table gives you a general idea of the costs needed to apply for Japan’s student visa:
|
Expense Type |
Estimated Cost (NPR) |
|---|---|
|
Japanese Language Classes |
NPR 50,000 – NPR 1,00,000 |
|
School Application & COE Fee |
NPR 5,000 – NPR 10,000 |
|
Embassy Visa Fee |
NPR 4,000 – NPR 5,000 |
|
Airfare |
NPR 60,000 – NPR 1,00,000 |
|
Tuition Fee (First 6 months) |
NPR 3,00,000 – NPR 4,50,000 |
|
Living Costs (6 months) |
NPR 3,00,000 – NPR 4,00,000 |
|
Total Estimated Cost |
NPR 10 – 12 lakhs approx. |
These figures are averages and can change. Having a clear financial plan will help your visa chances.
Want a full cost breakdown? Check our blog on the Cost of studying in Japan from Nepal.
Yes, but you must apply for a work permit after arriving.
As a student, you can work part-time for up to 28 hours per week, and full-time during long holidays. However, you must first get permission from the immigration office after entering Japan.
Jobs in Japan for international students typically include:
Note: The primary purpose of your stay must always be studying. Working is a secondary activity to help with expenses, not a means of full financial support.
Avoid visa trouble by ensuring complete, accurate, and consistent documents, proving sufficient funds, and strictly following the Japanese embassy's rules. Apply early and honestly, clearly stating your study purpose and even showing a little language effort helps. Make note of the following visa mistakes and tips from our experts:
Submitting Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation
One of the biggest hurdles is providing missing paperwork that is filled out incorrectly or doesn't match other documents. Double-check every form, transcript, financial statement, and passport details against the embassy's requirements. Even small errors can trigger delays or a flat-out rejection.
Presenting Insufficient Financial Proof
Not demonstrating you have enough funds (or a reliable sponsor does) to cover your first year's tuition and living costs is a major pitfall. Show consistent, genuine bank activity and make sure sponsorship letters are strong with supporting financial documents. A last-minute large deposit often raises suspicion.
Using Expired or Outdated Documents
Verify that your passport has at least six months of validity beyond your intended stay in Japan. Similarly, using old bank statements (usually older than three months) won't give the visa authorities the current financial picture they need.
Applying Too Late in the Game
Procrastination is a visa killer. Starting your application too close to your intended departure date leaves little room for error or delays in either the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) process in Japan or the visa application at the embassy. Give yourself ample time – months, not weeks.
Being Vague About Your Study Purpose
The visa officers want to see a clear and genuine reason for your desire to study in Japan. A weak or unclear statement of purpose that doesn't articulate your academic goals and why Japan is the right place for them can raise doubts.
Showing Zero Effort with the Japanese Language (Even for English Programs)
While not always a strict requirement, showing absolutely no interest or effort in learning even basic Japanese might suggest a lack of commitment to integrating into Japanese life. Even a little effort can go a long way.
Ready to study in Japan from Nepal?
If you are academically eligible and are open to learning Japanese, studying in Japan can be a life-changing decision. For Nepali students, getting a student visa for Japan from Nepal may seem complex, but with the right guidance and preparation, it becomes a clear process.
Start your language training, manage your finances, prepare your documents, and Reach Out to Experts who can support you with quality guidance and help you avoid the common visa mistakes.
Looking to learn Japanese first? Check out our Japanese Language Classes in Nepal.
At Yojala, we specialize in helping Nepali students go to Japan with ease. Here’s what we offer:
How can I get a student visa for Japan?
Start by enrolling in Japanese language classes, then apply to a school in Japan, get your COE, and finally apply for your visa at the Japanese embassy in Nepal.
How much money is required for a Japan student visa?
You’ll need to show proof of at least ¥2 million in financial support (approx. NPR 18–20 lakhs).
Is Japan good for Nepali students?
Yes, Japan offers affordable education, safety, quality of life, and work opportunities. With Nepalese students making up the second-largest number of international students in Japan, you will also find a strong and supportive community.
How to change tourist visa to student visa in Japan?
It is not recommended. You should apply for a student visa from your home country after obtaining a COE.
Can I reapply for student visa for Japan?
Yes, you can reapply. Just make sure your documents are complete and your application is strong.
Is Japan student visa easy?
Applying for a Japanese student visa in 2025 is a clear process with proper preparation. Your visa success depends on meeting Japan's clear requirements, like CoE, language proficiency, finances, and diligently applying to the Embassy of Japan.
How long does it take to get a student visa for Japan from Nepal?
According to the Japanese Embassy of Nepal, your visa processing will take around 6 days if you have correctly submitted all the required documents.
Also ReadBest Japanese Language School in Nepal - YOJALA
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Cost to Study in Japan from Nepal: Complete Guide 2025
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