What Is Long-Term Study?
Long-term study means enrolling in a Japanese language school for 6 months to 2 years while applying for a 'Student' residence status (student visa). Compared to short-term programs, this gives you the time to bring your Japanese to genuine fluency and build real local connections. Better yet, you can legally work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) — earning money to help cover living costs while gaining first-hand experience of Japanese work culture.
Who Is It For?
- Serious Japanese Learners with Clear Goals：For those committed to reaching genuine fluency — N2 or N1 level — through total immersion in a full Japanese-language environment.
- Future Japan-Based Professionals：Planning to work or change careers in Japan and looking to build solid business communication skills and adapt to Japanese workplace culture first.
- Applicants Preparing for Higher Education：Aiming for a Japanese university, graduate school, or vocational school and needing a dedicated transition period for exam prep and academic support.
- Japan Enthusiasts Seeking Deep Immersion：Ready to take a meaningful gap year — spending 1 to 2 years living fully in Japan to explore what comes next in life.
Program Features
Long-term programs center on comprehensive academic and practical Japanese, using a structured progression from foundational to advanced levels. Students build intuitive listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a total-immersion environment. At the intermediate and advanced stages, courses integrate targeted JLPT exam preparation, business Japanese, and academic writing — tailored to each student's career goals. Schools also offer dedicated one-on-one support for university applications and job hunting, covering everything from school applications and resume editing to mock interviews. Regular cultural events and international exchange activities help students integrate deeply into Japanese society and build lasting networks.
Application Timeline
To secure your visa and enroll on schedule, the long-term study application process typically requires starting 4–6 months in advance:
- 4–6 Months Before Enrollment：Assess your goals, confirm your intake term, and select your ideal school.
- 3–4 Months Before Enrollment：Prepare complete written application documents and submit them to the school for review.
- 1–2 Months Before Enrollment：The school submits the application to Japan's Immigration Services Agency on your behalf to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- 1 Month Before Departure：Bring your original COE, passport, and ID to the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association to apply for your study visa — typically processed within 2–5 business days. Once your visa is issued and accommodation and flights are arranged, you're ready to go.
Cost Reference
Long-term programs typically run from 6 months to 2 years. Choose the length that fits your goals:
- Tuition & Fees：Approximately ¥700,000–¥900,000 per year (roughly NT$140,000–180,000).
- Accommodation：Approximately ¥360,000–¥1,000,000 per year (roughly NT$72,000–200,000).
- Estimated Total：Including flights and basic living costs, a full year's budget is roughly NT$350,000–600,000 (varies by city, accommodation type, and personal spending habits).
Required Documents
A complete set of written materials is required for a long-term study application. All documents must be current and accurate:
- Personal Documents：Passport copy, compliant personal photo, application form, and a detailed study purpose statement.
- Academic Records：Original graduation certificate and official transcripts from your highest level of completed education.
- Financial Proof：Bank statements showing a balance of at least NT$800,000–1,000,000, plus the financial sponsor's employment certificate and annual income documentation (e.g. tax withholding certificate).
How HAOGAKU Supports You
Long-term language school programs in Japan primarily open each spring (April) and autumn (October), with some schools also accepting intake in January and July. Since long-term study requires applying for residence status with the Japanese government, the process involves considerable paperwork — and school spots and dormitories fill up quickly. We recommend reaching out to our consultants 4–6 months before your intended departure so we can map out the smoothest visa and enrollment timeline for you.
Recommended Language Schools
A curated selection of HAOGAKU's partner schools for long-term study