2025-06-24

Recently, the number of foreign students studying at Japanese universities and vocational schools has been increasing. They are in possession of “Status of Residence/College Student”. In this issue, we will explain this status of residence in detail.

What is “Status of Residence for International Students”?

The “college student visa” is a visa for foreigners to study at Japanese schools.

The above-mentioned “study” specifically refers to activities to receive education at Japanese universities, technical colleges, high schools, high schools, junior high schools, junior high schools of special support schools, elementary schools, elementary schools of special support schools, special training schools, and various schools (including institutions equivalent to these in terms of facilities and organization).

The applicable institutions include universities, junior colleges, technical colleges, high schools, junior high schools, and elementary schools. The period of stay is determined by the Minister of Justice on a case-by-case basis, but not to exceed 4 years and 3 months.

Requirements for “Status of Residence/College Student”

There are two requirements for “Status of Residence/College Student”: financial and educational.

The financial resources requirement means that the applicant has assets or scholarships to cover the cost of living in Japan. Specific expenses include school fees, textbooks, housing, transportation, and food.

Under the educational requirement, you must fulfill one of the following three conditions.

First, if you are receiving education as an auditing student, you must pass an entrance examination administered by the institution and be admitted. You must also be auditing at least 10 hours per week.

Next, if you wish to receive education at a high school, you must be under 20 years of age at the time of admission. You must also have received at least one year of Japanese language education or education in Japanese at an educational institution. However, students studying abroad through student exchange or international exchange programs conducted by the national government, local governments, or school corporations do not need to fulfill the above requirements.

The age requirements, etc. for those receiving education at junior high school, elementary school, secondary school or elementary school of special-needs schools are as follows.
Junior high school – 17 years old or younger at the time of admission
・Elementary school – 14 years old or younger at the time of admission
・Custodial parent in Japan
・Full-time staff in charge of daily life guidance must be assigned to the educational institution to be enrolled
・A dormitory or accommodation for the above resident staff must be secured

Finally, if you are receiving education at a special training school or a school of any kind, you must meet both of the following conditions (1) and (2). However, those receiving Japanese language education are exempted.

①　Applicable to any of the following:
・To receive Japanese language education for 6 months or more at an institution of Japanese language education designated by the Minister of Justice
・To have sufficient Japanese language ability to receive education proven by examination, etc.
・To receive education for 1 year or more at a school stipulated in the School Education Law
②　Full-time staff in charge of daily life guidance must be assigned at the institution where the student is to enroll. (2) The educational institution where the applicant is enrolled must have a full-time staff in charge of daily life guidance.

Points of Examination

The points of examination for “Status of Residence/Study Abroad” are as follows.

①　 Willingness to study
Willingness to study is judged based on the reason for studying in Japan and the applicant’s background.

② 　Applicants must have Japanese language skills.
The required Japanese language skills differ depending on which educational institution you wish to enroll in.

(1) For universities, junior colleges, and colleges of technology
One of the following Japanese language skills is required.
・Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 (Level 2) or equivalent
・Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) (Japanese): 200 points or more
・BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test/JLRT Listening and Reading Comprehension Test (written): 400 points or more

(2) For special training schools and various types of schools (excluding Japanese language schools)
Oe of the following Japanese language skills is required.
・6 months or more of Japanese language education at a Japanese language institution designated by the Minister of Justice
・Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 (Level 2) or higher
・Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students 200 or higher
・BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test/JLRT Listening and Reading Test (written) 400 or higher
・One year of education at a Japanese elementary, junior high or senior high school
However, If you are educated at an international school, Japanese language proficiency is not required.

(3) Special Japanese language courses and Japanese language education institutions at universities
One of the following Japanese language skills is required.
・Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5 (Level 5) or equivalent
・BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test/JLRT Listening and Reading Comprehension Test (written): 300 or above
・J.TEST Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level F or above or FG Level Test 250 or above
・Japanese NAT-TEST Level 5 or above
・STPJ Standard Test of Business Japanese 350 or above
・ TOPJ Practical Japanese Proficiency Test Beginner A or above
・J-cert Japanese for Daily Living and Occupational Japanese Test Beginner or above
・JLCT Japanese Language Proficiency Test for Foreigners JCT5 or above
・Practical Japanese Communication Test Bridge C- or above
・JJPT Japanese Language Proficiency Test 315 or above

Summary

To obtain “Status of Residence/Study Abroad”, you must have a strong will to study in Japan. In addition, it is also essential to have the Japanese language ability to fully understand the educational content when studying at a Japanese educational institution.