₦airaland Forum

blackbriar:
That"s most likely the reason why.
People get into language school, and upon landing , jump out of their programmes.
To curb such visa violations, I guess the govt. invoked those new requirements.

It has been mentioned here severally, graduate school or undergraduate school is a much cheaper and better route compared to language school.

Also @gerrard59 alos gave you more insights to your question.

Gerrard59:
They should have asked for bank statements to verify if you can afford the living expenses for the entire MSc program. For instead, present statements to support your living expenses for two years.

Tuition fees at most universities, especially the national ones, are paid per semester. Two semesters in one year. My time, I paid the admission fee (which is similar to acceptance fee in Nigerian parlance) and the first semester tuition fees of the first year. One year tuition fees is divided into two semesters. As of then, most national universities had the rough equivalent of $5K per annum. So, students will pay $2500 per semester.

You have to read the school's tuition fees payment policy on its website. Every school outlines how much is required and when to pay.

chime11:
Yeah, I read their policy, which includes a refund policy. However, it doesn't specify how much needs to be paid before the COE is issued. They only stated their process, which involves sending the required documents, then they will confirm if it meets their requirements, pay program fees, and then they'll apply for COE. But according to their FAQ, the one-year fees must be paid in advance. They don't accept installments.

Gerrard59:
You should have stated that it was a language school. Yes, language schools need full payment. No installments

Gerrard59:
You should have stated that it was a language school. Yes, language schools need full payment. No installments

Unlimitedlucky:
Good day sir Gerald and other Boss in the house...
A quick one, I am still unsettled on this prove of funds issues.
I am will be the one to pay my first year fees and other expenses for my Masters degree, but won't have enough for the prove of funds.
I intend to use my cousin, who doesn't bare the same surname with me but related.
As per I've read few thread back, the immigration officer for COE will ask for it for verification.
I am a bit disturbed cos I won't be there to defend it as such I would if it were to be in the embassy.
What do you suggest my boss??

Gerrard59:
The one that offers you a COE is what gets you the visa. Language schools prefer younger applicants, say 18-25. Graduate schools are more liberal about the age of the applicant.


Yes. Part time jobs can be obtained pretty easy without language proficiency. However, permanent jobs are hard to get without knowing the language.


This requirement is mostly given to citizens of countries where there is no Japanese language school. Additionally, it's given to older applicants, say those above 30 years old. To beat this, target language schools in areas with low population, especially Southern and Northern Japan. Fukuoka and Hokkaido areas. These ones want money, so they won't have strict admission requirements.

Virtuosso:
Hello Sir Gerrard, I really appreciate the help you render on this thread (platform) and to other users as well. God bless you. I've been following this thread for some while now, and as you normally say and insist that people should go through the thread right from its creation, which I've done several times. But I quoted this reply specifically cause it's almost related to my situation. But I've been a bit stuck here for the past weeks.
This is my situation, I can't apply to the MEXT scholarship due to my age ( I just clocked 30 this year ),
My only options are BSc and language school, but here's another issue: I only have a National Diploma, and on my O-level results, I failed physics, and my choice of study is Comp Sci, which cannot be accepted by the schools. So I'm left with language school. If I were to go by this last option, I could use my skill trade experience to work in the manufacturing factory after being retrained, but if there's anything I've ever wanted, it's to follow this Comp Sci path.
I will really appreciate it if you can share some advice. thanks.

Gerrard59:
I have seen your response and would respond when I am free.

A concise response: Since you don't have a bachelor's degree, language school is the most realistic means for you to enter Japan and work your way to a decent lifestyle.

Virtuosso:
Thank you for the reply, I will be awaiting your full response later on when you're chanced

Gerrard59:
Language schools > Senmmon gakko (choose an IT course) > get a job in the IT industry. Language school and Senmmon gakko should take 4 years minimum. Senmmon gakko are specialised colleges/schools for a particular industry/field.

You could still opt for a university-styled education, but I don't know if your age would be accepted for a bachelor's program. By then, you should be 32/33. Most importantly, senmmon gakko is for two years. BSc is for four years. Funding the latter is usually tougher for most foreigners without a generous scholarship. It is not easy or literally impossible to fund undergraduate studies with part-time jobs compared to graduate studies.

From my experience so far, decent/good jobs aren't the issue for foreigners, especially in the science and engineering sectors. The issue is not scholarship provided you qualify for one. The problem is not whether there are schools or not that offer your desired course. Universities have been merging because there is a decline in enrolment numbers. Some are projected to close because fewer students are applying. So, they are becoming more open/receptive to foreign students to shore up the numbers. The issue isn't a lack of part-time jobs (you cannot rely on this to fund an undergraduate program). The koko is the language. Once you know the language, Japan becomes very easy and filled with opportunities.

I don't know if there is a Japanese language school in Nigeria like we've with Korean and Chinese. There is a functioning Japanese language school in Cameroon and this has enabled many Cameroonians to come here because at N3 level, it becomes easier for language schools to admit Africans, especially older ones.

My advice: find a way to get into a language program around so that you are able to get up to N3 level. This one I am reading new students must present a certificate to prove 150 hours of language proficiency before being admitted to study for N5 level is new to me.

babakb:
Yeah it's a new law, I have searched a couple of Language schools in Japan and it's stated on their sites that you must present a minimum of JPLT N5 or show evidence of at least 150 hours of Japanese Language studies before you obtain their COE 🤨🤨

Gerrard59:
Language schools > Senmmon gakko (choose an IT course) > get a job in the IT industry. Language school and Senmmon gakko should take 4 years minimum. Senmmon gakko are specialised colleges/schools for a particular industry/field.

You could still opt for a university-styled education, but I don't know if your age would be accepted for a bachelor's program. By then, you should be 32/33. Most importantly, senmmon gakko is for two years. BSc is for four years. Funding the latter is usually tougher for most foreigners without a generous scholarship. It is not easy or literally impossible to fund undergraduate studies with part-time jobs compared to graduate studies.

From my experience so far, decent/good jobs aren't the issue for foreigners, especially in the science and engineering sectors. The issue is not scholarship provided you qualify for one. The problem is not whether there are schools or not that offer your desired course. Universities have been merging because there is a decline in enrolment numbers. Some are projected to close because fewer students are applying. So, they are becoming more open/receptive to foreign students to shore up the numbers. The issue isn't a lack of part-time jobs (you cannot rely on this to fund an undergraduate program). The koko is the language. Once you know the language, Japan becomes very easy and filled with opportunities.

I don't know if there is a Japanese language school in Nigeria like we've with Korean and Chinese. There is a functioning Japanese language school in Cameroon and this has enabled many Cameroonians to come here because at N3 level, it becomes easier for language schools to admit Africans, especially older ones.

My advice: find a way to get into a language program around so that you are able to get up to N3 level. This one I am reading new students must present a certificate to prove 150 hours of language proficiency before being admitted to study for N5 level is new to me.

blackbriar:
One way ticket.
Nothing to ask.
Just make sure your flight goes through a transport hub like Malayaisa, Singapore, Qatar or Dubai and france (not to sure on this one)
No body will ask to see your visa in these countries for your coneecting flights until you land in Japan
Don't use flight that requires you to go throught the immigartion of another country.


My advice to you is draw a paln, what would you be doing daily.
Morning - Japanese classes offered by univeristy?
Lunch break - Play sports at school gym (please do this, this is the best networking opoortunity in the university, Engage in any sport you like, you will make the most helpful friends here, and professors form all departments will play these sports with you, you can speak with them freely for help)
Afternoon - Tasks from Professor and Research Work
Evening - go hustle ?

Go to international dpeartment and get all the forms for masters and familairiase yourself with it.
Upon getting your admision letter for masters Program [ some few weeks to the end of your 6 months], The university does also help to apply for your student visa or you can go yourself to the nearest immigration office (which is usually the local airports).


Round trip ticket lol

Oga familiriase your with the visa the countries offer.

My humble 2 cents

Rictech:
Thank you very much once again, blackbriar and Gerrard59.
I collected my visa yesterday. I really appreciate you both for keeping this thread alive with vital information and guidance.
Japan, here I come! The Land of the Rising Sun will favour me.

Rictech:
Thank you very much once again, blackbriar and Gerrard59.
I collected my visa yesterday. I really appreciate you both for keeping this thread alive with vital information and guidance.
Japan, here I come! The Land of the Rising Sun will favour me.

Rictech:
Thank you very much once again, bla.ckbriar and Gerr.ard59.
I collected my visa yesterday. I really appreciate you both for keeping this thread alive with vital information and guidance.
Japan, here I come! The Land of the Rising Sun will favour me.

fentoluwa2:
Good day, everyone, and regards to the folks keeping the thread updated in a timely manner.

I would like to ask if language school is still a viable option for an April/July 2026 intake, or if I should focus on a Master's/PhD application. For context, I already have a Master's in International Law from a university in Cyprus. It seems courses in law or related fields are scarce.

I have also tried reaching out to a couple of national universities, including public ones, as instructed after reading the entire thread from page 1 to the last page. A few professors from Kyushu University, Hokkaido University, and Nagoya University (pardon if I don't have the names correctly) replied saying they are not allowed to communicate with students about supervision and that all enquiries should be forwarded to the admissions office. The admissions office, in turn, directed me to the applications page, which I had already read.

My main concern is this: I was thinking there must be a way to be pre-screened or pre-approved, like securing a supervisor before submitting an application. That way, I can be sure I'm not proceeding in error or gambling on my application. in addition few inquires to language schools. ISI said taking application from my region which is Nigeria is not possible except through agent. Gainjipot and akamonkai are yet to reply to my enquiries.

Any tips regarding this would be greatly appreciated. I am still searching and have found some research student positions as well, though some require some Japanese language knowledge. Alternatively, should I focus on other social sciences courses rather than law? I am flexible and open to considering all options.

Thanks and God bless.

fentoluwa2:
Good day, everyone, and regards to the folks keeping the thread updated in a timely manner.

I would like to ask if language school is still a viable option for an April/July 2026 intake, or if I should focus on a Master's/PhD application. For context, I already have a Master's in International Law from a university in Cyprus. It seems courses in law or related fields are scarce.

I have also tried reaching out to a couple of national universities, including public ones, as instructed after reading the entire thread from page 1 to the last page. A few professors from Kyushu University, Hokkaido University, and Nagoya University (pardon if I don't have the names correctly) replied saying they are not allowed to communicate with students about supervision and that all enquiries should be

Thanks and God bless.

Rictech:
Good day, Gerrard59 and blackbriar. I'm trying to book a flight using Qatar Airways and would appreciate your advice.

Do you know if a transit visa is required when passing through Hong Kong? This route is the most affordable and would take me directly to my final destination.

The other option is to travel via Osaka and take a train from there.

Going through Tokyo is not feasible, as it requires a self-transfer between Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport, which is not included in the fare (Lagos – Doha – Tokyo), even though it's more expensive.

uchman:
I don’t think you will be allowed through Hong Kong on transit

blackbriar:
Yes, courses in law are scarce as they will have in Japanese.

Kindly fill out all the forms as directed by Admissions and submit back to them. Seems straight forward here.

Well you asked the porfessors and you were sent a mail to say sorry, we dont do pre-approvals anymore, direct all you inquiries to admission office right?

Do you want to do MSc or Phd?
Why research student, if you already have MSc from cyprus.
Why not Phd directly?

You can focus on any course, as long as you meet the admissions requirment.
IN my hubmle opinion, Why not an MBA? [ GRIPS tokyo, TODAI, SOPHIA, KEIO, WASEDA etc]


In regards to the visa, Do not listen to the School nor any Japanese person about VIsa
The average Japanese person including japanese institutions dont understand the VIsa system.
Get all your information about Visa from the Japanese Embassy.

By your mail to ISI language school, the visa requirmeent even seem herculean.

In my humble opinion, Go through University route and not lanaguage school.


My humble 2 cents

Rictech:
I thought as much, thanks uchman

Rictech:
Good day, Gerrard59 and blackbriar. I'm trying to book a flight using Qatar Airways and would appreciate your advice.

Do you know if a transit visa is required when passing through Hong Kong? This route is the most affordable and would take me directly to my final destination.

The other option is to travel via Osaka and take a train from there.

Going through Tokyo is not feasible, as it requires a self-transfer between Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport, which is not included in the fare (Lagos – Doha – Tokyo), even though it's more expensive.

Rictech:
Good day, Gerrard. rd59 and black. riar. I'm trying to book a flight using Qatar Airways and would appreciate your advice.

Do you know if a transit visa is required when passing through Hong Kong? This route is the most affordable and would take me directly to my final destination.

The other option is to travel via Osaka and take a train from there.

Going through Tokyo is not feasible, as it requires a self-transfer between Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport, which is not included in the fare (Lagos – Doha – Tokyo), even though it's more expensive.

Gerrard59:
Is the school in Fukuoka? If yes, go through Tokyo and take the bullet train to Fukuoka or Osaka then train to Fukuoka. I would never advise anyone with a Nigerian passport to transit via Asian airports.

P.S. Take the train the following morning between 6-8 am from either Tokyo or Osaka to Fukuoka.

judecares1:
I have transited using Beijing airport and Singapore airports using my Naija passport without issues. You can get 24hrs visa upon arrival 😀 in china if you wish to see the beauty of china while i await my connecting flight to Nagoya or you can stay at the airport if you don't feel like going out of the airport. But in Singapore i stayed at the airport. As long as you don't want to leave the airport you won't have any issues cos the airline knows how it works
Advising him to take bullet train looks very expensive and remember you will need to pay extra luggage if your luggage exceed 20kg which is very expensive unless upon arrival you can take the bullet train and waybill your luggage to your apartment using yamato delivery company that is less expensive 🫰, you can do that at 7-Eleven or familymart. Alternatively you can take night bus (cheapest means). Please try to be economical in spending since you are coming to Japan new.

blackbriar:
Yea.

My advice would be find a flight to Osaka.

Take a highway bus from Osaka to Fukuoka.
Thats the best route.
no need for him to go near Tokyo.

Airports in asia that you dont need transit visa are Malaysia and Singapore. Sadly, malaysia iarlines and Singapore airlines do not come to naija.

another option is Air France, you dont need transit visa for connecting flight.
But of rhong kong, you nee connecting flight.
For mainland China, probably also do not need, cantconfirm nor dsiprove.

Humble 2 cents.