Japan Student Visa 2026 for British Citizens: requirements, process and full budget

Academic requirements

• Confirmed admission to a Japanese institution

• A study plan that matches Student / College Student status

• Academic background appropriate for the level of study

• Japanese language schools often accept beginners

• Degree programmes taught in Japanese may require language proof

• Some universities offer full degree programmes in English

Administrative requirements

• Valid UK passport

• A complete and credible application

• Ability to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) through the school or sponsor in Japan

• Application through the correct Japanese mission in the UK based on where you live

Financial requirements

• You must show that you can cover tuition and living costs

• Schools commonly request bank statements, income proof, or sponsor documents

• Official Study in Japan guidance makes clear that part-time work should not be your only financial plan

The CoE must in principle be requested in Japan by your sponsor, such as your school, and the official Study in Japan visa guidance lists the CoE-based process for student applicants.

Core visa documents

• Valid passport

• Visa application form

• Recent passport photo

• Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), original or copy

• Any extra documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate

Documents usually requested by the school for the CoE

• Admission letter or certificate

• Diplomas and transcripts

• Financial proof

• Study plan, statement of purpose, or sponsor documents if required

Important

For a student visa, the normal process is that your school or sponsor in Japan obtains the CoE for you, and then you use that CoE to apply for the visa in the UK. The UK Embassy states that applicants wishing to study in Japan should in principle first obtain a CoE, and that since March 2023 the CoE can be submitted as an original or a copy.

Where to apply in the UK

• Embassy of Japan in London: for applicants in the Embassy’s jurisdiction

• Consulate-General of Japan in Edinburgh: for residents of Scotland and the following areas in the north of England: County Durham, Cumberland, Darlington, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, Westmorland and Furness.

Processing time

• The Embassy says that once an in-person application has been accepted as valid, processing usually takes 5 working days

• The application must generally be made in person

• The London Embassy states that consular visits must be booked in advance.

Visa fees

• The UK Embassy says visa fees vary depending on nationality and visa type

• For a generic UK landing page, the safest wording is: check the current visa fee list before applying.

Typical tuition

• National university: about ¥820,000 for the first year

• Local public university: about ¥910,000 to ¥900,000

• Private university: about ¥1,100,000 to ¥1,300,000 for the first year depending on course level

• Japanese language schools and vocational schools vary widely by institution.

Monthly living costs

• Average monthly spending: about ¥105,000

• Average monthly rent nationwide: ¥41,000

• Average monthly rent in Tokyo: ¥57,000.

Scholarships

• MEXT

• JASSO

• University scholarships and private foundations

Visa / status length

Student status can cover programmes from a few months up to 4 years and 3 months, depending on the course, and it can be renewed if you continue your studies in good standing.

Part-time work

With Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted:

• Up to 28 hours per week

• Up to 8 hours per day during long school holidays

• Work in adult entertainment-related businesses is prohibited.

After graduation

If you find a qualifying job in Japan, you can apply to change your status of residence to the appropriate work category. This is part of the standard immigration framework for students moving into employment.

You can

• Study at the institution linked to your student status

• Work part-time with permission

• Receive a residence card if your stay exceeds 3 months

• Open a bank account, arrange housing, and complete local procedures after arrival

You must

• Stay actively enrolled and in valid status

• Respect work-hour limits

• Follow immigration and residence rules

• Renew your status before it expires when needed

These rules follow Japan’s standard student-status and residence framework.

Choose the right school

• Compare admission requirements, teaching language, tuition, and support for international students

• Use official Study in Japan search tools

• Confirm details directly with the institution before applying

Build a realistic budget

• Do not base your entire plan on part-time income

• Budget for tuition, housing, deposit money, setup costs, transport, insurance, and daily living

• Tokyo is usually more expensive than most regional cities

Plan early

• The CoE process is handled in Japan by your school or sponsor and can take time

• Visa issuance is usually 5 working days after a valid application is accepted

• In London, consular visits must be booked in advance.

After arrival

• Make sure you receive your residence card if applicable

• Apply for student work permission if you plan to work

• Start local registration and practical setup quickly