Eligibility Requirements
- Acceptance letter from a Japanese university, graduate school, vocational school, or Japanese language school
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) obtained by the institution on your behalf
- Sufficient financial resources: JPY 1,200,000 (approximately BDT 960,000) per year for living costs plus tuition
- Japanese language ability (for Japanese-medium programs: JLPT N2 minimum)
- For graduate programs: relevant academic background and research plan
- Passport valid for duration of study
Required Documents
5 mandatory documents Β· 2 supporting documents recommended
Mandatory Documents
Valid Passport
RequiredPassport valid throughout the study period.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
RequiredObtained by your Japanese institution on your behalf from the regional immigration bureau. Takes 1-3 months.
Acceptance Letter from Institution
RequiredOfficial admission letter from the Japanese university, graduate school, or language school.
Financial Evidence
RequiredBank statements or sponsor statements showing JPY 1,200,000+ per year. Or scholarship award letter.
Academic Certificates
RequiredSSC, HSC, and university certificates (for graduate study). Must include certified English or Japanese translations.
Supporting Documents (Recommended)
Japanese Language Certificate
OptionalJLPT N2 or higher for Japanese-medium programs. English programs only require English proficiency.
Research Plan (for graduate study)
OptionalDetailed research proposal for master or doctoral applicants.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Apply to Japanese Institution
Apply to Japanese universities or graduate schools. Use the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) database to find programs. MEXT Scholarship applications (fully funded) are extremely competitive but worth trying. Many Japanese language schools in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto accept international students as a gateway to university.
Institution Applies for COE
After enrollment confirmation and deposit payment, your institution applies to the regional immigration bureau for your COE. This takes 1-3 months. The COE confirms you are eligible to study in Japan.
Apply for Student Visa at Japan Embassy
After receiving the COE, apply for the college student or pre-college student status of residence at Japan Embassy Dhaka. Bring COE, passport, financial proof, and institutional documents. Processing takes 5-10 working days.
Travel to Japan and Complete Procedures
Arrive before the program start date. At the airport, you receive your Residence Card (Zairyu Card). Register at the local municipal office within 14 days. Open a bank account and get a My Number card.
Fees Breakdown
All fees are approximate. Exchange rates change β confirm current amounts before applying.
| Fee Type | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Student Visa Application Fee | ৳ 2,900 |
| MEXT Scholarship | β |
* Fees subject to change. Always verify on the official visa portal or VFS Global website before applying.
Processing Time
COE processing by Japanese immigration takes 1-3 months. Japan Embassy Dhaka processes the student visa in 5-10 working days after COE submission. Total timeline from application to Japan arrival is typically 4-6 months.
Where to Apply in Bangladesh
Japan Embassy Dhaka, Plot 5-7, Sector 7, Uttara. Apply in person with your COE. Japan has a significant Bangladeshi student community, particularly in Japanese language schools and graduate programs.
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid these common mistakes that cause visa refusals:
- Insufficient financial proof for Japan study costs
- COE not obtained or expired
- Academic background not meeting program requirements
- Previous Japan immigration violations
Frequently Asked Questions β Japan Student Visa
Q1. What is the MEXT Scholarship for Japanese students?
The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship is a fully funded Japanese government scholarship for international students. It covers tuition, living allowance (JPY 117,000-145,000/month), and airfare. There are different categories: Research Students, Undergraduate, Technical College, and Professional Training College. Competition is intense - apply through Japan Embassy Dhaka or directly through Japanese universities.
Q2. Can I work while studying in Japan?
Student visa holders can work up to 28 hours per week (part-time) during term and full-time during long vacations. You must apply for a permit to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence at the immigration office. Part-time work (arubaito) is common among international students in Japan.
Related Visa Guides
Other Japan Visas
Student Visa for Other Countries
Need a Document Checklist?
Generate an interactive checklist for your Japan Student Visa application β check off items as you go.
β Generate My Checklist