April or October Intake for a Japanese Language School? Differences and a Preparation Timeline

Japanese language schools accept new students only in certain months. Whether you enter in April or October affects when you start preparing, when you need to pay, and even your plans for further study. This guide explains the differences between intake months, a rough timeline counted back from your start date, and how to think about choosing.

We checked the official pages listed at the bottom on 7 November 2026. Intake months, application periods and application windows differ by school and by year, and they can change. Use this guide as a rough map and confirm with the school you want to apply to before you decide.

The basics of intake months

According to the Immigration Services Agency, the intake months of Japanese language institutions differ by school. Usually they are one of the following:

Study in Japan (JASSO) also says Japanese language schools mainly admit students in April and October, and some schools have courses that start in January or July. Japanese language departments of vocational schools basically admit in April and October.

So April and October are available at many schools, but some schools do not run January or July intakes. Ask the school you are considering whether you can start in the month you want.

Preparation timeline (counting back)

This is the rough schedule JASSO gives for studying at a Japanese language school, counted back from the start of the course.

This is a general guide, not a fixed schedule for any school. The JASSO page does not give specific timing for the COE and the visa. For the detailed steps, see the COE and student visa guide.

Mind the COE application window

The COE application, a step before you apply for the student visa, is usually made by the school on your behalf. According to the Immigration Services Agency, because the number of applications is very large, the period in which each regional immigration bureau accepts them is in principle fixed. To make sure everything is completed in time for your intake, check the school's COE application schedule early once you have chosen a school.

Some schools set application deadlines more than six months before the start. "I will start looking when the month gets close" may be too late.

Thinking about April and October intake

Which is better depends on your goal and how ready you are. The points below are ways to think about it, not a single right answer.

April intake may suit you if

• You want to match the start of the Japanese school year in April. Universities and other schools in Japan have a spring intake (around April).
• You can take a long time to prepare. It is easier to plan your Japanese study and funds from the year before.

October intake may suit you if

• You need more time to prepare. You have more time for documents, funds and Japanese study.
• You are aiming for an autumn intake (September or October) at a university or similar school in Japan. Private university and junior college programs for international students have spring and autumn intakes.
• It gives you another option if you could not be ready for April.

January and July intakes

Some schools have courses that start in January or July. They can be an option if you want to go to Japan sooner or could not be ready for April or October. However, whether they exist, how long the courses are and the conditions differ by school and course, so check with the school you plan to apply to early.

What to check with your prospective school when choosing a month

1. 1Intake months: Which months can I start? Are there January or July intakes?
2. 2Application deadline: What is the deadline for the month I want, and by when must my documents be ready?
3. 3COE application window: When will the school apply, and about how long until the result?
4. 4When you pay: When are tuition, the admission fee and dormitory fees due? See the cost guide as well.
5. 5Course length: Even for the same intake month, course length differs by school. The period you can stay enrolled is usually up to two years.
6. 6Plans for further study: The intake month of the school you want to enter next (university, vocational school, etc.) and your Japanese target.

If you are thinking about further study

To follow classes at a university in Japan, you need about JLPT N1 or N2 level, and 600 to 900 hours or more of study is given as a guide. Before you apply, think about whether the time you will spend at the language school fits the intake month of the school you want to enter next. Ask that school about its intake month and application conditions.

Checking your Japanese ability

For COE applications for students who plan to enter from October 2026 onward, documents confirming Japanese ability equivalent to A1 or higher under the Framework for Reference of Japanese Language Education are required, such as a test certificate or records showing confirmation through an interview (Immigration Services Agency). Ask your prospective school about who is covered and which documents are needed. For details, see the COE and student visa guide and your school's guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is it easier to be admitted in April or in October?

It depends on the school, the number of places and your documents, so there is no general answer. Either way, check the application deadline early.

Can I start in January or July?

It depends on the school. Some schools have courses starting in January or July, and some do not. Ask the school you want to apply to.

How many months before the start should I apply?

JASSO's guide says to send your application 5 to 7 months before the start. Deadlines differ by school and may be more than six months before. Check the deadline of the school you want to apply to.

Can I change my intake month later?

It depends on the school's rules. Before you apply, ask the school in writing whether you can change it and what happens with fees and refunds.

Does choosing the wrong month affect my visa?

The period in which COE applications are accepted is fixed for each regional immigration bureau. Prepare your documents in time for your school's application schedule. A visa result is not guaranteed, whatever month you choose.

What to do next

Once you have candidate months, compare each school's intake months, fees and dormitories in the school list. For the full process, see How to Study in Japan from Nepal, and for choosing a school, see How to Choose a Japanese Language School. If you need help, contact us. This site is free to use. We do not guarantee admission or a visa.