Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-admission Questions

Are there any age requirements?: As a general rule, all students must be over 17 years of age. However, applicants for a student visa should have graduated from his/her final place of study within 5 years of application.
Is it possible to get a visa prior to becoming a student?: No. Visa application through our school is limited to Student Visa only.
When is the “Certificate of Eligibility” issued?: At the beginning of March for students starting from April and at the beginning of September for students starting from October.
I have experience studying Japanese at a different school in Japan with a student visa. Can I study at the YMCA from now?: According to the immigration office, students can study at a Japanese language school only up to two years. If you have studied for more than 1.5 years, please enroll in our “Advanced Japanese for Perspective University Examinees”.
Advanced Japanese for Perspective University Examinees

How much is are living expenses per month in Japan?: Roughly¥100,000 ～ 120,000 a month for a student.
(Ex. Housing: ¥45,000, food: ¥30,000, utilities ¥10,000, phone ¥5,000, other ¥10,000)
Are students allowed to hold a part-time job?: Yes, up to 28 hours per week of labor is allowed. However, all students with a student visa have to obtain the “permission to engage in activities outside the scope of visa” in order to get a part time job.
※ Students with a short stay visa cannot have a part time job.
How are the levels of the students determined?: Each student must take a written test and an interview placement test at the beginning of the course.
What other subjects can be taken besides Japanese.: English and Math classes can be taken for an extra fee.
Are there any study rooms in your school?: Yes. On weekdays, study rooms are open from 15:00 to 17:30.
During the summer and the spring breaks, they are open from 10:00 to 17:30.
How can I get lunch?: There are many convenience stores and restaurants. You can buy food and eat in the classrooms.
There are also microwave ovens in the school for those who want to heat the lunch they bring from home.
I like sports. Are there any places to get exercise in the school?: Yes. We have a gym where students can play many indoor sports, such as basketball and badminton.