Japan April vs October Intake: Cost, COE Timing and Language School Seats

Did you know that the race for a seat in a Japanese language school actually begins six months before you even apply for a visa? Last year, one of my students, Rakib, thought he'd go for the October intake. But when May came, he found that three or four schools in Tokyo had no seats left. He ended up enrolling in a school in Osaka. That story is true, and it's why I want to talk openly about the April vs October intake.

April vs October: Japan Language School Admission Season

Japanese language schools mainly enroll students in two big seasons: April and October. The April intake is the largest and oldest. It offers a two-year course and more seats. The October intake is smaller, usually a one-year-six-month course.

I always tell students that April gives you more time. You can slowly finish JLPT N5 or N4 and move up to N2. With October, things feel a bit rushed. But October has one big advantage: if your HSC results come late, October is perfect for you.

Money Matters: April Intake Japan Cost vs October

Cost-wise, both intakes are roughly the same. First-year tuition is usually between 700,000 and 900,000 yen (about 5.5 to 7 lakh taka, depending on the exchange rate). That includes admission fee, tuition, and miscellaneous costs.

However, in the April intake, many schools offer discounts for a two-year package. That means your second-year tuition is a bit lower. You see less of that in October.

• April intake: two-year course, total cost can be slightly lower
• October intake: one-and-a-half-year course, monthly cost may be a bit higher
• Living costs: 60,000–90,000 yen/month in Tokyo; 40,000–60,000 yen in Osaka or Fukuoka

My advice: consider Osaka or Fukuoka instead of Tokyo. Living there is much cheaper, and part-time jobs are easier to find.

COE Timing Bangladesh: What to Do Each Month

COE (Certificate of Eligibility) is the most important document from Japanese immigration. Without it, you can't get a visa. If you apply from Bangladesh, the COE timeline looks roughly like this:

For April intake

• August–September: Apply to school
• October–November: School submits COE to immigration
• February: COE result
• March: Visa application and tickets

For October intake

• February–March: Apply to school
• April–May: COE submission
• August: COE result
• September: Visa and tickets

Note that COE timing from Bangladesh means you need to start about 5–6 months in advance. If you're late, you won't get a seat.

Which Is Right for You? An Honest Take

The April intake isn't for everyone. If your English isn't strong, or your HSC results come late, October is better. But if you want to learn Japanese quickly, pass N2, and start working, going in April is smart.

One more thing: job opportunities after studying in Japan are good, but they depend on your Japanese level. A degree alone isn't enough—you'll need JLPT N2 or N1.

So take your time. Don't make a rushed decision based on what someone else says.

If you're thinking about studying abroad after HSC, Japan is a great option. For low-cost study abroad, Japan is one of the best places in the world. And you can study abroad without IELTS in Japan—you just need to learn Japanese.

To learn more, check our guides: Study in Japan after HSC, Language School vs University, and Scholarships.

I counsel students at Inochi Global Education Institute. From our Barishal office (Nobogram Road, Muslim Para), I've sent many students to Japan. If you like, come to our Barishal office, and we can talk over tea. You can also learn about our study in Japan service.