Japan April vs October Intake: Which Gets You a Seat, Dorm & Job Faster?

Last year a student from Shariatpur called me, panicked: "Sir, I missed the April intake deadline—what now?" I asked if he knew applications open almost a year early. He didn't. That's the thing about Japan's April and October intakes—they're not just two dates. They change your entire timeline, dorm chances, part-time work and visa rhythm. Let me break it down the way I do over tea.

April vs October: The Core Difference

Japanese language schools usually admit twice a year—April and October. April is the start of the Japanese academic year, so seats are plentiful and scholarships are more common. October is the second big intake, but seats are limited.

I often tell students: "April is the main stream, October is the second chance." Both work, but you pick based on your prep and budget.

Deadlines: When to Apply

• April intake: Applications start June–July of the previous year, deadline usually August–September. Visa application in November–December.
• October intake: Applications start February–March, deadline April–May. Visa application in June–July.

These are approximate—they shift by school. Confirm with the school or check our language school vs university guide.

Dorms and Seats: Which Intake Wins?

With more seats in April, dorms are easier to get. In Tokyo's Shinjuku or Toshima wards, many schools have their own dorms at ¥30,000–50,000 per month. If you apply late for October, dorms fill up and you rent outside—first month can hit ¥200,000 with shikikin and reikin.

One of my students applied late for October, missed the dorm, and ended up in a share house in Nishinari, Osaka. Higher cost, but she survived fine.

Part-time Jobs and Visa: Which Is Faster?

With a student visa you can work 28 hours a week. April intake lets you start around June–July, with dorms and routines sorted. October intake means starting November–December—but winter has fewer shifts.

For visa specifics, read our student visa vs SSW vs work visa guide. From Bangladesh, the best time to apply is before August for April, before March for October.

Cost and Scholarships: Real Numbers

First-year total (tuition + dorm + food) is roughly ¥1–1.2 million. April intake has more JASSO or school scholarships; October has fewer. See our scholarships page.

Remember, you can go to Japan without IELTS—just JLPT N5 or equivalent Japanese. Our study in Japan after HSC guide covers every step.

Decision: Which One for You?

If you have time and want a good school—April. If you need to go fast and can manage a seat—October. Just know October means tighter dorms and job competition.

And remember, study abroad from Bangladesh isn't just about a visa—it's planning. For higher study abroad after HSC, Japan is affordable, and it's ideal for study abroad without IELTS.

I counsel students at Inochi Global Education Institute's Barishal office on Nobogram Road, Muslim Para (Barishal branch). If you're torn between April and October, look at our study in Japan service or just drop by. We'll figure it out over tea.