How to Verify a Japanese Language School is Legitimate: 7 Practical Steps

I've seen it happen many times: a student prepares with all their dreams to go to Japan, but at the last moment they discover their school isn't government-approved. Visa rejection, lost money, wasted time – to avoid this, it's essential to verify the school's legitimacy from day one.

Today I'll share 7 practical methods you can use to check whether a Japanese language school is real or fake. You can start these steps this week.

1. Check the Ministry of Education's List

The most reliable way is to visit the official website of Japan's Ministry of Education and look for the list of '認可日本語教育機関' (ninka nihongo kyoiku kikan) or 'accredited Japanese language institutions.' Only schools that meet strict government standards are on this list.

How to do it: Search Google for "文部科学省 認可日本語教育機関 一覧" (Monbukagakusho ninka nihongo kyoiku kikan ichiran) – you'll find a PDF. Search for the school name in Japanese.

Many agencies in Bangladesh just say "the school is good," but you can check for yourself.

2. JASSO Database

JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) is a government agency that supports international students. Their website has a search tool called '日本語教育機関 検索' (nihongo kyoiku kikan kensaku). Enter the school name to see its status – whether it's accredited, how many students it has, etc.

This tool is very useful because it gives not only accreditation info but also other details.

3. Verify School Website and Address

A legitimate school usually has a professional website. But don't trust just the website. Look up the address on Google Maps. Many fake schools operate from small offices in residential areas. Legitimate schools are often located in educational districts like Shinjuku in Tokyo or Umeda in Osaka.

One of my students once enrolled in a school whose address was a second-floor apartment. Later he found it was just a mailbox. So verify the address.

4. Immigration Bureau's 'Tekiseiko' List

Japan's Immigration Bureau publishes a list of '適正校' (tekiseiko) or 'proper schools' every year. Only schools on this list can issue student visas. If your school isn't on the list, getting a visa is difficult.

Search for "出入国在留管理庁 適正校 リスト" (Shutsunyukoku Zairyu Kanricho tekiseiko list). The list includes school names and addresses. If your school isn't there, be cautious!

5. Understand Fees and Refund Policies

Legitimate schools have clear fee structures and refund policies. If a school demands full payment upfront or has unclear refund terms, be suspicious.

Typical fee structure: entry fee (around 50,000–100,000 yen), tuition (600,000–800,000 yen per year), and other fees (materials, etc.). If a school charges much more or less than this, ask why.

6. Talk to Current and Former Students

Search for the school name on social media (Facebook groups like 'Bangladeshis Studying in Japan'). Ask current students about class quality, teacher qualifications, part-time job opportunities, etc. If you see negative reviews, take them seriously.

Once a student told me that teachers at his school often didn't show up. Later we found the school wasn't accredited.

7. Double-Check If Using an Agency

Many agencies work with good schools, but some promote poor schools for commission. Verify the information the agency gives you. Check the Ministry of Education and Immigration Bureau lists. If an agency delays or avoids giving information, be wary.

In my experience, honest agencies are transparent and encourage you to verify yourself.

Real Example: One Student's Story

A student I know, Rafi (name changed), applied to a school called 'Tokyo Global Academy.' The school claimed to be JASSO-approved. But when Rafi checked the JASSO database, the school wasn't listed. He investigated further and found the school had opened only 6 months ago and hadn't received accreditation yet. Rafi eventually enrolled in another accredited school. His money was saved.

That single check saved him from big trouble.

Advice for You

This week, take at least 3 steps:

• Check your preferred school on the JASSO or Ministry of Education list.
• Look up the school address on Google Maps.
• Search for reviews on Facebook.

If a school isn't accredited, find another. Studying in Japan is a big investment – take a little time to verify.

If you need more help, contact us. We can assist you in finding the right school.