7 Ways to Verify a Japanese Language School Is Legit

You might be thinking, "I want to go to Japan and enroll in a good language school." But in Bangladesh, we often hear stories of agencies and schools disappearing after taking money. When I lived in Japan, I saw how many students fell into trouble because they enrolled in fake schools. So today I'm going to share 7 practical ways to ensure you find a legit school.

1. Check Accreditation

Japanese language schools are generally accredited by two bodies: JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) and the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education. Schools with these accreditations are usually eligible for student visas. Look for the 'Accreditation' or '認可' section on the school's website. If a school doesn't provide this info, it's a big red flag.

2. Look at the Visa Rate

I often say, "The visa rate is a mirror of the school's character." A good school typically has a visa rate above 80%. You can find this info on the school's website or JASSO's site. Be careful—some schools might inflate their visa rates by using fake documents. So don't just rely on the website; ask agencies or former students.

3. Transparency in Fees

A legitimate school clearly lists all its fees. Tuition, application fee, material fee, accommodation costs—everything should be clearly stated on the website or brochure. If a school is secretive about fees or demands full payment upfront, be cautious. I believe paying an initial application fee (around 20,000–30,000 yen) is enough, not the whole amount.

4. Verify the School's Address and Campus

Put the school's address into Google Maps and check the street view. Real schools have their own campus or building. If a school only shows a P.O. box or a virtual office, avoid it. In Japan, language schools are typically in big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Sapporo. I've seen many schools in Tokyo's Shinjuku and Shibuya areas with their own buildings.

5. Contact Current Students

Look for reviews or social media links from current students on the school's website. Search the school's name on Facebook or YouTube. Ask in Bangladeshi student groups. If you can't find any students, email the school administration directly and request to speak with some students. A good school won't hesitate to offer this.

6. Check with Japan's Official Websites

The Ministry of Justice of Japan publishes a list of accredited schools on its website. You can search for the school's name there. JASSO's website also has a list. This list includes the school's address, year of establishment, and number of students. Checking this list is the most reliable way to verify.

7. Be Cautious with Agencies

Sometimes agencies themselves are linked to fake schools. So choosing a good agency is crucial. I advise checking the agency's own accreditation and registration. In Bangladesh, legitimate study abroad companies are typically registered with BUET or the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce. Discuss the agency's fees clearly beforehand. If an agency asks for a large upfront payment, be wary.

Caution and Advice

Remember, language school fees in Japan can range from 600,000 to 800,000 yen per year (roughly 6–8 lakh taka). But on top of that, you'll have living expenses, books, etc. So calculate the total cost in advance. And don't trust any school that promises extra benefits (like guaranteed work)—Japan has restrictions on part-time work for student visa holders.

Finally, don't rush. Take your time to choose a school. I know your dream is to study in Japan, but don't let that dream turn into a nightmare. If you follow these 7 steps, you can proceed with confidence. And if you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We're here to help.