Plain-language definitions of every term you will hear on your Japan journey — visa, exams, schools, scholarships, and daily life. Bookmark this page.
Visa & Immigration
COE在留資格認定証明書
Certificate of Eligibility — issued by Japan Immigration before a student visa can be applied for. The Japanese language school files for it on the student's behalf after admission. Typical processing: 2–3 months.
Student Visa (Ryugaku)留学ビザ
Long-term residence status for students enrolled in a Japanese language school, vocational school, or university. Allows part-time work up to 28 hours/week with a separate work permit.
Zairyū Card在留カード
Residence Card — issued at the airport on first arrival. All foreign residents in Japan must carry it at all times. Used for everything: bank, mobile, apartment.
Tests
JLPT日本語能力試験
Japanese Language Proficiency Test — the standard global Japanese exam, levels N5 (beginner) to N1 (near-native). N4–N5 typically required for language-school admission; N2–N1 for university or work.
EJU日本留学試験
Examination for Japanese University Admission — required by most Japanese undergraduate programs. Tests Japanese language, math, science, and Japan & World subjects.
NAT-TEST / J.TESTNAT試験 / J.TEST
Alternative Japanese proficiency tests sometimes accepted by language schools. Held more frequently than JLPT. Useful when JLPT scheduling doesn't align with school intake.
Schools
Nihongo Gakkō日本語学校
Japanese language school. Most international students start here, study Japanese for 1–2 years, then move on to vocational school, university, or employment.
Senmon Gakkō専門学校
Vocational/specialty school. 2-year practical programs in IT, hospitality, design, healthcare, etc. Lower cost than university, strong job-placement focus.
Daigaku (University)大学
Japanese university. 4-year undergraduate (gakubu) or graduate (daigakuin) programs. Requires JLPT N2 or above plus EJU for most programs.
Scholarships
MEXT Scholarship文部科学省奨学金
Government of Japan scholarship covering full tuition + living stipend. Highly competitive — applications go through the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka. Annual.
JASSO ScholarshipJASSO奨学金
Japan Student Services Organization stipend, ¥48,000–¥80,000/month for privately-funded students. Awarded by your school after enrollment, not before.
Daily life
Hanko / Inkan印鑑
Personal seal used in place of a signature on Japanese paperwork — bank account opening, apartment lease, official forms. International students typically use a katakana name seal.
Kokumin Kenkō Hoken国民健康保険
Japan's National Health Insurance — mandatory for all residents staying 3+ months. Monthly premium ~¥1,500–¥2,000 for students; covers 70% of medical costs.
Arubaito (Part-time)アルバイト
Part-time work. Student visa allows up to 28 hours/week (40 hours during long breaks) with a "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted" stamp obtained at the airport.
Gakusei Wariki / Student Discount学生割引
Student discount available on JR trains, Shinkansen, museums, mobile plans, gyms, and software with a valid student ID. Saves significantly over a long stay.
Inochi-specific
Intake (Apr / Jul / Oct / Jan)入学時期
Japanese language schools take new students 4 times a year — April, July, October, and January. April is the largest intake (matches the Japanese academic year start).
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