Passports and Visas

All international students applying to study in Japan must have a student visa that will remain valid for the duration of their studies. Before arrival in Japan, you must meet several requirements, as explained below.

Passport

It may take a long time for you to receive a passport after you apply for it. We recommend that you apply for your passport from your home country as early as possible.

Visa

Make sure that you obtain the appropriate visa. You will receive a visa with a student status because your purpose for coming to Japan is to study. If you arrive in Japan with a different type of visa, you will have to go through complicated procedures to change your visa status to the ""college student" designation. To avoid this problem, please be sure to obtain a "college student" visa before traveling to Japan.

a. Exchange students and privately funded students

As soon as you receive your Acceptance Letter and Certificate of Eligibility from Kumamoto University, please apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to submit the certificates, your passport, and some photos. The length of the application process depends on the country issuing the visa. Students who are eligible for JASSO scholarships will receive a Certificate of Scholarship. Please also submit this, if necessary, when you apply for a visa.

b. Japanese government scholarship students (University recommendation)

A "Letter of Approval" will be issued and sent to you. You may then contact your nearest Japanese embassy/consulate to apply for your visa to enter Japan.