Japan intakes and deadlines
April is the main start. Work back from it to allow time for the Certificate of Eligibility.
Plan my intakeLast updated 29 September 2026Figures checked against official sources, listed at the end
Japan’s intakes
April
The Japanese academic year starts in April. Many English-taught programmes also admit in September or October.
January, April, July, October
Several intakes a year; allow time for the COE.
Build your preparation timeline
Your preparation timeline
- 18 to 12 months before: Research courses, eligibility, funding and scholarship deadlines.
- 12 to 9 months before: Prepare language tests, transcripts, references and your shortlist.
- 9 to 6 months before: Submit applications by each programme’s actual deadline.
- 6 to 3 months before: Meet offer conditions, arrange funding and prepare visa documents.
- 3 to 1 months before: Apply for the visa and plan accommodation and arrival.
Keep these dates separate
Your school applies for the COE 1 to 3 months before the visa stage. MEXT embassy recruitment runs in April and May of the year before you start.
Official sources
- Study in Japan: prospective students ↗Checked 2026-09-26 · next review 2026-10-26
- Embassy of Japan: MEXT details ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
These are dated editorial checks, not a live data feed. Recheck the original page before applying or paying.
About this guide. Researched by the Student Visa From Bangladesh editorial team from the official sources listed above and last checked on 29 September 2026. We are not a university or a government agency, and admission and visa outcomes are never guaranteed. Read our editorial policy.