NIPPON Cultural Institute Application Guidelines
Table of Contents
School Overview & History
School Overview
School founded: 2013
Chairperson: Mayuko Ohno
Chancellor: Tomoya Asaba
School capacity: 120 students
History
December 2013 Legal Notice and Gunma Prefecture Various School Approval
April 2014 NIPPON Culture Academy opened, continuing to the present.
Purpose, Goals, and Admission Requirements of Japanese Language Education Program
Objectives and Goals of Japanese Language Education Curriculum
Advanced Studies 2-Year Program
Objective: This is a two-year Japanese language program for students with a proficiency equivalent to JLPT N5. The primary goal is to develop the Japanese language skills necessary for advancing to vocational schools, deepen understanding of Japanese culture, and foster politeness, etiquette, and self-directed learning abilities.
・1 year 9 month advanced course
Objective: This is a course for students with Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N5 to study Japanese for one year and nine months. The main objectives are to foster the Japanese language proficiency necessary for advancing to vocational schools, deepen understanding of Japanese culture, and acquire etiquette, manners, and self-directed learning skills.
・1 year 6 month advanced course
Objective: This is a 1.5-year Japanese language program for students at the JLPT N4 level. The primary goals are to develop the Japanese proficiency necessary for entering vocational schools, deepen understanding of Japanese culture, and foster politeness, manners, and self-directed learning skills.
Goals of all educational curricula
Possesses the B2 level of Japanese proficiency required for vocational school admission, capable of understanding the main points of complex texts and conversations on both specific and abstract topics. Can interact fluently and naturally with proficient Japanese speakers, engage in dialogue to collaboratively solve problems, and express oneself while being considerate of others from diverse backgrounds.
Admission requirements
Admission to this academy is granted to those who meet any of the following requirements.
1. Those who have completed 12 years or more of school education in their home country, or have an equivalent academic background to a high school diploma.
2. Those who have graduated from their last school within 5 years (for those who have graduated more than 5 years ago, please inquire with the institute's office for details).
3. Those who can enter Japan through lawful procedures.
4. Those who have a reliable guarantor.
5. Those who can afford to pay admission fees, tuition fees, and other living expenses while residing in Japan.
6. Individuals with clear future goals and a strong passion for language learning.
7. Those with a foundational academic ability in Japanese.
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1 year and 9 months advanced course
Understand basic expressions and phrases commonly used in school and daily life, equivalent to JLPT N5 Japanese language proficiency, and be able to engage in simple conversations.
This is a beautiful sentiment, and one that is widely cherished. It speaks to the enduring power of love and the deep connection we share with those who have passed on, but who continue to live in our hearts and memories. It's a comforting thought that the love we give and receive can transcend physical presence and continue to shape our lives.1 year 6 month advanced courseSomeone who understands basic expressions and phrases commonly used in school and daily life, equivalent to JLPT N4 Japanese proficiency, and can engage in very simple exchanges.
Selection Method, Application Period, Courses
Selection Method
We will conduct a document screening. Please submit your application form in advance.
After the document screening, we will conduct an interview and a written examination.
The interview will be conducted in person or online (using ZOOM, etc.).
As a general rule, we request that the financial sponsor also be present.
If it is difficult to attend in person, I will confirm your ability to cover expenses by phone or online at a later date.
● For online exams, you will need to prepare equipment such as a camera, microphone, computer, and speakers, as well as an internet connection environment.
Additionally, for the online written exam, to prevent cheating, you will be required to use two cameras to ensure both the front and side of your face are visible during the exam. For online exams, please digitize the exam into a PDF immediately after completion and submit it to our academy via email.
After the examination, the academy will notify you of the interview and examination results within one week.
Should the academy not have staff available to assist prospective students in their native language, prospective students will be given an English proficiency test.
Application period
If you are unable to submit your documents within the specified period, your application will be considered for the next cycle.
| Admission period | Course | Document Acceptance Period | Admissions Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | Two-year advanced program | Late October | Late February |
| July | 1 year and 9 month advanced course | End of February | Late May |
| October | 1 year 6 month advanced course | End of April | Late August |
Course
| Admission period | Schooling period | Total class hours | Class day | Time | Class capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 2 years | 1600 units of time | Monday-Friday (Excluding holidays) | Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM 1:00 PM - 4:15 PM | 20 people per class |
| July | 1 year and 9 months | 1400 units of time | |||
| October | 1 year and 6 months | 1200 units of time |
(1 unit of time = 45 minutes)
Application Process, Housing, Tuition and Fees, and Payment Methods
Admission application procedure
Interviews and document screening will be conducted, so please contact the school office for details.
Residence
School dormitories are not provided.
We can introduce you to Nippon Academy Service Co., Ltd., which provides them.
Tuition and Payment Methods
Tuition and Payment Methods
■What you will pay when applying to the Immigration Bureau
Admission examination fee: ￥33,000
*The entrance examination fee will not be refunded regardless of the results of the immigration authority's examination.
■ After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility for Residence Status, please pay the enrollment fee.
| Admission period | April | July | October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Name | Two-year advanced program | 1 year and 9 month advanced course | 1 year 6 month advanced course |
| Admission fee | 33,000 JPY | 33,000 JPY | 33,000 JPY |
| Admission fee | ¥80,000 | ¥80,000 | ¥80,000 |
| Textbook fees | $311.29 | 41,500 yen | $37,000 |
| Student accident insurance International Student Health Insurance | $8,400 | $7,900 | $7,410 |
| Tuition (annual) | $594,000 | $594,000 | $594,000 |
| Cost until graduation | $13,554 | $12,019.00 | $1,048,410 |
1. The tuition fee includes facility and activity fees (including health check-up costs).
2. Upon arrival in Japan, you are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance as a resident. The cost is approximately 20,000 yen per year (with students paying their own share).
3. All residents of Japan become insured for the National Pension from the age of 20, and are required to pay insurance premiums. However, students can apply for the “Student Payment Special Scheme,” which allows them to defer payment of insurance premiums while still studying.
4. The student insurance fee varies depending on the course.
5. The delivery date for the first time is within 2 weeks of the issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility for Residence status. Thereafter, it will be until the 20th of the month preceding the start of the new semester. 6. If you wish to be picked up by a large bus from the airport upon arrival, please contact us through the school to make a one-time application by the deadline. You must arrive at the designated date of the academy and pay the 7,000 yen pickup fee.
Regarding the refund of tuition and fees
Transfer destination
| Japanese | English | |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Name | Gunma Bank | Gunma Bank |
| Branch Name | Head Office Sales Department | Head Office |
| Bank Account No | Normal Account 2549503 | Savings Account 2549503 |
| Bank Account Holder | NIPPON ACADEMY | |
You can also pay via the international tuition payment service, Flywire.
Regarding tuition refunds
1. If a Certificate of Eligibility was issued, but the applicant did not apply for an entry visa and therefore could not enter Japan
All payments excluding the examination fee and admission fee will be refunded. However, the admission offer letter and Certificate of Eligibility must be returned.
2. If a visa application at an overseas diplomatic mission was denied, preventing travel to Japan
We will refund all payments except for the entrance examination fee and admission fee. However, the return of the admission letter and confirmation and certification that a visa was not issued by the diplomatic mission abroad are required. (e.g., the page in the passport with the stamp of refusal from the diplomatic mission abroad)
3. If you obtain an entry visa but cancel your enrollment before coming to Japan due to personal reasons
If the entry visa is unused and confirmed to have expired, all payments except for the examination fee and admission fee will be refunded. However, the letter of admission must be returned.
4. Students who entered Japan with an entry visa and enrolled in this institute, and then withdrew before course completion.
All payments are non-refundable.
5. Students who obtain an entry visa, come to Japan, and are enrolled in this academy, will be expelled if they violate laws or school regulations, etc.
All payments are non-refundable.
Attention
If you wish to decline admission, please notify us in writing (using the school's designated withdrawal form) one week prior to the designated admission date. Withdrawals via phone or email will not be accepted. Remittance fees incurred for returns will be borne by the student. ●Admission may be canceled if the start of enrollment is delayed without permission. ●As a general rule, tuition will not be refunded. However, if you have paid tuition for the entire year in advance, we will refund an amount equivalent to half a year's tuition for the latter half of the year, only if you withdraw during the first half of that academic year. We will not be held liable for cancellations due to unavoidable circumstances such as natural disasters, incidents, accidents, or infectious diseases.Admission Application Required Documents
(1) Documents concerning the applicant
| NO | Document item | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application form | You can create your application by hand or using an Excel file. Please be sure to sign it. |
| 2 | Resume | The applicant may write it by hand or create it using an Excel file. |
| 3 | Statement of Purpose | Applicant's own handwriting or created in an Excel file. Please be sure to sign. |
| 4 | 6 photographs (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide) | Taken within the last 6 months. Full name and date of birth must be written on the back. |
| 5 | Passport copy | A copy of the identity information page and the page showing your entry and exit history. |
| 6 | High school diploma | Issued date, school stamp, and seal press (verification of academic credentials for Vietnam and China) |
| 7 | Final School Transcripts | A document listing all academic grades during the period of study |
| 8 | Japanese Language Study Certificate | Certificate of over 150 hours of study (must indicate JLPT N5/N4 equivalent level) or JLPT N5/N4 (NAT-TEST, TOP-J, etc.) |
| 9 | Certificate of Employment | For current employees only. Use company letterhead. |
| 10 | Certificate of Return to Work | Only those who have decided to return to work after returning to Japan. |
| 11 | Family register (if available, please submit) or birth certificate | Updated work and educational history |
| 12 | Identification document | Submit a copy of your ID. |
Applicants without work experience do not need to submit items 9 and 10.
Application Requirements and Important Notes
(2) Documents concerning the person bearing expenses
If the sponsor resides overseas
| NO | Document item | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Affidavit of Support | The expense provider can create this themselves or use an Excel file. Please be sure to sign it. |
| 2 | Proof of Deposit for Sponsor | Deposits equivalent to 3 million Japanese yen or more |
| 3 | Copy of bank book | Last 3 years |
| 4 | Documents proving the relationship with the applicant | Certificate of Kinship, Birth Certificate, etc. (※Only documents from China require an attached notarized certificate) |
| 5 | Certificate of Employment | If you are a sole proprietor, you must also submit a business license. |
| 6 | Income certificate | The past three years |
| 7 | Tax payment certificate | The past three years |
| 8 | Family register (submit if available) | Updated work and educational history |
| 9 | Other | Please submit any supporting documents for your income. |
b) When the person bearing the expenses resides in Japan
| NO | Document item | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Affidavit of Support | The expense provider can create this themselves or use an Excel file. Please be sure to sign it. |
| 2 | Proof of Deposit for Sponsor | Deposits of 3 million yen or more |
| 3 | Copy of bank book | Last 3 years |
| 4 | Documents proving the relationship with the applicant | Documents that can prove kinship, such as a certificate of kin relationship |
| 5 | Certificate of Employment or Copy of Registration Book | Company owners and directors must submit a certified copy of the company register. |
| 6 | Income certificate | The past three years |
| 7 | Tax payment certificate | The past three years |
| 8 | Certificate of Residence or Certificate of Registration stating the details of the person concerned |
Precautions
Please confirm with the office for details as documents vary by nationality.
*In addition to the above, you may be required to submit documents instructed by the Immigration Bureau.
Please unify document sizes to A4. Also, please submit them as single-sided copies.
* Notarized certificates, photographs, and other certificates must be dated within 3 months of the final submission deadline.
All documents created in languages other than Japanese must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
Basic Precautions Regarding Status of Residence
Basic Precautions Regarding Status of Residence
Upon arrival, you will receive a residence card and must register your address at the city hall within 14 days.
You must obtain permission for out-of-scope work activities (part-time jobs) by applying for an Out-of-Scope Work Permit before starting any such work.
Regarding off-campus work (part-time jobs), please adhere to the 28-hour per week limit (or 8 hours per day during school's long vacation periods). Also, part-time jobs related to "entertainment businesses" are prohibited.
Students are required to disclose information necessary for the institute, such as passport, resident registration, phone and email information, friend information for contact networks, bank account details, details of part-time jobs and supervisors, cohabitants, qualifications, skills, health, allergies, religion, and other relevant information.
The study abroad visa is valid for the duration of your studies but must be renewed before its expiration. You will go through the visa renewal procedures through our institute, so please submit the necessary documents (application form, financial supporter's documents, academic transcript, certificate of attendance, certificate of enrollment, passport, residence card, etc.) by the deadline.
When renewing your visa status, if your attendance rate is low, or if there have been violations of laws such as overwork, your period of stay may be shortened, or your renewal may not be approved.
Based on the Dean's judgment, students may be subject to disciplinary action in the worst-case scenario. Please be aware that the following grounds may be subject to such judgment: Disciplinary actions will consist of three types: reprimand, suspension, and expulsion.
Next, students who fall under each item will be reprimanded and instructed. Students who do not show improvement despite repeated guidance will be expelled and removed from the roster.
Person recognized as having a bad character that cannot be improved at all.
(2) Individuals recognized as academically inferior and unlikely to succeed in a trade.
(3) Those whose attendance is not regular without a valid reason
(4) Those who disrupt the order of the class and the academy life
If a student is expelled, the institute will report it to the Immigration Bureau immediately, and the student will lose their residency status. Remaining in Japan in this condition constitutes illegal overstaying.
If you withdraw from the academy voluntarily, you must submit the designated documents, return to your home country promptly, and after returning, send a copy of the page with your departure stamp in your passport to the academy as proof of your return.