Student Path
Study in Japan, Then Work
This is the slower but surest route — and it comes with a genuine edge: graduates of Japanese institutions are preferred by Japanese employers.
Visa:Student
Proof:~¥2M/year
Part-time:28 hrs/week
Advantage:Preferred hiring
Who this is for
You're a student (or recent graduate) willing to invest a year or two in Japan to build language, qualifications, and local connections — and then work there.
The pathway, end to end
1
Get admission
To a recognised institution — most Indians start at a Japanese language school (1–2 years), then move to a university or vocational school.
2
Get your student visa
COE, then the embassy visa (total ~4–6 months). You'll need an admission letter, financial proof (~¥2,000,000/year), and language evidence.
3
Study + work part-time
Student visa allows up to 28 hours/week of part-time work — helps with costs and Japanese practice.
4
Graduate, then convert
Switch to a work visa (Engineer/Specialist, SSW, or HSP), or take a job-search visa (up to 1 year) to find a role while staying in Japan.
Work visa routes →What you'll need
| Requirement | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Financial proof | ~¥2,000,000/year | Bank balance or sponsor |
| Language (English programs) | IELTS ~6.0 | Or equivalent |
| Language (Japanese programs) | JLPT N2/N1 | Or equivalent |
Plus: admission letter from a recognised institution, and standard visa documents.
Part-time work while studying
Student visa allows up to 28 hours/weekof part-time work. This helps with costs and gives you real Japanese practice — but it supplements, it doesn't fully fund your life.
The honest trade-offs
•
It costs money upfront — tuition + living + the financial-proof requirement, before you earn a full salary. Budget seriously.
•
It's slower — 1–4 years before a full-time career — though you arrive far more employable.
•
Part-time work is capped at 28 hours/week; it supplements, it doesn't fund a lavish life.
•
Japanese matters — even for English-taught programs, Japanese transforms your job options.
Start now (before you even arrive)
Your single biggest head start is Japanese— and it's free to begin today. Build your first vocabulary and reading on Komichi's study decks.
Start here (your reading list)
How Indians Can Work in Japan
All the visa routes you can switch to after graduating.
IT & Software Engineer Path
Where many graduates land — strong salaries, fast-track PR.
JFT-Basic vs JLPT N4
How much Japanese do you need? The honest answer.
How to Write a Japanese Resume
The resume format that actually works in Japan.
Tool
Japanese Study Decks
Start building vocabulary and reading — free.
Tool
Japan Salary Calculator
See what you'll earn after graduation.
Explore other paths
See what you'd actually take home
Japan salaries look high until you see the deductions. Our calculator shows your real take-home in ₹.
Open the calculator →
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