Sorry for the long post ahead I'm just very curious about your opinion on whether my profile would allow me to be accepted to language schools. Any opinion helps.
Hey guys,
I'm planning on applying to a language school in Japan. I'm 28, graduated in 2023 so like 3 years ago, during these 3 years I tried to get into the mobile gaming market for around 1-2 years, failed miserably, so then got into a software company and worked as an software engineer for 6 months (actually worked for 8 months but it wasn't paid.).
I've realized I hated my major so I quit on february this year (or december last year if you only count paid work days). I've started learning Japanese 2 months ago and for some reason I love the language. I've decided to go to Japan for around a year or 2 after I reach n3 and master the language and try to get to N1. Then maybe I'll go to a vocational school there or pursue a masters if I vibe with the country, or I'll return if I don't.
My question is, since my graduation I have technically officially only worked for around 7-8 months. My gpa was 3.9+ had a paper published and got an international award. Finance wise i can also easily cover my living expenses with my savings but i dont have an income, but i have sponsors with more than enough income, so I was wondering would language schools accept my profile or would I be too old and dangerous for the immigration?
Comments
by beginswithanx on Jun 17, 2026
As long as you have the funds, can meet the base requirements for language school visa (N5 or 150 hours), and they have a space available, they’ll accept you. These are for-profit businesses. You could be a retiree, it doesn’t really matter when you graduated or when you last worked.
by Over_Tradition_5388 on Jun 17, 2026
thanks for the reply. i see, oh wait so would n5 be enough, i was thinking for trying for n4 but might as well guarantee it and applpy for n5 then. oh and also, would jft-basic ben enough for the 150 hour indication? i work with a private instructor who isnt officially a teacher so i cant get the hour thing so t hats why i was curious.
by beginswithanx on Jun 17, 2026
I believe that now you can’t self certify 150 hours (new rules introduced this year). There used to be courses run by language schools to get you to 150 hours, but now there’s extra burden to show you’re N5 equivalent. However, you may be able to bypass this if you have a university degree.
So basically, pass N5 or similar. But you can look up the specifics online language schools websites.
by Over_Tradition_5388 on Jun 17, 2026
ah i wish jlpt was held more than once a year. but well at least there is one in december and there is enough time for n5 i guess
by beginswithanx on Jun 17, 2026
It doesn’t have to be JLPT, there are other exams. And if you have a university degree you may not even need that.
Research the language schools you want to go to, read their websites. It will be clear what sort of certifications they’re looking for.
by Material_Solid_9733 on Jun 17, 2026
Yeah you need to become certified N5 or have a bachelor's degree. This is a rule starting 2027. But i believe there is no more intakes for this year for language schools as even the deadline for October has ended.
by Over_Tradition_5388 on Jun 17, 2026
yeah you re right im thinking on applying for april next year because of that. oh wait i have a bachelors in cs then i guess im good?
