Need Advice: Language School → EJU → Japanese University?

Hello everyone, This is my first post in the group, and it might be a little long, so please bear with me. :) I need some advice regarding student life in Japan as a foreigner. To give you a little background about myself, I've been studying Japanese for several years, and I am currently preparing for the JLPT N1 (I already have N2). I have been to Japan twice, attending a language school for two weeks on one occasion and for one month on another. (Please don't tell me that's too short a period of time—I already know that, but it was all I could afford back then.) My ultimate goal is to enroll in a Japanese university and study the Japanese language, specifically in the field of linguistics. I understand that, in addition to the JLPT N1, I will also need to take the EJU. I was wondering which path would be more beneficial: * Attend a language school in Japan that offers EJU preparation courses and is recommended by MEXT, or * Continue studying for N1 in my home country, obtain the certification, and then apply to a language school in Japan for EJU preparation before applying to university. My biggest concern with either option is the financial aspect. I really want to study at a Japanese university, but the process seems extremely challenging. I have also applied for the MEXT scholarship three times without success. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through a similar experience or can offer some advice regarding my situation. Also, I currently take online Japanese lessons with native Japanese teachers, so I do have some speaking ability as well. Thank you all for your time!