Kudan Institute of Japanese Language > Blog > What are the average costs of Japanese language schools? A clear explanation of tuition breakdown and fee estimates for both long-term and short-term courses.

What are the average costs of Japanese language schools? A clear explanation of tuition breakdown and fee estimates for both long-term and short-term courses.

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Are you interested in starting Japanese language studies in Japan but worried that the fees for Japanese language schools might be high? For younger generations especially, knowing the total cost of tuition and living expenses is essential when preparing for both study abroad and short-term stays. This article explains the average costs of Japanese language schools, dividing the details by long-term courses that require a student visa and short-term courses. We also break down tuition and introduce lesser-known fees in detail, so use this article to plan your finances for learning Japanese.

The Cost of Japanese Language Schools Depends on Study Period and Visa Type!

The cost of studying at a Japanese language school varies greatly depending on the length of stay in Japan and the type of visa. Let’s look at both long-term study and short-term learning options, along with their average prices and typical course features.

[Long-term Study] Costs and Breakdown When Attending with a Student Visa for One Year

If you aim to study Japanese thoroughly for future higher education (university, vocational school, graduate school, etc.) or employment, you’ll generally join a long-term course of 6 months to as long as 2 years and must obtain a student visa.

Long-term course fees are substantial even looking only at tuition. Let’s first check what is included in tuition.

Main Breakdown of 1-Year Long-Term Course Tuition

Screening & Translation Fee: Expenses required for application review or document translation for a visa application
Enrollment Fee: A one-time payment when entering the school
Tuition Fee: The largest portion; payment for attending classes
Textbook Fee: Costs for textbooks and study materials required for Japanese learning
Student Insurance Fee: The cost for insurance in case of illness or injury in Japan
Other Fees: May include facility fees or activity fees

Fees differ depending on the school and course, but the typical total for a one-year long-term course is between around 700,000 and over 1,000,000 yen.

For example, a Comprehensive Japanese Course (12 months) including all screening, translation, enrollment, textbook, student insurance, and other fees totals 915,000 yen. Use this specific figure as a guide when planning your finances.

[Short-term Study] Fee Estimates for 2-Week or 1-Month Courses

Short-term Japanese language study is possible with a tourist visa, working holiday visa, or other visa types (other than student visas) for periods from 2 weeks up to 6 months. Kudan Institute of Japanese Language & Culture offers a wide variety of short-term courses.

Short-term courses are recommended for those who want to intensively study Japanese during a vacation period or experience living in Japan. Costs vary widely depending on the duration and class hours, but are generally set at a reasonable level.

For example, for a 4-week (1-month) Japanese Conversation Course or Comprehensive Japanese Course, the standard fee including enrollment, tuition, and textbook is about 102,000 yen. This allows you to focus on learning Japanese daily for a month at a high cost-performance ratio.

Don’t Overlook Living Costs! Preparing for Expenses Other Than Tuition at Japanese Language Schools

When considering the costs of Japanese language schools, looking at tuition alone is misleading. Living in Japan involves necessary costs beyond school fees. Be sure to understand living expenses when making your financial plans.

Tips for Saving on Living Costs (Rent, Food, Transportation)

Living expenses in Japan, especially in metropolitan areas like Tokyo, tend to be high for rent, making up a major part of necessary costs.

4-Week Estimated Costs by Accommodation Type (If Arranged by Kudan Institute)

Accomodation Type	Duration	Fee (including arrangement fee)	Included in Fee
Homestay	4 weeks (28 nights)	102,400 yen	Breakfast and dinner on weekdays, three meals on weekends/holidays, arrangement fee
Guest House	1 month	65,000–80,000 yen	Rent (plus bedding fee 10,000 yen, arrangement fee 5,000 yen needed)
Share House / Apartment	1 month	80,000+/150,000+ yen	Rent (plus arrangement fee 5,000 yen)

Homestay lets you experience life in a Japanese household, and with meals included (two on weekdays, three on weekends), you can greatly reduce food expenses. However, transport costs to school (commuter pass) and weekday lunch costs are extra, so it’s smart to budget for those too.

Homestay is especially recommended for short-term visits to experience Japanese lifestyle and culture in depth thanks to its value for money.

Covering Living Expenses Wisely! Visa Rules and Notes for Part-Time Work

Many young students studying at Japanese language schools consider working part-time to help cover living expenses. However, there are strict rules depending on the visa type, so make sure to prepare accordingly.

Student Visa: Holders with special permission for work can do part-time up to 28 hours per week.
Short-term Stay Visa (Tourist, etc.): Unfortunately, students on short-term visas may not work in Japan.

If you have a short-term visa, you must bring living expenses from your home country or prepare in advance. Whether you can work depends on the visa, so first clarify your study period and purpose.

Tuition Payment Methods and Refund Rules if Withdrawing

Payment Method: Tuition is usually paid in one lump sum. Overseas bank transfer may incur a 4,000 yen remittance fee.
Refunds for Early Withdrawal: If you cancel or withdraw, always confirm refund policies in advance.

For example, Kudan’s Online JLPT Preparation Course allows withdrawal, and refunds are calculated by the day (4,125 yen/day), with a cancellation fee of one week’s tuition (8,250 yen) charged separately.

Maximize Value for Money! Choosing the Best Japanese Course for Your Goal & Level

Solidify the Basics with a Comprehensive Japanese Course for University or Job Aspirations

Beginner level: Learn practical conversation and expressions necessary for life in Japan.
Intermediate/Advanced: Acquire skills to understand complex topics like social issues and news, and express your own opinions.

Kanji Learning Support

Kudan’s Comprehensive Japanese Course includes Kanji classes, with levels from JLPT N5B to N1 organized so students can tackle kanji step by step at their own pace.

Boost Conversation Skills! Master Usable Japanese in Short Term

If your goal is “Quickly improve speaking skills for daily life in Japan!” a Conversation Course is ideal. The short-term format focuses on practical content.

Japanese Conversation Course

Master hiragana and katakana in just 4 weeks with our beginn…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/conversation.php

Online Courses: Smart Learning Strategies for Busy People

Online JLPT Preparation Course (49,500 yen)

Online Private Lessons

日本語能力試験（JLPT）の合格を目指している方へ。九段日本文化研究所日本語学院が提供するオンラインJLPT対策講座は…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/jlpt.php

Online Business Japanese Brush-up Course (88,000 yen)

Business Japanese Brush-up Course (Online Lessons)

Master business Japanese online with Kudan Japanese Language…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/online-business-japanese.php

Online Job Preparation Course (66,000 yen)

Job Hunting Support Course (Online Lessons)

Master business Japanese and job hunting skills with Kudan's…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/job_preparation.php

These offer specialist content but are easy to join even from overseas or while working.

Get More Than What You Pay! Experience Unique Courses at Kudan Institute of Japanese Language & Culture

Kudan offers many unique courses combining Japanese study with cultural experiences.

Unique Courses Through Hands-on Activities

Manga Course: One month 162,000 yen, in partnership with Japan Manga Juku.

Manga(Comic) course

You can learn both Japanese and Manga during your short stay…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/manga_course.php

Winter Holiday Course: Two weeks 220,000 yen (homestay included), with tea ceremony and sightseeing activities.

Winter Holiday Course

Japanese culture and customs through lectures, after-class a…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/holiday_winter.php

Important Points and Smart Selection Tips for Japanese School Fees

Checklist for Selecting a Japanese School

Are classes suitable for your goals?
Is the total cost (tuition + living expenses) within budget?
Is there a diverse mix of nationalities among students?
Is there a solid support system?

Compare transparency, teaching quality, and support to maximize your value for money.

Use Free Visits and Course Materials to Compare Schools

Kudan Institute offers free 15-minute observation lessons. Seeing real classes first-hand will greatly increase your confidence and satisfaction with your choice.

Summary: Understanding Costs Makes Planning Your Japanese Study Smooth!

This article covered typical costs, tuition breakdowns, and necessary expenses for both long-term and short-term Japanese language study. Kudan Institute provides not only practical but also culturally enriching courses.

Free online observation and personal consultations are also available. Let’s find the best study plan for you together.

Kudan Japanese Language Institute official site

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