1) There are several discounts available. Please read the refund policy for full information on refunds.
2) There is no application fee. In the event that you need to cancel, a full refund is provided less bank fees and a 5250 yen administrative charge.
3) Completion of fee payment is due no later than 35 days prior to commencement. There is a late fee of 10500 yen for payments made less than 35 days prior to commencement.

Please browse through the Frequently Asked Questions regarding program fees.

Are there any discounts?
How much do the textbooks and other materials cost?
How much are the internet and library fees?
How much is the airport/train station pickup service?
How much does the email and internet access cost?
Can I pay for everything by credit card?
If Yamasa is non-profit, why do some schools have cheaper tuition rates?
How much does the accommodation cost? Does that include bills?
What is the average cost of living? How much money do I need?
Am I allowed to work part-time?
What should I do regarding Health Insurance?

Contents - Introduction, Outline, Dates, Costs, Levels, Entry Requirements, Visas, Applications, Deadlines

Levels: All students entering the programs are graded via a placement test and placement interview after arrival. The placement test consists of 3 stages, a written test, a listening comprehension test and a one-on-one interview. This ensures that faculty can place you in a class with students who have attained a similar score in the placement test and are of similar ability. Depending on the number of students in the class above or below your initial placement and the difference in the proficiency level, it may be possible to change classes after consultation and re-assessment with your academic advisor.

At Yamasa Elementary covers curriculum to Level N4 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. This requires the ability to read/write at least 300 joyo Kanji, and have a vocabulary knowledge of about 1500 words. Usually reaching Level N4 requires approximately 300 classes if beginning from Foundation.

At Yamasa Intermediate covers curriculum from Level N4 to N2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. This requires the ability to read/write at least 1000 joyo Kanji, and have a vocabulary knowledge of about 6000 words. Usually reaching this level requires approximately 600-700 classes if beginning from Foundation.

From Foundation to Beginner level, the main texts being used are the Minna no Nihongo series. The main texts used in the pre-intermediate levels and above are not decided upon until after the faculty have completed proficiency testing at the start of each course. This is so that they can select texts that can match the strengths and weaknesses of the students, so it will depend very much upon the level and Kanji background of the students who apply. The intermediate texts generally require you to be able to read at least 300-350 Kanji.

Contents - Introduction, Outline, Dates, Costs, Levels, Entry Requirements, Visas, Applications, Deadlines

Entry Requirements: The Acceleration program format is highly intensive and academic. All students will need to have a high level of motivation to learn Japanese. Most students are either graduates or university/college students, although this is not a minimum entry requirement. (Please note that for all Yamasa Institute courses, a degree is preferred, but not essential.) If you have not yet matriculated, then please note that it will be essential for you to prove that you have the academic ability to enter a university in your country of origin or current country of permanent residence.

As an absolute minimum:
1) Applicants must have a minimum of 12 years of full-time education in their native country or have a diploma equivalent to a Japanese senior high school diploma. (For Hong Kong or Malaysian residents, please note that Form 5 may also be acceptable - though you will need to apply very early as interviews may be required.) Applicants who do not have a university/college background will need excellent grades from their secondary studies.
2) As a general rule students need to be 18 years and over. If you are not going to be 18 at the time of the program commencement you need to contact Admissions as early as possible to seek a waiver.
3) It is not a pre-requisite but it is helpful if you have some experience of studying Japanese or a foreign language before.

Citizens of certain countries will need to find guarantors. Please check the Visa Requirements section to see if this applies to you.

Contents - Introduction, Outline, Dates, Costs, Levels, Entry Requirements, Visas, Applications, Deadlines

Visas: Students who intend enrolling in the program will not require anything more than a tourist/temporary visitor (tanki-taizai) visa. For many nationalities, a 90 day landing permit will be granted automatically upon arrival in Japan. This is called an exemption agreement. For other nationalities, you may need to apply for the visa. Please see the visa requirements section for details. Please note that for most nationalities the maximum period of stay on this visa is 90 days/3 months.

Other visa alternatives are possible provided that studying full time for 12 weeks or less is compatible with your visa status. If you are planning to study with any visa other than the standard tourist/temporary visitor (tanki-taizai) Visa, please inform the Admissions Office as soon as possible.

Contents - Introduction, Outline, Dates, Costs, Levels, Entry Requirements, Visas, Applications, Deadlines

Applications: Once you have read everything on this page, especially the sections regarding deadlines, fees, holiday dates, have checked your status re visas and guarantors, and have chosen your preferred accommodation options, schedule and so on, you are ready to apply. Applications can be completed online. If you are applying for a homestay - please note that the program application should be made AT LEAST 2 months in advance. Please note that the homestay search does not commence until Yamasa can confirm that tuition fees have been remitted.

How to enroll:

1. Re-Check visa requirements, especially the information regarding guarantors.
2. Write to Admissions and check application deadlines/program availability.
3. Complete the Online Application form. Print/save the confirmation page.
4. Send your photograph(s).
5. Confirm your position in the program via program fee transfer (as provided via invoice)
6. Yamasa will send you your Letter of Acceptance and additional documents.
7. If you need to apply for a visa, contact your nearest Japanese diplomatic office.
8. Purchase a return ticket to Japan and inform Yamasa of the arrival details. (Pickup service is available for Nagoya Airport only)

Contents - Introduction, Outline, Dates, Costs, Levels, Entry Requirements, Visas, Applications, Deadlines

Deadlines: We request that you complete the application at least 42 days (6 weeks) prior to your commencement. After you complete your application, you will need to send your photographs, either by email attachment or postal mail. Tuition fee payment is due no later than 35 days (5 weeks) prior to your commencement.

Homestays: If a homestay is your first preference accommodation please ensure that you have completed the tuition fee transfer at least 56 days (8 weeks) before commencement.