If you are planning to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree taught entirely in English at a Japanese university, keeping up with local policy developments is essential for a smooth transition. July and August 2026 have brought several crucial updates from the Japanese government regarding visa administration, language verification standards, and international student admissions limits.
Here is a clear breakdown of the latest Japanese news and what these developments mean for your upcoming applications.
1. Substantial Revision of Visa Issuance Fees (Effective July 1, 2026)
The Foreign Ministry officially revised diplomatic visa issuance fees for applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026. This marks the first major update to immigration processing charges in several decades, intended to adjust for administrative overhead and economic shifts.
| Visa Type | Old Fee (Before July 1, 2026) | New Fee (After July 1, 2026) | Impact & Action Needed |
| Single-Entry Visa | ¥3,000 | ¥15,000 | Factor into immediate pre-arrival expenses |
| Multiple-Entry Visa | ¥6,000 | ¥30,000 | Adjust overall travel and entry budget |
What this means for you:
When your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) is approved by your host university and you apply for your entry visa at your local Japanese embassy or consulate, ensure your travel budget accounts for these revised rates. Official guidelines and fee schedules can be reviewed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Visa Fees Page and the general MOFA Official Visa Information Guide.
2. Enhanced Language Verification for Student Visas
Beginning in July 2026 for visa renewals and October 2026 for new incoming student CoE filings, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has updated its evaluation criteria for the “Student” (Ryugaku) residence status.
| Policy Aspect | Previous Framework | Updated 2026 Framework |
| Verification Method | Standard proof of 150 hours of language study | Standardized test scores or official documented admissions interviews |
| Implementation Schedule | — | July 2026 (Renewals) / October 2026 (New Entries) |
| Primary Focus | Hours spent in class | Verifiable, real-world language proficiency |
What this means for English-Degree Applicants:
While students in English-medium degree programs (EMDPs) fulfill their main academic requirements in English, maintaining functional everyday Japanese skills is increasingly prioritized for daily living and post-graduation employment. University admissions offices are adjusting their interview documentation to ensure all international applicants clear these revised immigration checkpoints smoothly. Check official residence guidelines via the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
3. MEXT Relaxes Enrollment Caps to Attract Global Talent
To support internationalization goals, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has introduced measures giving large university departments greater flexibility to accept international students beyond standard capacity limits.
Key Policy Impacts:
Capacity Adjustments: Relaxes rigid departmental capacity caps for top-tier higher education institutions.
Program Expansion: Allows universities to expand intake for high-demand English-medium degree programs.
Student Outcome: Increases total admission slots and opportunities for qualified global applicants.
What this means for you:
Competition remains high, but top-tier universities across Japan now have greater institutional freedom to expand class sizes for English-based degree tracks, creating more opportunities for qualified international applicants. Review government scholarship and capacity policies on the Embassy of Japan MEXT Guidelines Page.
Quick Action Checklist for Prospective Applicants
Verify Official Guidelines: Always cross-reference application procedures with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Adjust Your Pre-Arrival Budget: Review updated visa collection fees directly on the MOFA Visa Fees Official Announcement (¥15,000 for single-entry / ¥30,000 for multiple-entry) alongside tuition and housing deposits.
Prepare Your Documentation Early: Request official transcripts and standardized language certificates well in advance to ensure full compliance with guidelines set by each university.
Global University in Japan view:
When I worked in admissions at a Japanese university, every year we saw qualified international students who, despite earning their acceptance, unfortunately could not enroll because they couldn’t prepare or transfer the required fees before the strict deadline. This is a painful situation for both the university and the students.
To avoid this, please make sure you thoroughly understand the entire enrollment process in advance. Be sure to carefully read your university’s application guidelines, start your financial preparations early, and contact the admissions office ahead of time if you have any questions or concerns.
