Japan Language School Intakes: April, July, October and January Explained

Japanese language schools run four intakes each year — April, July, October and January. Choosing the right one matters, because each intake has a different course length and a different level of competition for seats.

April intake (main intake). April is the largest intake of the year and the one most Nepali students target. Courses run for two years, which gives you the longest runway to reach the Japanese level you need before moving on to a vocational college, a university, or skilled work.

October intake. October is the second major intake and is in high demand among Nepali students. The course runs for one year and six months.

July intake. July has limited schools available and runs for one year and nine months.

January intake. January has limited seats and runs for one year and three months.

Start earlier than you think. The intake month is not the month you start working on your application. You should begin Japanese language classes roughly eleven months before your intake. From there the sequence runs: a language examination (JLPT, NAT-Test, J-TEST, JPT, JLCT or TOP-J) and school interview around three months later, document preparation in the following two months, then the COE result about three months after that, and finally your intake month.

What that looks like in practice. For an April intake you would start Japanese class the previous May, sit your exam and interview in July or August, prepare documents through September and October, and receive your COE result in February. For a July intake, start in August; for October, start in November; for January, start in February.

Which intake should you choose? If you want the longest study period and the widest choice of schools, plan for April. If you are ready sooner, October is the next strongest option. Talk to us before you commit — we will map your dates backwards from your target intake so you know exactly when each step falls.