Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to email us at incoming_gg@nufs.ac.jp!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
Q: Can I participate in NUFS exchange programs if I study at a university with which NUFS doesn't have a partnership agreement?
A: No, currently all of our exchange programs are limited to students from partner institutions.
Q: Can I participate in Global Japan Program if I have never studied Japanese before?
A: Yes, you can start studying Japanese here at NUFS. Further, you can also register for English-taught classes only, if you do not wish to study Japanese.
Q: Can I take classes for domestic students in Japanese?
A: Students in the Global Japan Program are required to take courses offered by the International Institute for Japanese Language Education (IJLE) and are not eligible to take undergraduate or graduate courses. Students who have passed JLPT N2 or higher will be able to take undergraduate or graduate courses with Japanese students if they are enrolled in the Study Abroad Program. (JLPT N2 for undergraduate, N1 for graduate)
For graduate courses, only students who are currently enrolled in a graduate program at their home university are eligible.
Please note that the Global Japan Program students cannot take undergraduate or graduate courses offered in Japanese. Conversely, Study Abroad Program students cannot take Japanese classes in the Global Japan Program.
For graduate courses, only students who are currently enrolled in a graduate program at their home university are eligible.
Please note that the Global Japan Program students cannot take undergraduate or graduate courses offered in Japanese. Conversely, Study Abroad Program students cannot take Japanese classes in the Global Japan Program.
Q: How do I register for my classes at NUFS?
A: You will register for all your classes at NUFS after your arrival. We will walk you through the process so you don't need to do anything before coming to Japan.
VISAS
Q: Can I come to Japan without a visa?
A: No, all exchange students are required to obtain a student visa at the nearest Japanese embassy/consulate before coming to Japan.
Q: What type of a student visa do I need?
A: There is only one type of student visa in Japan (留学).
Q: Can I come to Japan as a tourist and apply for my visa from within Japan?
A: No, student visas can only be obtained at Japanese diplomatic missions.
Q: What is a "Certificate of Eligibility?"
A: The Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) is a supporting document for your visa application. NUFS will apply for your CoE at the Immigration Bureau in Nagoya on your behalf. Once the CoE is issued, we will send it directly to you via email.
Q: How long will I need to wait for the CoE?
A: It usually takes a month for the Immigration Office to issue the CoE. This is why it is very important that you submit all the required documents on time. The sooner we receive your documents, the sooner we will be able to apply for your CoE. Usually, though, students will receive their CoE approximately 2-3 weeks before their planned arrival in Japan. We realize waiting for the CoE may make you feel anxious, however, we have no control over this process and must ask for your patience.
ARRIVING AND STAYING IN JAPAN
Q: Can I arrive in Japan before commencement of my studies at NUFS and do some sightseeing/visit friends or relatives?
A: No. All students must arrive in Japan on the specified dates. As your visa sponsor we are responsible for your well-being in Japan and immigration laws are quite strict. If you fail to arrive on the specified date, your participation in the program may be terminated. If you cannot arrive in Japan on the specified date due to a legitimate academic reason, please contact us in advance and provide proof for the late arrival. We will consider the matter and let you know our decision.
Q: Can I stay in Japan longer than my study period at NUFS?
A: All students have one week to vacate their accommodation and leave Japan after completion of their final semester at NUFS. If, however, you would like to stay in Japan longer, you may do so but you will need to change your residence status to 'tourist.'
As NUFS strongly recommends that students return to their home countries within a week of the end of the semester, NUFS has no responsibility for exchange students whose enrolment has ended. Students are responsible for dealing with visa change and problems during their stay in Japan. We recommend that you consult the Immigration Office before changing your visa.
Even in this case, you must move out of the NUFS dormitory within one week of the end of the semester.
As NUFS strongly recommends that students return to their home countries within a week of the end of the semester, NUFS has no responsibility for exchange students whose enrolment has ended. Students are responsible for dealing with visa change and problems during their stay in Japan. We recommend that you consult the Immigration Office before changing your visa.
Even in this case, you must move out of the NUFS dormitory within one week of the end of the semester.
Q: Why am I required to change my status to 'tourist' if my student visa is valid for 2 years?
A: In order to retain your student visa, you need to meet certain conditions. One of the conditions is that you need to be a full time student at the host institution. Since you will no longer be attending classes at NUFS you will not be meeting this condition and thus staying any longer than your study period at NUFS will violate immigration regulations, which is a criminal offense. Therefore students wishing to stay in Japan after the specified deadline (one week after completion of their final semester at NUFS) are legally required to change their visa status.
