Conditions Under Which Completion of Studies at a Japanese Language Educational Institution Qualifies for Point Addition#

The “Highly Skilled Professional” (HSP) point-based system within Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act is a mechanism designed to attract talented foreign nationals by granting preferential immigration treatment. This system evaluates applicants based on various categories such as academic background, professional career history, and annual income. Once the total score reaches a certain threshold (typically 70 or 80 points), the applicant becomes eligible for the Highly Skilled Professional status.

Within this calculation table, there is a specific category for “Japanese Language Proficiency.” While passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the most common way to earn points in this category, completing a course at a designated Japanese language educational institution can also qualify for point addition.

This article provides an objective and detailed explanation of the conditions under which studies at a Japanese language institution qualify, the specific number of points awarded, and the relationship between this qualification and other Japanese language proficiency metrics.

Definition of Qualifying “Japanese Language Educational Institutions”#

To claim points for “completion of a Japanese language educational institution,” simply attending a school that teaches Japanese is not sufficient. The institution must meet strict criteria established by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Specifically, the institution must be what is known as a “Public Notice Institution” (Kokuji-ko), designated by the Minister of Justice. The following types of institutions generally fall under this category:

Japanese Language Schools Designated by Public Notice These are institutions officially announced in the Official Gazette by the Minister of Justice as being permitted to accept foreign students (with the status of residence of “Student”). While many common Japanese language schools fall into this category, not all do. It is crucial to verify whether the specific school attended is listed on the Ministry of Justice’s list of designated institutions.
University Preparatory Courses for International Students (Ryugakusei Bekka) Special courses established within Japanese universities or junior colleges specifically for international students, where the primary objective is Japanese language education, are also eligible.

Specific Requirements for “Completion” and Evidence#

To receive the points, the applicant must have officially “completed” the course. Mere enrollment or attendance for a period is insufficient. If a student withdraws midway or is expelled for failing to meet graduation requirements (such as attendance rates or grades) despite staying for the full duration, they are not eligible for these points.

Definition of Completion#

The applicant must have met the completion requirements set by the educational institution and must have been awarded a certificate of completion or graduation diploma. Most Japanese language institutions enforce strict rules regarding attendance rates and examination scores as conditions for graduation.

Required Documentation#

When applying to the Immigration Services Agency, the following documents are typically required as proof:

Copy of Certificate of Completion/Graduation: A document issued by the institution certifying that the applicant has successfully completed the course.
Academic Transcripts: In some cases, transcripts may be requested to verify the content and duration of the study.

Points Awarded and Relationship with JLPT#

If the completion of studies at a Japanese language educational institution is recognized, 5 points are awarded under the Japanese Language Proficiency category. It is essential to understand how this interacts with points awarded for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or other equivalent qualifications.

Non-Cumulative Nature of Language Points#

In the HSP point calculation table, the general rule for the “Japanese Language Proficiency” category is that only the highest applicable score is counted. The points are structured as follows:

JLPT N1 (or equivalent): 15 points
JLPT N2 (or equivalent): 10 points
Completion of a Japanese Language Educational Institution: 5 points

Therefore, points are not cumulative within this specific category.

Scenario A: If an applicant has passed JLPT N1 (15 points) and has also completed a Japanese language school (5 points), the total for this category is 15 points, not 20. The higher score overrides the lower one.
Scenario B: If an applicant has passed JLPT N2 (10 points) and has also completed a Japanese language school (5 points), the total is 10 points. The N2 qualification takes precedence.

When is this Category Useful?#

The “5 points” for school completion become critical in the following scenarios:

Applicants without JLPT N2 or N1: Many international students graduate from a language school and proceed to a Japanese university or vocational school, eventually finding employment in Japan without ever taking the JLPT, or perhaps having failed to pass N2. For these individuals, proving their language education background provides a guaranteed 5 points that they would otherwise lack.
Applicants on the Borderline: For an applicant whose total score is hovering around 65 or 75 points, these additional 5 points can be the deciding factor in reaching the 70 or 80-point threshold required for the visa status.

Distinction from “Degree from a Japanese University”#

It is important to distinguish this category from the “Educational Background” bonus points awarded for graduating from a Japanese university.

Degree from a Japanese University: This is a special addition that grants 10 points. This applies to Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees obtained from a university in Japan.
Completion of Japanese Language Institution: This falls under “Japanese Language Proficiency” and grants 5 points.

These two categories do stack. For example, if an applicant graduated from a Japanese university (having written a thesis in Japanese) and also holds JLPT N1:

They receive 10 points for the Japanese degree (Bonus category).
They receive 15 points for JLPT N1 (Language Proficiency category).
Total: 25 points related to their Japanese education and language skills.

However, the “Completion of Japanese Language Institution” (5 points) is strictly a substitute for the language proficiency score and cannot be added on top of N1 or N2 scores.

Conclusion#

To qualify for point addition based on studies at a Japanese language educational institution, the school must be a “Public Notice Institution” designated by the Ministry of Justice, and the applicant must have officially completed the course. The award is 5 points. While this does not add value for those who already hold JLPT N2 or N1 certifications due to the non-cumulative nature of the language category, it serves as a vital source of points for applicants who have received formal language education in Japan but do not possess the higher-level JLPT certificates. Accurately assessing which category applies to your history and preparing the correct documentation is essential for a successful application.