IAY International Academy Japanese Language School

IAY International Academy Japanese Language School

Sapporo

About

IAY International Academy in Sapporo is operated by a company established in 1969, with Japanese-language education dating from 1970. The school supports students aiming to enter Japanese higher education institutions and offers practical Japanese courses for daily life in Hokkaido.

IAY is trusted by the local community and provides students with opportunities to engage with both locals and fellow international students, creating a rich and memorable learning environment.

Main Features

Student support

Experienced teachers provide practical Japanese instruction and guidance for study and daily life. Confirm the available support language when arranging your application.

Progression guidance

The current student-visa course focuses on vocational-school progression, with JLPT preparation, communication and essay guidance. The school also provides information sessions on higher education in Hokkaido. Admission outcomes depend on individual results.

Class placement

Classes follow the school’s ordinary-year and specialised-year programmes. Ask about the current class size and placement; private lessons can be arranged around individual goals.

Community and learning options

Students can meet local learners through the academy’s language courses. Private and online Japanese lessons are available separately.

IAY International Academy Japanese Language School Available Courses

Student Visa course

Description

The student-visa course develops Japanese for progression to vocational education, with practical communication, JLPT preparation, essay guidance and cultural learning. Other progression goals should be discussed with the school.

Intakes and duration

Published intake pattern	Duration	Japanese evidence at application
April	2 years	JLPT N5 or 150 study hours
July	1 year 9 months	JLPT N5 or 250 study hours
October	1 year 6 months	JLPT N4 or 350 study hours

Applications are open for April 2027, with a planned October 31, 2026 deadline; recruitment closes early if full. Confirm dates for later intakes. The current course guide lists 18–24 months; confirm any other intake or duration with the school.

Weekday half-day classes: 8:50–12:10 or 12:50–16:10. Current timetables place the ordinary year in the afternoon and the specialised year in the morning; confirm your assigned schedule.

Fees from April 2027

Course	Initial year	Remaining period	Full course total
2 years	¥925,000	¥825,000	¥1,750,000
1 year 9 months	¥920,000	¥627,500	¥1,547,500
1 year 6 months	¥920,000	¥420,000	¥1,340,000

Totals include screening ¥20,000, enrollment ¥70,000, tuition, materials and other listed school expenses. These expenses cover facilities, extracurricular activities, health checks and student insurance; housing and living costs are separate. The school’s published fee table shows separate initial and later-year due dates, while its note says lump-sum payment. Confirm the invoice and payment schedule directly before paying.

Admission requirements

The current guide requires 12 years of schooling, age 18–40, the Japanese evidence above and English at CEFR A2 or higher. Applicants need sufficient financial resources, a reliable relative as guarantor, ability to use SpeedVisa, and no previous student-visa application. Admission and the complete document requirements must be confirmed by the school.

Current course and recruitment information · Official English admission guide

Transfer Course

Description

The transfer group course is for students using a permitted stay other than a student visa. It joins the student-visa classes and develops reading, writing, listening and speaking, with JLPT practice. A suitable stay and course placement must be confirmed individually.

Duration and timetable

Group study lasts from 10 weeks up to two years. Four 45-minute lessons are held each weekday. The current ordinary-year timetable is 12:50–16:10 and specialised-year timetable 8:50–12:10; confirm available entry dates and placement.

Group course fees

Period	Tuition
10 weeks	¥222,000
20 weeks	¥444,000

Tax included. Enrollment fee ¥22,000 and materials at actual cost, approximately ¥7,000, are additional. The school offers a 20% tuition discount for listed resident statuses: Dependent, Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, and Long-Term Resident. Confirm eligibility and the final quote.

Private lessons

Private in-person or online lessons start from eight sessions. For one student, a 45-minute lesson costs ¥6,400 for packages of 8–10 sessions, ¥5,900 for 11–50 sessions, or ¥5,700 for 51 or more. Enrollment is ¥22,000; group private lessons and materials require an individual quote. Packages below 30 sessions are valid for six months; 30 or more for 12 months.

Official non-student-visa course and fees

Accommodation

The school introduces furnished apartments, Dormy residences, DK House and homestays through partners. Accommodation is separate from course fees; confirm availability, rent, arrangement charges, utilities and other initial costs for your stay.