JCL Foreign Language School
Welcome to JCL Foreign Language School in Kyoto
JCL Foreign Language School — a Japanese language school in Kyoto with one of the highest university placement rates in Japan.
Located in Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital and international cultural tourist city
Japan's Top-ranked College Preparatory School
A perfect syllabus
Equipped with first-class facilities
cozy student dormitory
We have provide everything you need to get into a prestigious university
JCL Foreign Language School
Top-ranked in Japan
TRACK RECORD
the enrollment rate to national public or top ranked private undergraduate and graduate schools2025 182 / 205
Kyoto University
The University of Tokyo
National or Public University
Students who have been accepted to undergraduate and graduate schools / Updated 2026.04
JCL Foreign Language School
Our courses
COURSES
COURSE ①
University Preparation Course
For students who aim to enter a Japanese university or vocational college. They acquire the Japanese language ability they need in a systematic way. Beyond language, they deepen their understanding of Japanese society and culture, develop independence and an international outlook, and build the foundations for an active life in Japan after graduating.
COURSE ②
Japanese Culture and Language Course
Students learn living Japanese by coming into direct contact with Japanese culture while living in Japan. Through continued self-improvement they acquire the language ability needed to become a bridge between Japan and their own country in the future, and deepen their understanding of Japanese society and culture.
COURSE ①
University Preparation Course
For students who aim to enter a Japanese university or vocational college. They acquire the Japanese language ability they need in a systematic way. Beyond language, they deepen their understanding of Japanese society and culture, develop independence and an international outlook, and build the foundations for an active life in Japan after graduating.
CEFR A1 → B2
A1
A2
B1
B2
- Every course targets CEFR level B2.
Classes centre on Integrated Japanese, Reading, Listening, Conversation and Writing, combined with guidance for further study and hands-on cultural experience, so that what is learned can be put to use.
About class hours
Class days
5 days a week (Monday to Friday)
Class hours
4 unit hours a day (180 minutes); 20 unit hours a week (900 minutes)
Start dates and courses
Course
2-year course (university prep, or Japanese culture and language)
Total hours
1,560 units
Apply by (guide)
Early August, previous year
The guide dates are for applicants coming from abroad. If you already live in Japan there is no residence status examination, so we can accept you much closer to the start date. We may close applications once a course is full.
JCL Foreign Language School
Eligibility
- You will have graduated from high school by the time you enrol, or you expect to graduate
- At the time you apply, your Japanese is at CEFR-J A1 or above (JLPT, NAT, J-TEST or equivalent); A2 or above for the 1 year 3 months (university prep) course
- You have a clearly identified sponsor who can cover your costs while you study
- You intend to go on to a university in Japan (for the university preparation course only)
JCL Foreign Language School
learning environment
Equipped with first-class facilities
Hon-kan Building
Classrooms, student lounge, health center, etc.
Shin-kan Building
Classrooms, study rooms, and college guidance rooms are available.
Chuou-kan Building
Classrooms, teachers' offices, and guidance rooms are available.
Annex Building
Classrooms, multi-purpose classrooms, etc.
Scholarship
JCL Scholarships (5 types)
Up to 700,000 yen
Student evaluation of teaching
2026 academic year, second semester
Agree
Somewhat agree
Somewhat disagree
Disagree
“Overall, my studies this semester were worthwhile.”
546 responses
96.5%
Positive
72.2%
24.4%
2.4%
1.1%
“%” is the share of students who chose “agree” or “somewhat agree” out of the four options.
September 2026 · All enrolled students · 546, anonymous · Four points (agree / somewhat agree / somewhat disagree / disagree). “%” is the sum of the top two.
JCL Foreign Language School
Life in JCL
STUDENT LIFE
Living Facilities｜student dormitory
JCL has nine student dormitories which allowed approximately 600 students to live at the same time. All new students can live in the dormotries during their first year. (From the second year, students may live in the dormitries depends on the availability).
All student dormitories are managed directly by the school. Each dormitory has a dedicated staff member who provides full support to students during their stay in Japan.
Exterior of House C1
All three-bedroom suites in House C1
Entrance to House C1
House C1 is 1 minute walk from school
Exterior of House D
House D has rooms for two, and is 5 minutes walk to school
Exterior of House E
House E has rooms for two and is 6-minute walk to school.
Entrance to House F
House F is a 3-room suite, 1-minute walk to school
Exterior of House H
House H has room for one or two, half-minute walk to school
Entrance Exterior of the International House
The International House is mainly single rooms with a few rooms for two.
Side view of the International House
also called K House. It's six-minute walk to school.
Exterior of House B
House B is a three-room suite
House B Entrance
House B is a 15-minute walk to the school
Exterior of House A
House A is a 2DK unit and can accommodate up to four people
House A corridor
1 minute walk to school
Environment
JCL is located in downtown Kyoto. The school is surrounded by convenient transportation and living facilities. It is a very quiet environment suitable for learning. Kyoto is the origion of Japanese culture and with 1200 years of long history. You can fully experience the beauty of Japanese history and culture while study in JCL.
It is easy to get public transportation from school, including Keihan, subway, Kintetsu, JR trains, and buses. Kyoto station is only 3 stations/5 mins away.
藤森駅
Keihan Railway，10 minutes walk to school
くいな橋駅
Subway，10 minutes walk to school
竹田駅
Kintetsu Railway,12 minutes walk to school
龍谷大学前深草駅
Keihan Railway，12 minutes walk to school
life support
JCL provides full support for students to ensure that they arrive in Japan smoothly and become accustomed to life as a foreign student in Japan. Parents can also rest assured.
JCL Foreign Language School
Working part-time
Once the paperwork is done, you may work part-time within set limits.
the weekly limit
a week in the long holidays
to file your weekly report
The limits are the law's. The counting is ours.
JCL Foreign Language School
Cost at JCL
FEES ＆ DORMITORY
※ the same for every entry point
Screening fee + Admission fee
¥120,000
Tuition
¥660,000
Facilities + Equipment
¥160,000
Teaching materials + Insurance + Health management
¥21,000
First year total
¥961,000
JCL Foreign Language School
How admission works
ADMISSION STEPS
- Send us the pre-application questionnaire
- Interview — online over Zoom, or in person
- Submit your application documents
- We review them; you pay the screening fee (35,000 yen) and admission fee (85,000 yen)
- The Immigration Services Agency examines your residence status (we apply on your behalf)
- The Certificate of Eligibility is issued (we receive it)
- You pay tuition and dormitory fees
- We send you the Certificate of Eligibility and issue your letter of acceptance
- You apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country
- Once the visa is issued, you book your flight
- You arrive in Japan and start school
The Certificate of Eligibility takes time to be examined. Please start about six months before your intended start date.
JCL Foreign Language School
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Where is JCL Foreign Language School?
In Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Japan. It is easy to get public transportation from school, including Keihan, subway, Kintetsu, JR trains, and buses. Kyoto station is only 3 stations/5 mins away.
Is the school accredited by the Japanese government?
Yes. It is a Japanese language institution for study in Japan accredited by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), certification No. 20252260085. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has also rated it a Class I institution, 3 years running.
Can I go on to a university in Japan?
As of 4/2026: 205 students to Kyoto University, 47 to the University of Tokyo, and 2244 to national and public universities in total. In 2025, 182 of the 205 students accepted to universities and graduate schools (88.7%) went on to national or public universities or top-ranked private schools.
When can I start, and how long is the course?
There are four start dates a year. ・April: 2-year course (university prep, or Japanese culture and language) ・July: 1 year 9 months (university prep) ・October: 1 year 6 months (university prep) ・January: 1 year 3 months (university prep) If you apply from outside Japan, the guide date to apply for April is: Early August, previous year. We may close applications once a course is full.
What do I need to apply? Do I need to speak Japanese already?
You can apply if: ・You will have graduated from high school by the time you enrol, or you expect to graduate ・At the time you apply, your Japanese is at CEFR-J A1 or above (JLPT, NAT, J-TEST or equivalent); A2 or above for the 1 year 3 months (university prep) course ・You have a clearly identified sponsor who can cover your costs while you study ・You intend to go on to a university in Japan (for the university preparation course only)
How much does the first year cost?
Tuition for the first year is ¥961,000 in total, the same for every start date (including the ¥35,000 screening fee and ¥85,000 admission fee). The dormitory is separate: rent is ¥20,000–¥47,000 a month, plus a ¥92,000 management fee (charged once).
Fees, dormitory and refundsIs there a student dormitory?
Yes. There are three room types: Shared room (2–3 per room), Private room in a shared unit, Studio (a unit to yourself). Every room is fully equipped for daily life, with a bathroom, toilet, kitchen, furniture, appliances and an internet connection. The School arranges your room after your Certificate of Eligibility is issued.
Can I work part-time?
Yes, once you have permission to work (資格外活動許可). You can work up to 28 hours a week, and up to 40 hours a week during long school holidays. You report your hours on your phone each week, and the screen tells you when you are close to the limit.
Working part-time and your visaCan I apply if I already live in Japan?
Yes. If you already hold a residence status, there is no residence status examination, so we can accept you closer to the start date than applicants from abroad.
How do I start my application?
Send the online questionnaire first. No documents and no payment at this stage. It takes about ten minutes. An interview (on Zoom or in person) follows.
Go to the questionnaireStart with the questionnaire
No documents and no payment at this stage. It takes about ten minutes.