After You Arrive

Enrolling at Your Japanese University

When you reach Japan, go to your university's international office (the office that helps foreign students). Give it your residence card details and join orientation.

University Student Portal

Example programme

Example: autumn semester

Enrollment Steps

The usual order of steps.

Pay first fees: By the date in your admission papers.
Arrive and get your residence card: At big airports you get the card right at the airport.
Go to your university: Give your residence card details.
Register your address: Within 14 days after you settle into your home, at the city office (in big cities, the ward office). This is the moving-in notification: telling the city office your new address.

Pay on time

Missing the first fee payment can cancel your place.

Papers for Enrollment

What universities usually ask for after you arrive.

Your visa type (status of residence):

Residence card copy - Front and back, sent to your university.

Document Preparation Tips

Bring your passport and residence card.

Original papers

Waseda SILS checks your application papers between March and June 2027. Keep the originals.

Orientation

Sessions about life on and off campus.

UTokyo

Sessions every April and October.
A lecture-style session and a question-and-answer session, in English, Japanese and Chinese.

Go to orientation

Plan to attend the session for new international students.

Student ID

Your student ID card

Banks accept it as proof that you study at your university.

Credits

A 4-year bachelor's needs 124 credits or more.

Keep studying full time

Low attendance can stop you extending your stay.

Common Questions

Tips

When you reach Japan, go to your university's international office (the office that helps foreign students) in your first days.
Keep a photo of the front and back of your residence card.
Tell your department office about a new address, card or permission to work.