This post is also available in:
Japan Tsukuba International Language College (TLC) is strategically located in Tsukuba, the technological heart of Japan where future innovations are born. Known as “Japan’s Silicon Valley,” this vibrant city offers the perfect blend of cutting-edge research facilities and convenient access to Tokyo. With just a 40-minute train ride to Japan’s capital, students enjoy the best of both worlds – affordable living costs compared to Tokyo and proximity to urban opportunities. Why not explore Japan, deepen your knowledge, and embrace new challenges in this city where daily discoveries await?
Key Features of Japan Tsukuba International Language College
Located in Tsukuba – Japan’s Science Capital
Tsukuba stands as Japan’s premier science and technology hub, a planned city in Ibaraki Prefecture developed by the Japanese government in the 1970s to promote scientific advancement. This unique city has become a magnet for researchers and engineers conducting cutting-edge research and development across diverse fields including physics, biology, agriculture, and information technology. The city hosts numerous research institutes and universities, fostering active international collaboration among global researchers.

Comprehensive Japanese Language Curriculum – Personalized Learning for Academic Success

Our classes are carefully structured according to each student’s Japanese proficiency level, focusing not only on daily conversation skills but also on developing academic Japanese language abilities essential for university and graduate school admission. Our innovative teaching approach integrates language skills with Japanese culture and current news topics, enabling students to gain deep insights into contemporary Japanese society alongside language mastery.
Cost-Effective Living in Tsukuba – Affordable Alternative to Tokyo
Located approximately 40 minutes by train from Tokyo, Tsukuba offers a serene living environment surrounded by nature. The cost of living in Tsukuba is significantly lower than Tokyo, particularly for housing and food expenses. As a science and technology city home to numerous universities and research institutions, Tsukuba maintains a vibrant atmosphere with abundant cultural events, ensuring a fulfilling student life. Students enjoy Tokyo accessibility while benefiting from affordable living costs and superior residential environment.

Admission Information
Available Courses
| Course | Enrollment Month | Application Period | 授業時間 |
| 2 – Year Course | April Intake | From August 1 to October 15 | ◎The classes are conducted 5 days/week (4 hours/day) either in the morning or afternoon session. ◎You will be assigned a class based on the placement test result. ・Morning Class (9:15am~12:45pm) ・Afternoon Class (1:35pm~5:05pm) |
| 18 – Month Course | October Intake | From March 1 to May 10 |
Admission Requirements
To enroll in our Japanese language programs, applicants must meet the following criteria:
① Be 18 years or older with completion (or expected completion) of 12 years of regular school education in a foreign country.
② Have completed secondary education equivalent to university entrance qualification in a foreign country.
③ Be recognized by TLC as equivalent to criteria ① and ②.
Tuition Fee Structure
| Course | Payment methods | Application Fee | Entrance Fee | Tuition Fees | Others | Semester Total | Course Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course 2 – Year Course (April Intake) | First year (Full payment) | April to next March | 20,000 JPY | exemption | 600,000 JPY | 45,000 JPY | 665,000 JPY | 665,000 JPY |
| First year (Installment) | April to September | 20,000 JPY | 50,000 JPY | 300,000 JPY | 45,000 JPY | 415,000 JPY | 715,000 JPY | |
| October to next March | – | – | 300,000 JPY | – | 300,000 JPY | |||
| Second year | April to September | – | – | 300,000 JPY | 45,000 JPY | 345,000 JPY | 645,000 JPY | |
| October to next March | – | – | 300,000 JPY | – | 300,000 JPY | |||
| 18 – Month Course (October Intake) | First year (Full payment) | October to next September | 20,000 JPY | exemption | 600,000 JPY | 45,000 JPY | 665,000 JPY | 665,000 JPY |
| First year (Installment) | October to next March | 20,000 JPY | 50,000 JPY | 300,000 JPY | 45,000 JPY | 415,000 JPY | 715,000 JPY | |
| April to next september | – | – | 300,000 JPY | – | 300,000 JPY | |||
| Second year | October to next March | – | – | 300,000 JPY | 22,500 JPY | 322,500 JPY | 322,500 JPY | |
Dormitory



| Dormitory Admission fee | 25,000 JPY | Fees for purchasing commodities, Cleaning fees, Deposit for repair expenses, Fire insurance, Real estate brokerage, etc. |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment usage rental fee | 30,000 JPY | Refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven, folding bed, gas stove etc. Please note that you have to purchase your own bedding/futon set. |
| Security deposit | 35,000 JPY | Security deposit of 35,000JPY is required. For cleaning fee, and in the event of unpaid dormitory fee, gas and water bills. If there are no issues with the condition of the room after you leave the dormitory, the balance amount will be refunded after the final settlement. |
| Dormitory fee | Single Person Room – 25,000 JPY~35,000 JPY Monthly. | The dormitory contract is renewed every 6 months. You should pay the dormitory fee/charge every 3 months. The school will assign your room based on nationality and sex. |
Required Application Documents
Documents Prepared by Applicant
- Application Form (TLC designated format)
- Graduation Certificate (original) or Diploma (original) from final educational institution
- Academic Transcripts from final school and high school (including high school graduation exam results)
- Enrollment Certificate
- Resume (TLC designated format)
※For irregular enrollment age or course duration, attach explanatory documents from educational institutions. - Study Plan with detailed specific descriptions (TLC designated format)
- Color Photographs (5 copies, 4cm×3cm, recent 6-month upper body, hatless)
- Passport Color Copy (if available)
- Japanese Study Certificate
※If unavailable, submit documents showing study hours (current and completion hours for ongoing studies), attendance, and grades - Employment Certificate (including job description; mention return plans if applicable)
- Pledge (TLC designated format)
- Student Dormitory Application (TLC designated format) – Read dormitory information thoroughly before applying
Documents Prepared by Financial Sponsor
- Financial Support Guarantee (TLC designated format with handwritten signature)
※Specify living expense payment method: arrival funds, remittance amounts and frequency. - Bank Balance Certificate (local currency acceptable)
- Bank Statement or Transaction History (past 12 months)
※Some countries require annual income/expense documentation (self-prepared acceptable) - Occupation Verification Documents
・ Employees: Employment Certificate
・ Self-employed/Business Owners: Business License or Company Registration - Income Certificates (past 3 years, government-issued)
- Tax Payment Certificates (past 3 years, government-issued)
※If unavailable, provide explanation letter - Relationship Verification Certificate
・ Chinese applicants: Notarized documents
・ Vietnamese applicants: Birth certificates - Family Registry Copies (all members)
- Identity Document Copies (applicant and financial sponsor)
Application Process
①Document Preparation → Submit required documents to Japan Education Career (JEC)
↓
②JEC Review → Document verification and submission to TLC
↓
③TLC Evaluation → Application document review
↓
④Immigration Submission → Submission of application documents to Immigration Bureau by TLC
↓
⑤Approval → Issuing Certificate Of Eigibility (COE)
↓
⑥Payment → Pay tuition and fees
↓
⑦Certificate Delivery → TLC will send you the COE and other original documents directly to your home
↓
⑧Embassy Application → Submit certificate at embassy
↓
⑨Visa Issuance → Receive student visa
Location & Access
Tsukuba Bunka Gakuen Educational Foundation
Japan Tsukuba International Language College(TLC)
2-4 Matsusiro Tsukubashi, Ibaraki, Japan 〒305-0035
Ready to start your Japanese language journey at Japan Tsukuba International Language College? Contact us through the inquiry form below for free admission procedure support!





