Japan

Study abroad in Japan

When you hear the word ‘Japan’, what do you think of? Ancient temples, tea gardens and historic cities, or futuristic cities connected by bullet trains and packed with technology?

That’s the beauty of Japan: a culture rich in tradition and history, fused with modern innovation. There’s no limit to what you could experience. If you’ve dreamt it, Japan has probably already done it.

Japan is one of our most popular destinations, so we encourage students to plan and apply well ahead for their Japanese exchange program.

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Program Summary:

Program: Classic program

Program length: Short and Long programs

Vaccinations: Yes

Discounts and Scholarship: Yes

Language criteria: Yes

Language course: No

Welcome Camp: No

Classic Program

If you are looking for a cultural experience for 2-3 months, or an Academic Semester or Year, our Classic program will match you with a welcoming host family and place you in a nearby school. We find the host family and choose the school, and you can enjoy what they have to offer while immersing yourself in local culture.

Perfect for students who:
* Who can be more flexible in where and what they study
* Want to have a cultural experience
* Interested in joining sports, clubs, and activities
* Grow as a person and improve language skills

UNLOCK THE WORLD

Classic high school exchange program

Age and eligibility

the students should be between 15 and 17 years of age as of April 1 of the Japanese academic year, starting on April 1 and ends in March 31, of the students’ enrolment regardless of the arrival date.
Any student who is currently in their final year of high school cannot apply for a January departure the following year. Japan does not accept recent graduates.
Japan will only accept students a minimum B-grade average grades over the last two years.
The program dates for Japan are not flexible.
Japan does not accept students who are vegan/vegetarian and limits on special dietary requirements.
Please check with our office if you have any medical conditions as this may affect your application.
Personality – students should be mature, sociable, emotionally stable and have open and flexible attitude and willingness to adapt to Japanese life and people.

Language criteria

To be eligible, applicants must have learnt Japanese in a formal language setting for the past two consecutive years at the time of applying and attained a minimum proficiency of N4 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Each applicant’s Japanese level will be assessed by our overseas partner.

Program Length

Programs are available for an Academic Semester or Academic Year in April or August/September. 2 & 3 Month programs are also available.

Schools

In Japanese high schools, the typical school hours are from 8:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday, with classes ending at noon on Saturdays. This schedule is not uncommon in Japan. While after-school activities are not mandatory, the school provides exchange students with free study hours, allowing them to choose whether or not to attend regular classes.

Exchange students are expected to have a sufficient level of Japanese proficiency to understand instructions from teachers. It is important to note that sports are compulsory in almost all high schools.

Welcome Camp

Not available on programs in Japan.

Visa

Visas are required, subject to program length. Your Program Coordinator will provide further information in preparation for your exchange program.

Important Program Information

Insurance

Vaccinations

General Visa Info

Embassy Links

Program Start Dates

Quality Management

Terms & Conditions

Japan Classic Prices

Length	Arrive	Program fee AUD	Application deadline
Short program 3 Months	Nov 2026	$12,450	SOLD OUT
Academic Year	Mar/Apr 2027	$17,450	SOLD OUT
Academic Semester	Mar/Apr 2027	$15,450	SOLD OUT
Short program 3 Months	Mar/Apr 2027	$12,450	SOLD OUT
Short program 3 Months	Aug/Sep 2027 – Nov/Dec 2027	$13,990	LAST SPOTS
Academic Semester	Aug/Sep 2027 – Jan 2028	$17,440	LAST SPOTS
Academic Year	Aug/Sep 2027 – Jun 2028	$19,640	LAST SPOTS
Short program 3 Months	Oct/Nov 2027 – Jan/Feb 2028	$13,990	Jun 30, 2027

Please note: Scholarship & Early Bird Discounts are not available for this program.
Limited spots are available for programs in Japan.
Please contact our office to discuss LAST SPOTS.

Program prices include a flight budget, and surcharges may apply. Early departures or personal travel changes incur a $300 fee plus any airline costs. Program dates are indicative at the time of publishing and may shift slightly, with confirmed travel details provided by your Program Coordinator. Places are limited, so apply early to secure your spot. For full pricing and surcharge information, see our Money Matters page.

Students in traditional Japanese Kimonos

LIVE Online Information Sessions

A high school student exchange program is a big decision.

Learn about what life on exchange actually looks like, the support students & families receive, and the transformations our team sees every year.

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Save your spot!

“Living in Japan, I experienced a completely different culture and learnt so much about the country as well as improving in my Japanese. Not just that, I grew as a person. While on exchange I experienced so many things and ultimately become a more independent and confident person! The memories and friendships I made there are all so precious. Going on exchange was one of the best experiences of my life and something I will never forget!”

Siena – Australia to Japan

“This exchange is making a big impact in my life. Despite the mini errors I had, this exchange has made me stronger. Made amazing bonds with the people around me, my Japanese is improving. If I stayed in New Zealand without this experience I wouldn’t be this independent and opened to myself, I’m REALLY grateful that I get to have this amazing experience.”

TeWai – New Zealand to Japan