Technical Intern Trainee → Student visa change

Konnichiwa everyone,

I’m currently on 技能実習2号 (technical intern trainee), 3-year contract. Still have about 1 year 5 months left – visa expires May 2027. I want to change to student visa (留学) while still in Japan so I can study Japanese properly and later switch to proper work visa.

Questions:

Is it really possible to change status before finishing the full 3 years?

Which intake is the best for me right now? October 2026 or January 2027?

Can you recommend good language schools that accept ex-trainees and have October 2026 or January 2027 intake? (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka all okay – cheaper tuition is better)

How much money do I need to show in bank for the student visa change?

Any tips or things I should prepare starting from now?

Thank you so much for any advice! Really want to stay longer in Japan 🙏 (From Myanmar, currently in Asahikawa)

by Hikigayax