Hey everyone,
I'm planning to go to Japan this October (2025) for a Japanese language course, and I'm seriously confused about whether to go with a 1-year course or a 1.5-year one.
So here's a bit of background — I finished my 12th grade last year (2024), but honestly, my grades aren't that great so I’m planning to give the EJU exam in June 2026 and apply to universities for the October 2026 intake. So technically, I only need a 1-year course (Oct 2025 to Sep 2026), right? But then again, what if I don’t get in? What if I mess up EJU or need more time to prep? That’s where the 1.5-year course starts making sense. But the longer course needs more funds, and I might need stronger ITRs from my sponsor. That’s where it gets a little complicated financially.
Right now, I’m thinking of just applying for a 1-year course, and if things don’t go well, I’ll extend for another 6 months — which keeps me within the 2-year max limit for language school anyway. I won’t pay for the full 1.5-year upfront, but if I need it, I’ll extend and pay then (I'm not sure, do they extend or not).
Also, one more thing — I’m kinda feeling anxious. Most of my friends are already in college, some even going into 2nd year soon, and I’ll be just starting language school in Japan. I know I shouldn’t compare, and to be honest, I don’t even have many real friends, but still… the thought creeps in sometimes.
So yeah… I just wanted to get this out there and ask:
For someone like me — with a not-so-great academic background, aiming for October 2026 uni intake, going to Japan in October 2025 — should I go with the 1-year or 1.5-year course?
Would really appreciate any advice from folks who’ve gone through something similar or just know how this system works better than I do.
Thanks in advance.
by Hitoride7