Hi all,
I'm thinking of studying abroad at a Japanese university for my masters degree, starting spring 2027, but am already preparing and planning out as much as I can until then.
I've been thinking of possibly moving there starting september/october, as I'm currently working a part-time software job until June/July to save up funds for my stay. It's partially in order to study and prepare for the entrance exam, but I can't deny it's also for enjoyment, as I would like to see some places in Japan before having to start the degree. I could go for three months until my tourist visa runs out, go back to my home country (Netherlands) and then fly back around the dates for the entrance exam, but I heard it's very much up to immigration if they'll let you back in for an extended period of time just after having left, not to mention the extra costs for plane tickets. This brings me to the Working Holiday Visa. It would virtually enable me to stay in Japan until my plans to potentially start a degree, without the hassle of having to fly back and forth. There are however a few questions I've tried to figure out, but I can't find a definitive answer;
– Is this usage of a Working Holiday Visa even allowed? I've heard it's not meant for those who plan to pursue an education in Japan, but seeing as I'm not planning to follow a degree while I'm on the Working Holiday Visa, does this still count?
– As stated above, the visa is not recommended for those primarily wanting to study in Japan, but do part-time student roles count? I've seen some courses at a university I would like to follow that can be taken as a part-time student, but does this violate the guidelines of the Working Holiday Visa?
– Are there any limitations for jobs? I understand you're not allowed to take on full-time roles, but are part-time software jobs allowed? I would assume they are, but I just wanted to ask to be sure.
If there are any other things I should take into account, I would love to hear them. I'm still very much in the research stage, but seeing as there are a limited amount of visas, I would like to be able to apply somewhere around (or before) June.
Thanks in advance
by _NintendoGuy_