Arts and Design in Japan Program at I.C.NAGOYA
I.C.NAGOYA
About the Program
Program Overview
Study Japanese at I.C.NAGOYA while preparing for higher education in art and design through a special partnership with Nippon Designers Academy of Fine Arts (NDA). Alongside intensive Japanese study, students take approximately 40 specialist arts lessons during the year, exploring creative fields such as illustration, design and film. This student-visa pathway is designed for international students who want to build the language and technical foundation needed to continue their creative education in Japan.
The course begins in April, with applications normally due in early November of the previous year. Japanese classes are held Monday to Friday in either the morning, from 9:00 to 12:40, or the afternoon, from 13:10 to 16:50, depending on placement. Applicants normally need 12 years of education or equivalent, sufficient financial support, and JLPT N5 or evidence of at least 150 hours of prior Japanese study. Enrollment is competitive, and admission does not guarantee that a student visa will be granted.
Students who progress to NDA after graduating from I.C.NAGOYA receive valuable pathway benefits: exemption from the NDA entrance examination, a JPY 200,000 reduction in first-year NDA tuition, and continued Japanese-language support after enrollment. I.C.NAGOYA also provides guidance for applications, interviews and further education, helping students prepare for their next step in Japan's creative industries.
The estimated one-year school cost is around USD 6,950: selection fee approximately USD 155, admission fee approximately USD 370, first-year tuition approximately USD 5,865, and other required costs approximately USD 560. The official total is JPY 1,136,900, and the final invoice is issued in Japanese yen, so the USD amount may change with the exchange rate. Accommodation and personal living expenses are not included.
Connect with Asia Pathway for more details regarding this programs.
What to Expect
Learn Japanese while preparing for a creative future in art and design.
Your University
I.C.NAGOYA
Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi
I.C.NAGOYA (International Communication Nagoya) is a Japanese language academy in central Nagoya. Founded in 1982, with Japanese courses operating since 1983, it was the first Japanese language school in the Chubu region authorized by the Ministry of Justice to accept international students.
The academy is located in the Meieki Mori Building, floors 1-3, at 1-2-2 Noritake, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 453-0014, approximately five minutes on foot from Nagoya Station. The surrounding area provides convenient access to rail and subway services, banks, post offices, restaurants, convenience stores and everyday services.
I.C.NAGOYA has capacity for 420 students and 16 classrooms. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, self-study and counselling spaces, a library corner, learning resources for JLPT and EJU preparation, and accessible classrooms on the first through third floors. Average classes have approximately 15 students, with a maximum of 20.
Teaching emphasizes practical communication across reading, listening, writing and speaking. Students receive support for Japanese study, higher-education progression, employment preparation and daily life in Japan. Learners from more than 45 countries have studied at the academy, and school-arranged dormitory accommodation is available within walking distance, subject to availability.
Visa Information
Visa Requirements
Visa Details
Visa Type
Student Visa (College Student status)
Processing Time
CoE 1-3 months + ~5 business days
Key Requirements
- Passport copy
- Financial proof
- Academic records
- Proof of language
Plan Your Budget
Program Cost & Living Expenses
One-time costs
Living expenses · ~9 months
$755 – $1,725/month
Tuition $6,950 (one-time) + ~9 months of living expenses ($755 – $1,725/month)
*Estimates based on typical student spending. Actual costs vary by lifestyle, city, and exchange rates.
More Options
Related Programs
Learn More
