Pathways Japan (PJ) is offering a unique chance for young Afghans to study Japanese in Japan for two years. The JALP 2026 program is designed for Afghan nationals who left the country after August 2021 or are currently in Afghanistan and wish to relocate for education and future opportunities.

Key Details:

• Program Name: Japan-Afghanistan Language School Pathways (JALP)

• Host Country: Japan

• Provider: Pathways Japan

• Funding Partner: Japan ICU Foundation

• Start Date: April 2026

• Application Period: July 23 – August 15, 2025

• Number of Seats: 8 Afghan students

• Program Duration: 2 years

What’s Covered?

• Pre-departure Japanese lessons

• Visa and residence permit support

• Round-trip airfare

• Full tuition at a Japanese language school (approx. $15,000 value)

• Stipend for the first 6 months

• Help finding a part-time job and housing

• Ongoing education and career counseling every 3 months

📝 Note: Students must work part-time to cover their rent and living costs.

After the Program:

If you’re a high school graduate:

• You can apply for university in Japan by taking the EJU exam.

• You can also pursue job opportunities after graduation or vocational school.

If you have a university degree:

• You can apply for a Master’s program or look for full-time work in Japan.

• High-level Japanese skills are needed for most jobs.

Who Can Apply?

• Afghan citizens currently in Afghanistan or those who fled after August 2021

• Age limit:

  • High school graduates: 26 or younger

  • University graduates: 33 or younger

• Must be single or able to travel alone (family cannot accompany)

• Must be willing to do part-time work in Japan

• Must have studied Japanese or be strongly motivated to learn

• Must have completed or be completing 12 years of formal education by March 2026

• Must plan to attend college or graduate school in Japan after the program

• Should not be financially responsible for supporting family members

📌 Optional but helpful: A guarantor in Japan to assist with early living arrangements.

Required Documents:

• A document explaining your refugee status or personal written statement

• Passport copy (or a plan to get one before Oct 2026)

• High school diploma and transcripts (Grades 10–12)

• University documents (if applicable)

• Language test scores (if available, e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)

• Letter of recommendation (not from family or friends)

Application Timeline:

• Apply: July 23 – August 15, 2025

• Document Review: August–September

• Online Interview with PJ: September 17 – October 1, 2025

• Trial Japanese classes: September 20, 21, 27

• Final Interviews by Language Schools: October 24 – November 6

• Final Results: November 7, 2025 or later

• Pre-departure classes: November 2025 – March 2026

• Travel to Japan: Late March 2026

• Classes Start: April 2026

How to Apply?

Interested applicants must complete the official application form during the open period. The form will be available on Pathways Japan’s website.

Apply Now

For more information and/or any questions, you can contact Japan-Afghanistan Language School Pathways (JALP)or check their official website.