Logo for Sapporo Language Center with white text on black background and a red circle in the 'O' of "Sapporo"

SLC Sapporo Language Center is the largest Japanese language school in Hokkaido, with a capacity of 300 students. The majority of our students pursue further education in Japan after graduating, and our goal is to provide them with the Japanese language skills they need for this. Though classes are quite academically focused, we run plenty of fun activities to encourage student bonding and cultural immersion. These include field trips, sports days, and chances to learn Japanese calligraphy, wear kimono and make Japanese sweets. While Sapporo's cost of living is cheap compared to the likes of Tokyo and Osaka, it has everything you would expect in a city. Outside of the city, you can also become immersed in the unique nature, history and culture of Hokkaido. Life as an SLC student is like no other.

The front entrance of a building with Japanese characters on the sign, surrounded by trees and plants. The sign includes the name 'Fammaru Nakajima Park' in Japanese. There are windows on the upper floors and a glass door at the entrance.
 
White text on a black background spelling 'SAPPORO' in bold, uppercase letters.

  • SLC is located near the center of Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture. Just across the road you can escape into the nature of Nakajima Park and enjoy its many seasonal offerings: cherry blossoms, fall colors, and even cross-country skiing in winter. The park has a subway station which is very useful in winter, but the school is also within walking distance of Susukino, the entertainment district, and Odori Park, where events are held year-round - including the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.

  • Over the years we've welcomed students from over 20 different countries, making SLC a meeting point of various cultures and languages. Students use Japanese as a shared language of communication to form friendships and become immersed in this international environment.

  • We have over 20 full-time and part-time Japanese language teachers, and we also have staff solely dedicated to providing support in your day-to-day life. We offer English support from the beginning of the application process up until you've enrolled in the school and moved into your new apartment. After that we encourage the use of Japanese as much as possible, but English-speaking staff will be available for more complicated matters.

Price

  • We require all students to have Japanese language ability equivalent to JLPT N5 at time of application. This is to ensure every student has the chance to reach an advanced level of Japanese by the time they graduate. The majority of our students enroll in the two-year course, and we strongly recommend it to those with beginner Japanese knowledge.

    Fees:

    ・1 year and 3 months (January enrollment): ￥952,900

    ・1 year and 6 months (October enrollment): ￥1,127,100

    ・1 year and 9 months (July enrollment): ￥1,297,600

    ・2 years (April enrollment): ￥1,468,100

    *The prices above include application fee, enrollment fee, tuition fee, textbooks and health check fee.
    *The first year's tuition fee must be paid in full after COE has been issued.

  • Classes are held Monday to Friday for a total of 20 hours per week. Depending on your Japanese level, you will be assigned to the morning or afternoon class schedule.

    Morning classes: 09:00 - 12:30
    Afternoon classes: 13:10 - 16:40

Group of diverse people holding up handwritten Japanese characters on paper. Some are making peace signs. They are in a classroom with a wall clock and charts.

  • While our courses aren't for complete beginners, you can progress from the basics to advanced Japanese at SLC.

  • For those with more experience studying Japanese, at SLC you can master every part of the language: speaking, listening, writing and reading. We offer incentives to students who pass the JLPT N1 and N2 exams, and prizes for high scores in our regular kanji contests and essay presentations.

  • The school can also help students with finding a part-time job to fund their studies. They also post available local part-time jobs, and prepare you for the interview.

  • We encourage students to take part in university and vocational school information sessions, and assist with the application process. We also offer career counselling, and representatives from different vocational schools participate in our career experience day every year. More than 90% of our graduates remain in Japan in further education or employment, and we do our best to assist each of them in achieving their goals.

Interior view of a small kitchen with cream cabinets, a stainless steel sink, and a tile backsplash. Adjacent is a room with folding closet doors and wood flooring, a sliding door leading outside.

  • None

  • While we don't have any on-campus accommodation, we do work with real estate agents to find apartments that you can move into as soon as you arrive. Taking your budget and wishes into account, we'll do our best to find the perfect apartment for you.
    Initial costs begin at ¥80,000.
    Monthly rents range from ¥30,000 to ¥50,000.
    Utilities or Wi-Fi costs are included some apartments, but this depends on the property.

Housing

Access

Group of people participating in a tug-of-war game indoors, with onlookers cheering and taking photos.
The word 'CONTACT' in bold white letters with a red dot replacing the letter 'O' on a black background.

Sapporo Language Center