How to Verify Japan/Korea Study-Abroad Info (Singapore) 2026: The Official-Source Workflow
TL;DR
A Singapore-friendly “anti-misinformation” playbook for Japan/Korea study abroad planning: how to verify programmes, visas, scholarships, and document requirements using official portals and a simple source-log workflow.
21 Jan 2026, 00:00 Z
Reviewed by
Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)
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> **Q:** Why do Japan/Korea study-abroad plans fall apart so often?
> \
> **A:** Because students plan off summaries (TikTok, Reddit, “my friend said…”) instead of the pages that actually control outcomes: official portals, embassies, and university programme pages. This post shows a simple workflow to verify what matters — fast.
> **TL;DR (60 seconds)**
> - Use official portals to find the *right page*, then verify details on the *university/embassy page*:
> - Japan: Study in Japan + university programme pages
> - Korea: Study in Korea + Visa Navigator + university pages
> - Keep a tiny “source log” so you can stop re-checking the same things.
> - If a claim can’t be verified, label it as “unknown” and move on.
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*Status:* Last reviewed 2026-01-21. This is a planning workflow. Official pages change — always verify the current cycle.
If you want a single “start here” planning template first:
* https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/Study-Abroad-Japan-vs-South-Korea-Checklist
---
## 1) The verification ladder (use this order)
When you see a claim online (e.g., “you need TOPIK 4”, “you can work 30 hours”, “this scholarship covers everything”), verify using this ladder:
1. **Official portal** (find the right category and the right page)
2. **Embassy / immigration page** (Singapore-specific or country-specific rules)
3. **University programme/admissions page** (the real document list and deadlines)
4. **Email the official contact** (only if the website can’t answer it)
Everything else is secondary.
---
## 2) Japan: how to verify programmes, visas, and admissions quickly
### A) Programmes (Japan)
Start from official discovery pages:
* English programmes hub: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/learn-about-schools/english-programs/
* School search: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/search-for-schools/school_search.php?lang=en
Then verify on the university programme page:
* language of instruction
* admissions documents (transcripts/predicted grades/tests)
* deadlines and intake
* tuition and housing
### B) Immigration/visa (Japan)
Use:
* immigration procedures overview: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/immigration-procedures/
Then confirm the Singapore submission checklist on the embassy page (if applicable to your route):
* https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa_documents.html
---
## 3) Korea: how to verify visas, programmes, and scholarships quickly
### A) Visa category (Korea)
Start with:
* Study in Korea visa & stay: https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/plan/visaAndStay.do
* Visa Navigator (case-specific): https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10101
If you see D-2 vs D-4-1 discussions, treat them as a planning lens, then verify:
* https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Korea-Student-Visas-Singapore-D2-vs-D4-1-Degree-vs-Language-Guide-2026
### B) Programmes (Korea)
Start from the official planning portal:
* https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/plan/main.do
Then verify on the university page:
* admissions documents
* language requirements
* department availability and constraints
### C) Scholarships (Korea, GKS)
For GKS, don’t rely on random PDF mirrors.
Use the official notice page (it hosts the current-year attachments):
* https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/notice/scholarshipsRead.do?nttId=4385&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000461&boardSort=3
---
## 4) The “source log” template (bullet version)
Keep a simple log so you stop re-checking the same things:
* claim you’re checking (one sentence)
* official page URL
* what the official page actually says (one sentence)
* last checked date
* next action (email / shortlist / document request)
If two official sources conflict, prefer the one that governs your route (e.g., your embassy or your target university).
---
## 5) What to do when you can’t verify something
This is a healthy rule:
* If you can’t verify it, treat it as “unknown” and don’t build your plan on it.
Instead:
* build a plan that survives uncertainty (budget buffer, alternative programmes, flexible timeline)
Budget checklist:
* https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Japan-vs-Korea-Student-Budget-Singapore-Practical-Cost-Checklist-Guide-2026
---
## 6) Next action (today)
Pick one claim you currently believe (visa, scholarship, admissions, language).
Then:
1. Find the official page for it (Japan: Study in Japan; Korea: Study in Korea + Visa Navigator).
2. Write one sentence: “What does the official page actually say?”
3. Add it to your source log (5 bullets).
You’ll feel calmer within 15 minutes — because you’ll stop guessing.
