Japan/Korea Study Abroad Timeline (Singapore) 2026: IP → JC → NS Planning Without Overloading Yourself
TL;DR
The “slow steps” that wreck last-minute applications: certified copies, apostilles (when needed), sealed letters, translations programme shortlisting and deadline tracking language runway (if you’re not applying to an English-taught…
20 Jan 2026, 00:00 Z
Reviewed by
Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)
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> **Q:** When should Singapore students start planning if they want to study in Japan or Korea?
> \
> **A:** Earlier than you think — but not by doing everything at once. The clean approach is to choose a route (degree vs language-first), then map it to your IP/JC/NS calendar and start the slow steps early (documents, shortlist, language runway).
> **TL;DR**
> - The “slow steps” that wreck last-minute applications:
> - certified copies, apostilles (when needed), sealed letters, translations
> - programme shortlisting and deadline tracking
> - language runway (if you’re not applying to an English-taught degree)
> - Use this post to pick a realistic plan for your stage (IP, JC, NS, poly).
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alt="Students planning together on campus, reflecting Singapore timeline planning."
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*Status:* Last reviewed 2026-01-20. Deadlines vary by scholarship/programme and change yearly. Always verify the latest dates on official pages for your route.
---
## 1) Pick your route first (this decides your timeline)
Start with the four common routes:
* Japan degree (English-taught)
* Japan language-first (then wider university options)
* Korea degree (degree route)
* Korea language-first (then degree)
Full planning checklist:
* https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/Study-Abroad-Japan-vs-South-Korea-Checklist
---
## 2) The “stage-based” timeline (Singapore reality)
This section is designed to reduce overload, not increase it.
### If you’re IP Year 3–4
Best focus:
* explore broadly (Japan vs Korea, degree vs language-first)
* build language runway slowly (if relevant)
* keep grades stable
One “this term” action:
* shortlist 5 English-taught Japan programmes using the official hub:
- https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/learn-about-schools/english-programs/
### If you’re JC1
Best focus:
* decide your default plan (Japan vs Korea)
* build a shortlist and calendar of deadlines
* start documents early if you’re aiming for scholarships
One “this term” action:
* create a document pack folder structure:
- https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Singapore-Overseas-Scholarship-Document-Pack-Playbook
### If you’re JC2
High risk: overload.
Best focus:
* keep A-Levels as your core priority
* run a “light” study-abroad track:
- shortlist and deadlines only
- minimal admin
One “this month” action:
* shortlist programmes + deadlines (10 rows) and park it until post-exams.
### If you’re in NS (planning window)
Best focus:
* use the extra runway for:
- language tests (if needed),
- programme shortlisting,
- scholarship planning,
- documents.
One “this month” action:
* decide whether you’re pursuing:
- MEXT (Japan), or
- GKS (Korea),
as your “main bet”:
- https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/MEXT-vs-GKS-Singapore-Which-Scholarship-Fits-You-Compare-Guide-2026
---
## 3) Scholarship timelines you can anchor to (examples, verify each year)
These official pages are useful for understanding how scholarship cycles can be scheduled — but always verify the current year.
* MEXT Singapore (Embassy page): https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/culture_mext_undergraduate.html
* GKS Singapore (Embassy notice): https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2435/view.do?seq=761552&page=1
If you’re considering Japan undergrad admissions tests like EJU, start from the official JASSO page and verify requirements per programme:
* https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/index.html
---
## 4) The “don’t-get-stuck” checklist (what to start early)
Start early:
* document pack (Singapore):
- https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Singapore-Overseas-Scholarship-Document-Pack-Playbook
* budget planning (Japan vs Korea):
- https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Japan-vs-Korea-Student-Budget-Singapore-Practical-Cost-Checklist-Guide-2026
* visa flow awareness:
- Japan: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Japan-Student-Visa-Singapore-COE-to-Visa-Arrival-Checklist-Guide-2026
- Korea: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Korea-Student-Visas-Singapore-D2-vs-D4-1-Degree-vs-Language-Guide-2026
---
## 5) Next action (today)
Pick the one that matches your stage:
* IP/JC1: create a shortlist sheet + document pack folders.
* JC2: create a shortlist sheet only (keep it light).
* NS/poly/uni: choose a “main bet” scholarship plan and plan backwards from the official pages.
