Japan Study Abroad Foundation (日本スタディ・アブロード・ファンデーション）

What Japan Study Abroad Foundation (日本スタディ・アブロード・ファンデーション） does

Japan Study Abroad Foundation (JSAF, 一般財団法人 日本スタディ・アブロード・ファンデーション) is a Japan-based general incorporated foundation founded in 2000 and reorganized under its current legal form in 2014, providing study abroad and English proficiency testing services primarily to Japanese university and high school students. Its core product portfolio comprises the Study Abroad Program (SAP) for direct academic enrollment at overseas partner universities, the Foreign Language Acquisition Program (FLAP) and FLAP+ for language-only or combined language-plus-academic tracks, the Premier Study Abroad Program (PSAP) targeting top-tier universities such as Columbia, Cornell, Duke, and Oxford, and the Direct Study Program (DSP) for high school direct-admission pathways. A wholly-related organization, ACEJ (operating since 1996), provides free language study abroad support under the same umbrella. JSAF also operates an official IELTS Test Centre (certification JP112, granted May 2016 by IDP: Australia and Cambridge English), delivering both paper-based and computer-delivered exams across 7 Japanese cities with 400+ sessions per year.

The foundation monetizes through three streams: program fees that vary by destination university, duration, and departure season (not publicly disclosed); per-session IELTS examination fees across multiple Japanese venues; and recruitment/staffing-related revenue from hiring and paying IELTS invigilators and examiners on a per-session basis (¥5,700–¥11,000 per session). Distribution is relationship-intensive, combining free in-person counseling at its Tokyo (Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku) headquarters and Osaka (Fukushima-ku) offices, Zoom-based online counseling, on-campus information sessions at 50+ domestic Japanese partner universities, and a website funnel leading to downloadable materials and counseling reservation. Marketing channels include content marketing on japanstudyabroad.org, seminars and events, social media (Instagram @jsafacejielts, X/Twitter @IeltsJsaf, LINE), and email/newsletter.

JSAF serves Japanese students seeking undergraduate semester or year-long exchange in 13 countries across North America, Europe, and Oceania through 100+ overseas partner universities, alongside their parents and the 50+ domestic Japanese university partners that rely on JSAF for outbound mobility infrastructure. The organization has dispatched approximately 6,000 students since founding and reports a small staff complement (firmographic headcount of 6 employees with broader staff referenced in the low-30s range). No equity investors, public listing, or acquisitions are disclosed; ownership remains nonprofit and independent under Japanese foundation law.

Name

Japan Study Abroad Foundation (日本スタディ・アブロード・ファンデーション）

Legal name

一般��券団法人日本スタディ・アブロード・ファンデーション

Website

https://japanstudyabroad.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Japan Study Abroad Foundation (JSAF) is a Japanese general incorporated foundation that places Japanese university and high school students at 100+ overseas partner universities across 13 countries and operates an official IELTS test centre across 7 Japanese cities, generating revenue from program fees, IELTS examination fees, and test-centre staffing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAIAJAB

Private Pathway & Foundation Providers

Education/International Education & Study Abroad/Overseas Pathway, Foundation & Bridging Programs

SECONDARYTHAKAGAD

Study Abroad Program Operators

Travel & Hospitality/Travel Agencies, Tour Operators & OTAs/Group Travel & Educational Travel Operators

SECONDARYEDAGADAF

International & Cross-Border Exam Prep (Cambridge/A-Levels/GAOKAO/JEE/NEET, etc.)

Education/Educational Publishing & Learning Content/Assessment, Testing & Exam Prep Publishing

SECONDARYEDADAHAL

International Student Funding & Mobility Grants Administration

Education/Education Administration, Accreditation & Policy/Education Funding, Grants & Financial Aid Administration

Keywords

• Study abroad programs
• International education services
• IELTS test administration
• University exchange programs
• English language testing

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo (Shinjuku-ku, Takadanobaba)

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Study Abroad Program Fees: JSAF charges program fees for its study abroad programs (SAP, FLAP, FLAP+, PSAP, DSP). Program fees vary by destination university, program duration, and departure season. Fees cover application support, orientation, accommodation arrangement, and ongoing support. JSAF states that application fees and tuition/university fees are paid by JSAF as sponsoring organization where fixed.
2. IELTS Testing Fees: JSAF operates an official IELTS test center (JP112) and charges examination fees to test-takers. IELTS tests are offered in paper-based (monthly, 3 times per month in Kanto/Kansai areas) and computer-based formats across 7 cities in Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Okayama). Over 400 IELTS sessions conducted annually.
3. Recruitment & Staffing Services: JSAF recruits IELTS invigilators, examiners, and operations staff, and student interns, generating part-time/contract revenue streams. IELTS Examiner role paid on per-work basis; invigilator roles paid per session (¥5,700-¥11,000 per session).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Japan Study Abroad Foundation (JSAF) is a Japanese nonprofit educational organization that designs and delivers study abroad programs for Japanese university students through direct partnerships with 100+ overseas universities across 13 countries. It offers multiple program tracks (SAP, FLAP, FLAP+, PSAP, DSP) covering undergraduate exchange, language training, and elite university placements, supported by end-to-end counseling, application, visa, accommodation, pre-departure, and in-country support services. JSAF also operates an official IELTS test center (JP112) administering English proficiency exams across 7 Japanese cities.

Product overview

JSAF operates as a general incorporated foundation offering a multi-program study abroad platform centered on undergraduate-level programs for Japanese university students, with complementary IELTS testing services. The core product portfolio includes the Study Abroad Program (SAP) for direct academic enrollment at overseas partner universities, the Foreign Language Acquisition Program (FLAP) and FLAP+ for intensive language training combined with academic coursework, the Premier Study Abroad Program (PSAP) for top-tier universities (Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Oxford, etc.), and the Direct Study Program (DSP) for high school students. JSAF also operates an official IELTS test center (JP112) across 7 Japanese cities offering paper and computer-delivered exams. These programs are supported by a network of 100+ partner universities in 13 countries, a proprietary scholarship system, comprehensive pre-departure and in-country support, an alumni association, and free counseling services. Related brands include ACEJ for language study abroad and Japan Education Abroad for overseas university placement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SAP (Study Abroad Program): JSAF's primary degree study abroad program allowing Japanese students to enroll in overseas partner universities alongside local students.
• FLAP (Foreign Language Advancement Program)
• FLAP+
• PSAP (Premium Study Abroad Program)
• DSP (Direct Study Program)
• ACEJ

Products and services

• Study Abroad Program (SAP) Semester or full-year undergraduate study abroad program that enables Japanese university students to enroll in regular academic courses alongside local students at overseas partner universities in North America, Europe, and Oceania.
• Foreign Language Acquisition Program (FLAP) Language-focused study abroad program offering intensive English or other language training at university-affiliated language institutes for students needing to strengthen language proficiency.
• FLAP+ (FLAP Plus) Combined language learning and undergraduate course program allowing simultaneous enrollment in intensive language training and regular university academic courses.
• Premier Study Abroad Program (PSAP) Elite program facilitating admission to world top-tier universities including Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Oxford, and Georgetown for undergraduate-level study at globally prestigious institutions.
• Direct Study Program (DSP) Direct university admission pathway program for high school students seeking placement at overseas universities, managed through a dedicated brand and platform.
• IELTS Official Test Center Official IELTS test center offering paper-based and computer-delivered English proficiency exams across 7 cities in Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Okayama) for study abroad, immigration, and employment purposes.
• ACEJ (Association for Cultural Exchange Japan) Language study abroad brand providing curated short-term and long-term language programs in English-speaking countries for university students, operated as a related organization under the JSAF umbrella.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6,000+ Japanese students dispatched to overseas universities since 2000
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht (EBS経済法科大学, Germany)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2024In July 2024, JSAF entered into a partnership with EBS University of Business and Law in Germany, expanding JSAF's European portfolio to include Germany. EBS is known for its world-class business programs. This is part of JSAF's broader strategy to expand study abroad options in continental Europe beyond the UK and Ireland.
• IDP: Australia (IELTS co-owner)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2016JSAF was officially certified as an IELTS Official Test Centre (JP112) in May 2016 through IDP: Australia and Cambridge English. This partnership enables JSAF to administer IELTS tests in Japan. JSAF is one of the co-owners of IELTS alongside IDP, British Council, and Cambridge English. JSAF offers IELTS in paper-based and computer-based formats across 7 Japanese cities (Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Okayama).
• Overseas Partner Universities (100+ institutions across 13 countries)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJSAF maintains partnership agreements with 100+ overseas universities in 13 countries (primarily North America, Europe, and Oceania). These partnerships enable JSAF to place Japanese students in undergraduate exchange programs. Partner universities include Columbia University, Cornell University, Duke University, UC San Diego, King's College London (University of London), Trinity College Dublin, University of Toronto, University of Edinburgh, University of Stirling, University of Exeter, Griffith University, Macquarie University, San Diego State University, California State University Monterey Bay, Central Missouri University, and many more.
• Domestic Japanese University Partners (50+ institutions)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJSAF partners with 50+ Japanese universities to provide on-campus study abroad information sessions, student recruitment, and credit transfer (認定留学) coordination. Partner universities include Sophia University, Kyoto Women's University, Doshisha University, Nagoya City University, Kokugakuin University, Saitama University, Osaka Metropolitan University, Kobe University, Tsukuba University, Rikkyo University, Aoyama Gakuin University, Keio University (implied through JSAF's role), Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, and many more listed on the JSAF website.
• NAFSA: Association of International EducatorsminorOthersJSAF is a member of NAFSA, the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education. Membership provides access to global networks, professional development, and participation in NAFSA conferences (including the Career Forum in Boston held annually in October-November).
• JAFSA: Japan Network for International EducationminorOthersJSAF holds membership in JAFSA, the Japan Network for International Education, which coordinates international education activities among Japanese institutions.
• AIEA: Association of International Education AdministratorsminorOthersJSAF is a member of AIEA, an association for leaders in international education administration.
• Tokyo YMCAminorOthersJSAF is a supporting member of Tokyo YMCA, reflecting its broader commitment to youth development and international education.
• ACEJ (エー・シー・イー・ジェイ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACEJ (Association for Cross-cultural Education Japan) is a sister organization under the JSAF umbrella, providing free support for language study abroad programs to English-speaking countries since 1996. ACEJ and JSAF together form the JSAF Group's international education offerings, with ACEJ focused on language programs and JSAF on degree-seeking study abroad. ACEJ shares office space and operational synergies with JSAF.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• IES Abroad: US nonprofit study abroad organization operating programs at dozens of global partner universities. Highly comparable to JSAF as a nonprofit, mission-driven study abroad operator with strong university partnerships, though IES focuses on inbound-to-destination rather than outbound-from-Japan.
• Worldstrides: US-based global educational travel and study abroad program operator serving thousands of students annually. Comparable to JSAF in operating university-based study abroad programs and providing pre-departure and in-country support, though at much larger scale and broader geographic scope.
• CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): US nonprofit operating study abroad programs at 40+ global locations. Comparable to JSAF in nonprofit structure, university partnerships, and end-to-end study abroad support model, with similar programmatic breadth (exchange, language, intern abroad).
• Amnet: Major Japanese study abroad agency sending Japanese students to overseas universities and language programs. Directly competes with JSAF for the same Japanese undergraduate study abroad segment, with overlapping partner universities and similar destination mix.
• AES (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Studien- und Exkursionsberatung / Ryugaku Journal): One of Japan's largest study abroad-related organizations and publishers, operating Ryugaku Journal and directly recruiting Japanese students for overseas study programs. Highly comparable to JSAF in target customer (Japanese university students), though AES is a larger and more commercially structured organization.

Broad incumbents

• Berlitz Japan: Major Japan-based language training provider with study abroad programming. Comparable to JSAF in offering English language preparation alongside study abroad services, with established Japan presence and overlapping customer base of outbound Japanese students.
• IDP Education: Australian global education company and one of the four IELTS co-owners (alongside JSAF). Directly comparable as an IELTS testing operator and student placement service, particularly relevant given JSAF operates IDP-affiliated IELTS centers in Japan.
• British Council: UK international organization for cultural relations and one of the four IELTS co-owners. Comparable to JSAF as an IELTS test administrator and provider of international education programming, though at vastly larger global scale.
• EF Education First: Global leader in language training, educational travel, and study abroad programs. Comparable to JSAF in offering language-focused study abroad (FLAP analog) and exchange programs, but operates at vastly larger scale with proprietary schools and global brand.

Regional players

• IIBC (Institute for International Business Communication): Japan-based nonprofit administering the TOEIC program domestically and operating international education initiatives. Comparable to JSAF as a Japan-based nonprofit administering a globally recognized English proficiency test and serving Japanese students preparing for international study or work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IeltsJsaf
• Instagraminstagram.com/jsafacejielts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jsaf

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Japan Study Abroad Foundation (日本スタディ・アブロード・ファンデーション）