In a previous article, we wrote about how to apply to a Japanese university if you are an international student. In today’s piece, we will learn more about how international students can access Japan’s higher education system. Japan is known worldwide for its excellence in education, and it’s no surprise that the country boasts a wide range of educational institutions that cater to students with different needs, interests, and goals.
Whether you are looking to get a scholarship or support yourself during your studies in Japan, if you are considering pursuing higher education here, you have four main options: vocational college, community college, university, and graduate school. In this article, we will explore each of these options in detail to help you make an informed decision.
If would like to live and study in Japan, Coto School Finder can consult with you about the best school options based on your criteria and support you throughout the application process. As the middle person between student and school, we’ll handle your documents and communication – nothing gets lost in translation! Contact us today for a free consultation!
Why Study in Japan?
Japan is currently the world’s third-largest economy. The country has led the introduction of revolutions in technology and science and has a fascinating culture that’s traditional yet also futuristic. Japan’s public transportation system is excellent throughout the country, with trains and buses that are always clean and on time.
Moreover, Japan is known as a good place to live due to its low crime rate. If you forget something in a public place, chances are you will find it even after many hours. Japan’s welcoming culture and “Omotenashi” hospitality can also help you feel at home in a foreign country.
It is important to mention, however, that English is not widely spoken across the country, especially by the older population. A basic level of Japanese will help you move forward with your life while also allowing you to better understand what’s going on around you.
Studying in Japan can be an unforgettable experience, and many students who have come for a short study period have found themselves so in love with the country that they have decided to stay longer, some even permanently. If you’re considering studying abroad in Japan, contact Coto School Finder! We’ll help you with any questions you might have about the student visa application process for Japan and find the school that matches your long-term goal.
Basics of the Japanese Education System
Japan’s school system is based on a 6-3-3-4 structure. This means that students attend six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, three years of high school, and four years of university or tertiary education. According to the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), the total percentage of students enrolled in tertiary education exceeds 70% of youngsters above 18 years old. While there are certain programs open to foreigners to join primary or secondary education in Japan, most foreigners coming to Japan to study enroll themselves in higher education institutions.
As of 2021, there were over 242,444 international students registered in higher education institutions in Japan. Of them, 76,499 international students were enrolled in universities for undergraduate studies or colleges of technology, with social sciences being the preferred major, registering a total of 76,301 students. 56% of international students in Japan were male, and 54% were female. Over 95% of students self-fund their studies.
Do note that if you are planning to a Japanese university, you will need at least N2 or N1-level proficiency. Most students start as Japanese language school students to help them prepare for university.
Luckily, a lot of Nihongo gakkou (Japanese language schools) are specifically designed to help students tackle both the EJU (Japanese entrance examination) and JLP).
At Coto School Finder, we partner with great Japanese language schools. Our goal is to match you with the right program that fits your needs and future plans in Japan — including going to higher education. If you are interested in our free study abroad support, contact us today!
Vocational College (専門学校; senmongakkou)
Vocational colleges, or professional training colleges, known as “senshu gakkou” or “senmon gakkou” in Japanese, are post-secondary institutions offering vocational education and training in fields such as tourism, business, technology, and fashion. These types of colleges focus on practical skills and hands-on experience, with a curriculum designed to prepare students for specific occupations. Usually, vocational colleges offer two or three year program.
Their appeal is the practical approach to education, and their more affordable prices compared to universities. Yet, while it could be straightforward to find a job after graduation, vocational colleges don’t offer the same prestige and recognition as universities.
On this webpage (Japanese only), you can find a complete list of vocational colleges in Japan with a link to each institution.
Community College (短期大学; tanki daigaku)
Community colleges (junior colleges), or Tanki Daigaku in Japanese, offer a range of academic and vocational programs over two years of study. They are often seen as a mix between universities and vocational colleges.
According to the MEXT, junior colleges “develop human resources in a variety of fields, and, in particular, play a major role as institutes developing capable professional workers in the form of human resources involved in education such as kindergarten teachers, nursery school teachers, and human resources involved in health and healthcare such as dieticians and healthcare workers”.
Compared to vocational colleges, community colleges are classified as institutions that offer university-level education, and therefore their program puts more emphasis on research. In comparison to universities, they have a busier schedule of classes as students are expected to graduate within two years. The positive side is that community colleges offer a quicker route to internships and potential employment, plus, the cost of education is lower compared to universities.
University (大学; daigaku)
Universities, or “daigaku” in Japanese, are four-year institutions that offer undergraduate degrees in a wide range of fields, from science and engineering to humanities and social sciences.
Universities in Japan are divided into the following three categories based on their founding basis: national universities, which were originally established by the Japanese Government and currently managed by national university corporations; public universities, which are established by local public entities or public university corporations; and private universities, which are established by educational corporations.
As of 2011, there were 780 universities in Japan. Currently, private universities account for about 80% of all universities in Japan, with the same percentage (80%) nationwide of all enrolled university students in Japan.
Many universities in Japan use a semester system (the first semester runs from April to September, and the second semester from October to March), but some universities use trimester or quarter systems.
As you probably know, universities offer prestige and the opportunity to engage in a greater range of academic programs and opportunities for research and academic inquiry. Universities also offer extracurricular activities such as sports teams and clubs that can help students develop other important life skills.
This website offers a list of undergraduate and graduate programs in Japan.
Graduate School (大学院; daigakuin)
Graduate schools in Japan (“daigakuin”) offer advanced degrees such as masters and doctoral degrees in several fields. Graduate programs are a way for students to further their education and specialize in a specific area of study, as they are more focused and specialized compared to undergraduate programs and require a high level of academic proficiency and research skills.
Foreign students could find a wider array of postgraduate courses in English compared to universities. Therefore, coming to Japan to study for your master’s or Ph.D. could be a good idea to consider.
This platform lets you search postgraduate programs by university name, program name, or degree type.
Types of Qualifications in Japan’s higher education system
Similar to the West, academic degrees are awarded to those who graduate from universities (including vocational universities, junior colleges, and professional and vocational junior colleges) and those who complete postgraduate programs.
To be admitted to a Japanese higher education institution, students should have completed at least 12 years of school education (primary and secondary education). Alternatively, students can also pass the Upper Secondary School Equivalency Examination (kotogakko-sotsugyo-teido-nintei-shiken). This exam certifies the equivalency of one’s scholastic competency to the completion of 12 years of school education.
International students are often required to submit scores of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU). This test is currently being used by about 478 Japanese universities or about 60% of universities in Japan. The exam tests basic knowledge of Japanese, mathematics, sciences, and other subjects. The EJU test is held twice a year, usually in June and November, in Japan and other 14 countries and regions across the world. Scores are valid for two years after application, and having this test completed will open the range of universities and institutions you can apply.
Some graduate schools and vocational schools also require submission of Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) results, especially for programs where there are classes taught in Japanese.
English Programs in Universities in Japan
The Japanese government has been working to develop an international educational environment where Japanese people can acquire necessary English skills but also, where international students can feel at ease studying in Japan, according to the MEXT.
These efforts have translated into more Japanese universities conducting classes in English, as well as entire programs where students can learn English. Currently, there are at least 50 or more graduate schools where students can graduate by taking only lessons conducted in English, as per the MEXT.
A lot of universities have been international academic systems and developing degree programs conducted in English. These are the 13 universities included in the program. Of course, these institutions could be a starting point in your research for a university in Japan.
- Tohoku University
- Tsukuba University
- Tokyo University
- Nagoya University
- Kyoto University
- Osaka University
- Kyusyu University
- Keio University
- Sophia University
- Meiji University
- Waseda University
- Doshisha University
- Ritsumeikan University
Valuable Online Resources
StudyinJapan.go.jp is a government-approved information site for studying in Japan, operated by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) in cooperation with the MEXT. The platform offers useful information about the Japanese educational system, academic fees, scholarships, immigration procedures, and more. Visitors can also find detailed lists of institutions.
NIC-Japan, or the National Information Center for Academic Recognition Japan, offers more technical information about qualifications, admission processes, requirements, and other critical information you might need when applying to a Japanese university or higher education institution.
The MEXT’s website is another valuable source of information to get firsthand information regarding current policies, news, and general information. This PDF document released by the MEXT also presents important information about Japan’s higher education system.
JASSO also has an English website with essential information for international students considering starting an academic journey in Japan. The organization also offers live inquiry services in its offices around Tokyo.
Key Japanese vocabulary
Here’s a short Japanese vocabulary section about higher education in Japan:
- 大学 (daigaku) – University
- 学部 (gakubu) – Faculty/Department
- 学科 (gakka) – Field of Study
- 入学試験 (nyuugaku shiken) – Entrance Examination
- 学費 (gakuhi) – Tuition Fees
- 授業料 (jugyouryou) – Course Fees
- 学生寮 (gakusei-ryou) – Student Dormitory
- 教授 (kyouju) – Professor
- 講義 (kougi) – Lecture
- ゼミ (zemi) – Seminar
Conclusion
And that’s it! The pathway to go to higher education in Japan will be different if you are an international student. You must first have Japanese proficiency. This is most of the time-proven through passing JLPT N2 or N1. Besides that, you’ll also need to take the EJU (Japanese entrance examination).
As such, finding a quality language school in Japan that fits your timeline and long-term goal is important. After all, it’ll be the first step before your big journey!
Coto School Finder has consulted hundreds of students in finding a Japanese language school that provides programs that fits their needs. If you would like to live and study in Japan, feel free to contact us for questions and free support!
