INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
Daigaku (University)
Tanki-Daigaku (Junior Colleges)
Koutou-Senmon-gakko (College of Technology)
School leaving and higher education credentials:
Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho
Jun-Gakushi
Teaching Certificate
Gakushi
Igakushi
Juigakushi
Shigakushi
Shushi
Hakushi
Igaku-Hakushi
Juigaku-Hakushi
Shigaku-Hakushi
STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 6
Age of exit: 15
Structure of school system:
Primary
Type of school providing this education: Primary
Length of program in years: 6
Age level from: 6 to: 12
Certificate/diploma awarded: Leaving Certificate
Lower Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Lower Secondary Schools
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 12 to: 15
Certificate/diploma awarded: Chugakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho (Lower Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Upper Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Part-Time Upper Secondary Schools or Correspondence Upper Secondary School
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 15 to: 19
Certificate/diploma awarded: Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Upper Secondary
Type of school providing this education: General Academic School
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 15 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Vocational Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Vocational Secondary School
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 15 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
School education:
Primary education lasts for six years and leads to a Leaving Certificate which gives access to lower secondary education. Secondary education (national and private) includes: Lower secondary education, three years, and upper secondary education, three years. Entrance to public lower secondary schools is by allocation of the local education board, but entrance to private or national schools is by examination. A number of private schools offer six years of continuous education, covering the lower secondary and higher secondary cycles This six-year "all through" secondary education is to become the standard. In the second and third year of lower secondary schools, attendance at JUKU (private examination preparation schools) is common. There are three types of upper secondary school courses: full-time, part-time and correspondence all leading to the Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate). They offer general, academic and vocational streams and, since 1988, a "credit-system" type of upper secondary schools. Entrance to upper secondary schools is by examination or selection. Vocational secondary schools offer courses in Engineering, Agriculture and Commerce also leading to the Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate.
Higher education:
Higher education is provided by Universities 'daigaku', Junior Colleges 'tanki-daigaku' and Colleges of Technology 'koto-senmongakko', as well as by 'senmon gakko' (Special Training Colleges). These institutions may be public (national, prefectural or municipal) or private. The Ministry must approve the foundation of institutions of higher education and they are under its control. Some 70 per cent of the 'daigaku' and 85 per cent of the 'tanki-daigaku' are private institutions. Universities include one or several faculties offering four-year courses in a variety of subjects. Public universities are mainly financed from national and local funds. Private universities and colleges are financed by students' fees and private funds. The national government provides private institutions with grants for about one-third of current expenditures.Junior Colleges and Colleges of Technology do not grant university-level qualifications, but students holding the Associate Degree may pursue their studies in universities.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Fundamental Law of Education Year: 1947
Concerns: universities, junior colleges, colleges of technology
Academic year:
Classes from: Apr to: Mar
Long vacation from: 15 Jul to: 31 Aug
Languages of instruction: Japanese
Stages of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level:
Junior Colleges offer two-year, sometimes three-year courses to upper secondary school leavers. The minimum credit requirement is 62 and, for three-year Junior Colleges, 93. Students are awarded the Associate Degree (Jun-Gakushi). Credits obtained may be counted as part of the credits leading to a degree. Colleges of technology offer five-year courses, the last two of which are at post-secondary level. They train technicians, but do not grant university-level qualifications. Students are awarded the Associate Degree. They may apply for admission to the third year of a university course. The Colleges aim to conduct in depth teaching in specialized subjects and to develop in students such abilities as are required for vocational life. There are a variety of main courses including Mechanical Engineering, Electric Engineering, Electronic Control, Information Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mercantile and Marine Management Information. Most of the graduates enter employment.The 'Senmon Gakko' (Special Training Colleges) offer courses that usually last for two years. Students are granted the Technical Associate Degree and are entitled to be transferred to an undergraduate course of the 4-year universities.
University level studies:
University level first stage: Higher education/ University study:
Higher education consists of a four-year course (six years in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry). Since 1979, applicants to national and public universities have had to sit for the 'Unified First Stage Examination' before passing entrance examinations. In addition to study in a specialized field, general education (which includes Humanities and Social and Natural Sciences) is obligatory for every student. A credit system is used and the minimum requirement for graduation is the acquisition of 124 credits (in Medicine and Dentistry, separately designated) including credits in general subjects, foreign languages and Health and Physical Education. The degree awarded at the end of the first stage is that of Gakushi (Bachelor's degree). Some have a specific title like Igakushi (Professional degree), Juigakushi (Veterinary degree) and Shigakushi (Dentistry degree). In 1991, the Ministry introduced a reform whereby those who had not graduated from a university could obtain a Bachelor's degree under certain circumstances and subject to screening by the National Institution for Academic Degrees.
University level second stage: Further specialization:
Further specialization takes place in postgraduate schools "daigaku-in", which do not exist in every university, and leads after two years to the Shushi (Postgraduate Diploma or Master's Degree). It requires a number of additional credits, a research thesis and a final examination. There is no postgraduate diploma for medical studies, but Doctorates may be obtained.
University level third stage: Specialization and personal research:
The third stage leads to the highest university degree, the Hakushi (Doctorate). Studies last for a minimum of three years following upon the Shushi (four years in Medicine and Dentistry). Candidates to the Hakushi must submit a thesis and undergo a final examination. The Katei-Hakase (Doctorate by course work) is conferred on those who graduate from a graduate school programme and the Ronbun-Hakase (Doctorate by dissertation) is conferred on those whose dissertation has passed examination.
Teacher education:
Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers
Most elementary school teachers are trained in four-year undergraduate courses at national universities, although some are trained at private universities and junior colleges. Teachers employed in national schools are public officials.
Training of secondary school teachers
Lower secondary school teachers have mainly taken a four-year undergraduate course, while upper secondary school teachers are required to take both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Training of higher education teachers
There is no certification system for teachers at institutions of higher education. Qualifications for teachers at universities (including graduate schools), junior colleges and colleges of technology are specified in the ordinances of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture entitled "Standards for the Establishment of Universities", "Standards for the Establishment of Graduate Schools","Standards for the Establishment of Junior Colleges" and "Standards for the Establishment of Colleges of Technology".
Non-traditional studies:
Distance higher education
The University of the Air (Hoso Daigaku) was established in 1983 under government auspices. It is a degree-granting institution and uses radio, television and other media. It promotes collaboration with other private and public universities by increasing mutual recognition of earned credits, by developing the exchange of teaching staff and by making broadcast material available to other universities.
Lifelong higher education
The Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture promotes specific existing institutions which provide people with learning opportunities in the form of non-formal education. The Ministry has created a Lifelong Learning Bureau and Lifelong Learning Council. There are also correspondence and evening courses offered by universities and colleges. In principle, they are virtually identical to daytime courses. The Ministry has introduced a system in which non-degree students can learn a single subject or a small number of subjects at universities and earn regular university credits for these subjects; university courses have been expanded so that universities may adopt their programmes to the life patterns of working adults.
Higher education training in industry
Companies offer in-service training for adults. This involves intensive freshman training, as well as on the job and collective training.
NATIONAL BODIES
Administration & co-ordination:
Responsible authorities:
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Head: Nariaki Nakayama, Minister
3-2-2
Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-8959
Japan
Tel: +81(3) 5253-4111
Fax: +81(3) 3591-8044
WWW: http://www.mext.go.jp/english/index.htm
Role of governing body: Government Ministry responsible for education, culture, sports, science and technology
Japan Association of National Universities (Kokuritsu Daigaku Kyokai)
Head: Makoto Nagao, President
7-3-1
Hongo
Bunkyo-ku
Tokyo 113-0033
Japan
Tel: +81(3) 3813-0647
Fax: +81(3) 3818-8656
EMail: sato@janu.po-jp.com
WWW: http://www.kokudaikyo.gr.jp
Association of Private Universities of Japan (Nihon Shiritsu Daigaku Kyokai)
Head: Sunao Onuma, President
Administrative officer: Hidebumi Koide, Secretary-General
International relations: Toshihiro Ito
4-2-25
Kudan-kita, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 102-0073
Japan
Tel: +81(3) 3261-7048
Fax: +81(3) 3261-0769
EMail: ito@shidaikyo.or.jp
WWW: http://www.shidaikyo.or.jp
Japan Association of Municipal and Prefectural Colleges and Universities (Koritsu Daigaku Kyokai)
Head: Takao Kodama, President
Administrative officer: Natsuki Miyazawa, Chief Secretary
Yoshiara-bdg.,
1-6-13 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0003
Japan
Tel: +81(3) 3501-3336
Fax: +81(3) 3501-3337
EMail: jimu@kodaikyo.jp
WWW: http://www.kodaikyo.jp/
Role of governing body: Organization for contact with Municipal and Prefectural Colleges and Universities consisting of 74 members
Central Council for Education (Chuo Kyoiku Shingikai)
Head: Jiro Nemoto, President
Ministry
of Education, Culture, Sports Science and Technology 3-2-2 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-0013
Japan
Tel: +81(3) 3581-4211
Fax: +81(3) 3581-9149
WWW: http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/index.htm
Japan University Accredidation Association (Daigaku Kijun Kyokai)
Head: Tadao Kiyonari, President
Administrative officer: Susumu Sawada, Executive Director
International relations: Hiroshi Hokama, Senior Managing Director
2-7-13
Ichigayasadohara, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 162-0842
Japan
Tel: +81(3) 5228-2020
Fax: +81(3) 5228-2323
EMail: info@juaa.or.jp
WWW: http://www.juaa.or.jp
National Institute for Educational Policy Research (Kokuritu Kyoiku Seisaku kenkyu Sho)
Head: Shigenori Yano, Director-General
6-5-22
Shimomeguro Meguro-ku
Tokyo 153-8681
Japan
Tel: +81(3) 5721-5150
Fax: +81(3) 5721-5517
WWW: http://www.nier.go.jp
ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential required: Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho
For entry to: Universities and junior colleges
Entrance exams required: Scholastic achievement tests, including the nation-wide entrance examination, called Unified First Stage Examination, administered by the National Centre for University Entrance Examinations. At the undergraduate level, an entrance examination is required at all universities except the open university. Examinations mostly consist of a written test and interview.
Foreign students admission
Admission requirements: Foreign students from countries where school education lasts for 10 or 11 years can be eligible to enter higher education institutions in Japan after they complete any of the "courses of preliminary study for university entrance" authorized by the Ministry of Education. They must be at least 18 years of age and sit for an entrance examination.
Entry regulations: A visa granting foreign student status must be obtained before entering Japan
Language requirements: Japanese courses (one to one-and-a-half years) are available at the Japanese Language School of the International Students Institute and the Kansai International Student Institute, as well as at some private universities to upgrade students' knowledge of Japanese.
Application procedures:
Apply to:
Institutions of higher education
Recognition of studies & qualifications:
Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): The National Institution for Academic Degrees (http://www.niad.ac.jp/english/index.htm) assesses programmes of non-university institutions and evaluates public universities.
Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
3-2-2 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-8959
Japan
Tel: +81(3) 5253-4111
Fax: +81(3) 3591-8044
WWW: http://www.mext.go.jp/english/index.htm
References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: Japanese Colleges and Universities
Publisher: Association of International Education
Title: Student guide to Japan
Publisher: AIEJ, http://www.aiej.or.jp/study_j/sgtj_e.html
STUDENT LIFE
Main student services at national level
Information Centre, Japanese Association of International Education
2-79 Aomi
Koto-ku
Tokyo 135-8630
Japan
Tel: +86(3) 5520-6131
Fax: +86(3) 5520-6121
EMail: nippon@aiej.or.jp
WWW: http://www.aiej.or.jp
Category of services provided: Social and welfare services; Special services/Centre for foreign students
Services available to foreign Students: Yes
International Student Institute
PO Box 3-22-7
Kitashinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 169-0074
Japan
Category of services provided: Special services/Centre for foreign students
Services available to foreign Students: Yes
Health/social provisions
Social security for foreign students: Yes
Student expenses and financial aid
Student costs:
Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 773800 (Yen)
Maximum: 5035368 (Yen)
Publications on student services and financial aid:
Title: Study Abroad 2004-2005, 32nd Edition
Author: UNESCO
Publisher: UNESCO Publishing
Year of publication: 2003
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
Japan Student Services Organization
Head: Yasuo Kitahara
2-79 Aomi,
Koto-ku
Tokyo 135-8630
Japan
Tel: +86(3) 5520-6131
Fax: +86(3) 5520-6121
EMail: nippon@jasso.go.jp
WWW: http://www.jasso.go.jp
Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes
Name of exchange programme: APEC Education Forum
Name of exchange programme: Asia and the Pacific Programme of Educational Innovation for Development (APEID)
Name of exchange programme: Asia-Pacific Programme of Education for All (APPEAL)
GRADING SYSTEM
Usual grading system in secondary school
Full Description: Grading is on a scale of 5.
Highest on scale: 5 maximum
Pass/fail level: 2 minimum pass mark
Lowest on scale: 1 fail
Main grading system used by higher education institutions
Full Description: A variety of grading systems is used, but the most common is the percentage scale with 60 per cent as the pass mark. A=80-100% B=70-79% C=60-69% F= (fail)0-59%
Highest on scale: 100%
Pass/fail level: 60%
Lowest on scale: 0%
Other main grading systems
Marking: yu (excellent), ryou (good), ka (pass), huka (fail).
NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM
Data for academic year: 2004-2005
Source: MEXT and JASSO Websites, 2005
Note on Higher Education Institutions: Also 13 National Junior Colleges, 49 Public Junior Colleges and 463 Private Junior Colleges; and Seminaries such as Tokyo Union Theological Seminary.