With an international student population of more than 230,000, and a plan to reach 400,000 by 2030, Japan is a top educational destination for people across the world. This nation of ancient tradition and technological advances is eager to welcome you into its globally respected universities, where memories of a lifetime can be made. First, though, you will want to know how studying there works. Read on as we explain, with our simple guide to Japan's higher education system.
Types of institution
Universities
There are three main types of university in Japan, of which all are eligible to offer bachelor's degrees.
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National universities receive funding from Japan's government, and are usually viewed as the most prestigious institutions in the country. There are around 86 in total, including the University of Tokyo – one of the top 30 in the world.
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Public universities receive funding from local governments (municipal or prefectural). This means that while they are less prestigious than national universities, they often have stronger links with their community. There are almost 100 public universities in Japan.
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Private universities make up the large majority of universities in Japan, with more than 600 of them currently in existence. As they do not receive government funding, they often have to charge higher fees. However, this also means that they have more freedom and flexibility with their curriculum and admissions policies.
Other types of institution
There are a number of other types of post-secondary educational institution in Japan, all offering qualifications that are not equivalent to a full degree. These include junior colleges, specialised training colleges and colleges of technology. Often, they focus on vocational education, meaning that courses there are aimed at preparing students for a specific type of work.
At such an institution, you can receive an associate degree or a diploma. You could use this to take you straight into the workplace, or a university. If that sounds good, you might also want to consider the other benefits. Fees and entry requirements are often lower, and courses often take less time to complete.
Not sure what subject you want to pursue? Discover the top fields to study in Japan.
Types of qualification
Undergraduate degrees
In Japan, undergraduate degrees typically take four years to complete. Some medical courses last for six years. The qualification received upon graduation is known in the country as gakushi.
Postgraduate degrees
After the completion of an undergraduate degree, it will ordinarily take another two years to complete a postgraduate degree (or shushi). Traditionally, these are less common in Japan than other countries, but that is changing. An increasing number of institutions now have graduate schools, with most postgraduate students enrolled in one at a national university.
PhDs
A doctoral programme (or hakushi) will take another three years to complete after obtaining a postgraduate qualification. There are currently around 70,000 PhD students in Japan, meaning that only around 3 per cent of its undergraduates will go on to study at this level.
If you would prefer to stay in the country for work after your first degree, we can help. Read our guide to finding a graduate career in Japan.
Academic year
The academic year in Japan traditionally runs from April until the following March, and this is the case at most of its universities.
The year is typically broken down into a system of two, three or four semesters, with holidays in summer, winter and spring. Most universities opt for two semesters, with the first ending in September, and the second starting in October.
At postgraduate level, there is more variation to the system. Some courses run from September or October into the following summer. This brings the year into line with that of many other countries, which can be a boost to international students coming to Japan for the first time.
When arriving in the country to study, you will need permission to do so. Find out how to get it with our guide to applying for a student visa in Japan.
Entrance exams
Entrance exams are a common feature of the application process for many university courses in Japan, and something to which international students can be subject.
Notably, the Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU) is used by many universities to assess international students' abilities in the Japanese language, as well as other subjects. While taking it is not required by every university – and especially rarely, for courses taught in English – it is something of which you should be aware in advance.
Alternatively, you may be able to take the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) to prove your abilities. Both exams have the added potential benefit of being used to assess applications for some Japanese scholarships.
Want to know more about how you could enrol in the country? Read our guide to applying to a Japanese university.
Grading system
Unlike in many countries, there is no standardised grading system in Japanese higher education. However, many universities use a four-point scale of A, B, C and F. Only the most exceptional work is given an A grade, while an F is a fail. Students who receive the latter may be able to retake the exam or assignment for which it was given.
In addition to the four-point scale, many universities now use the GPA system. This provides students with a numerical score which can range from 0.0 to 4.0, comparable to the system used in countries such as America.
When it comes to numbers, counting the cost of studying is also important. Explore this with our article on tuition fees in Japan.
Academic culture
Higher education in Japan is taken seriously, with tough competition for places at the best universities – which is where the hard work begins.
Nonetheless, there is a lot of time for fun. Student clubs and societies (known in Japan as circles) are important parts of university culture, offering a much-needed chance to relax and socialise with new friends.
While there are many aspects of life in Japan that may be new to you, there is no need to worry. If you embrace the country, it is likely to embrace you back. More than anything, Japan is keen to welcome more international students – and that includes you.
Has our guide to Japan's higher education system raised your interest in becoming part of it? You might want to look at our list of things to do in Japan, or our guide to student accommodation in Japan. If you're still unsure about attending university in the country, explore our top reasons to study in Japan.
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