Study in Japan

The School Education Act defines the education system that still exists today:

• Preschool education – covers children up to 6 years old.

General secondary education:

• Primary education – 6 years
• Lower secondary school – 3 years;
• Upper secondary school – 3 years.

High education:

• Bachelor’s degree – 4 years;
• Master’s degree – 2 years;
• Doctorate – 2 years.

In Japan, education is compulsory at the lower level of primary and secondary education – grades I-IX. The 11-month academic year begins in April and ends in March. Depending on the school, classes are held 5 or 6 days a week. The academic year consists of three semesters. Spring, summer, and winter breaks are given between semesters. A uniform school uniform system is applied in schools. The school uniform of primary school students differs from that of secondary school students.

All textbooks are accessible in the country. The use of alternative textbooks is also allowed in schools. At the same time, subject teachers can also prepare auxiliary textbooks and teaching aids. However, their use is allowed after approval by the educational management authorities.

Teacher training and recruitment are taken very seriously in Japan. Teachers are hired after passing an exam, the requirements of which are strict and strict. Most teachers voluntarily continue their work at the school, dealing with students individually until 9 p.m.

In Japanese secondary schools, teachers can only work in the same school for up to 6 years. After the end of this period, he is provided with a job at another school in the prefecture or educational centers in another prefecture. Educational management bodies carry out the provision of a home for a teacher who has changed his place of work.

According to 2009 statistics, Japan has 13,536 kindergartens, 22,258 elementary schools, 10,864 junior high schools, 5,183 senior high schools, 1,026 special needs schools, 64 technical colleges, 406 junior colleges, 773 high schools, 3,348 vocational schools. A specialty college operates.

In Japan, improving the teaching of many foreign languages, especially English, has been considered a priority. In order to improve the level of English language teaching, the government invites teachers from English-speaking countries within the Japan Exchange and Study Program.

Scholarship in Japan

The chance to study in Japan free of charge is no longer a dream; you can take advantage of this scholarship announced by the Japanese Embassy.

The content of the scholarship program, the course of the examination, conditions for application

“Manual”:

In Japanese

In English

Program content

This program is intended for study as a non-registered student (research student) in a master’s or doctoral program at a Japanese university, usually for two years, starting in April or October 2019.

※ It is also possible to apply directly to the master’s or doctoral stage. However, depending on the decision of the MEXT and the host university, it is possible to start studying as a research student (unregistered student) and not directly at the master’s or doctoral stage. After being accepted as a research student, the student starts applying to the master or doctoral degree of his/her university during that period (half a year or one year after arriving at the university for admission. The student’s good results are also required for this). And if he gets a successful result, he will continue his education as an admission

Master’s studies in Japan

The University of Tsukuba, Japan, is announcing a scholarship program for the graduate level of higher education for the academic year 2023-2024. The mentioned particular program was established in order to solve the problems that will cover the Sustainable Development Goals in Central Asian countries.

Getting a visa in Japan

Japan’s visa policy is exceptionally organized and easy to understand. The classification shows two main categories – short-term and long-term visas. First, it can be obtained during trips for tourism, business, or visiting family/friends. On the other hand, the second type is mainly associated with various reasons such as immigration of highly qualified specialists, immigration for work, and start-ups. Yes, there is also a general visa category that includes student visas. The main feature of this visa type is science-related activities intended to take place in Japan. Depending on your chosen program (duration, subject, and institution), you can be granted a visa valid for three months to 4 years. You may be a final-year student looking to get a university degree or someone looking to take part in short-term courses. Except for trips for short courses to learn ikebana or origami, all other purposes fall under the educational category. Subjects related to typical Japanese cultural activities will fall under the visa category.

There is no age limit for a Japanese student visa. Because as we all know, there is always time to learn. However, some institutions may have an upper age limit for student enrollment, so you will need to check the entry requirements of your chosen institution yourself. However, feel free to enter the country because there is no age limit for a Japanese student visa.

Unlike tourist visas, most global citizens need visas for extended stays in Japan. Although Japan’s visa-free countries list is quite long, it mainly applies to short-term visits.

Japanese universities and colleges

In Japan, there are 4-year colleges that award a bachelor’s degree and 6-year educational institutions award a professional degree. 4-year colleges consist of state-based national universities, local universities established by prefectures, municipalities, and private educational institutions.

The vast majority of college students are enrolled in part-time programs. College top priority majors include social sciences, business, law, accounting, engineering, humanities, and education.

The average annual tuition fee for higher education institutions is ¥1.4 million (US$10,000). Students work part-time or borrow from the government-sponsored Japan Scholarship Association to cover these costs. Local government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and other agencies also offer assistance packages to students to cover the cost of higher education.

In Japan, the care given to the development of science and education, and the high perseverance shown by people in this regard, is manifested in all areas of the country’s life. It is no coincidence that according to the ranking table of world universities, Japanese universities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Keio, and Waseda occupy high places.

Admission to private educational institutions is 80 percent of the total admission to higher education institutions. However, admission to state-based national universities is also highly valued.

In Japan, colleges are on the same level as our secondary schools regarding status. These educational institutions are divided into technical and particular preparation colleges for teenagers. Colleges offer 2-year preparatory programs in humanities, medicine, and technical sciences. The number of people who want to enter these educational institutions, most of which are private, is quite large. College graduates have the right to receive higher education starting from the second or third year of university.

Those with incomplete secondary education study in technical colleges for five years, and those who have completed secondary school study for two years. Electronics, construction, mechanical engineering, and other subjects are taught in these educational institutions.

Junior colleges in Japan offer 1-year professional courses for accountants, designers, machinists, programmers, auto mechanics, tailors, cooks, and others.

Many colleges are only for women. Women are mainly taught subjects such as home economics, literature, foreign languages, pedagogy, and hygiene.

Working in Japan

Unemployment in Japan is at most 3 percent. Any foreigner must have professional experience, rare skills, good education, and qualifications to find a successful job vacancy. Currently, a diploma from one of the Japanese universities is the ideal option. Of course, having the Japanese language is one of the most severe requirements. In recent years, the Japanese government’s policy of opening the country to the world and attracting more foreign tourists has dramatically increased the demand for English-speaking workers.

According to the official information of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Security, the minimum wage in the country in 2018 was 848 yen (about 6.4 euros) per hour. This figure ranges from 737 to 958 yen (about 5.6 to 7.2 euros) per hour, depending on the prefecture. The average annual salary in Japan is about 3,857,628 yen (about 29,155 euros) or 321,469 yen (2,430 euros) per month.

The sectors of the Japanese economy that offer the most jobs for foreigners are automobile manufacturing, information technology, electronics, construction, education, food industry, finance and banking.

Many people can easily find a job as an English teacher. Moreover, girls can also work in the modeling business or on television. European-looking dancers and singers are also in great demand.

According to Japanese and international staffing agencies, the list of the most in-demand occupations in Japan today includes the following specialties – doctor, artist, engineer, automotive specialist, sales manager, model, service worker, translator, programmer, university teacher, construction specialist, scientist, English teacher, financier, and banker.

Living in Japan.

Hostels also have different prices. House rent can be around $280 minimum (if you look hard enough, you can find a first-floor one-bedroom house for around $170. Unfurnished, of course). If you live far from the city or university, the monthly travel fee will be about $100. It would help if you considered the price of house rent (average) $ 400, your utility costs $ 500 ((prices increase in winter) electricity, gas, water, insurance, internet, phone), food $ 500 (hospital, tolls, travel), which is your account will need a maximum of $1,400 per month in addition to tuition costs to live in Japan.

Japanese universities:

• Hokkaido University
• Kyoto University
• Kitasato University
• Kobe University
• Koyasan University
• Kyushu University
• Matsuyama University
• Nagoya University
• Osaka University
• Sapporo University
• Tohoku University
• Tokyo Institute of Technology
• University of Tokyo
• Waseda University
• Yokohama National University
• Yokohama City University

Requirements for Japanese Universities

Here are the requirements for Japanese universities. However, knowing that these requirements are different for each university is wise. Highlighted below are the general requirements for Japanese universities.

• You must have completed 12 years of formal education in your home country and have a high school diploma.
• You must complete the university application form you are applying to.
• If applicable, you must provide proof of the application fee paid.
• You must show transcripts or official documents from previous colleges.
• You must submit passport-size photographs.
• You must have a valid passport or ID card.
• You must have a motivation letter or a well-written essay.
• You must also submit documents showing your ability to live, study, health, and insurance during your studies.

Can we learn English in Japan?

In Japanese Universities, you can get higher degrees other than bachelor’s degrees in English. One of the ways is university exchange.

The education system in Japan

More than 172,000 teachers are engaged in the education of about 3 million students in 773 higher schools, 595 of which are private in Japan. Among the most prestigious and old state universities, we can name the universities of Tokyo, founded in 1877; Kyoto, established in 1897; and Osaka, founded in 1931. Apart from them, distinguished by their exceptional rating, Hokkaido and Tohoku universities train high-level specialists in the majors students are most interested in. Tuo, Nixon, Waseda, Tokai, and Kansai universities are more famous among private universities.

To enter public universities, you must complete high school. Admission to higher schools is carried out in 2 stages. In the first stage, the applicants take part in the National Center for University Admissions tests. Those who pass the test are directly admitted to the university entrance exams.

It should be noted that private universities conduct entrance exams independently. Kindergarten primary, lower, and upper secondary schools operate under prestigious and fully formed private universities. Applicants who have shown successful results from kindergarten to high school in such complex educational centers are admitted to the university without an exam.

The division of the teaching process into general scientific and particular subjects is a characteristic feature of Japanese higher education. During the first two years, students undergo general preparation by studying general subjects – history, philosophy, literature, society, and foreign languages- and listening to special courses related to their future specialization. Students during this period

They understand the essence of their chosen profession more deeply, and teachers get the opportunity to make sure again that the student’s choice was made correctly in terms of specialization and accurately determine his scientific potential. After completing this stage, the student can change his major or faculty. The students devote the next two years to in-depth study of their chosen profession.

In all universities, the duration of education is four years at the bachelor’s level. Students of higher medical schools who want to study dentistry and veterinary specialties study for two additional years.

Except in some exceptional cases, students are not allowed to transfer from one university to another. However, individual universities admit international students to the II or III course. For this, special exams are taken from international students.

Universities organize the educational process mainly by semesters. A single-point system has been adopted for the assessment of students. A score between 124-150 is required to complete the bachelor’s degree successfully.

High school graduates who can demonstrate their scientific research skills can continue their studies at the 2-year Master’s (sushi) level.

The Master’s degree program involves rigorous scientific and professional specialization. After two years of study in the program, a final exam is given, which is evaluated with a 30-point unit.

In order to receive the Doctor of Philosophy degree (Takashi), a Master’s must study for at least three years, and a bachelor’s must study for at least five years. Doctoral students who have mastered the doctoral degree program must score 50 points, pass the final exam, and defend a dissertation based on relevant courses and particular research.

It should also be noted that one of the main goals of the Japanese government is to expand the opportunities to provide higher education for physically disabled young people. The government is continuously trying to introduce more favorable rules for the admission of physically challenged students to higher education institutions.

Free Masters in Japan

International students are invited to study at Aoyaa Gakuin University in Japan under the WCO Human Resource Development Program scholarship program. Requirements for candidates:

Filling in the appropriate application form

Must have at least three years of work experience in customs policy and management in their country.

• Excellent English language skills (TOEFL IBT-79, PBT-550, IELTS-6.0. Candidates studying English can send an official confirmation letter from the university where they graduated.
• Two letters of recommendation
• Bachelor’s degree (copy of diploma)
• Transcript
• CV

Scholarship Worth:

The scholarship covers accommodation, meals, transportation and other living expenses, tuition and travel/travel expenses.

The monthly stipend is ¥147,000 (US$1,300).

Getting a job in Japan and working visa.

According to the immigration policy in Japan, preference is given to highly skilled workers who have up-to-date knowledge of the application of new information technologies in any industry and sphere. At the same time, preference is given to foreigners who know not only English but also Japanese.

To enter Japan for employment, the following stages can be distinguished:

• Job search and finding jobs that match your qualifications.
• Signing an employment contract with the employer
• Obtaining a certificate specifying the applicant’s status of stay (work in Japan) and obtaining a work visa for Japan in the country of residence of the applicant – a foreigner
• Registration after entering Japan

Visa to Japan: documents

After that, you need to apply to the consular section of the Japanese embassy to get a visa. When applying for a visa to Japan, you must have the following documents:

• Visa application form for Japan in 2 copies (each photo is attached),
• foreign passport, a copy of the first page of the foreign passport (page with photo and passport information),
• ID card speed
• Certificate establishing the applicant’s “Employment in Japan” status and a copy of the Certificate (front side).