Japanese Universities

Author: Edutraveller
Date written: 04/18/2003 01:18:37 PM
Last edited: 2003/05/25 16:52:47
Keywords: Universities, Japanese univerisities, Japanese education system, Study in Japan, Japan

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Universities

Education in Japan is largely based on European and American models, and Universities are no exception. A two-semester academic year starting in April and four year degrees were taken from the US system. This is followed by a two year Master's degree (generally a combination of lectures and guided research) and then a three year Doctorate (largely based on research). Teaching at the undergraduate level is by a mixture of lectures and seminar groups.

Japan is experiencing a population decline meaning that in the future many universities will have to admit large numbers of foreigners or face closure. Of course, the best institutions are still more difficult to get into, but the result is that universities are getting used to the idea of having foreign students in larger numbers, and consequently a university education in Japan is getting easier to achieve.

Language

Language need not be such a burden either: there are many courses that are conducted in English if you don't speak Japanese. Of course, to get the most of your time in Japan, you should aim to learn Japanese, but not everyone has the time to do so. If you do have the time and desire to learn the language, starting from absolute beginner it will take you about one year in a language school (or up to two years, depending on how hard you study) to get to the point where you can understand classes in Japanese. One year would require intense study; two should be ample. For more information about the language in general and studying it in Japan and abroad see the travel section. The page on examinations contains information about the required certificates and so on that universities generally ask for.

As ever, research well before you apply and try to get someone to check out the institute in person if at all possible. There are plenty of very high quality educational institutions out there providing world-class education and with world-class facilities. By the end of a university education in Japan, your Japanese should be flawless - studying in an academic environment will provide you with plenty of opportunities for conversation and practice.

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