The Information Center of the Association of International Education, Japan has compiled this guide,

with the cooperation of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and
other organizations, for international students wishing to enter universities, graduate schools, junior
colleges, colleges of technology, special training colleges (post secondary course) and Japanese language
institutes in Japan.
We warmly welcome students from around the world coming to study in Japan. Although they may
have varying objectives, we believe that international students can enjoy a rewarding experience in Japan
that benefits not only themselves but also the people they come into contact with. Furthermore, through
their role as private ambassadors, international students can contribute a great deal toward the promotion
of mutual understanding and the development of friendly relations between Japan and their home
countries. It is extremely unfortunate that many potentially outstanding students give up the idea of
studying in Japan because they fear that there are too many hurdles to clear.
The Japanese government has adopted a number of measures according to their needs in study and
life. We hope that studying in Japan gives international students one of the most fruitful experiences of
their lives and that when they return home, they will be able to contribute toward the further development
of their countries.
It was with this hope in mind that we put together this guide, which provides information necessary
for students considering studying in Japan. We hope that students will read this information thoroughly
and make adequate preparations not only for their study abilities but also for their financial situations.
The Information Center also serves as a source of information for international students during their
stay in Japan, in the hope of making it as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.

Information Center
Association of International Education, Japan
(AIEJ)

March 2001

Association of International Education, Japan (AIEJ)

The Association of International Education, Japan was founded in 1957 with the aim of
advancing international exchanges in education. The association, which is financed mainly
by the government, serves as the central organization in carrying out projects relating to
international education under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology, universities, and other educational institutions.
The Association's information division, the Information Center, was established in 1980 to
provide advice on study abroad and study in Japan. The Center provides appropriate
information to students from abroad wishing to study at an institution of higher education in
Japan and to Japanese wishing to study overseas.
The Center collects, arranges, and makes available for reference prospectuses of higher
educational institutions and language schools in Japan and abroad.
The Association established Information Center branches in Malaysia and Thailand in 1995,
Indonesia in 1996, Korea in 1997 and Kobe, Japan in 1999 and has been expanding its
services. In addition, the Information Center will relocate to AIEJ Tokyo International
Exchange Center in Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo in May 2001.

45
 CONTENTS
1 Welcome to Japan / 2
2. First Steps Toward Study in Japan / 4
1. Higher educational institutions in Japan
3. Preparation for Study in Japan and Information Gathering / 6
1. Planning for study in Japan
2. Choosing a school
3. Information gathering
4. Japanese-language Institutes / 15
1. Types and numbers
2. Choosing a Japanese-language institute
3. Admission qualifications and procedures
4. Application period
5. Admission to a Higher Educational Institution / 18
1. Academic year and entrance period
2. Qualifications
3. Application
4. Entrance examination
5. Transfer
6. Transfer from special training college
6. Educational Content and Graduation or
Completion of Courses in Higher Educational Institutions / 23
1. Courses taught in English
2. Research student (kenkyu-sei)
3. Conditions for graduating / completing courses
4. International recognition of degrees obtained in Japan
7. Short-Term Study in Japan / 25
1. Short-term study programs
2. Procedure of short-term study in Japan
8. Scholarships / 26
1. Types
9. Procedures for Entering Japan / 28
1. Procedures for entering Japan
2. Status of residence
3. Procedures for visa application
4. Immigration procedures to go to Japan to take an entrance examination
5. Guarantor for entry formalities
6. Alien registration
7. Procedures to return home temporarily
8. Extension of period of stay
9. Changing one's status of residence
10. Bringing family members to Japan
10. Living in Japan / 32
1. Public safety
2. Japanese currency
3. Cost of living
4. Cost of study
5. Living expenses
6. Accommodation
7. Guarantor
8. Part-time work
9. Expense for medical treatment/National Health Insurance system
10. Extracurricular activities
11. Internship Program and Employment / 38
1. Internship program
2. Employment
References: Number of international students in Japan / 40

1
 1. Welcome to Japan
Japan is a long, narrow chain of islands that
stretches somewhat like a bow in a northwesterly
direction in the Pacific Ocean on the eastern edge of
the Eurasian continent. It lies at about the same
latitudes as Northern Africa, Southern Europe and
the U.S. mainland, its southernmost point being at
about 20 degrees north latitude and its northern-
most point at about 46 degrees north latitude. Japan
covers a total land area of about 372,000 square
kilometers and stretches 2,500 kilometers from
north to south.
It comprises four main islands:Hokkaido,
Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, plus the Ryukyu
Islands (Okinawa) and many other smaller islands.
Honshu is divided into five regions, which are,
from the north, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, and
Chugoku. About three-quarters of Japan's land
area consists of mountains and hills, and the amount
of flat land available for cultivation and urban
development is limited. Nearly 130 million people
live in this confined area.
Japan in the World
General Information on Japan:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/index.html
Japan Information Network: http://jin.jcic.or.jp/index.html
Japan National Tourist Organization: http://www.jnto.go.jp/
Collection of site links to Japanese culture and introductions to Japan :http://21-civilization.com/nihon.html
2
Since Japan lies almost at the center of a tem-
perate zone, it is generally mild, but seasonal changes
are distinct. Spring and autumn are usually quite
pleasant, but in summer (July - August) seasonal
winds blow from the Pacific making it hot and
humid, and in winter (December - February) sea-
sonal winds blow from the continent making it
quite cold. Apart from Hokkaido, rainfall is high
around the month of June known appropriately as
the rainy season. Because ranges of mountains run
lengthwise along the center of Honshu, there are
also pronounced regional differences in climate.
Hokkaido and the Japan Sea side of Honshu have
heavy snowfall in winter that often paralyzes trans-
portation. However, taking advantage of these
changes in climate, people can enjoy many differ-
ent kinds of leisure activities throughout the year.
Japanese dishes consist mainly of rice, together
with vegetables, fish, or meat, but Western and
Chinese meals are also popular. Recently, a wide
variety of cuisine from all over the world is avail-
 Welcome to Japan

able. Thanks to Japan's rich water resources and
excellent hygienic facilities, tap water is safe to
drink throughout the country.
As well as that of other countries, Japanese
culture today is extremely diverse. It is not unusual
for young women to study traditional arts like the
tea ceremony and flower arrangement and then
head straight for karaoke bars. The same goes for
the urban landscape, in which old temples and
shrines stand side by side with towering skyscrap-
ers. Japanese culture consists of a fascinating
mixture of old and new, Eastern and Western.
Although developed media carry information
widely throughout Japan and new trends spread in
moments, the inherited culture such as life-styles
rooted in each region and traditional events still
retain their local color together with their dialects.
And the same is also true of industry. Traces of
Japan's agricultural past remain, even though a
rapid process of industrialization over the last cen-
tury has turned Japan into one of the world's most
advanced industrial countries.
In universities, research can be undertaken in a
whole spectrum of fields, ranging from electronic
engineering to international management.
Japan - a country where ancient traditions and
advanced technologies blend to create a stimulat-
ing environment. What a place to study!

Names of Prefectures, Prefectural Capitals, and Population Density

Prefecture Population (Unit: 1,000) (Per sq. km) (As of October 1, 2000)
1. Hokkaido (Sapporo) 5,683
2. Aomori (Aomori) 1,476
3. Iwate (Morioka) 1,416
4. Miyagi (Sendai) 2,365
5. Akita (Akita) 1,189
6. Yamagata ( Y a m a g a t a ) 1 , 2 4 4
7. Fukushima (Fukushima) 2 , 1 2 7
8. Ibaraki (Mito) 2,985
9. Tochigi (Utsunomiya) 2 , 0 0 5
10. Gunma (M aebashi) 2,025
11. Saitama ( U r a w a ) 6,938
12. Chiba (Chiba) 5,926
13. Tokyo 12,059
14. Kanagawa ( Y o k o h a m a ) 8 , 4 9 0
15. Niigata (Niigata) 2,476
16. Toyama ( T o y a m a ) 1,121
17. Ishikawa ( K a n a z a w a ) 1,181
18. Fukui (Fukui) 829
19. Yamanashi (Kofu) 888
20. Nagano ( N a g a n o ) 2,214
21. Gifu (Gifu) 2,108
22. Shizuoka (Shizuoka) 3,767
23. Aichi (Nagoya) 7,043
24. Mie (Tsu) 1,857
25. Shiga (Otsu) 1,343
26. Kyoto (Kyoto) 2,644
27. Osaka (Osaka) 8,805
28. Hyogo (Kobe) 5,551
29. Nara (Nara) 1,443
30. Wakayama ( W a k a y a m a ) 1 , 0 7 0
31. Tottori (Tottori) 613
32. Shimane ( M a t s u e ) 761
33. Okayama ( O k a y a m a ) 1,951
34. Hiroshima (Hiroshima) 2 , 8 7 9
35. Yamaguchi ( Y a m a g u c h i ) 1 , 5 2 8
36. Tokushima (Tokushima) 8 2 4
37. Kagawa ( T a k a m a t s u ) 1 , 0 2 3
38. Ehime (Matsuyama) 1,493
39. Kochi (Kochi) 814
40. Fukuoka ( F u k u o k a ) 5,016
41. Saga (Saga) 877
42. Nagasaki (Nagasaki) 1,517
43. Kumamoto ( K u m a m o t o ) 1 , 8 5 9
44. Oita (Oita) 1,221
45. Miyazaki (Miyazaki) 1,170
46. Kagoshima ( K a g o s h i m a ) 1 , 7 8 6
47. Okinawa ( N a h a ) 1,318
Total 126,071
Average Temperature and Precipitaion by Month (1961-1990)
Weather forecast of Japan http://www.tenki.or.jp/ (Source: RIKA-Nenpyo 2001)

3
 2. First Steps Toward Study in Japan
1. Higher educational institutions in Japan
Higher education in Japan begins after the completion of 12 years of schooling: six years at elementary
school, three years at lower secondary school, and three years at upper secondary school. There are five types
of higher educational institution that international students can enter, and they can be divided according to
their administration into national, local public, and private.

Education System in Japan

Standard
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 age

School
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
year

Preschool Primary education Secondary education Higher education

education

Compulsory education

Colleges of technology
Upper secondary
schools (part-time)
(Correspondence)
(Medicine, dentistry
and veterinary science)
University Graduate schools
(Correspondence)
Lower Upper
Kindergartens Elementary schools secondary secondary Junior colleges
schools schools
(full-time) (Postsecondary courses)
Special
training colleges
Special training
schools
(General courses)

Miscellaneous schools

Miscellaneous schools

(Upper secondary courses)

Special
training
schools
(General courses)

1. Universities • Full-time students: The length of study at univer-

a. Undergraduate course: sities is four years for most undergraduate depart-
Besides courses for full-time students, accord- ments, but six years for medicine, dentistry, and
ing to the university, there are systems for accept- veterinary science.
ing others such as auditors and non-degree credit • Auditors (non-degree part-time students): Stu-
earning students. dents taking certain programs. They are called
"Gakubu-kenkyusei (undergraduate research stu-
dents)" at some universities. Universities differ

4
 First Steps Toward Study in Japan

with regard to qualifications and which programs
are available. Credits are not recognized for com-
pleted programs.
• Non-degree credit earning students: Almost the
same conditions as for auditors, although credits
are recognized for completed courses.
b. Graduate course:
Graduate schools have master's and doctor's
courses, and some universities also accept post-
graduate research students, auditors and non-de-
gree credit earning students.
• Master's course: Lasts for two years.
• Doctor's course: Lasts for five years, generally
divided into a first period of two years, applicable
to the above-mentioned master's course, and a
final period of three years. Some graduate schools
offer doctor's courses covering the full five years
or only the final three years. However, the length
of study for the doctor's course in medicine,
dentistry, or veterinary science (entered upon
completion of the six-year undergraduate course)
is four years.
• Research students (Kenkyu-sei): Permitted on the
basis of the school regulations of each university.
Unlike regular students in graduate schools, re-
search students are allowed to engage in research
in special fields for one semester or one year
without the aim of acquiring credits. Credits are
not recognized for completed courses. Refer also
to pages 18, 21 and 23.
• Auditors and non-degree credit earning students:
Refer to those described in the undergraduate
course section above.
2. Junior colleges
Usually, courses at junior colleges are for two
years, but some departments, such as medical skill
and nursing, require three years. Universities have
an academic aspect such as studying scientific
principles or theories; conversely, junior colleges
are more focused on teaching skills that are directly
useful in actual practice after becoming a working
member of society.
About 53% of Japan's junior colleges are for
women only, offering such courses as humanities,
home economics, education, and social sciences.
3. Special training colleges
Special training schools offer vocational-tech-
nical education. Among special training schools,
those offering post secondary courses are called
special training colleges and are positioned as higher
educational institutions. Students attend these
schools for one to four years, usually two years, to
acquire the knowledge and skills to enrich their
education necessary for their chosen vocation and
future life. Various educational courses are offered
relating to areas such as medical technology, indus-
try, culture, cultivation, commercial business prac-
tice, sanitation, education, social welfare, dress-
making, home economics and agriculture.
4. Colleges of technology
Colleges of technology offer five years of edu-
cation (five and a half years for mercantile marine
courses) to junior high school graduates with the
aim of fostering necessary vocational capabilities.
The majority of these schools offer engineering and
related subjects; others specialize in such areas as
mercantile marine.

Number of Institutions by Type

(As of May 1, 2000)

Local National Local public Private

National public Private Total
0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400 2800 3200
College of
technology 54 5 3 62
Special training 130 208 2,665 3,003
college
Junior college 20 55 497 572

University 99 72 480 651

Graduate school 99 50 330 479

Note: The University of the Air is included in private universities.

5
 3. Preparation for Study in Japan and Information
Gathering
1.Planning for study in Japan
The motivation of people desiring to study in
Japan differs, and the objectives of their study,
method, length of stay, and educational institution
are by no means the same. First of all, taking into
account your academic ability, financial means,
and desired occupation or direction in the future,
you should refer to the diagram on the following
page and create a detailed plan:
1) Types of study in Japan
They are classified into the following three
according to objective and period.
a. Language study
Objective: Study the Japanese language
Institution: Japanese-language institute or a Japa-
nese program offered by a private university
Period: 6 months to two years
b. Long-term study
Objective: Gaining a specific degree or conduct-
ing long-term research
Institution: Graduate school, university, junior
college, special training college, college of tech-
nology
Period: More than one year
3) Short-term study
Objective: Student exchange, learning and con-
ducting research within one year, without the
aim of acquiring credit
Institution: Graduate school, university, junior
college (host school in case of student exchange
program), summer course of Japan studies pro-
gram at a Japanese university
Period: Less than one year
2) How to finance expenses for study in Japan
Consider how much funding is necessary for
educational and living expenses by referring to
Chapter 10. You should avoid expecting from the
beginning that you can easily include a scholarship
or a part-time job in your funding plan for studying
in Japan.
a. Japanese government scholarship student
Study in Japan by receiving a Japanese govern-
ment (Monbukagakusho*) scholarship.
Note: * Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology of Japan
6
b. Privately-financed international student
Study in Japan by preparing all the funds nec-
essary by yourself or by receiving a scholarship
other than that offered by the Japanese government
(including the government scholarship of home
country). However, because only a few scholar-
ship programs are available before coming to Ja-
pan, most students first come to Japan at their own
expense and then look for scholarships they can
apply for.
2. Choosing a school
After making inquiries over the Internet, ac-
quiring a list of schools and individual school
prospectuses and application details, you should
select a school according to the following criteria,
bearing in mind your objectives and ability on the
basis of the major fields you wish to study. You
should give careful consideration to each of the
criteria, and also keep in mind your plans for the
future. It is advisable to take the entrance examina-
tions of several schools, since the examination
results may prevent you from gaining admission to
the school of your choice.
1. Curriculum content
2. Research facilities
3. Scholarships and financial support
4. Tuition and other necessary expenses
5. Accommodation facilities
6. Entrance examination
7. Japanese-language program
8. Special program for international students
9. Location
10. Availability of an internship program (em-
ployment experience)
You should also note that although interna-
tional students at present tend to concentrate in
schools in the Tokyo area, (refer to chart 7, statis-
tical data at the end of the book) other regions offer
various advantages, such as lower prices and rents
than Tokyo, fewer students and unique curricula,
closer ties with the local community, abundant
nature, clean and fresh water and air. Therefore,
consider schools not only in the Tokyo area but also
in the whole of the country.
 7
Preparation for Study in Japan and Information Gathering

Qualification for entrance

Graduate school graduates

Graduate school students
Junior college graduates
Upper secondary school

Junior college students

Type of study Application Educational

University graduates
University students
in Japan Institutions in
Japan

graduates
Private Japanese-
Japanese- Selection language institute
language
Documentation Japanese-language
study
courses in universities
Recommendation College of technology
by embassy Japanese-language Special training
Selection study (in Japan) college
(Japanese embassy)
Selection Authorized Japanese University
Japanese Interview (Monbu- language Institute
Written test (undergraduate)
government kagakusho) or Universities Graduate school
scholarship (kenkyu-sei)
Recommendation
student Documentation
by university University
Selection (Japanese studies)
Long- (University)
term Selection
study Interview etc. School examination College of technology
Japanese Language Special training
Private Japanese- Proficiency Test college
language institute General Examination
(overseas or in for Foreign Students Junior college
Privately Selection Japan)
financed Examination of the University
student Documentation National Center for (undergraduate)
Japanese- University Entrance
language courses Examination Graduate school
in universities
(in Japan) Selection Graduate school
(kenkyu-sei)
Documentation
Home Institute Host Institute Junior college
(exchange student)
Selection Selection University
Documentation etc. Documentation etc. (exchange student)
Graduate school
Short- Privately (exchange student)
term financed Students
study student only
Selection Selection
University
Documentation etc. Documentation etc.
 Preparation for Study in Japan and Information Gathering
3. Information Gathering
When choosing a school in Japan, it is very
important for you to clarify your study and research
plans and gather as much information as possible,
using school prospectuses and other sources. With-
out such preparation, you run the risk of entering a
school that does not offer classes in your chosen
field of study or of having to pay extra expenses.
Collecting the most up-to-date and reliable infor-
mation is essential.
1) Obtaining information
(1) Obtain general information (admission require-
ments, procedures, expenses) regarding study
in Japan.
(2) Obtain a list of educational institutions.
(3) Obtain information about individual educa-
tional institutions (as some institutions charge
for their school prospectuses or application
guidelines, it will be necessary to enclose stamps
for international return postage).
8
2) Sources of information
(1) Information Center of AIEJ (Tokyo, Kobe,Kuala
Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Seoul: refer to page
11) answers inquiries about study in Japan from
both Japan and abroad in person, by interview,
by telephone, letter or e-mail; distributes mate-
rials; and issues various publications for for-
eigners interested in studying in Japan. In
addition, it furnishes information about Japa-
nese universities and other aspects of study in
Japan on the Internet. Also, at 21 overseas
locations where materials promoting interna-
tional students' studies in Japan are available
(refer to page 12 and 13), you can view publica-
tions regarding study in Japan as well as school
prospectuses for each educational institution
and application guidelines.
AIEJ website: http://www.aiej.or.jp
Japanese and English versions are available,
and Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Indonesian ver-
sions are in some sections.
 Preparation for Study in Japan and Information Gathering
Website contents:
Study in Japan
Japanese Colleges and Universities:
• Search by university name
• Search by prefecture & institution type
• Search by major
General information on study in Japan
• Student Guide to Japan
• Preparatory Japanese Language Programs at
private universities for international students
in Japan
• Degree courses in English
Scholarships
• Scholarships for International Students in Ja-
pan
• Short-term Student Exchange Promotion Pro-
gram (Inbound) Scholarship
• Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed
International Students
• Scholarships available before coming to Japan
Short-Term Student Exchange Promotion Pro-
gram
(2) Japanese embassies, consulates, and friendship
organizations provide information locally on
study in Japan, although some places do not
offer advising services.
(http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/
mofaserv.html)
(3) There are several books on study in Japan in
general, guides on individual schools, textbooks
for Japanese-language exams, and so forth. If
they are not available at local libraries, univer-
sity libraries or bookshops, you can also order
them to publishers in Japan. (See table on page
10.)
(4) School prospectuses and application guide-
lines, which can be obtained by writing directly
to the institution in question or over the Internet,
are also valuable sources of information.
(5) People who have had experience of studying in
Japan may be able to provide the kind of infor-
mation that often is not covered by school pro-
spectuses or other publications. In addition,
associations of former international students in
Japan sometimes provide information.
(6) The Japan Education Fairs are held by AIEJ in
Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Vietnam, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, China,
Europe, the U.S. and Australia to provide stu-
dents with information directly. As well as
general information provided by AIEJ, repre-
sentatives from national, local public, and pri-
vate universities in Japan, Japanese-language
institutes, and organizations related to interna-
tional students offer individual counseling.
(7) Your home country's educational staff or orga-
nizations provide information on study abroad.
(8) Access information over the Internet
Refer to the related sections and pages 12,13
and 14 of this booklet to get Website addresses
of organizations concerned.
9
 Preparation for Study in Japan and Information Gathering
Title
Japanese Colleges and
Universities
1999-2001
(English)
(Biannually)
Shihi Gaikokujin
Ryugakusei no tame no
Daigaku Nyugaku Annai
2001 (Guide to University
Entrance for Privately
Financed International
Students)
(Japanese)(Annually)
Gaikokujin Ryugakusei no
tame no Daigakuin Nyugaku
Annai (Japanese Universities
Graduate Programs for
Foreign Students) 2001-2002
(Japanese/English)
(Biannually)
Japanese Language
Institutes in Japan 2000
(Japanese/English/Chinese/
Korean)
(Annually)
The Japanese Language
Proficiency Test –
Questions and Correct
Answers
(With cassette tapes)
(Annually)
Ryugakusei no tame no
Shukusha Annnai (Housing
and Dormitories for
Students from Abroad)
2001-2002
(Japanese) (Biannually)
* You can read the above books freely at AIEJ (Information Center, Japan Educational Information Centers
overseas) and public facilities to access information on study in Japan (see pages 11 and 12), and some
of the Japanese embassies and consulates.
10
Books on Study in Japan
Contents Publisher Price
A comprehensive guide in English Association of Not for sale; available
to four-year national, local public, International Education, for reference at
and private universities in Japan. Japan (AIEJ) Japanese embassies
Supervised by the Ministry of 4-5-29 Komaba, Meguro- and consulates,
Education, Science, Sports and ku, Tokyo 153-8503 prefectural libraries,
Culture. Edited by AIEJ. Tel: 03-5454-5216 website, etc.
http://www.aiej.or.jp
Provides information in Japanese Daigaku Tsushin Co., Ltd.
on entrance examinations to 2-1 Kanda-Surugadai,
¥1,905
Japanese universities and junior Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-
(tax not included)
colleges for international students. 0062
(in Japan)
Edited by AIEJ. Tel: 03-3291-3591
Provides information for Dobunkan Shuppan Co.,
international students wishing to Ltd.
enter graduate school in Japan. 1-41 Kanda-Jimbocho, ¥3,800
Edited by the Asian Students Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101- (tax not included)
Cultural Association. 0051 (in Japan)
http://www.abk.or.jp Tel: 03-3294-1801
A brief introduction to Japanese- Association for the Not for sale; available
language education institutes Promotion of Japanese- for reference at
examined and approved by the Language Education Japanese embassies
Association for the Promotion of 2nd Fl., Korin Bldg. and consulates,
Japanese-Language Education. 1-13-19 Kita-shinjuku, prefectural libraries,
Edited by the association. Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169- website, etc.
http://www.rim.or.jp/nisshinkyo 0074
Tel: 03-5386-0080
Questions from the Japanese Bonjinsha Co., Ltd. ¥1,200
Language Proficiency Test of the 6-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda- (tax included)
previous year. Edited by AIEJ ku, Tokyo 102-0093 (in Japan)
and the Japan Foundation. Tel: 03-3472-2240
Information useful for Center for Domestic and ¥1,000 per copy for
international students to find Foreign Students international students
accomodation in Japan. Tokyo Student Housing ¥1,500 per copy for
Edited by the Center for Domestic Guidance Office others
and Foreign Students 1-21 Yotsuya, Shinjuku- (mailing charge not
ku, Tokyo 160-0004 included)
Tel: 03-3359-0631
 Preparation for Study in Japan and Information Gathering

Useful Addresses (1)

Consultation Name Address

4-5-29 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8503

Information Center, Association of
International Education, Japan (AIEJ)
Tel: 03-5454-5216 Fax: 03-5454-5236
E-mail: nippon@aiej.or.jp
The Information Center will move to the following
address from May 2001.
2-79 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8630
Tel: 03-5520-6131 Fax: 03-5520-6121

1-2-8 Wakinohama-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi,

Information Center, Kobe Satellite,
AIEJ
Study in Japan (general)
http://www.aiej.or.jp
Japan Educational Information Center,
Kuala Lumpur
Hyogo 651-0072
Tel: 078-242-1742 Fax: 078-242-1743
E-mail: nippon@aiej.or.jp
Unit 1101, 11th Fl., Block B, Menara Amcorp
No.18 Jalan Persiaran Barat, 46050 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor,MALAYSIA
Tel: +60-3-757-0304 Fax: +60-3-757-1631
E-mail: aiej@po.jaring.my

10F Serm-mit Tower, 159 Asoke Rd.,

Japan Educational Information Center,
Bangkok
Japan Educational Information Center,
Jakarta
Bangkok 10110 THAILAND
Tel: +66-2-661-7057 Fax: +66-2-661-7058
E-mail: jeicbkk@ksc9.th.com
Summitmas Tower I, Lantai 5, Jalan Jenderal
Sudirman
KAV 61-62, Jakarta 12190 INDONESIA
Tel: +62-21-252-1912 Fax: +62-21-252-1913
E-mail: jeic_jkt@rad.net.id

Garden Tower 702, 98-78 Unni-dong, Chongro-gu,

Japan Educational Information Center, Seoul 110-350 KOREA
Seoul Tel: +82-2-765-0141 Fax: +82-2-765-0142
E-mail: aiej@chollian.net

Public Facilities to Access Information on Study in Japan

AIEJ has contributed brochures on Japanese universities and other various publications concerning study in Japan
to the following organizations outside Japan, for the purpose of providing information on study in Japan in order to
help the students wishing to study in Japan access freely to the information.
Country (area) and
City Name and Address Phone No. & Fax No.

Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange: International TEL +86-10-8230-1006

China Cooperation FAX +86-10-8230-3931
Beijing
15 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian, Beijing 100083 CHINA http://www.cscse.edu.com

China Beijing Library TEL +86-10-6841-5566

Beijing 39 Bai Shi Qiao Road, Haidian, FAX +86-10-6841-9290
Beijing 100081 CHINA

Preparatory Training Center for Overseas’ Studies Dalian

China Foreign Languages Institute TEL +86-411-280-1220
Dalian 110 Nan Shan Road, Zhong Shan, FAX +86-411-263-9958
Dalian 116002 CHINA

The Preparatory School of Students to Japan

China Northeast Normal University TEL+86-431-569-5251
Changchun 138 Ren Ming Avenue, Changchun, FAX +86-431-568-2027
Jilin 130024 CHINA
Shanghai Pre-Departure Training Department
China The State Education Commission, China TEL +86-21-6531-7304
Shanghai 410 Ti Yu Hui Road(E), Hongkuo, FAX +86-21-6544-2187
Shanghai 200083 CHINA

Shanghai Library: International Exchange

China 1555 Huai Hai Road Central, TEL +86-21-6445-5004
Shanghai Shanghai 200031 CHINA FAX +86-21-6445-5006

Intensive Language Training Center

China Sichuan Union University (West Campus) TEL +86-28-540-5426
Chengdu No.24 Sec.1 Yihuang North Road Chengdu Sichuang 610065 FAX +86-28-540-1851
CHINA

Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange

China Guangzhou Branch TEL +86-20-8356-8066
Guangzhou 725 Dong Feng Dong Road, FAX +86-20-8356-8055
Guangzhou 510080 CHINA

China Shan Dong Provincial Library TEL +86-531-61-1164

275 Da Ming Hu Road, Ji-nan,
Ji-nan Shan Dong 250011 CHINA

The Japanese University Alumni Society Hong Kong

China c/o Cousulate-General of Japan TEL +852-2522-1185
Hong Kong 46F One Exchange Square, FAX +852-2868-0156
8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong

11
 Preparation for Study in Japan and Information Gathering

Country (area) Name and Address Phone No. & Fax No.
and City

Taiwan Interchange Association Japan, Taipei Office TEL +886-2-2741-2116

Taipei 10F Shin Kong Tun Hwa Bldg, NO.245, Tun Hwa South Rd, sec.1, FAX +886-2-2731-1757
Taipei Taiwan, R.O.C.

Taipei City Library

Taiwan 3F No. 125 Sec. 2 Chienkuo North Road TEL +886-2-2707-3554
Taipei Taipei Taiwan R.O.C. FAX +886-2-2701-0721

Taiwan Interchange Association Japan, Kaohsiung Office TEL +886-7-771-4008

Kaohsiung 9F, Nan Ho Ping Bldg., 87 Ho Ping 1st Rd., Lingya Qu, Kaohsiung, FAX +886-7-771-2734
Taiwan, R.O.C.

Korea Chung-Ang University TEL+82-2-820-6225

Seoul 221, Huk Suk-Dong, Dong Jak-ku, Seoul, Korea FAX +82-2-826-4562

Kwangju University, Department of Japanese Language (Professor Gyu

Korea Youl Kim) TEL +82-62-670-2252
Kwangju 592-1, Jinwol-dong, Nam-gu, Kwangju, 503-703, Korea FAX +82-62-670-2678

Dankook University-College of Humanities (and Science), Department of

Korea Japanese Language and Literature (Professor Mu Jin Pyon) TEL +82-417-550-3192
Cheonan San 29, Anseo-dong, Cheonan-si, Chungnam, 330-714, Korea FAX +82-417-63-1412

Thailand Old Japan Students' Association, Thailand (OJSAT) TEL +66-53-814-344

Chiang Mai Northern Regional Office FAX +66-53-814-550
3/3 Sarmlarn Rd., Tambol Prasingh, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand

Vietnam Sakura Japanese Language School (Truong Nhat Ngu Sakura) TEL +84-8-8220363
Ho Chi Minh 188 Dien Bien Phu, Dist. 3 FAX +84-8-8221391
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

College of Social Sciences & Humanities, Vietnam National University-

Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City TEL +84-8-8221910
Ho Chi Minh 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Dist l, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam FAX +84-8-8221903

Japanese University Graduate Association of Singapore (JUGAS) TEL +65-837-2817

Singapore 47 Beach Road, #05-01 Kheng Chiu Bld., FAX +65-837-2816
Singapore 189683 http:www.jugas.org.sg/

Indonesia The International Village, University of Surabaya TEL +62-31298-1330

Surabaya Raya Kalirungkut, Surabaya 60293 Indonesia FAX +62-31298-1331

Useful Addresses (2)

Consultation Name Address

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, http://www.mext.go.jp

Science, and Technology 3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0013
(Monbukagakusho) Tel: 03-3581-4211

Government offices concerned
http://www.mofa.go.jp
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8919
(Gaimusho)
Tel: 03-3580-3532

http://www.moj.go.jp
Ministry of Justice
1-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo, 100-8977
(Homusho)
Tel: 03-3580-4111

Immigration and visa
http://www.moj.go.jp/NYUKAN/nyukan05.html
c/o Tokyo Immigration Bureau
Immigration Information Center
1-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo 100-0004
Tel: 03-3213-8523~7

Japanese government Japanese embassies and consulates

http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html
(Monbukagakusho) scholarship abroad

11F. Shigaku Kaikan Bekkan, 4-2-25 Kudan-kita,

National Association of Vocational
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0073
Schools of Japan
Tel: 03-3230-4814

Special training colleges

http://www.tsk.or.jp
Metropolitan Tokyo Professional 6F. Ishiyama Bldg., 1-58-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Institution Association 151-0053
Tel: 03-3378-9601

http://www.rim.or.jp/nisshinkyo
Association for the Promotion of 2F. Korin Bldg., 1-13-19 Kita-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku,
Japanese-language institutes Japanese Language Education Tokyo 169-0074
Tel: 03-5386-0080

12
 Preparation for Study in Japan and Information Gathering

Useful Addresses (3)

Consultation Name Address

Courses of Preliminary Study

for University Entrance http://www.takushoku-u.ac.jp
(Japanese-language Japanese Language Learning Center
3-4-14 Kohinata, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8585
education) authorized by of Takushoku University
Tel: 03-3947-7212
Monbukagakusho

The Japanese Language School of
the International Students Institute
Kansai International Students
Institute Japanese Language School 0001
The Tokyo School of the Japanese
Language
Shukutoku Japanese Language
School
Shinjuku Japanese Language
Institute
http://www.isi.or.jp
3-22-7 Kitashinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-
0074
Tel: 03-3371-7265
http://www.kkgakuyu.or.jp
8-3-13 Uehonmachi, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-
Tel: 06-6774-0033
http://www.naganuma-school.or.jp
16-26 Nampeidaicho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-
0036
Tel: 03-3463-7261
5-24-8 Maenocho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 169-
0075
Tel: 03-5392-8850
http://www.sng.ac.jp
2-9-7 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-
0075
Tel: 03-5273-0044

7-8-9 Takinogawa, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0023

Jet Academy
Tel: 03-3916-2101

http://www.yamano.ac.jp/nihon
Yamano Japanese Language School 1-53-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8539
Tel: 03-3379-0134
http://www.kyushu-eisu.ac.jp/
Kyushu Eisu Gakkan International 1-5-30 Maizuru, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi,
Language Academy Fukuoka 810-0073
Tel: 092-713-5720
http://kbic.ardour.co.jp/
˜newgenji/jis/tokyo/abk_j1.html
Asian Students Cultural Association 2-12-13 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
113-8642
Tel: 03-3946-2171
3-26-13 Nishi-waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Culture and Languate Center
161-0051
Japanese Language School
Tel: 03-5273-0753
http://www.kcg.ac.jp/KJTC
Kyoto Computer Gakuin Kamogawa
46 Shibamoto-cho, Shimogamo, Sakyo-ku,
School
Kyoto 606-0814
Japanese Language Training Center
Tel: 075-724-2551

13
 Preparation for Study in Japan and Information Gathering

Useful Addresses (4)

Consultation Name Address

http://www.naigai.or.jp
Tokyo Student Living Guidance Office, 1-17-1 Kami-ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 161-0034
Part-time work and Center for Domestic and Foreign Students Tel: 03-3951-9103
employment
6-5-35 Toyohira-ku-rokujo, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo-shi
Sapporo Student Guidance Office,
062-0906
Center for Domestic and Foreign Students
Tel: 011-817-3611

10-15 Sanjo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi,

Sendai Student Guidance Office,
Miyagi 981-0935
Center for Domestic and Foreign Students
Tel: 022-274-8002

76-4 Wakamatsu-cho, Kanazawa-shi,

Kanazawa Student Guidance Office,
Ishikawa 920-1165
Center for Domestic and Foreign Students
Tel: 076-265-3113

51-4 Kawanayama-machi, Showa-ku, Nagoya-shi,

Nagoya Student Guidance Office,
Nagoya 466-0827
Center for Domestic and Foreign Students
Tel: 052-834-4544

Kyoto Student Guidance Office, 2-24 Tanaka-sekiden-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi,

Center for Domestic and Foreign Students Kyoto 606-8023
Tel: 075-771-0667

1-31 Kamiyama-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

Osaka Student Guidance Office,
530-0026
Center for Domestic and Foreign Students
Tel: 06-361-9139

Kobe Student Guidance Office, 1-2-8 Wakinohama-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi,

Center for Domestic And Foreign Students Hyogo 651-0072
Tel: 078-230-7500

9-3 Hirosekitamachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi,

Hiroshima Student Guidance Office,
Hiroshima 730-0803
Center for Domestic and Foreign Students
Tel: 082-503-7131

Matsuyama Student Guidance Office, 1-3-27 Midori-cho, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime 790-0806

Center for Domestic and Foreign Students Tel: 089-943-9473

Fukuoka Student Guidance Office, 4-1 Ten'ya-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi,

Center for Domestic and Foreign Students Fukuoka 812-0025
Tel: 092-262-2215

Tokyo Student Housing Guidance Office, 1-21 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Accommodation Tel: 03-3359-5997
Center for Domestic and Foreign Students

2nd F. Roppongi Job Park., 3-2-21 Roppongi, Minato-ku,

Employment Tokyo Students Employment Center Tokyo 106-0032
Tel: 03-3586-8609

http://www.tokyo-hellowork.go.jp/foreign
Employment Service Center for Foreigners 3rd Fl. Roppongi Job Park., 3-2-21 Roppongi, Minato-ku,
(Tokyo Office) Tokyo 106-0032
Tel: 03-3586-8609

101 Yusei Gojokai Shinsai Bldg., 3-11-18 Minami-Semba,

(Osaka Office) Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 542-0081
Tel: 06-6241-5606

Technical training in Japanese
companies
Japanese Language Proficiency
Test administered overseas
http://www.aots.or.jp
The Association for Overseas Technical
1-30-1 Senju Higashi, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 120-8534
Scholarship (AOTS)
Tel: 03-3888-8241
http://www.jpf.go.jp
Test Division, The Japan Foundation 3-14 Rinku-Port Kita, Tajiri-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka 598-
Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai 0093
Tel: 0724-90-2603

Researchers and research National Institute of Informatics http://www.nii.ac.jp/index-j.html

institutes
http://www.jsps.go.jp
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Yamato Bldg., 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-
(JSPS) 0083
Tel: 03-3263-1721

14
4.Japanese-Language Institutes
Higher educational institutions in Japan, in
principle, conduct all their classes in the Japanese
language with only a few offering classes in En-
glish. It is extremely important, therefore, that
international students wishing to study in Japan
have an adequate knowledge of the Japanese lan-
guage.
For this reason many international students
study the language in Japan for six months to two
years before applying to higher educational institu-
tions for admission.
1.Types and numbers
Of the institutions designed for students wish-
ing to enter Japanese higher educational institu-
tions, as of March 2001, there are mainly two types:
41 schools operated by private universities and
294 schools accredited by the Association for the
Promotion of Japanese Language Education . Ac-
cording to the results of a survey conducted by the
Japanese Ministry of Justice in the year-end 1999,
a total of 34,541 international students attended
Japanese-language schools in Japan, of whom
22,782 came from China (including Taiwan and
Hong Kong), 7,776 from North and South Korea,
502 from the Philippines, 488 from Myanmar, 359
from Thailand, and 2,634 from elsewhere. A few
thousands students attended Japanese language
institutions under the status of residence as "pre-
college student".
Preparatory Japanese Language Programs at
private universities for international students in
Japan are regular courses offered by private univer-
sities, defined by law as a part of university educa-
tion. The period of the courses is less than one year.
These courses have been established for interna-
tional students who wish to study the Japanese-
language, the culture and society in Japan, or basic
subjects to prepare for entrance examinations to
enter a university undergraduate course. Interna-
tional students who wish to go on to higher educa-
tion may either proceed to the same university, or
enter universities other than the ones they are in for
their preparatory courses. Students in these courses
have the advantage of facilities, part-time work,
accommodation, and welfare programs, such as
medical fee subsidies as they can acquire the status
of residence as "pre-college student".
Private Japanese-language institutes include
various establishing bodies such as school juridical
persons, juridical persons provided for by the civil
law, joint-stock corporations, private organizations
neither controlled nor protected by law, and indi-
viduals. As for their status under the School Edu-
cation Law, some institutes are authorized as spe-
cial training schools (Senshu-gakko) or training
schools (Kakushu-gakko). Courses and conditions
at these schools vary depending on the school;
some institutes provide courses in basic subjects to
prepare for entrance to university undergraduate
courses; course lengths range from six months to
two years; the status of residence granted is either
"college student" or "pre-college student"; the
schooling system is either a day school or both a
day and evening school. Also, courses targeting
students who have not received 12 years of school
education in their countries are available. (Refer to
the table of "Course of Preliminary Study" in page
13.)
There are some institutes providing private
lessons or short-term courses ranging from several
weeks to several months.
* Website of the Association for the Promotion of
Japanese Language Education:
http://www.rim.or.jp/nisshinkyo
Profiles of the approved Japanese-language in-
stitutes are available both in Japanese and En-
glish on the website. There are also links to
schools.
2.Choosing a Japanese-language
institute
The first thing to do in choosing from among
Japanese-language institutes is to confirm which
ones are accredited by the Association for the
Promotion of Japanese Language Education, be-
cause the status of residence as "college student"
and "pre-college student" are not granted for study
at unaccredited institutes.
Since the accredited institutes and their profiles
are listed in "Japanese Language Institutes in
Japan", available for reference in Japanese embas-
sies and consulates overseas or on their Websites,
the first step will be to refer to this handbook. In
addition, obtaining further information directly from
each institute's prospectus and its current or former
15
 Japanese-Language Institutes
students will also be helpful. It should be noted that
international students are, in principle, not allowed
to transfer from one Japanese language institute to
another, or to a preparatory Japanese language
program at private universities.
1. Program objectives: What are the main objec-
tives of the institute's courses? Does the program
have a course that suits your goals?
Do the institutes have various courses, such as a
general course, a course for students wishing to
enter Japanese higher educational institutions, a
business-oriented Japanese-language course, etc?
Note: In the case of those who completed only 10
or 11 years of school education in countries
including Malaysia and the Philippines, they can-
not obtain qualifications to enter university in
general courses. Consequently, these prospective
students should make sure to select from among
the Japanese-language institutes designated by
the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology as "Course of
Preliminary Study for University Entrance".
(Refer to the table in page13 as well as section 3
of this page. )
2. Grouping of students: Are students divided into
groups according to their knowledge of Japanese,
so that each student can receive lessons suited to
his or her level of ability? Is there a placement test
for this purpose?
3. Basic subjects: Is there a program available
designed for students planning to proceed to
undergraduate courses, to study basic subjects
(such as English, mathematics, physics, chemis-
try and social studies)?
4. Educational environment: Is the location of the
institute satisfactory? Is the place easy to access?
5. Accommodation: Does the institute provide
accommodation? If it does not have special
accommodation of its own, will it help you find
an apartment or lodging?
6. Guidance on further education and living: Does
the institute offer advice and counseling on fur-
ther education? Does it provide counseling ser-
vices relating to problems in everyday life?
7. Number of students certified as Level 1 of the
Japanese Language Proficiency Test or gaining
scores higher than 250 (these indicate excellent
16
results) at the General Examination for Foreign
Students
8. Advancement of graduates to further educational
institutes: The ratios of students going on to
further educational institutes.
9. Number of instructors: Are there sufficient
instructors for the students?
10. Tuition fees: Are the tuition fees appropriate
for the lesson quantity, instructor and accom-
modation?
11. Method of admission selection: Is a screening
test based on documentation alone required? Is
an interview with the guarantor or liaison person
of the student required?
12.Types of status of residence: Which type of
status of residence is required, a "college stu-
dent" or a "pre-college student"? There is a case
that requires the status of residence to be a
"college student" in order to apply for a scholar-
ship.
13. Schedule of lessons: Full-time course or part-
time course (If it is a full-time course, it is
impossible to do both study and part-time job.)
14. The ratios of students according to their nation-
ality: If there are more students from countries
using Chinese characters, is there any consider-
ation for those coming from countries not using
Chinese characters?
3. Admission qualifications and proce-
dures
In almost all cases the qualification for entering
a Japanese-language institute is to have completed
12 years of schooling in your own country. Malay-
sian and Philippine students who have completed
only 10 or 11 years of school education do not meet
this qualification. However, they can meet the
qualification by completing the "Course of Pre-
liminary Study for University Entrance" desig-
nated by Monbukagakusho. Most institutes select
students through documentation based screening;
some schools also hold an interview with the guar-
antor. The main documents that usually have to be
submitted are the following:
1. application form
2. school transcript
3. certificate of other studies
4. letter of recommendation

5. certificate of financial means
6. medical certificate
7. application fee (about ¥30,000)
8. (guarantor related documents)
In certain cases the documents that have to be
submitted differ somewhat according to the insti-
tute, so please inquire directly.
After the submission of these documents, the
schools will notify applicants of screening results
and, in the case of successful applicants, begin visa
application procedures on your behalf. For proce-
dures after this stage, see Chapter 9 "Procedures for
Entering Japan."
Japanese-language Institutes
4.Application Period
Usually, one-year and two-year courses begin
in April, and 18-month courses begin in October.
The deadline for applications differs according to
the school, but usually it comes about four to six
months prior to the beginning of the course, in other
words, around October to December of the previ-
ous year for courses beginning in April and around
April to June for courses beginning in October.
Besides these courses, although they are very few,
some schools have courses beginning in July or
January. Since applicants have to obtain the appli-
cation forms and make preparations for submitting
them before this, and also taking into account the
time needed for mailing and so on, at the latest one
should begin making preparations six to eight
months before the beginning of the course.
17
 5. Admission to a Higher Educational Institution
1.Academic year and entrance period
The academic year in higher educational insti-
tutions in Japan begins in April and ends in March
of the following year. Many classes last either the
first semester (April through September) or the
second semester (October through March). Vaca-
tions vary according to universities and depart-
ments, but they usually offer three vacation periods
in the year: summer from late July through early
September, winter from late December through
early January, and spring from February through
March. There are about 40 universities accepting
new students in the second semester (in September
or October).
2.Qualifications
(1) Universities (undergraduate level) and junior
colleges: Students wishing to enter a university
or junior college must have received 12 years of
school education outside Japan, and must have
completed secondary education. In the case of
students from countries where school education
lasts for 10 or 11 years, they are considered
equal to students who have completed 12 years
of school education if they complete a "Course
of Preliminary Study for University Entrance,"
including Japanese, at authorized institutions
(refer to page 13 ) and if they are aged at least 18
years. Graduates of non-authorized institutions
have to check very carefully to see whether they
can qualify for entrance to universities or junior
colleges.In addition, students who passed a quali-
fication examination in their home country to be
regarded as having academic proficiency the
same level as the University Entrance Qualifi-
cation Examination in Japan and the High School
Graduation Equivalency Examination in Korea,
students who passed the International Bacca-
laureate, or the Abitur in Germany and are aged
at least 18 years are regarded also the same as
those written above and are qualified to enter a
university or junior college in Japan.
(2) Universities (graduate level)
a. Master's course: Students who graduated from a
four-year university or are recognized as having
academic ability of this level or higher, includ-
ing; students who have completed 16 years of
18
school education outside Japan, who have com-
pleted 15 years of school education outside Japan
and who are recognized as having acquired des-
ignated master's course credits with outstanding
results, and who are recognized as having aca-
demic ability of bachelor's degree level or higher
on passing admission qualification examinations
for graduate school and if they are aged at least 22
years old.
b. Doctor's course: Students who have a master's
degree or are recognized as having academic
ability of this level or higher, including; students
who have been conferred degrees that are equal to
master's degrees outside Japan, who are recog-
nized as having academic ability of master's
degree level or higher on passing admission quali-
fication examinations for graduate school and if
they are aged at least 24 years old. Regarding
doctor's courses in medicine, dentistry, and vet-
erinary science, students who studied at univer-
sity for at least four years and are recognized as
having acquired designated master's course cred-
its with outstanding results, including; students
who have completed 16 years of school education
outside Japan and are recognized as having ac-
quired designated master's course credits with
outstanding results.
c. Research student (kenkyu-sei): Entrance qualifi-
cations differ by university. Qualifications are
graduation from a university, completion of a
master's course, or completion of a doctor's
course. Please confirm details directly with each
graduate school of your choice.
(3) Special training colleges
With the exception of Japanese-language insti-
tutes, applicants to special training colleges must
fulfill the following conditions:
a. They must have received 12 years of schooling
(and completed secondary school education) out-
side Japan. In the case of countries in which
schooling lasts for only 10 or 11 years, students
are considered to have completed 12 years of
schooling if they complete a "Course of Prelimi-
nary Study for University Entrance," including
Japanese, at the authorized institutions (refer to
page13 ) and if they are aged at least 18 years.
b. They must have sufficient ability in the Japanese
language to study in the special training college,
 Admission to a Higher Educational Institution
satisfying one of the following three criteria:
1. Students who have studied Japanese for at least
six months at a Japanese-language institute
accredited by the Association for the Promo-
tion of Japanese Language Education and au-
thorized by the Ministry of Justice.
2. Students who have passed levels 1 or 2 of the
Japanese Language Proficiency Test given by
AIEJ and the Japan Foundation.
3. Students who have received at least one year of
education in elementary, junior high, or senior
high schools in Japan.
(4) Colleges of technology
Qualifications for admission to colleges of tech-
nology are similar to those for admission to univer-
sities and junior colleges. As of today, few colleges
of technology accept privately-financed interna-
tional students, except those dispatched by their
countries.
3. Application
In general, higher educational institutions in
Japan announce their application procedures from
June to August every year.Each educational insti-
tution has its own application procedures. In gen-
eral, however, the documents that are required are
as follows.
Details including application method should be
confirmed at the educational institutions of your
choice.
1. Undergraduates, junior colleges
• Application form (provided by the university)
• Personal history
• Certificate of senior high school graduation
(anticipated graduation)
• Senior high school transcript
• Letter of recommendation from the principal or
a teacher at your senior high school
• Medical certificate (from a public health office
or doctor)
• Letter of guarantee
• Copy of alien registration certificate if the
applicant is residing in Japan
• Photo
2. Postgraduates
• Application form (provided by the graduate
school)
• Certificate of personal data from university
graduated
• Certificate of undergraduate course graduation
(anticipated graduation)
• Certificate of master's degree (anticipated de-
gree) in case of doctor's course
• Certificate of results at last school attended
• Letter of introduction from the principal, head
of department, or lecturer of university gradu
ated
• Thesis at university graduated and summary
• Medical certificate
• Letter of guarantee
• Copy of alien registration certificate if the
applicant is residing in Japan
• Photo
3. Special training colleges
• Application form (provided by the school)
• Graduation diploma or certificate (from high
school )
• Transcript from the last school attended
• Letter of guarantee
• Medical certificate (from a public health office
or doctor)
• Japanese-language school attendance/grades
certificate (from an approved school)*1
• Japanese-language school anticipated gradua-
tion result (from an approved school)*2
• Students applying from abroad must submit a
level 2 (or higher) certificate of the Japanese
Language Proficiency Test instead of *1 and
*2.
• Photo
The deadline for submitting applications to
higher educational institutions in Japan differs by
university and department: Some are as early as
August or September, while others are as late as
January or February. When sending an application
from overseas, bear in mind the time needed for
posting and give yourself plenty of leeway so that
you meet the deadline.
19
 Admission to a Higher Educational Institution

4. Entrance examination applicants to be admitted to school.

(1) Universities (undergraduate level)
To enter a Japanese university, a student must
pass that university's entrance examination. A
large number of universities are adopting a special
process for selecting international students, but in
most cases they still require applicants to sit for an
examination in Japan. Approximately 70 faculties
accept applications directly from outside Japan, 30
universities carry out entrance examinations in
some areas outside Japan and 20 universities grant
permission to enter based on documentation screen-
ing alone. As yet, however, those account for only
a few in total. (Survey by the Information Center).
Only a few universities accept foreign applicants
on the basis of their documents alone. Many uni-
versities base their selection decisions on (a) the
Japanese Language Proficiency Test and (b) the
General Examination for Foreign Students, which
are discussed below.
For information about each university's exami-
nation date, examination subjects, and treatment of
results in the two above-mentioned examinations,
either request it from the university of your choice
or see the Shihi Gaikokujin Ryugakusei no tame no
Daigaku Nyugaku Annai (Guide to University
Entrance for Privately Financed International Stu-
dents), published in Japanese every late September
by AIEJ.
a. Japanese Language Proficiency Test
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test, which
evaluates and certifies non-natives' proficiency in
the Japanese language, is organized by AIEJ and
held in Sapporo, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Nagoya,
Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima and Fukuoka in
Japan and by the Japan Foundation in 88 cities in 38
countries and territories around the world. To take
a university or junior college entrance examination
in Japan, an international student usually is ex-
pected to take this examination (Level 1, equivalent
to the level reached by those who have studied
Japanese for about 900 hours). Results of the
examination are sent to the student and to the
educational institutions whose entrance examina-
tion the student is scheduled to take. Recently, a
small number of universities use the results of the
Level 2 examination as part of the criteria to select
Approximately 91% of national, 65% of local
public, and 60% of private universities use this
examination (Level 1) (Survey by the Information
Center). However, they attach different degrees of
importance to the results. In 2001, the examination
will be held on Sunday, December 2.
The use of the results of the examination as part
of the criteria to select applicants to be admitted to
Japanese universities and other higher educational
institutions will end after 2001. From 2002, in
principle, a Japanese-language subject test in the
"Examination for Japanese University Admission
for International Students (EJU)" is scheduled to
take its place. As for the "EJU," please refer to (c).
b. General Examination for Foreign Students
AIEJ implements the General Examination for
Foreign Students targeting students wishing to en-
ter Japanese universities as privately-financed in-
ternational students while aiming at judging their
abilities to enter universities. AIEJ organizes the
test in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka in Japan as well
as Bangkok in Thailand and Kuala Lumpur in
Malaysia. The results of this test are used as part of
the criteria to select applicants to be admitted to
Japanese universities and AIEJ sends the results to
the universities of the student's choice based on
their request.
Approximately 92% of national, 64% of local
public, and 33% of private universities use this
examination for selecting students. (Servey by the
Information Center.) However, the degree of im-
portance attached to the results of this examination
differs by university in that some universities em-
phasize a student's results in this examination,
while others consider the results in both this test and
their own examination.
The examination for humanities and social stud-
ies students consists of mathematics, world history,
and English; for science students mathematics,
science (two subjects from physics, chemistry, and
biology), and English. In 2001, the examination
will be held on Sunday, December 9. However,
this test will be abolished with its last sitting in 2001
and from 2002, the "EJU" will be newly imple-
mented. As for the "EJU," please refer to (c).

20
 Admission to a Higher Educational Institution
c. Examination for Japanese University Admis-
sion for International Students (EJU)
The EJU is a new examination starting from
2002 and will be implemented as a part of the
entrance examination for international students
wishing to study at Japanese universities and other
higher educational institutions. This examination
will be held twice annually in June and November
and will be scheduled for holding in Japan as well
as in about 10 cities outside Japan mainly in the
Asian regions.
The examination subjects for liberal arts stu-
dents consists of Japanese as a Foreign Language,
general knowledge and mathematics; while sub-
jects for natural science students are Japanese as a
Foreign Language, science and mathematics. The
exam questions are available in both Japanese and
English. Applicants will take the examination
based on the designated subjects and exam lan-
guage by each university and other higher educa-
tional institution.
* For inquiries regarding the "EJU": Contact Test-
ing Division, Association of International Educa-
tion, Japan (AIEJ) TEL: +81-3-5454-5338
d. Examination of the National Center for Uni-
versity Entrance
Japanese students wishing to enter a national or
local public university and some private universi-
ties are obliged to take the examination of the
National Center for University Entrance. Most
universities exempt international students from this
test, but some universities, mainly medicine, den-
tistry, and education departments, may require in-
ternational students to take it.
e. Other methods of selection for international
students
Other methods used by universities to select
international students include document screening,
university-set scholastic ability tests, interviews,
short theses or essays, and competence and aptitude
tests. University departments differ in their meth-
ods of selection.
As for the examination date and examination
subjects of each university, please refer to the
"Shihi Gaikokujin Ryugakusei no tame no Daigaku
Nyugaku Annai" (Guide to University Entrance for
Privately Financed International Students), pub-
lished in Japanese every late September by AIEJ, or
inquire directly to the university concerned.
(2) Universities (graduate level)
a. Regular master's or doctor's course
A few graduate schools do accept students on the
basis of the documents they submit, but usually a
student must sit for an entrance examination in
Japan. Graduate school entrance examinations
usually consist of document screening, a short
thesis, and oral questioning, mainly on their major,
as well as written tests in Japanese, English, (or
another language) and special subjects. Though the
date of the examination differs by university, most
graduate schools hold their entrance examinations
from August to October. Some graduate schools,
especially those for liberal arts, hold their exams
from February to March.
b. Research student (kenkyu-sei)
They are selected on the basis of the documents
they submit.
For both regular and research students, please
contact the graduate schools you intend to apply for
to ascertain whether you need to obtain informal
consent for admission prior to application after
finding a supervising instructor beforehand. If this
is the case, you should look for an appropriate
instructor conforming to the content of your major
in the graduate school's prospectus, academic jour-
nal, or from former students or researchers in
Japan, etc. Besides those sources, you can also look
up websites of each university and the National
Institute of Informatics of the Ministry of Educa-
tion, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Some professors may have websites of their gradu-
ate courses but may not be disclosing their e-mail
addresses, so in that case contact them by letter or
fax. Also, some universities will introduce super-
vising instructors to you. When you write a letter,
you are advised to specify your past research record,
future research plan and reasons for selecting the
supervising instructor and, if possible, by also
enclosing a letter of recommendation. As you are
stranger, the other party is only able to judge you
from your writing. Therefore, it is unusual for
informal consent to be given immediately after
only one written communication from you. Ac-
cordingly, you need to communicate with that
person several times to convey your enthusiasm
about your studies. (Refer also to page 18 and 23.)
21
 Admission to a Higher Educational Institution
(3) Junior colleges
To enter a junior college, an international stu-
dent must pass that college's entrance examination
in Japan. In addition, about 56% of colleges use the
results of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test
and about 21% of colleges use the results of the
General Examination for Foreign Students as a
criterion. (Survey by the Information Center).
Junior colleges differ in their examination dates,
examination subjects, and use of the above-men-
tioned tests, so please refer to the Shihi Gaikokujin
Ryugakusei no tame no Daigaku Nyugaku Annai
(Guide to University Entrance for Privately Fi-
nanced International Students), published in Japa-
nese every early September by AIEJ, or inquire
directly to the college concerned.
(4) Special training colleges (post secondary
course)
Entrance examinations to special training col-
leges consist of a combination of 1) academic
examination, 2) essay, short thesis examination 3)
document screening, 4) interview, 5) aptitude test
6) practical examination and 7) Japanese-language
test. The method of selecting applicants differs by
school, but in any field they select students focus-
ing on whether the student has specific objectives,
sufficient knowledge and ability of Japanese to
follow the lessons and sufficient desire to study.
22
5. Transfer
Transfers from one university to another are not
common in Japan. Occasionally junior college
graduates, those who have completed one or two
years of general education at university, and gradu-
ates of four-year universities transfer to another
university to enter a degree course (transfer as a
junior-year undergraduate) to change their major,
but details of acceptance of transfer students differ
according to the university including some univer-
sities not recruiting transfer students depending on
the year although they have such systems.
Approximately 30 national, 10 local public,
and 160 private universities have the transfer sys-
tem targeting international students who have com-
pleted their second or third year at foreign univer-
sities. Also among those, about as few as 40
universities hold special transfer entrance exami-
nations for international students and they impose
the same examination as for Japanese students
wishing to transfer.
6. Transfer from a special training
college
Effective from April 1999, "technical associ-
ates" have become approved to transfer to a post-
graduate course of colleges of technology and
junior colleges as well as undergraduate courses of
four-year universities. Also, they have been en-
abled to obtain a "bachelor's degree" by acquiring
university credits through such a system of non-
degree credit earning study and subsequently being
screened and authorized by the National Institution
for Academic Degrees. Therefore, universities
adopting a transfer system seem to be increasing.
As for the requirements for obtaining "technical
associate" qualification, please refer to conditions
for graduating or completing courses in Chapter 6.
6. Educational Content and Graduation or
Completion of Courses in Higher Educational
Institutions
1. Courses taught in English
Higher educational institutions in Japan con-
duct almost all their lessons in Japanese with a few
exceptions. At present, a small number of univer-
sities and graduate schools offer special courses
aiming at obtaining degrees or short-term study
programs in English.
The number of universities offering degree
courses in English is still small, except for some
engineering faculties at graduate schools offering
relatively more English courses. A list of universi-
ties offering such courses is available from AIEJ's
Website (http://www.aiej.or.jp) as well as its FAX
information service at 03-5454-5216 (from May
2001, 03-5520-6131) or 078-242-1742.
2. Research student (kenkyu-sei)
Under the research student (kenkyu-sei) sys-
tem, which is unique to Japan, students other than
regular students whose purpose is to obtain a de-
gree are given permission to engage in research in
a special field for a period of approximately one
semester or one academic year. Entrance require-
ments for a research student vary from university to
university; some universities may accept a student
with a bachelor's degree or higher, others may
accept a student with a master's degree or higher,
and the name and status of the research student also
differs according to universities. The operation of
the system and designations within it also vary.
There are three types of research student: (1) stu-
dents who do not aim to obtain a degree but attend
a university for a short period to carry out research;
(2) students who attend a university as short-term
international students on the basis of a student
exchange agreement between universities; and (3)
students who use the system to prepare for a gradu-
ate school's regular course.
Many of the students belonging to category (3)
attend a university as research students for about a
year until that university's entrance examination,
and some of them fail the entrance examination and
have to leave without entering a regular course. It
means that being a research student does not always
ensure that the student will be admitted to graduate
school. Some universities allow students to di-
rectly take examinations to enter their regular gradu-
ate courses, while conversely, other universities
and graduate courses consider that having students
experience the process of being a "research stu-
dent" is desirable before entering the regular courses.
Therefore, make sure to inquire directly to the
university you intend to apply to while referring to
page10 of the "Gaikokujin Ryugakusei no tame no
Daigakuin Nyugaku Annai" (Guide to University
Graduate School Entrance for International Stu-
dents).
3. Conditions for graduating / com-
pleting courses
(1) Universities (undergraduate courses)
To graduate from an undergraduate course, a
student must study at a university for four years (six
years in the cases of medicine, dentistry, and veteri-
nary science) and acquire the necessary number of
credits. Most universities require at least 124
credits (in principle, medicine and dentistry depart-
ments require at least 188 credits and veterinary
departments require at least 182 credits) for gradu-
ation. Upon graduation, students receive a
"bachelor's degree."
(2) Universities (postgraduate courses)
Conditions for completing graduate school dif-
fer for master's and doctor's courses. To complete
a master's course, a student must study for at least
two years in principle, acquire the necessary credits
(at least 30 credits) in his or her special subject,
write a master's thesis that is judged satisfactory,
and pass an examination. Students who complete
a master's course receive a "master's degree."
In the case of a doctor's course, a student must
attend graduate school for at least five years (in-
cluding the two years of a master's course), acquire
at least 30 credits (including master's course cred-
its), write a doctoral thesis that is judged satisfac-
tory, and pass an examination. Students who com-
plete a doctor's course receive a "doctorate."
23
 Educational Content and Graduation or Completion of Courses

Master's and Doctor's Degrees Conferred on International Students (1998 )

Master's course Doctor's course

Field
Enrolled *1
Degree conferred *3
% Enrolled *2
Degree conferred*3 %
Humanities and social sciences 2,230 1,760 79 729 164 22
Natural sciences 1,448 1,249 86 1,921 1,169 61
Total 3,678 3,001 82 2,650 1,333 50

Notes: *1: FY 1997

*2: FY 1996 (B.M.: FY 1995)
*3: As of March 1999

The above table shows the number of degrees
conferred on international students according to
the different categories.
(3) Junior colleges
To graduate from a junior college, students
must attend for at least two years and obtain at least
62 credits in the case of two-year colleges or attend
for at least three years and obtain at least 93 credits
in the case of three-year colleges. Students who
graduate from junior college are given an "associ-
ate degree."
(4) Special training colleges
At special training colleges graduation is deter-
mined by results in end-of-semester and end-of-
year examinations in addition to attendance. Fur-
thermore, if you complete a course that satisfies the
following three requirements, you can obtain the
qualification of "technical associate." 1) two years
or more of study is required for graduation, 2) 1,700
hours or more of total school hours, 3) students'
grades are evaluated through examinations, etc.
and completion of the course is authorized based on
those evaluations. The kinds of schools that can
grant the "technical associate" qualification ac-
count for about 90% of the total.
4. International recognition of degrees
obtained in Japan
Generally speaking, degrees obtained in Japan
are considered as good as those obtained in the
home country, although this rule varies by the
country or the field of the major. Students wishing
to seek employment with their home government
as a public servant or employment with a private
company, should consult appropriate offices at
home, as they may have their own rules about
authorizing foreign degrees, and make decisions
accordingly.

24
7. Short-Term Study in Japan
1. Short-term study programs
Recently Japanese universities are increasingly
establishing short-term study programs enabling
international students to study in Japan for one
semester or one year with the purpose of earning
credits while remaining students of their own uni-
versity back home.
The contents of the short-term study programs
are various.
1. Eligibility: (1) Students belong to the universi-
ties under the student exchange agreement (ex-
change students), (2) Independent students (pri-
vately financed international students)
2. Levels: (1) Undergraduate departments, (2)
Graduate schools
3. Language of instruction: (1) Japanese only, (2)
English only, (3) Both Japanese and English
4. Subjects: (1) Japanese, (2) Research subjects on
Japan, (3) Humanities and social studies subjects,
(4) Natural science subjects, (5) Science and
engineering subjects (Some universities have
established special classes for short-term interna-
tional students while others accept them in regu-
lar courses offered in faculties and departments.
The status of students is also diverse such as
exchange program student, auditor or non-degree
credit earning student.)
A list of programs with eligibility not limited to
the universities under the student exchange agree-
ment is available on the AIEJ website or inquire at
the Information Center.
Also in the case of international students com-
ing to Japan to study on the basis of a student
exchange agreement between universities or simi-
lar accord, the "AIEJ Short-Term Student Exchange
Promotion Program" is also available through which
AIEJ provides roundtrip travel expenses, scholar-
ships, and other assistance to international stu-
dents. As for this program, please apply through a
university in your own country.
2. Procedure of short-term study in
Japan
If you are pursuing short-term study in Japan on
the basis of a student exchange agreement between
universities, please inquire at the appropriate sec-
tion in your home institution concerning applica-
tion procedures, necessary expenses and Short-
Term Student Exchange Promotion Program schol-
arship. Regarding programs that are available for
independent students, inquiries should be made to
the school of one’s choice after obtaining the list of
universities from AIEJ's Website (http://
www.aiej.or.jp ) as well as its FAX information
service at 03-5454-5216 (from May 2001, 03-
5520-6131) or 078-242-1742.
It is strongly recommended to confirm with
one’s home institution concerning the handling of
earned credits.
25
 8. Scholarships
1. Types
Financial assistance may be in the form of
scholarships, tuition fee reduction, or material as-
sistance. Some scholarships for international stu-
dents in Japan can be applied for in the student's
home country, before the student enters Japan, but
most scholarships must be applied for in Japan,
after the student's arrival. Most scholarships are for
students at the university level or above and re-
searchers. There are few scholarships for students
at special training colleges or for students studying
at Japanese-language institutes.
Most scholarships cover only a part of a student's
education and living expenses; only a few cover all
the expenses. Therefore, students should check the
cost of study in Japan carefully and plan their
funding, without relying on a scholarship.
A survey of Privately-financed International
Students conducted by AIEJ in 1999 shows that
63.4% of privately-financed international students
are on scholarships, receiving an average stipend of
¥46,000 per month. According to the Association
for the Promotion of Japanese Language Educa-
tion, only 9.6% of Japanese-language students are
on scholarships, receiving an average stipend of
¥36,320 per month (as of October 1999).
(1) Scholarships you can apply for from outside
Japan
1) Japanese government (Monbukagakusho) schol-
arships
Since 1954, the Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology has been offer-
ing government scholarships to international stu-
dents, although the type of scholarship that can be
applied for differs according to each country.
Japanese embassies and consulates outside Japan
or Japanese universities solicit applications for
six types of scholarships (for research students,
teacher trainee students, undergraduate students,
college of technology students, special training
college students, and Japanese studies students).
Monthly provisions are ¥185,500 for research
and teacher trainee students and ¥142,500 for
others. For further information on application
and screening, call the Japanese embassy or a
Japanese consulate in your home country. ( http:/
/www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/
26
mofaserv.html )
2) Local government and private foundation schol-
arships
As of March 2000, three local governments and
16 private organizations offer scholarships that
can be applied for from outside Japan. Most of
them are offered for regular graduate school
students and they are restricted to certain nation-
alities and special fields of study. For further
information inquire directly to each local govern-
ment or foundation.
3) AIEJ Short-term Student Exchange Promotion
Program (Inbound) Scholarships
AIEJ offers scholarships to international students
who will be accepted by a Japanese university for
short-term study under student exchange agree-
ment between the Japanese university and the
university in which the international student is
enrolled. For further information, inquire at your
university.
(2) Scholarships you can apply for after you
come to Japan
1) Japanese government (Monbukagakusho) schol-
arships (local selection and university recom-
mendation)
Applicants should be privately-financed interna-
tional students who currently study in Japanese
universities. The amount of monthly provision is
equal to that of students selected from outside
Japan. The number of scholarships is limited,
compared to those that can be applied for from
outside Japan. Research students and short-term
study international students cannot apply for them.
2)Honors scholarships for privately-financed in-
ternational students
Honors scholarships are offered by Monbu-
kagakusho for privately-financed international
students at universities, graduate schools, junior
colleges, colleges of technology, and special train-
ing colleges in Japan who display excellence in
their academic work and character and who are
recognized to be in need of economic assistance
during their stay in Japan. Applications should be
made to the international students office after the
international student has gained admission to an
eligible educational institution. Monthly provi-
sions are ¥52,000 for college of technology,
special training college, preparatory Japanese

language program at private universities, junior
college and undergraduate students, and ¥73,000
for postgraduate research students and students
of master's and doctor's courses.
3) Local government scholarships
Local governments and other organizations in
Japan offer scholarships to students living or
attending a school in their districts. The scholar-
ships cover one or more of the following items:
tuition and living expenses, accommodation ex-
penses, national health insurance premium assis-
tance, transportation, and book coupons.
4) Japanese private foundation scholarships
These are offered by private enterprises or private
scholarship foundations, and like local govern-
ment scholarships they vary in content items:
tuition and living expenses, accommodation, na-
tional health insurance premium assistance, trans-
portation, and book coupons. These scholarships
tend to reflect the interests and nature of the
enterprise or foundation concerned. While some
are offered to local schools, others may be re-
stricted to special fields in which the enterprise is
involved. Particular countries or regions where
the enterprise or foundation conducts business
can also be nationality criteria for suitable appli-
cants.
5) Educational institution scholarships
Some educational institutions offer scholarships
to their students. Such university and junior
college scholarships are listed in "Shihi
Gaikokujin Ryugakusei no tame no Daigaku
Nyugaku Annai."
Scholarships
6) Reduction or waiving of tuition fees
AIEJ provides up to 30% of the tuition fees of
private universities, junior colleges, and graduate
schools that reduce or exempt their tuition fees
for privately-financed international students
studying regular courses there. Some schools in
this program offer additional reductions or waiv-
ing of their tuition fees.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Sci-
ence and Technology offers these tuition fee
reduction or waiving for national universities,
and local governments offer those for local public
universities. Special training colleges and Japa-
nese-language institutes are not covered by this
system, but some have their own systems of
exemption of tuition fees.
In almost all cases, applications for these schol-
arships should be made after your arrival in Japan
and admission to a school. In a few cases, such as
the Monbukagakusho scholarships, applications
can be before coming to Japan.
Applicants for scholarships usually have to go
through document screening, a written examina-
tion to test knowledge in general education, the
international student's special area of study, or
foreign language, and an oral interview. Most of
them are applied through the schools the students
are attending. For further information, please con-
firm at the department of each school that is in
charge of students from abroad.
For a list of scholarship-providing organiza-
tions, refer to the AIEJ Website (http://
www.aiej.or.jp) or inquire at the Information Cen-
ter.
27
 9. Procedures for Entering Japan
Website of the Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Justice: http://www.moj.go.jp/NYUKAN/nyukan01.htm
1. Procedures for entering Japan
A person who wishes to enter Japan as an
international student must fulfill the following pro-
cedures:
1) Gain admission to a Japanese educational
institution (Japanese language institute, jun-
ior college, university, etc.) of your choice.
2) Acquire your home country’s passport.
3) Acquire a visa at a Japanese embassy or
consulate in your home country.
2. Status of residence
The status of residence defines the types of
activities that foreign residents are allowed to un-
dertake in Japan and the status or positions they are
allowed to hold. It is classified into 27 different
categories.
International students entering Japan to attend
a university, junior college, special training col-
lege, college of technology, or a preparatory inter-
national student program at a private university or
a junior college are given the status of residence as
“college student,” under which the period of stay is
usually one or two years. International students
who are going to attend a Japanese university for a
short period of less than one year while maintaining
their student status at their home university are also
given the status of residence as “college student” if
the host university accepts them as international
students. Those who will attend Japanese-lan-
guage institutes other than Preparatory Japanese-
language programs offered by universities and post-
secondary courses offered by special training col-
leges will be given the status of residence as “pre-
college student (shugaku-sei)” who are usually
allowed to stay in Japan for six months, one year or
two years.
If a student gains admission to a university or
special training college while studying at a Japa-
nese-language institute, he or she can change the
status of residence from “pre-college student” to
“college student.”
3. Procedures for visa application
There are two methods of applying for a visa:
(1) Applying for a visa without the issuance of a
"certificate of eligibility for the status of resi-
dence".
This is a method through which a foreign appli-
28
cant applies for a visa at a Japanese embassy or
consulate located outside Japan without getting
his/her "certificate of eligibility for the status of
residence" issued. Procedures take consider-
able time for moving application documents
back and forth between the applicant’s country
and Japan and also within Japan.
(2) Applying for a visa upon the issuance of a
"certificate of eligibility for the status of resi-
dence".
A foreign applicant may receive his/her “certifi-
cate of eligibility for the status of residence”
issued by a Regional Immigration Bureau in
Japan through the proxy such as school or guar-
antor before applying for his/her visa. This
method will, in principle, make visa issuance
procedures easier and quicker compared to the
procedure in (1).
Procedures for applying for a visa upon the
issuance of a "certificate of eligibility for the status
of residence" are described in the following page.
Application procedures are the same for both pre-
college (shugaku) and college (ryugaku) student
residency status but the necessary documents to get
a visa issued differ according to the applicant’s
situation.
4. Immigration procedures to go to
Japan to take an entrance examina-
tion
Students who take entrance examinations in
Japan usually need to get a visa with the status of
“temporary visitor” for the purpose of taking an
examination. Students are required to submit the
examination voucher (jukenhyo) certifying that
they are going to take an entrance examination.
This visa will allow them to stay in Japan for 15
days or 90 days, but if they complete registration
for a school during the valid period of stay, they
may also apply to change their status of residence
to “college student” and receive a new certificate,
of eligibility for the status of residence. Please
inquire at the regional immigration bureau.
Please note that with a general visa having the
status of “temporary visitor” and not endorsed for
the purpose of taking an examination, you can not
apply to change your status of residence within
Japan.
 Procedures for Entering Japan

Overseas Submits application Japan

documents
Qualification for proxy Applicant Educational institution
1. An employee of a Japanese
educational institution to Sends certificate of
which an applicant is admission
admitted
Proxy
2. An employee of a Japanese
or
institution which provides A copy of certificate of admission Educational
scholarship for the applicant and other necessary documents institution, etc.
or which pays expenses for
sent to Proxy
the applicant's stay in Japan
3. An individual residing in Applies for Certificate of Eligibility
Japan who pays expenses for a Status of Residence
for the applicant's stay in
Japan Regional immigration
4. One of the applicant's bureau
relatives residing in Japan.
Issues Certificate of Eligibility
Note: Qualifications 2-4 apply Sends Certificate of for a Status of Residence
only to the "college Eligibility for a Status
student" status. Proxy
of Residence
or
Applicant Educational
institution, etc.
Applies for visa

Japanese embassy or
consulate

Issues visa
Applies for entry permission Immigration Bureau's airport branch
Applicant Airport/harbor office

Permits landing
Grants status of residence

Applicant Commences study

in Japan
Notes:
• Applicants may apply in person for Certificates of Eligibility for the Status of Residence but most of them choose proxy applications.
• Documents necessary for the application for the status of residence as both "college students" and "pre-college students" may differ with schools
applicants attend. So the details should be confirmed directly at the school they are going to apply for.

Documents necessary when applying for a Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence

<Necessary documents for all applicants>

1. A completed application form for Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence
2. Two photographs of the foreign applicant (4cm in height x 3cm in width)
3. A copy of the certificate of admission from the educational institute issued to the applicant
4. A self-addressed envelope (with stamps the value of ¥430 on it as postage and registered mail fee)
<Necessary documents in certain cases>
1. In the case of a research student (kenkyu-sei) - The certificate in which the content of the research is
mentioned. (Issued by a Japanese university or other educational institution)
2. In the case of an auditor - A certificate such as a copy of the course registration in which the applicant’s
subjects of study and the number of hours of study are mentioned. (Issued by Japanese university or
other educational institution)
3. In the case of a special training college student (including post secondary courses) - one of the
documents as below
1. Copy of the Certificate of Level 1 or 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test
2. The certificate of completion of a Japanese language study course for six months or longer taken by
the applicant, and the certificate of his/her attendance and academic scores on the course at an
authorized Japanese language institute.
However, this does not apply to a student who is going to study the Japanese language.
* In addition to the above, it may be necessary to submit certain other documents such as: documents
certifying that the applicant in person or another person has the financial means to cover the entire
expenses necessary for the applicant’s stay in Japan, the applicant’s personal history (including the
details of reasons for staying in Japan in case the applicant’s status of residence is “pre-college
student”), certifications regarding the applicant’s educational background such as the diploma or
certificate of graduation (completion) of the academic course issued by the educational institute the
applicant in person attended, or a copy of the original diploma.

29
 Procedures for Entering Japan
5. Guarantor for entry formalities
The regulation that an applicant required a
guarantor for entry into Japan or to get his/her status
of residence examined at a government office in
Japan was abolished in 1996. However, students
need someone who will financially support them
during their stay in Japan unless they can pay their
expenses on their own.
Students may need a guarantor for other pur-
poses, including the admission to school. Please
refer to page 35.
6. Alien registration
Foreigners who are scheduled to stay in Japan
for more than 90 days must apply for alien registra-
tion at the municipal office of the area where they
reside within 90 days of entering Japan.
(1) Registration procedures
In principle, a foreigner should go to the mu-
nicipal office in the area of residence in person, fill
in the official “application for alien registration”
form, which is available at the relevant counter, and
submit this form, together with a passport and two
copies of a photograph.
(2) Carrying the alien registration certificate at
all times and returning it when leaving Japan
permanently.
After your application for alien registration,
you will be informed of the issuance of your “alien
registration certificate” within a designated period,
and subsequently you must go to receive the certifi-
cate during that designated period.
A foreigner who is issued an alien registration
certificate must carry it at all times and show to
Immigration Inspectors, Immigration Control Of-
ficers, Police Officers, and other officials if re-
quested.
Also, when leaving Japan, except when the
foreigner has received re-entry permission, the
foreigner must return the alien registration certifi-
cate to Immigration Inspectors at the airport or
other port of departure.
7. Procedures to return home
temporarily
If you are staying in Japan and you want to leave
temporarily during the permitted period of stay and
30
later return to continue the same activities, you
should get a re-entry permit at a regional immigra-
tion bureau or office as indicated on page 31 before
departing Japan. Then you will not be required to
apply again for a new visa as long as you enter
Japan within the re-entry permit period.
8. Extension of period of stay
If you wish to continue staying in Japan with
your current status of residence beyond the granted
period that is decided at the time of entry to Japan,
you must file an application with a regional immi-
gration bureau or office for permission to extend
the period before the expiration date of the current
period of stay. (An application for the extension of
the period of stay is usually accepted about two
months before the expiration date of the period of
stay.)
If you remain in Japan illegally beyond the
granted period of stay, you become liable for pun-
ishment and compulsory deportation.
9. Changing one’s status of residence
If you cease your present activities and decide
to engage in activities that come under a status of
residence other than the one that you currently
have, you must receive permission to change your
status of residence at a regional immigration bu-
reau or office.
If you engage in activities outside of your status
of residence without permission, you are liable for
punishment and compulsory deportation.
10. Bringing family members to Japan
If you are staying in Japan with the “college
student” residency status, your dependent spouse
and children can also stay in Japan with the resi-
dence status of “dependent,” for the same period as
you.
If you have family dependants, it would be
better not to invite them to Japan until you become
accustomed to life in Japan and have made all
preparations, including financial means, necessary
for doing that.
Once they enter Japan with “temporary visitor
visas” (commonly called “tourist visas”), it would
be difficult for them to change their status of
residence to “dependent” within Japan.
 Procedures for Entering Japan

Regional Immigration Bureaus and District Immigration Offices

(http://www.moj.go.jp/NYUKAN/nyukan05.html)

Name Address Phone No. Jurisdiction

Sapporo Regional 12 Odori-nishi, Chuo-ku, Hokkaido

011-261-7502
Immigration Bureau Sapporo City, Hokkaido

Sendai Regional 1-3-20 Gorin, Miyagi, Fukushima, Yamagata,

Immigration Bureau Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, 022-256-6076 Iwate, Akita, Aomori
Miyagi Pref.

Tokyo Regional 1-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba,

Immigration Bureau Tokyo 03-3286-5246 Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Yamanashi,
Nagano, Niigata

Narita Airport District 1-1 Furugome, Narita City, New Tokyo International Airport
0476-34-2221
Immigration Office Chiba Pref.

Yokohama District 37-9 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Kanagawa

Immigration Office Yokohama City, Kanagawa 045-661-5118
Pref.

Nagoya Regional 4-3-1 Sannomaru, Naka-ku, Aichi, Mie, Shizuoka, Gifu, Fukui,
052-955-0931
Immigration Bureau Nagoya City, Aichi Pref. Toyama, Ishikawa

Osaka Regional 2-1-17 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga,
06-6941-0771
Immigration Bureau Osaka City, Osaka Pref. Wakayama

Kansai Airport District 1 Kuko-naka, Sen-shu, Tajiri- Kansai International Airport

0724-55-1453
Immigration Office machi, Sennan-gun, Osaka Pref.

Kobe District Immigration Kaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe Hyogo

078-391-6376
Office City, Hyogo Pref.

Hiroshima Regional 6-30 Kami-hatchobori, Naka- Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama,

Immigration Bureau ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 082-221-4412 Tottori, Shimane
Pref.

Takamatsu Regional 1-1 Marunouchi, Takamatsu Kagawa, Ehime, Tokushima, Kochi

087-822-5851
Immigration Bureau City, Kagawa Pref.

Fukuoka Regional 778-1 Shimousui, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita,

092-623-2400
Immigration Bureau Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Pref. Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Miyazaki

Naha District Immigration 1-15-15 Hikawa, Naha City, Okinawa

098-832-4186
Office Okinawa Pref.

Immigration Information 1-3-20 Gorin, Miyagino-ku,

022-298-9014
Centers Sendai City, Miyagi Pref.

The centers respond to 1-3-1 Otemchi, Chiyoda-ku,

03-3213-8523 - 7
inquiries by telephone or Tokyo
personal visit not only in
the Japanese language but 37-9 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku,
also in foreign language Yokohama City, Kanagawa 045-651-2851 - 2
such as English, Korean, Pref.
Chinese, etc.
4-3-1 Sannomaru, Naka-ku,
052-973-0041 - 2
Nagoya City, Aichi Pref.

1-9 Rokumantai-cho, Tennouji-

06-6774--3409 - 10
ku, Osaka City, Osaka Pref.

Kaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe

078-326-5141
City, Hyogo Pref.

6-30 Kami-Hatchobori, Naka-

ku, Hiroshima-City, Hiroshima 082-502-6060
Pref.

778-1 Shimousui, Hakata-ku,

092-626-5100 - 1
Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Pref.

31
 10. Living in Japan
1. Public safety 3. Cost of living

Japan has a relatively low crime rate compared Japan is known to be one of the most expensive
with other countries in the world. It has gained a countries in the world. The following are just some
reputation as a safe and secure nation with a high examples of typical products and services:
arrest rate. It should be noted, however, that re- Coca Cola (350 ml can) ¥118 (US$1.03)
cently there has been an increase in the number of Milk (one liter) ¥211 ($1.83)
heinous crimes. Even though Japan is known as a Hamburger ¥166 ($1.44)
safe country, you must take constant care not to Rice (10kg) ¥4,929 ($42.86)
become involved in any crime, just as in your own Bread (1kg) ¥420 ($3.65)
country. Tissues (five boxes) ¥383 ($3.33)
2. Japanese currency Dry cleaning (business suit) ¥1,101 ($9.57)
Gasoline (one liter) ¥102 ($0.89)
The Japanese currency is the yen. There are Movie theater admission fee ¥1,800 ($15.65)
four types of bill (¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, and Video rental fee (one rental) ¥399 ($3.47)
¥10,000) and six coins (¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and Delivered pizza (one pizza) ¥2,100 ($18.26)
¥500). All the main currencies can be changed at
(Calculated at an exchange rate of $1= ¥115.)
banks that handle foreign exchange. Exchange
Note: Consumption tax (5%) is added to the
rates are the same at all banks.
above prices.
Payments are usually made in cash in Japan,
Source: Study on Retail Prices of Major Con-
although there has been an increase in the number
sumer Goods and Services between Japan and
of stores accepting and the number of people using
credit cards. Checks are not commonly used. Abroad, the Economic Planning Agency, pub-
Since the year 2000, a debit card service has lished in 1999.
started by using cash cards issued by banks and post http://www5.cao.go.jp/2000/d/0516d-naigai/
office. shouhizai1.gif

Crimes and Arrest Rate

No. of cases No. of arrest

Arrest rate
reported cases
Crime 1999 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000
Murder 1,265 1,391 1,219 1,322 96.4 95.0
Robbery 4,237 5,173 2,813 2,941 66.4 56.9
Arson 1,728 1,743 1,458 1,372 84.4 78.7
Serious
Rape 1,857 2,260 1,369 1,540 73.7 68.1
Crimes
Kidnapping 249 302 244 272 98.0 90.1
Indecent assault 5,346 7,412 3,388 3,602 63.4 48.6
Total 14,682 18,281 10,491 11,049 71.5 60.4
House
134,492 154,074 82,373 57,893 61.2 37.6
Theft trespassing
by tres-
passing Other 126,489 142,412 70,611 51,235 55.8 36.0
Total 260,981 296,486 152,984 109,128 58.6 36.8
Burglary
Car theft 43,092 56,205 15,241 11,415 35.4 20.3
Snatch 41,173 46,064 20,597 14,796 50.0 32.1
Pickpocket 21,928 24,526 8,189 5,012 37.3 20.4
Total 367,174 423,281 197,011 140,351 53.7 33.2

Source: Statistics published by the National Police Agency 2001

(http://www.npa.go.jp/keiji1/NINCHI.html)

32
 Living in Japan

4. Cost of study universities, junior colleges, special training col-

leges, and Japanese-language institutes.
The money to be paid to universities, junior For the second year onward, students pay ap-
colleges, and special training colleges includes proximately 70 percent of these figures, as they pay
admission and tuition fees, fees for use of facilities the admission fee in the first year only.
and equipment, and other expenses. The following
table shows the average cost for the first year for
Average Cost of First Year of Education (Unit: yen)

Graduate Schools Universities Junior Colleges

National (all departments) 744,200 National 744,200 National 507,000

Local public Local public 844,943 Local public 537,581

Humanities 815,729 Private 4,963,589 Private

Social science 779,596
Humanities 1,114,743
Science and engineering 799,500 Dentistry 4,677,564
Law, economics, commerce
Agriculture and pharmacy 999,465 Medicine 2,140,724
and social science 1,117,157
Medicine and dentistry 844,420 Pharmacy 1,825,066
Science and agriculture 1,041,195
Arts 1,363,725
Engineering 1,191,127
Private Science and engineering 1,263,437
Education and childcare 1,058,912
Agriculture, veterinary
Home economics 1,106,886
Humanities 1,009,025 science 1,254,722
Arts 1,371,387
Social science 1,020,670 Home economics 1,246,632
Physical education 1,120,895
Science and engineering 1,257,164 Physical education 1,144,633
Agriculture and pharmacy 1,144,827 Literature and education 1,085,512
Medicine and dentistry 1,088,629 Social welfare
Economics, business,
and commerce 1,072,560
Theology and Buddhism 1,033,429

Sources:
Spcial Training Colleges
(Post Secondary Courses) Japanese-language Institutes • Graduate schools:
Daigakuin Annai 2000
(Tokyo Tosho Co., Ltd.)
National 118,000 Six-month course 357,000 - 422,000
One-year course 410,000 - 1,080,000 • Universities and junior colleges:
Local public 142,000 18-month cours 590,000 - 1,530,000 Ministry of Education, Culture,
Two-year course 770,000 - 1,715,000 Sports, Science and Technology
Private (Monbukagakusho)
Medical technology 1,229,250
1,076,000 • Special training colleges (post
Health
secondary courses):
Industry 1,160,000
Metropolitan Tokyo Professional
Culture and humanities 1,127,000
Institution Association
Practical business 1,068,000
Education and welfare 1,061,000 • Japanese-language institutes:
Home economics 850,000 Japanese Language Institutes in
Japan 2000 (Association for the
Promotion of Japanese
Language Education)

33
 Living in Japan

5. Living expenses 6. Accommodation

According to the survey by AIEJ, the average The national government, local governments,
monthly living expenses, including school expenses and universities run residences for international
of international students in Japan, shows that such type of students, but since this accommodation is
living expenses are considerably higher for Tokyo limited, very few international students are able to
than for other regional cities. benefit from it. About 68% of international stu-
dents live in private accommodation.
Average Monthly Living Expenses of an The housing situation in Japan is not very good,
International Student as of November 1999 and it is very difficult to find accommodation,
(unit: yen) especially in the Tokyo metropolitan area. When
looking for private accommodation, one can in-
Region quire at a real estate agency in the chosen area.
Hokkaido 121,000 Those with the status of residence of "college
Tohoku 119,000 student" may also seek accommodation through
Kanto 159,000 the Center for Domestic and Foreign Students.
Tokyo 165,000 Rent for private accommodation is more expensive
Chubu 128,000 than for student residences. According to a survey
Kinki 136,000 by the Center for Domestic and Foreign Students,
Chugoku 115,000 the monthly rents are as follows:
Shikoku 116,000 Monthly rent for an apartment in Tokyo:
Kyushu 126,000 a. 6-tatami mat (9.6 square meter) room (shared
toilet) less than ¥40,000
National average 142,000
b. 6-tatami mat room with cooking facilities and
Source: "Survey of Privately-Financed International toilet about ¥40,000
Students" by AIEJ, Nov. 1999 c. 6-tatami mat room with cooking facilities, toilet
Note: School expenses included.
and bath about ¥60,000
d. 6-tatami mat room with cooking facilities, toilet,
bath and air-conditioning ¥66,000

International Student Accommodation (As of May 1, 2000)

School accommodation for international students

National universities (90) 6,406
10,540 Local public universities (10) 165
(16.5%) Private universities (209) 3,969
Total
64,011 International student accommodation set up by
(100%) nonprofit organizations etc.
Accommodation by nonprofit organizations 2,106
20,583 6,416 Accommodation by local governments 1,173
(32.2%) (10.0%) Public housing 2,050
Private company housing 1,087

3,627 Ordinary student residence

(5.7%) National universities (116) 2,043
Local public universities (21) 59
Private universities (159) 1,525
Private lodging or apartment
43,428
(67.8%)

Source: Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture

34
 Living in Japan

Condominiums built of reinforced concrete are 8. Part-time Work

usually more expensive than an apartment although
the interior layout is similar. An international student is allowed to have a
Outside the Tokyo metropolitan area rents tend part-time job upon receiving permission from the
to be lower, except in large cities, although it is a 6- school attended first and then from the nearest
tatami mat room with toilet and bath. For example, regional immigration bureau, and under the follow-
its is ¥30,000 in Sapporo, ¥32,000 in Matsuyama ing conditions:
and ¥31,000 in Fukuoka. (1) The part-time job should not prevent the student
Upon signing a contract to rent an apartment, from carrying out his/her core activities in Ja-
Japanese customary practice requires the tenant to pan.
pay not only the rent but also non-refundable key (2) The purpose is to earn money for tuition fees
money equivalent to one to two months' rent, called and other necessary expenses of study in Japan.
"rei-kin" (kenri-kin) in Japanese, payable to the (3) Employment should not be undertaken at any
landlord. The landlord keeps a returnable deposit service establishment that operates entertain-
equivalent to one to two months' rent called "shiki- ment businesses negatively affecting public
kin" (hosho-kin) in Japanese, as security in case the morals or retail/non-retail type sex-related busi-
tenant should fail to pay the rent of the room. The nesses, or image transmission type sex-related
part of "shiki-kin" will be paid back to the tenant businesses.
when leaving the room. In addition, the tenant (4) The number of working hours is as shown in the
should pay a commission equivalent to one month table below (Students may work more hours if
rent the realty dealer. The system of "shiki-kin" an application is filed to that effect and approved
and "rei-kin" differs according to the district. accordingly.)
The most common part-time jobs available to
7. Guarantor international students are restaurant work, followed
by language teaching, cleaning, sales, tutoring,
A guarantor or contact person is often required clerical work, delivery, and assembling parts in a
when submitting an application for admission to a factory. High-paid jobs are rather hard to come by
higher educational institution such as a Japanese on a regular basis, and therefore the most common
language institute, special training college, univer- jobs tend to involve unskilled manual labor.
sity, etc. The reasons are various, such as to provide
a financial guarantee for the student's academic
expenses or to remove obstacles concerning any Maximum working Status of
Type of student
legal procedures on the status of residence after hours residence
gaining admission. As for the documents to be
• International students
submitted, while some schools require only a letter who study at
of guarantee and written pledge, others also ask for universities or similar Within 28 hours per
the guarantor's residence certificate and certificate educational institutes week (up to 8 hours
• International students per day during long
of employment. As a recent trend, however, an who study at colleges school vacation
increasing number of schools are only asking for a of technology or post periods)
College
contact person rather than a guarantor or, as with secondary course of student
special training
Japanese students, only asking for a guarantor at colleges
the time of admission. Inquire directly to the school
Research students Within 14 hours per
you wish to apply for about details. week (up to 8 hours
(kenkyu-sei) who
A guarantor is also required when seeking mainly audit classes or
per day during long
school vacation
accommodation and part-time work. A guarantor are auditors periods)
not only provides a financial guarantee but is also
Students in Japanese
morally responsible. Therefore, the student should language institutes Pre-college
Within 4 hours a day
build a reliable relationship and take care not to get (shugaku-sei) student
his or her guarantor into trouble.

35
 Living in Japan

While some part-time jobs last for just a single

day, others may continue for several months or a
year. Payment is generally around ¥800-1,000 per List of National Holidays of the year
hour; many companies also provide transportation 2001
expenses. The main points to consider when decid- January 1 New Year’s Day
ing on a part-time job are as follows: January 8 Coming-of-Age Day
(1) The work does not interfere with studies. (For (The second Monday of January)

example, late-night work will affect a student's February 11 National Foundation Day
ability to concentrate the next day.) March 20(21) Vernal Equinox Day
(2) Methods of payment (taxes; payment on a daily, The holiday will be either one of dates depending on a year.

weekly, or monthly basis; payment in cash or April 29 Greenery Day

through the bank; etc.) May 3 Constitution Day
(3) Safety. (Is there any danger of accidents? What May 4 National Holiday
about insurance if an accident occurs?) May 5 Children’s Day
The most important point is for the student to July 20 Marine Day
take care of his or her health and not allow the work September 15 Respect-for-the-Aged Day
to interfere with studies. About 70% of interna- September 23(24) Autumnal Equinox Day
The holiday will be either one of dates depending on a year.
tional students take on some kind of part-time
work, averaging 15 hours a week. October 9 Health Sports Day
(The second Monday of October)
The welfare sections of universities and the
November 3 Culture Day
Center for Domestic and Foreign Students provide
November 23 Labor Thanksgiving Day
information on part-time work that is available for
December 23 Emperor’s Birthday
students with the status of residence as "college
student." In addition, public employment offices * When a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the
following Monday will be observed as a substitute
"Hello Work" provide information about part-time holiday.
work for international students with a "pre-college
student" status.

▲ Japanese yen bills and coins

36

9. Expense for medical treatment /
National Health Insurance system
Medical treatment in Japan is expensive. The
cost of one visit to the doctor for treating a cold is
about ¥5,000 for people without insurance. The
medical fees for a person hospitalized for one week
with an illness like appendicitis will come to
¥200,000, and the cost of treating a single decayed
tooth to tens of thousands of yen, which places a
heavy financial burden on the patient. In order to
relieve this financial burden, under Japanese law all
residents must enroll in the National Health Insur-
ance system.
The law stipulates that international students
staying in Japan for a year or longer should enroll
in the National Health Insurance system. Enroll-
ment procedures are carried out at the local ward or
municipal office, and payments are made monthly.
The premium varies by area, and students without
a source of income while in Japan usually pay a
reduced premium.
Subscribers to the National Health Insurance
system have to pay only 20% to 30% of medical
expenses for any treatment covered by the insur-
ance. Expenses for medical treatment not covered
by the insurance must be paid in full.
The AIEJ International Student Medical Fee
Reimbursement program offers an additional re-
fund of part of the medical expenses incurred.
University or college international student offices
handle application procedures. Note that reim-
Total medical bill
Treatment covered by insurance
Covered by National Health Insurance (70-80%)
Living in Japan
bursements cannot be made for medical treatment
that is not covered by the National Health Insurance
system. The reimbursement amounts to 80% of the
cost incurred by the international student for medi-
cal treatment at a hospital or clinic. Accordingly,
using both the National Health Insurance system
and AIEJ's reimbursement program, an interna-
tional student will have to pay only 4% to 6% of a
medical bill for any treatment covered by the insur-
ance.
A student will be required to pay a certain
amount of money to get medicine prescribed after
seeing a doctor as an outpatient but the charge for
medicine will be covered by AIEJ's International
Student Medical Fee Reimbursement Program.
10. Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities are extremely popu-
lar in Japanese universities and special training
schools and international students are welcome to
participate. Indeed, international students are
strongly recommended to add spice to their stay in
Japan by joining a club in which they can make the
most of their skills and interests other than study
and make many friends with Japanese students.
Most universities have a wide variety of clubs,
ranging from cultural interests, such as music, art,
tea ceremony, and flower arrangement and interna-
tional exchange, to sports, including soccer, base-
ball, volleyball, judo, swimming, skiing and tennis.
Treatment not covered
by the insurance
To be paid
Student's temporary payment (20-30%) by the student (100%)
Covered by AIEJ medical To be paid
fee reimbursement program by the
(80%) student
37
 11.Internship Program and Employment
1. Internship program
In recent years, the number of people who
experience internship as employment experience
while they are students has been increasing.
In general, internship is a system through which
a student gains working experience relating to his/
her major field and future career at a company, etc.
while still at school. The way of receiving students
differs by company: some receiving them as part of
the "workforce," which is the same as a part-time
job, or some facilitating intership as a"part of the
curriculum" for the students to earn credits. In case
you receive financial remuneration from the com-
pany, you need to receive permission for "activity
other than that of the designated visa status."
Regarding the availability of internship sys-
tems and transfer of the internship experience into
credits, please directly confirm with each school at
the time of your selection of schools. Information
on companies receiving internship students, regis-
tration and other items are disclosed over the Internet
as well.
If a student who is registered at a university
outside Japan enters Japan to have employment
experience as a part of the curriculum for obtaining
credits from his/her university based on agreement
between the university and the company, the status
of residence will be "Designated Activities," "Cul-
tural Activities" or "Temporary Visitor" depending
on whether financial remuneration is provided or
not and the period of stay in Japan.
If you wish to take an internship program while
studying in Japan, please inquire at "ETIC," a non-
profit organization.
Tokyo office: 17th Floor, SHIBUYA MARKCITY
WEST, 1-12-1, Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEL: +81-3-5459-0417 FAX: +81-3-5459-0418
E-mail : info@etic.gr.jp
Kansai office: Studio-TO Research Park , Kurita-
cho, Chudoji, Shimogyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
TEL: +81-75-325-5110 FAX: +81-75-315-9297
Number of International Students Approved for Change of Status of Residence (1999)
Undergraduates Master's course Doctor's course
No. of 1,277 823 483
approvals
Source: Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Justice (http://www.moj.go.jp/PRESS/00530-4/00530-4.html)
38
E-mail : kabe@etic.gr.jp
If you are a student living outside Japan,
AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants
en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales: http:/
/www.jp.aiesec.org), which is a student organiza-
tion having committees in more than 700 universi-
ties in 84 countries in the world, and conducts
recruitment for internship programs for overseas
companies.
2. Employment
The number of international students who ob-
tain employment in Japanese companies after gradu-
ation is increasing year by year. According to the
Immigration Bureau, the number of international
students who applied to change their status of
residence so that they could work in Japan was
3,071 in 1999. Permission was granted to 2,989 of
them, which is 97.3% of the cases. The main points
taken into account when screening applications for
a change of residency status for the purpose of
employment are: (1) educational background, (2)
the type of jobs in which the applicant wants to be
employed, (3) remuneration, and (4) condition of
the company concerned.
Educational background includes graduates of
universities, junior colleges and colleges of tech-
nology, and those who graduated from special
training colleges and obtained a qualification of
"senmon-shi (technical associate)." Concerning
the type of jobs, it is important that your work
should be related to the subject that you majored in.
For example, it would be difficult, in principle,
for someone who studied costume design to obtain
a change in status of residence to work as a com-
puter programmer. As regards remuneration, the
salary should be at least the same as that of Japanese
employees. As regards the condition of the com-
pany, there are no official standards, but the com-
pany should fulfill certain standards in terms of its
stable business foundation and performance. For
Junior college Special training college Others Total
123 189 94 2,989
 Internship Program and Employment

details about procedures and documents necessary students; (5) participating in visits to companies;
for application, please consult regional immigra- (6) contacting consulting organizations such as the
tion bureaus. Center for Domestic and Foreign Students and the
Information on employment in Japan can be Employment Service Center for Foreigners.
gathered by the following methods: (1) talking with
people who have studied in Japan and now work for
Japanese companies; (2) using the careers advice
department of your school; (3) reading employ-
ment magazines for international students; (4)
attending employment seminars for international

2nd Fl. Roppongi Job Park., 3-2-21

Employment Tokyo Students Employment Center Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032
Tel: 03-3586-8609

Employment Service Center for Foreigners http://www.tokyo-hellowork.go.jp/foreign

(Tokyo Office) 3rd Fl. Roppongi Job Park., 3-2-21
Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032
Tel: 03-3586-8609
(Osaka Office) 101 Yusei Gojokai Shinsai Bldg., 3-11-18
Minami-Semba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi,
Osaka 542-0081
Tel: 06-6241-5606

39
 (References)
Number of international students in ate courses at universities, about 37% attend gradu-
Japan ate schools, and about 14% attend special training
colleges (Fig. 4). The principal majors of interna-
As of May 1, 2000, the total number of interna- tional students are social science, humanities, and
tional students attending Japanese institutions of engineering (Fig. 5).
higher education stood at 64,011 according to a International students attending national gradu-
survey by the Ministry of Education, Science, ate schools account for about 72% of the total
Sports, and Culture (presently "the Ministry of number of international post-graduate students
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technol- studying in Japan, while most junior college and
ogy") (see Figure 1). About 90% of these students special training school students go to private schools
came from other Asian countries (see Figures 2 and (see Table 1).
3). Fig. 6 shows universities which accept many
By type of educational institution, about 43% international students. About 51% of international
of these international students attend undergradu- students attend schools in the Kanto region sur-
rounding Tokyo and about 18% go to schools in the
Kinki region surrounding Osaka (see Table 2).
Fig. 1 Number of International Students in Japan (As of May 1 every year)

65000 64,011

60000

55,755
Total 53,787 53,847
55000 52,921 53,640
52,405

51,047 51,298
50000 48,561

45,577 45.439
45,066 45,245
45000 44,783 43,573

41,347
41,804
41,273 41,390
40000
38,775

35,360
35000
Prevately Financed Students
31,251

30000

25,643
25,852
25000
22,154

20,549
20000 18,631
17,701
15,009
15000 14,659
12,410
11,733
Japanese government scholarship students
10,428
8,774 8,930
10000 8,116 9,267 8,051 8,250 8,323
7,179 7,371
5,933
6,572
7,483 6,408 6,880
5,699
4,961 5,219
5,677 4,118 4,465
5000 4,645 4,784 5,126 3,077 3,458 Foreign government sponsored students
2,502
1,777 2,082 2,345
1,183 1,369 1,578 995 976 934 1,026 1,072 1,058 1,214 1,330 1,231 1,297 1,524 1,585 1,542 1,441
863 798 774 895
105 419 475 662
0
'79 '80 '81 '82 '83 '84 '85 '86 '87 '88 '89 '90 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 2000

Note: Foreign government sponsored students refer to international students sent Source: Ministry of Education, Science,
by the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, Thailand, Singapore, Sports and Culture
United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Uzbekistan.

40
 References

Fig. 2 International Students in Japan by Region (As of May 1, 2000)

Total Japanese government

64,011 scholarship students
(100%) 8,930 (100%)
100 100
490 (0.8%) Middle and Near East 270 (3.0%)
520 (0.8%) Oceania 224 (2.5%)
712 (1.1%) 90 Africa 90
465 (5.2%)
890 (1.4%) Central and South America 600 (6.7%)
1,241 (1.9%) 80 North America 80 193 (2.2%)
2,220 (3.5%) Europe
70 70
1,065 (11.9%)

60 60

50 50

40 40

57,938 (90.5%) 6,113 (68.5%)

Asia
30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

Source: Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture

Fig. 3 International Students in Japan by Nationality (As of May 1, 2000)

Japanese government Privately financed

scholarship students students
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000
China 32,297 (1,678)
Korea 12,851 (810)
Taiwan 4,189 (2)
Malaysia 1,856 (276)
Indonesia 1,348 (552)
Thailand 1,245 (529)
United States 1,044 (148)
Bangladesh 800 (527)
Note: Figures in parentheses show
number of Japanese government Vietnam 717 (346)
scholarship students.
Philippines 477 (330)
Others 7,187 (3,732)

Source: Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture

Fig. 4 International Students in Japan by Type of Educational Institution (As of May 1, 2000)

Total Japanese government

64,011 scholarship students
(100%) 8,930 (100%)
100 100
1,283 (2.0%) Course of preliminary study 335 (3.8%)
495 (0.8%) College of technology 235 (2.6%)
8,781 (13.7%) 90 90
Special training college
1,236 (13.8%)
2,077 (3.3%) 80 Junior college 80

70 70

27,795 (43.4%) 60 University (undergraduate) 60

50 50

40 40 7,124 (79.8%)

30 30

20 20
23,580 (36.8%) Graduate school

10 10

0 0
Source: Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture

41
 References

Fig. 5 International Students in Japan by Major Field (As of May 1, 2000)

Total Japanese government

64,011 scholarship students
(100%) 8,930 (100%)
100 100

1,276 (14.3%)
90 90

19,001 (29.7%) Social science

80 80 1,296 (14.5%)

70 70

15,583 (24.3%) 60 Humanities 60

2,351 (26.3%)

50 50

9,878 (15.4%) 864 (9.7%)

40 Engineering 40

30
462 (5.2%)
2,731 (4.3%) Medicine, dentistry, etc. 30

2,660 (4.2%) Teacher training 901 (10.1%)

2,143 (3.3%) 20
Agriculture 20

1,848 (2.9%) Art 83 (0.9%)

1,307 (2.0%) 10
Science 476 (5.3%)
Home economics 10
1,076 (1.7%) 35 (0.4%)
7,784 (12.2%) Other 1,186
0 0
(13.3%)
Source: Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture

Table 1 International Students in Japan by Type of Institution (As of May 1 2000)

Universities Junior Colleges of Special Course of

training preliminary Total
undergraduatel graduate colleges technology study
colleges
National 6,253 17,000 7 482 1 156 23,899

Local public 1,066 939 62 0 23 0 2,090

Private 20,476 5,641 2,008 13 8,757 1,127 38,022

Total 27,795 23,580 2,077 495 8,781 1,283 64,011

Source: Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture

Fig. 6 Top 10 Universities in Terms of Number of International Students (As of May 1, 2000)

National 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000

Tokyo 1,939
Nagoya 1,050
Kyoto 1,042
Tsukuba 965
Osaka 893
Kyushu 812
Tohoku 801
Tokyo Institute of Technology 750
Hiroshima 723
Chiba 672

Private 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200

Waseda 1,129
Nihon 768
Takushoku 709
Meikai 486
Keio 484
Kyushu Sangyo 471
Chuo 452
Ritsumeikan 425
Jyousai Kokusai 422
Rissho 409

Source: Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture

42
 References

Table 2 International Students in Japan by Region and Prefecture (As of May 1, 2000 )

Number of Inter- Number of Inter- Number of Inter- Number of Inter-

Region national Students
Prefecture national Students
Region national Students
Prefecture national Students

Mie 393
1,308
Hokkaido Hokkaido 1,308 Shiga 167
(2.0%)
11,721 Kyoto 3,103
Kinki
Aomori 166 (18.3%) Osaka 5,379
Iwate 201 Hyogo 2,067
1,995 Miyagi 1,100 Nara 524
Tohoku
(3.1%) Akita 125 Wakayama 88
Yamagata 190 Tottori 192
Fukushima 213 2,799 Shimane 147
Chugoku
Ibaraki 1,668 (4.4%) Okayama 857
Tochigi 511 Hiroshima 1,210
Gunma 583 Yamaguchi 393
32,300
Kanto Saitama 2,515 Tokushima 175
(50.5%)
Chiba 2,443 843 Kagawa 181
Shikoku
Tokyo 22,314 (1.3%) Ehime 347
Kanagawa 2,226 Kochi 140
Niigata 970 Fukuoka 2,749
Toyama 303 Saga 257
Ishikawa 573 Nagasaki 613
7,233
Fukui 214 5,812 Kumamoto 387
(11.3%) Kyushu
Chubu Yamanashi 236 (9.1%) Oita 746
Nagano 383 Miyazaki 140
Gifu 672 Kagoshima 392
Shizuoka 515 Okinawa 528
Aichi 3,367 Total 64,011 (100.0%)

Note: University campuses that stretch across two or more prefectures are Source: Ministry of Education, Science,
considered as being located in the prefecture hosting the main office. Sports and Culture

▲ AIEJ Headquarters

43
 Student Guide to Japan 2001
Original language : Japanese

Published by :
Association of International Education, Japan (AIEJ)

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© Student Guide to Japan 2001

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of AIEJ.

44