Why study in Japan?

Active international exchange is now taking place throughout many parts of the world, and there are now said to be more than 1.5 million foreign students studying around the globe. Of them, 121,812 (as of May 1, 2005) are studying in Japan.

What is it that attracts these students to Japan?

The greatest appeal of studying in Japan is its academic environment where one can study state-of-the-art technology and acquire the knowledge that enabled Japan's phenomenal postwar economic growth. Whether it is electronics, Japanese literature, medicine or international business administration, Japanese universities and other institutes of higher education can offer course studies or research programs of virtually any field. The ratio of students who go on to universities (undergraduate level) and junior colleges (regular courses) is also very high in Japan at 48.6% (Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) "Statistical Abstract 2002 edition"). This figure is indicative of the high standard of education in Japan. Many institutions of higher education, such as universities and junior colleges, are well equipped with fine research, computer, and library facilities and enable students to carry out their research in an excellent environment.

Japan has produced many outstanding researchers in diverse fields. Still fresh in our mind is the awarding of the Nobel Prize to two Japanese scientists in 2002. Mr. Masatoshi Koshiba, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, received the prize in physics for the detection of cosmic neutrinos, a "mystery" elementary particle. This discovery had a major impact on the elementary particle theory. Meanwhile, Mr. Koichi Tanaka was awarded the prize in chemistry for the development of ionization methods that became the basis for the analysis of the structure of protein molecules, opening a way to the development of new pharmaceutical drugs as well as the early diagnosis of cancers. As of 2001, 10.4% of published academic papers were produced by Japanese researchers (Source: MEXT Statistical Abstract; Original source: Institute for Scientific Information, "National Science Indicators, 1981 - 2001").

Many leading figures who are playing an active role in the world today have the experience of studying in Japan. The network of coursemates that you can build in Japan will undoubtedly become an invaluable asset for your future career.

Please read the messages from Japan alumni to find out more:

http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/ath/ath05e.html

The entry procedures for non-Japanese citizens and the type of activity they may engage in are stipulated in detail by a law called the Immigration-Control and Refugee-Recognition Act ("Immigration-Control Act"). Even if your stay in Japan proceeds without any problems, both in terms of studies and daily life, if you should neglect or fail to follow the procedures stipulated by the Immigration-Control Act, you may not be able to continue your studies in Japan. Therefore care must be taken to follow the regulations.

When a student goes abroad to study, the student normally gains admission to a college or university before departing his or her country. Ideally, you should also leave for Japan after gaining admission to an institute of higher education. With this view, Japan promotes a system of "Pre-arrival Admission" and holds the "Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)." This examination, held since FY2002, allows prospective students to apply for admission to a Japanese institute of higher education, go through the selection process and secure admission without having to travel to Japan. You can find details regarding the "Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)" at the following webpage: http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0303e.html 1. Special courses for foreign students held by private universities (1) The special courses for foreign students held by private universities are regular courses defined by the School Education Law as part of university education. The objective of these courses is to offer preparatory education to international students who will be enrolling in junior colleges, undergraduate or postgraduate courses at universities, as well as those enrolling as researchers. Subjects taught include the Japanese language, studies on Japanese society and culture as well as other necessary subjects. The residence status of a student taking special courses for foreign students is "college student." Many such programs operated by private universities have courses on Japanese culture and society taught in Japanese. However, there are some that offer courses in English. (2) As of 2003, there are 52 private universities and 11 private junior colleges that offer special courses for foreign students. It is advisable that you take into consideration your objective for studying in Japan, the field you wish to study in and the future path you would like to take after completing the preparatory course in order to select a program that is appropriate for you. Depending on the school, students who will be advancing to the same university as that offering the special courses may have the privilege of special measures, such as the waiver of the admission selection process. You can find details regarding special courses for foreign students operated by private universities at the following website. However, please be sure to inquire with each school for the latest information. http://www.jasso.go.jp/study_j/documents