In principle, international students are not permitted to transfer from one Japanese-language institute to another, or to a preparatory Japanese-language program at a private university in Japan. Students should be very careful to choose a school by collecting sufficient information and check on each school's guide or inquire directly from its current or former students.

(1) Preparatory Japanese-language programs at private universities
Students can obtain information on Preparatory Japanese-language Programs for International Students at private universities, a directory compiled by the Association of Private Universities of Japan. The directory is available at many Japanese government offices overseas. The list of institutes can be reffered to at JASSO web site (http://www.jasso.go.jp) or Voice & Fax Information Service. In addition, JASSO web site links to the web sites of universities offering preparatory Japanese-language programs for international students.

(2) Japanese-language institutes
It is important when choosing a Japanese-language institutes to confirm whether the institute is accredited by the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education because the status of residence as "college student" and "pre-college student" are not granted for study at unaccredited institutes. The accredited institutes are listed in "Japanese Language Institutes in Japan", published by the association, so you should refer to this list. The English version of the list is available on their web site
(http://www.nisshinkyo.org).
  The Information Center of JASSO compiles a list of Japanese Language Institutes based on "Japanese language institutes in Japan."
*Accreditation of Japanese-language institutes is renewed every three years.

(3) Course of preliminary study for university entrance
    The Information Center of JASSO compiles a list of "Course of Preliminary Study for University Entrance," which is available from the JASSO web site (http://www.jasso.go.jp) or Voice & Fax Information Service.

(4) Choosing a course
    When choosing an institute providing Japanese-language education, please attend to the following. 

1. Program objectives:
      What are the main objectives of the institute's courses? Does the program have a course that suits your goals?

* Japanese-language institutes offer various courses, such as a general course, a course for students who wish 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, they cannot obtain qualifications to enter universities by attending general courses. Consequently, these prospective students must be sure to select from among the Japanese-language institutes designated by Monbukagakusho as the "course of preliminary study for university entrance." 

2. Japanese proficiency level:
      Are the students placed in different classes according to their level 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, chemistry and social studies) to prepare for entrance examinations? 

4. Educational environment:
      Is the location and accessibility of the institute satisfactory? Does it suit the students' choice? 

5. Accommodation:
      Does the institute provide accommodation? If it does not have special accommodation, will it assist you to find an apartment or lodging? 

6. Guidance on further education and living:
      Does the institute offer advice and counseling on further education? Does it provide counseling services related to problems in everyday life? 

7. Data on past students (track record):
      What universities did the students enter? What percentage and level of students pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test? 

8. Number of instructors:
      Are there sufficient instructors for the students? 

9. Tuition fees:
      Are the tuition fees appropriate for the duration of study, instructor and facilities? 

10. Method of selection for admission:
      Is the screening test based on documentation alone? Is an interview with the guarantor or liaison person of the student required? 

11. Status of Residence:
      What status of residence is given, a "college student" or a "pre-college student?" 

12. Total hours of lesson schedule 

13. The ratios of students according to their nationality:
      If there are more students from countries using Chinese characters, is there any consideration for those coming from countries not using Chinese characters?