Student Guide

Institutes Providing Japanese-Language Education

Contents:
1.Types and numbers
2. Choosing an institute providing Japanese-language education

3. Admission qualifications and procedures
4. Application period

Admission qualifications and procedures

In almost all cases, the qualification for entering an institute providing Japanese-language education is to have completed, or to have attained an equivalent level of study, more than 12 years of school education.

However, if a foreigner with the aim of just learning the Japanese language studies in Japan without the intention to proceed to higher educational institutions in Japan, he/she is entitled to study at a general course or other courses at Japanese-language institutes accredited by the Association for the Promotion of Japanese-Language Education regardless of their educational background. In this case, it is not necessary to select a course designated in the "Course of Preliminary Study for University Entrance." However, as requirements particular to each institution may be added to the criterion of acceptance, please inquire of the school of your choice beforehand.

In the case of those who have completed 10 or 11 years of primary and secondary education, and are planning to proceed to university or other higher educational institutions, they are to enroll in "Course of Preliminary Study for University Entrance" (Refer to Chapter 15) designated by Monbukagakusho. This course is designed for prospective students who wish to go on to higher education in Japan. Qualification to take an entrance examination of a higher educational institution in Japan cannot be obtained if this course is not completed.

Most institutes select students through documentation-based screening; some schools hold an interview with the guarantor (Refer to Chapter 12.) 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)

9. (Overseas examinations)

10. (Interview with the guarantor)

In certain cases the documents that have to be submitted differ somewhat according to the institute, so please inquire directly.

After submission of these documents, the schools will notify applicants of screening results. In the case of successful applicants, schools will begin visa application procedures on their behalf. For procedures after this stage, see Chapter 11 "Procedures to Entering Japan."