EDUCATION SYSTEM IN JAPAN
Thứ Ba - 16/12/2025
The current Japanese education system was established shortly after World War II, between 1947 and 1950, modeled closely on the American system. Guided by the philosophy “No child in any family, and no family in any community, should be deprived of education,” Japan aims to ensure the all-rounded development of children – emotionally, intellectually, morally, socially, and spiritually. This holistic approach has become the core educational philosophy of Japan, known as kokoro.
Japan’s education system consists of 6 years of primary school, 3 years of lower secondary school, 3 years of upper secondary school, and 4 years of university. Primary and lower secondary education are compulsory, meaning all children aged 6 to 15 must attend school.
Types of schools in Japan
- Kindergarten (1 to 3 years)
- Primary School (6 years, ages 6-12)
- Lower Secondary School (3 years, ages 13-15)
- Upper Secondary School (3 years)
- Junior College (2 years, some departments 3 years)
- Colleges of Technology (5 to 5.5 years)
- Short-term University (2 years)
- Regular University (4 years)
- Vocational Schools (1 year or more)
- Specialized Training Colleges (1 year or more)
Japan is actively implementing policies to attract international students. Many Japanese language preparatory schools have been established to meet growing demand – such as Kurume, Koiwa, Osaka Language Academy, and more. The Japanese government also provides various forms of support to international students, including full scholarships, tuition waivers, housing assistance, and living subsidies.
Academic Calendar:
The Japanese academic year typically begins in April and ends in March of the following year. Most institutions follow a two-semester system: Semester 1: April – September and Semester 2: October – March. Some schools use a three-semester or quarter (four-semester) system instead.
I. Compulsory Education
1. Primary and Lower Secondary Education
Primary and lower secondary education are compulsory for Japanese children. When a child reaches school age, families receive official notices from local authorities and must complete required procedures such as health checks before enrollment.
For foreign residents, because compulsory education does not apply in the same way, admission notices are not issued automatically. However, families who wish their children to attend public schools must submit an application for school admission. Once accepted, parents must complete registration procedures, including providing the child’s foreign resident certificate and the official admission notice to the municipal office.
Public primary and lower secondary schools do not charge tuition fees, though school lunch fees may apply. Students who graduate from public primary and lower secondary schools may advance to university without entrance exams in certain cases. Individuals over 16 who do not hold Japanese citizenship, as well as adult learners attending evening schools, may also qualify for university admission. Even those who did not complete primary or lower secondary education in their home country may still pursue university studies in Japan—without concerns about tuition fees or academic level restrictions.
2. Upper Secondary School (High School)
After completing lower secondary school, students may advance to: Upper secondary school (High school), or Technical/vocational high schools. Since upper secondary education is not compulsory, students must apply and sit entrance examinations if required. General upper secondary programs last 3 years (longer for part-time or distance-learning programs).
High schools in Japan teach practical, career-oriented skills, including: Agricultural High Schools, Industrial High Schools, Commercial High Schools and various specialized vocational high schools. Specialized high schools (5-year programs) provide deeper training and prepare students for employment or progression to university. Popular specializations include industrial technology, maritime studies, electrical engineering, and navigation. Students graduating from part-time or distance-learning high schools are also eligible to apply for colleges or universities.
II. Higher Education
Post-secondary education in Japan includes five types of institutions:
- Colleges of Technology
- Vocational Schools (Specialized Training Colleges)
- Junior Colleges
- Universities
- Graduate Schools
Depending on the founding authority, institutions may be classified as:
- National: managed by the national government
- Prefectural: established and managed by local governments
- Private: established and operated by private organizations
Since the 1970s, Japan has introduced strict policies to regulate private institutions and ensure the quality of university graduates.
There are currently around 60 junior colleges and 700 universities. Junior college programs last 1-3 years, while most university programs last 4 years, except for Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science, which require 6 years of study.
For tailored guidance and full assistance throughout your study-abroad journey, please contact us HERE:
Duc Anh EduConnect
Hotline: 09887 09698, 09630 49860
Email: duhoc@ducanh.edu.vn
Website: ducanhduhoc.vn/
Bài viết liên quan
Danh sách các trường THPT Việt Nam được Đại học Melbourne công nhận xét tuyển thẳng
Từ kỳ nhập học tháng 7/2024, Đại học Melbourne mở rộng danh sách trường THPT tại Việt Nam được công nhận xét tuyển thẳng. Dưới đây là danh sách 23 trường…
THÔNG TIN CHUNG VỀ NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand là một đảo quốc tại khu vực tây nam của Thái Bình Dương. Về địa lý, New Zealand gồm hai đại lục chính là đảo Bắc và đảo Nam, và các đảo nhỏ…
VÌ SAO CHỌN DU HỌC New Zealand?
11 lý do chọn học ở New Zealand: 1. Gần gũi: NZ gần gũi với toàn thế giới, thông qua các phương tiện thông tin đại chúng, internet, phương tiện…
HỆ THỐNG GIÁO DỤC NEW ZEALAND
Hệ thống giáo dục New Zealand được chia thành bậc phổ thông và bậc cao (gồm cao đẳng và đại học). Năm học tại NZ có khác nhau một chút giữa các trường, nhưng nhìn chung là bắt đầu từ tháng 1 và kết thúc vào giữa tháng 12 với bậc học tiểu học, trung học, cao đẳng và từ tháng 2 đến tháng 11 với bậc đại học.
THÔNG BÁO LỊCH NGHỈ TẾT DƯƠNG LỊCH 2024
Kính gửi: Quý Phụ huynh / Học sinh / Đối tác, Nhân dịp Tết Dương lịch 2024, Công ty Tư vấn du học Đức Anh xin gửi lời cảm ơn…
Cùng TRÙM SĂN HỌC BỔNG Đức Anh EduConnect: Rà soát hồ sơ- chọn ngành, chọn trường và Apply cho du học 2024!
Muốn du học nhưng chưa biết bắt đầu từ đâu? Có trường trong đầu nhưng mãi không chốt được? Học bổng nào hay trường nào là Dream- là Match- là…