Secondary Education in Japan

Secondary education in Japan begins after six years of primary school and is divided into two stages.

• Lower secondary school (Junior High School) — ages 12 to 15. This is a compulsory stage that everyone goes through.
• Upper secondary school (Senior High School) — ages 15 to 18. It's no longer compulsory by law, but almost everyone attends — over 98% of students continue their education.

According to MEXT (Japan's Ministry of Education), 2.874 million students were enrolled in upper secondary schools in the 2025 academic year — 33,000 fewer than the previous year. Academic, technical, and vocational tracks are offered, and admission is competitive: entrance exams decide everything.

Key Facts and Figures

• Education is compulsory for 9 years — from age 6 to 15.
• There are 4,774 upper secondary schools in Japan (2025 data) — 15 national, 3,438 public, and 1,321 private.
• The number of lower and upper secondary schools is gradually declining, but enrolment in secondary education has reached record levels.
• Japan's literacy rate approaches 100% — one of the highest in the world.

The Japanese education system is known for high academic standards, discipline, and a strong emphasis on mathematics and the natural sciences. Extracurricular activities — bukatsu (club activities) — are an important part of school life. Here, children don't just study — they fully immerse themselves in school life.

Higher Education in Japan

Japan is one of Asia's leading centres of higher education — with academic excellence, cutting‑edge research, and innovation. There are around 800 universities in the country — national, public, and private. As of 2025, there were 793 (3 fewer than the previous year), with private institutions accounting for about 76.5%. The most prestigious are the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and the Tokyo Institute of Technology.

Key Features

• A bachelor's degree typically lasts 4 years — except in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, where it takes 6 years.
• A master's degree takes 2 years, and a doctorate takes 3–5 years.
• An important trend: the number of English‑taught programmes is growing, as Japan is actively attracting international students.

Enrolment Figures

Approximately 2.97 million students are enrolled in Japanese higher education institutions — a record. The number of undergraduate students reached approximately 2.646 million, also a record. The share of female students was 46.1%, up by 0.2 percentage points compared to the previous year.

The number of international students in Japan as of 1 May 2025 stood at 408,069 — 21.2% more than a year earlier. The figure has exceeded 400,000 for the first time, meaning Japan has achieved its 2033 government target ahead of schedule. Of these 408,000, 267,895 are enrolled in higher education institutions.

Japan consistently ranks among the world leaders in research and technological innovation. Japanese universities are particularly strong in engineering, robotics, technology, the natural sciences, and business.

Summer Programmes and Language Courses

Japan offers a wide range of short‑term programmes — Japanese language schools, cultural immersion camps, and summer courses at universities.

Programme Format

• Japanese language classes — 15–20 hours per week.
• Cultural workshops — tea ceremony, calligraphy, martial arts.
• Programmes focused on technology or anime and manga.
• Excursions to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.
• Accommodation in student residences or host families.

Facts and Context

Japan is one of Asia's most popular destinations for studying the Japanese language. Hundreds of accredited schools operate across the country. In 2025, the largest group of international students was those enrolled in language schools — 140,174.

Summer programmes in Japan offer a unique combination of traditional culture and cutting‑edge technology. They often inspire students to continue their studies in the country long‑term. Try it — and stay. It works.

If you're considering Japan for your child — we'll help you navigate every stage, from choosing a school and qualification type to document preparation and visa application. Get in touch — we'll tell you where to start.