Secondary education in Japan begins after six years of primary school and is divided into:
Lower Secondary School (Junior High School, ages 12–15) – compulsory
Upper Secondary School (Senior High School, ages 15–18) – not compulsory, but highly attended
While only nine years of education are legally compulsory, over 98% of students continue to upper secondary school.
Upper secondary schools offer academic, technical, and vocational tracks. Admission is competitive and typically based on entrance examinations.
Education is compulsory for 9 years (ages 6–15).
Japan has over 4,800 upper secondary schools.
Literacy rates are close to 100%, among the highest in the world.
The Japanese education system is known for its strong academic standards, discipline, and emphasis on mathematics and sciences. Extracurricular activities, known as bukatsu (club activities), are an important part of student life.
Japan is one of Asia’s leading higher education hubs, combining academic excellence with advanced research and innovation.
The country has approximately 800 universities, including national, public, and private institutions. Some of the most prestigious include the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Tokyo Institute of Technology.
Bachelor’s degrees typically last 4 years (6 years for medicine, dentistry, and veterinary programs).
Master’s degrees usually take 2 years.
Doctoral programs generally last 3–5 years.
Increasing number of programs offered in English to attract international students.
Japan hosts around 3 million higher education students.
Over 300,000 international students study in Japan, with government initiatives aiming to increase this number further.
Japan consistently ranks among the world leaders in research and technological innovation.
Japanese universities are particularly strong in engineering, robotics, technology, natural sciences, and business.
Japan offers a wide range of short-term programs, including Japanese language schools, cultural immersion camps, and university summer courses.
Japanese language classes (15–20 hours per week)
Cultural workshops (tea ceremony, calligraphy, martial arts)
Technology or anime/manga-focused programs
Excursions to cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima
Accommodation in student residences or host families
Japan is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for students learning Japanese.
Hundreds of accredited Japanese language schools operate nationwide.
Summer programs in Japan provide a unique combination of traditional culture and cutting-edge technology, often inspiring students to pursue long-term academic study in the country.