Japanese Language Institutes

These institutes teach non-Japanese speakers the Japanese language. In most coureses of study at higher education institutions in Japan, the classes are conducted in Japanese. To follow along with school classes, Japanese language abilities of around Japanese Language Proficiency Test levels N1 or N2 are required. This is equal to around 600 to 900 or more hours of study. It depends on the environment and individual effort, but even with concentrated study in Japan it requires around one to two years to reach this level.

International students from countries where formal school education is less than 12 years

University Preparatory Courses

Students who have completed 10 or 11 years of elementary and secondary school education and wish to apply for admission to higher education institutions, such as universities, in Japan must meet either of the following eligibility criteria:

Have completed 12 years of formal school education by taking an additional one or two years of schooling at a university or other higher education institution or a university preparatory program in their home country.
Have completed university preparatory courses (junbi kyouiku katei) authorized by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (provided, however, that they have completed a level of education equivalent to a Japanese High School).

List of Japanese language institutes designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan

International students who have completed 12 years of formal school education

Japanese Language Institutes

Japanese language institutes are for international students with "Student" status of residence aiming to be admitted to higher education institutions in Japan.

Preparatory Japanese Language Programs offered at Private Universities and Junior Colleges

Some private universities and colleges offer preparatory Japanese language courses in a similar way as Japanese language institutes offer. Students planning on further study in university may use the admission on recommendation system offered by universities with preparatory Japanese language programs. Students can also apply for admission to other universities of their choice. Preparatory Japanese Language Programs offered at Private Universities and Junior Colleges are also known as "Bekka" in short.