About three-quarters of Japans land space consists of mountains and hills. and the amount of flat land available for cultivation and urban development is limited. Nearly 130 million people live in this confined area. Since Japan lies almost in the centre of a temperate zone, it is generally mild, but  the seasonal changes are distinct Spring and autumn are usually very pleasant, but the summer months (June - August) are hot and humid, while the winters (December - February) are quite cold.
In food wise, Japanese dishes consist mainly of rice, together with vegetables, fish, o' meat, but Western and Chinese meals are also popular. and in fact, a whole range of cuisine is available. Japanese culture consists of a fascinating mixture of old and new and Eastern and Western. It is not unusual for young people to study traditional arts like the tea ceremony and flower arrangement and then head  straight for the disco The same goes for industry, where traces of its agricultural past remain, co-existing with its rapid industrialization over the last century.

In study aspects, Japan is an exciting place where ancient traditions and advanced technologies blend to create a stimulating environment. Japanese universities offer research in a broad spectrum of fields, which range from electronic engineering to international management.

Studying in Japan

The first step towards studying in Japan is to know about the higher educational institutions over there that international students can enroll in.

Academic Year

The academic year m higher educational institutions in Japan begins in April and ends in March the following year (some institutions start its academic year in autumn). Some classes are offered year-round, but most universities use a two semester system, namely the first semester (April - September) and the second semester (October - March). Vacations vary according to universities and departments, but they usually offer three vacation periods in the year: summer (late July - mid-September), winter (late December - early January) and spring (mid-February - March).

Educational System

2 - Graduate Course

Graduate schools have master's and doctor's courses, and some universities also accept research students, audit and credit-earning students.

After acquiring a list ol schools and individual school prospectuses and application details, you should select a school bearing in mind your plans for the future. You will also want to consider the curriculum content: research facilities: scholarships; tuition and other necessary expenses: accommodation; entrance examination; Japanese-language programme or other special programmes for international students, and location ol the institute It is advisable to take the entrance examinations of several schools, since the examination results may prevent you from  gaining admission to the school ol your choice.

It should also be noted that although international students at present tend to concentrate in schools in the Tokyo area, other regions offer various advantages, such as lower prices and rents than Tokyo, fewer students and unique curricula, and closer ties with the local community. Therefore. consider schools not only in the Tokyo area but in the  whole of the country

Admission Requirements

Qualifications that  International Students Need
Any one ol the following qualifications must be met for admission into higher educational institutions in Japan.
 

Universities (Undergraduate Level) and Junior Colleges
• Students who have completed 12 years of school education overseas. and have completed secondary education.
• Students who have completed 11 years of secondary education, have graduated from the "university preparatory course" at institutions approved by Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and have reached 18 years of age.
• Students who have passed the certification examination in their countries which is equivalent to the "Certificate for Students Achieving Proficiency Level of Upper Secondary School Graduates" in Japan.

• Students recognized as having equivalent or better academic ability than upper secondary school graduates in regard to admission into universities.
• Students recognized as having equivalent or better academic ability than upper secondary school graduates in an independent admission eligibility assessment conducted by the university, and have reached 18 years of age.
 

• For Master's course, university graduates (4 year undergraduate programme) or students recognize as having equivalent or better academic abilities than university graduates.
• For Doctor's course, students must be recognized as having equivalent or better academic abilities than a master's degree.
• Students who have completed 16 years of school education overseas, or have completed 15 years of school education overseas and recognized as having excellent results in graduate-level credits.
Students recognized as having equivalent or better academic abilities than university graduates in an independent admission eligibility assessment conducted by the graduate school, and have reached 22 years of age (24 years of age for Doctor's course).

• Students who have completed 12 years of school education overseas. and completed secondary education.
• Students who have completed 11 years of secondary education, have graduated from the "university preparatory course" at institutions approved by Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and have reached 18 years of age.
• Students recognized as having equivalent or better academic ability than upper secondary school graduates in regard to admission into universities.
• Students recognized as having equivalent or better academic ability than upper secondary school graduates in an independent admission eligibility assessment conducted by the university, and have reached 18 years of age.

 

Qualifications for admission to colleges of technology are similar to those for admission to universities and junior colleges. As of today, few colleges of technology accept privately-financed international students.

The money due for universities, junior colleges, and professional training colleges includes admission and tuition fees, fees for use of facilities and equipment, and other expenses. The estimated average cost for the first year of education at national graduate schools and universities are approximately 817,000 Japanese Yen. For the second year onward, the student will pay approximately 70 percent of these figures, as the admission fee is paid in the first year only.

As a few scholarship programmes are available prior to the trip to Japan, most students would first go to Japan at their own expense and subsequently look for scholarships they can apply for. 45% of privately financed students are receiving scholarships averaging 53,000 Japanese Yen per month. A majority of scholarships in Japan only sponsor parts of the student's daily expenses or tuition fee. AS scholarships offering full coverage of the student's necessary expenses are very few. drafting out a solid financing plan that includes self-funding is essential.
 

Accommodations for international students are diverse. There are accommodations operated by universities, student housing operated by local governments and JASSO, public housing etc. About 76.5% of international students are staying in private housing. When looking for private housing, you can contact your school's international student office or real estate agencies.
 

• The admission approval from the Japanese Educational institution you have been accepted into
• A valid passport
• Visa from Japanese Embassy or Consulate from Malaysia
 

Malaysians who wish to enter universities, graduate schools, junior colleges, colleges of technology and professional training colleges in Japan are advised to make further enquiries through the Japan Educational Information Centre (JEIC), Kuala Lumpur. JEIC is the Kuala Lumpur representative office of the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), which is the central organization in carrying out projects relating to international education under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Education. Culture, Sports. Science and Technology, and other higher educational institutions. JASSO's purpose is to advance international exchange in education.
JEIC, KL was established in April 1995 specifically to assist Malaysians interested in pursuing their education in Japan with the latest and most appropriate information on tertiary studies there and Japanese language institutes. The consultation services are free, and potential students can also avail themselves of the Centre's collection of latest brochures, reference library and guidebooks as well as free Internet access to obtain information on Japanese learning institutions.

Contact Details ,
Japan Student Service
Japan Educational Information Centro
KL

More about Universities International  September 08, 2016 01:58:27 PM