Vocational schools are educational institutions designed to provide advanced specialized knowledge and skills. There are numerous vocational schools throughout Japan, offering diverse vocational education in various fields. Graduates from vocational schools are expected to become immediate assets in their respective industries.
Vocational schools generally accept students who have graduated from high school and offer programs that last from two to four years. The key feature of vocational schools is their emphasis on practical education. Students not only attend lectures but also gain practical experience through internships and hands-on training, acquiring skills directly related to their professions.
Moreover, vocational schools typically offer curricula specialized in particular professions or industries. This allows students to deeply study subjects related to their interests and future careers. Additionally, many schools have strong ties with industries, providing students with access to the latest technologies and knowledge.
Advantages of Vocational Schools
1. Practical Education:
- Internships: Many vocational schools include internships in their curricula, allowing students to gain experience in actual workplace settings.
- Hands-on Training: Schools are equipped with facilities and equipment for practical training, enabling students to learn skills in environments similar to real workplaces.
2. High Employment Rates:
- Industry Connections: Vocational schools often have strong connections with specific industries and companies, facilitating smooth job placements for graduates.
- Career Support: Comprehensive career support programs including career counseling, job fairs, and company visits help students in their job search.
3. Acquisition of Specialized Knowledge:
- Specialized Curricula: Students can concentrate on learning the specific knowledge and skills required in their chosen fields through specialized curricula.
- State-of-the-art Equipment: Many schools are equipped with industry-standard facilities, providing practical learning experiences that are relevant to the real world.
4. Flexible Learning Environment:
- Small Class Sizes: Many vocational schools adopt small class sizes, ensuring individualized attention and guidance for each student.
- Flexible Payment Options: Schools often offer various payment options, including scholarships and installment plans, to accommodate students’ financial situations.
History and Role of Vocational Schools
Vocational schools in Japan have rapidly developed since the period of high economic growth. With the increasing demand for skilled personnel in various industries, vocational schools have grown to meet these needs. Today, vocational schools play a vital role in training professionals in fields such as healthcare, IT, design, tourism, and beauty, providing a crucial starting point for many students’ careers.
As higher education institutions, vocational schools are positioned alongside universities, with a distinct focus on vocational training. Unlike universities, which emphasize theoretical learning, vocational schools concentrate on the acquisition of practical skills directly applicable to specific professions.
Types of Vocational Schools
Vocational schools provide education in various fields. The main fields include:
- Healthcare and Welfare: Nursing, caregiving, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.
- Industrial and Technical: Electrical engineering, automotive mechanics, architecture, CAD operators, etc.
- Commerce and Business: Accounting, marketing specialists, business management, etc.
- Information Technology: Programmers, system engineers, network administrators, etc.
- Design and Arts: Graphic designers, fashion designers, interior designers, etc.
- Tourism and Hospitality: Hotel managers, tour guides, travel agency staff, etc.
- Beauty and Fashion: Hairdressers, estheticians, makeup artists, etc.
Tuition and Duration
The tuition and duration of vocational schools vary by field and school. Generally, the costs and duration are as follows:
- Tuition: Approximately ¥800,000 to ¥1,500,000 per year
- Duration: Usually 2 years, with some programs extending to 3 or 4 years
Admission Procedures
Entrance examinations for professional training colleges are basically held in Japan. However, some vocational schools also conduct examinations overseas. Please inquire directly to the vocational school of your choice. Or, contact a Japanese language school in Myanmar that supports students studying in Japan. If you wish to do the admission procedures in Japan by yourself, please follow the instructions below.
- Preparation of Required Documents
- Certificate of the last completed education
- Academic transcripts
- Application form
- Entrance Examination
- Document screening
- Written examination (specialized knowledge, general knowledge, etc.)
- Interview
- Application Submission
- Payment of the admission fee and tuition
Support for International Students
Many vocational schools provide various support services for international students:
- Housing Support: Assistance in finding apartments or student dormitories
- Living Support: Assistance with opening bank accounts, contracting mobile phones, etc.
- Academic Support: Japanese language supplementary classes, academic counseling
- Cultural Exchange Events: Events to experience Japanese culture
Part-time Work
International students with a student visa are allowed to work part-time for up to 28 hours a week. This allows them to gain work experience while supplementing their living expenses.
Choosing a Vocational School
When choosing a vocational school, consider the following points:
- Field: Choose a field that matches your interests and future career goals
- Location: Consider the convenience of commuting and living environment
- Reputation: Check reviews and reputation from graduates
- Support Services: Ensure the school offers adequate support services for international students
Recommended Vocational Schools
Tokyo College of Medical Welfare
Location
Tokyo
Features
Specializes in medical and welfare fields such as nursing, caregiving, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Provides a practical curriculum and abundant opportunities for internships. Offers comprehensive Japanese language support for international students.
Japan Electronics College
Location
Tokyo
Features
Strong in IT fields. Offers a wide range of IT courses including programming, network technology, AI, and data science. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and provides numerous opportunities for industry collaboration and practical experience.
Osaka Information and Computer Science College
Location
Osaka
Features
Focuses on training specialists in IT fields. Provides hands-on training using the latest computer labs and software. Offers opportunities for practical experience through industry collaboration and internships.
Nagoya Design College
Location
Aichi
Features
Specializes in various design courses including graphic design, fashion design, and interior design. Offers instruction from professional designers with real industry knowledge. Equipped with state-of-the-art design software and studio facilities.
Fukuoka Tourism and Hospitality College
Location
Fukuoka
Features
Specializes in tourism and hospitality fields. Provides practical training through fieldwork and hotel internships. Offers strong industry connections and support for internships and job placements.
Sapporo Beauty College
Location
Hokkaido
Features
Specializes in beauty fields. Offers courses in hairdressing, esthetics, and makeup artistry. Equipped with on-campus salons for hands-on training with real clients. Provides support for obtaining national and private beauty certifications.
Kobe International Business College
Location
Hyogo
Features
Specializes in business fields. Offers courses in marketing, business management, accounting, and trade. Provides practical learning through company visits and business simulations. Offers business courses in English and overseas training programs.
Hiroshima Technical College
Location
Hiroshima
Features
Specializes in industrial and technical fields. Offers courses in electrical engineering, automotive mechanics, and architecture. Equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities for hands-on learning. Provides practical experience through industry collaboration and internships.
Sendai Medical College
Location
Miyagi
Features
Specializes in medical fields such as medical office administration, pharmaceutical technology, and clinical laboratory technology. Provides practical training through internships at hospitals and pharmacies. Offers strong industry connections and support for job placements.
Kyoto Cultural College
Location
Kyoto
Features
Specializes in Japanese culture and traditional arts. Offers courses in tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy, and traditional crafts. Provides hands-on cultural experiences to deeply understand Japanese traditions. Utilizes Kyoto’s rich cultural resources for practical training. Offers Japanese language supplementary classes and cultural exchange events for international students.
Okinawa Resort College
Location
Okinawa
Features
Specializes in resort and tourism fields. Offers courses in resort management, tour guiding, and diving instruction. Provides practical training utilizing Okinawa’s natural beauty and resources. Offers a multicultural learning environment, fostering a global perspective.
A Japanese language school in Japan offers intensive language training with pathways to higher education, including university and vocational school opportunities, post-graduation.
Studying at a Japanese university offers foreigners high-quality education, technological innovation, cultural exchange, and opportunities for career advancement in Japan and globally.
