Vocational schools in Japan
What kind of school are specialized training colleges?
Vocational schools aim to provide students with highly specialized skills and knowledge and the abilities required for employment. They are also educational institutions that provide backup to students to achieve their specific dreams and goals based on the abilities they want to utilize and how they want to work.
Status of specialized training colleges
Specialized training colleges are educational institutions that foster specialists in a wide range of fields by providing practical vocational
education and specialized technical education.
They are established with the approval of the governor of prefectures in Japan.
- Accredited schools
- Vocational schools
- Unaccredited schools
- Cram schools, private classes, culture schools, etc.
Differences between accredited and unaccredited schools
There are many differences between accredited and unaccredited schools, such as the granting of qualifications.
It is important to make sure that the school you choose is an accredited school.
| Accredited schools（Vocational schools） | Unaccredited schools（Cram schools, private classes, culture schools, etc.） | |
|---|---|---|
| Discounted student commuter pass | Available | Not available |
| Government scholarships | Available | Not available |
| Educational loans | Available | Not available |
| Academic background | Recognized on a resume | Not officially recognized on a resume |
| Diploma | Granted if requirements are met | Not granted |
| Advanced Diploma | Granted if requirements are met | Not granted |
| Qualification for transfer admission to university | Possible if requirements are met | Not possible |
| Qualification for admission to university | Possible if requirements are met | Not possible |
| Qualification for admission to graduate school | Granted to those who have an Advanced Diploma | Not possible |
| Regulatory agencies | Granted to those who have an Advanced Diploma | None |
Three levels of vocational school courses
Courses at vocational schools are classified into “advanced courses, specialized courses, and general courses”, and vocational schools that provide “specialized courses” are called “technical colleges”.
Vocational schools
|
Advanced course (advanced vocational school) | Admission qualification: Minimum of junior high school graduation |
| Specialized course (technical college) | Admission qualification: Minimum level equivalent to high school or advanced vocational school (3-year course) graduation | |
| General course | Admission qualification: None |
Differences between technical colleges and universities & junior colleges
Most of the classes at a technical college consist of practical training with an emphasis on “skill education” that directly links to an occupation, which is different from universities and junior colleges that teach “academics” for the acquisition of a broad education.
Characteristics of learning at specialized training colleges
At specialized training college, you can often apply what you learned directly to your work. Deciding on the job you want to take in the future and your goals will motivate you to learn even more.
- 1
- A foundation for becoming an independent member of society will be formed.
- 2
- A detailed education and support system is in place.
- 3
- You will meet others who are pursuing the same profession.
- 4
- Practical classes help students acquire knowledge and skills for immediate use.
- 5
- You can acquire qualifications and certifications necessary for the career you want to pursue.
