Vocational Schools In Japan

Japan offers a wide range of vocational schools (senmon gakko) for international students, providing specialized training in various fields such as technology, business, design, culinary arts, and more. These institutions focus on equipping students with practical skills and knowledge tailored to their chosen careers.

１．Types of vocational schools.

  • Technology And Engineering:
    • These schools focus on fields such as IT, robotics, automotive engineering, digital marketing, and more, offering specialized programs designed to meet industry demands.
  • Business and Management
    • These schools focus on fields such as business administration, entrepreneurship, finance, and accounting, providing comprehensive training to prepare students for success in the business world.
  • Design and Arts:
    • These schools specialize in fields such as fashion design, graphic design, interior design, animation, and photography, nurturing creativity and equipping students with the skills to excel in the arts and design industries.
  • Health and Social Care:
    • These schools provide training in fields such as nursing, welfare, caregiving, and other healthcare professions, preparing students to excel in the vital and compassionate world of healthcare.
  • Culinary Arts:
    • These schools cater to aspiring chefs and hospitality management students, offering specialized programs to help them thrive in the culinary and hospitality industries.
  • Language and Communication:
    • These schools specialize in fields such as beauty, hairstyling, and fashion design, offering comprehensive training to nurture creativity and prepare students for success in the beauty and fashion industries.

2.Admission Requirements

  • Visa
    • International students need a visa to enroll in a vocational school. This requires proof of acceptance into a recognized vocational institution and evidence of financial stability.
  • Language proficiency
    • Many schools require a certain level of Japanese proficiency, typically N4 or N5 of the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test). However, some schools offer the opportunity to study Japanese language courses alongside vocational training for students who are not yet fluent.
  • Academic Qualification
    • A high school diploma or an equivalent document is usually required for admission.

3.Popular Vocational schools for international students

  • Tokyo Fashion College: 　It specializes in fashion design and fashion business.
  • Shibaura Institute of Technology： It focuses on engineering and technology programs.
  • Tokyo Computer Graphic Center: It offers programs in digital media, animation, and graphic design.
  • Japan Culinary Institute: It offers specialized training of aspiring chefs.　
  • Kinki College of Business: It offers business management and and entrepreneurship courses.
  • Japan Language Institute: It provides Japanese language courses along with vocational schools.

4.Benifits of Studying at a Vocational school

  • Practical Skills: Vocational schools provide hands-on training, ensuring students acquire the practical skills required for success in their chosen careers.
  • Job opportunities: Many vocational schools have strong ties with companies, which greatly assist students in securing internships and job placements
  • Language Skills: Studying in Japan improve Japanese language skills, which is beneficial for finding employment in Japan post graduation.

5.Post Graduation opportunities

  • After completing a program, international students have the opportunity to either work in Japan or return to their home countries. Graduates who meet specific criteria may be eligible to stay in Japan under the “designated activities” visa for work purposes.

6.How to Apply

  • Research school: Look for Schools offering Programs in your field of interest.
  • Prepare Documents: The required documents typically include proof of high school graduation, a valid passport, evidence of financial stability, Japanese proficiency test results (if applicable), and a completed application form.
  • Submit Application: Many vocational schools accept direct applications, or you can opt to use an agent to guide you through the process.

In general, applying to Japanese schools is not a difficult thing. If you want to know more, please click here.A 10-minute guide to「 Visas for studying in Japan～～」