Overview of Program Types

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From the course by The University of Tokyo

Studying at Japanese Universities

143 ratings

The University of Tokyo

Studying at Japanese Universities

143 ratings

Are you interested in studying at Japanese universities? Do you want to learn about Japan’s university application and enrollment processes, as well as the types of programs on offer? This course will help you to both discover great programs offered by different Japanese universities and prepare a study plan through project-based learning. We introduce a number of options to match a variety of goals, from full degree to non-degree programs, programs taught in English, as well as short-term programs in Japan. During the course, international students at UTokyo will provide you with useful information and advice to start you on the path to studying in Japan. At the end of this course, you will produce a draft of your action plan for applying to Japanese universities. The overall goal of the course is to start you off on the right foot to a happy, productive and fulfilling student life in Japan!

From the lesson

Understanding the Process

In this module, we will talk about the different types of programs and also overview of the application process. There are different types of programs available in Japan, and their application processes and requirements are not the same. To find a good program that suits you, you’ll actually have to conduct a research on programs offered by Japanese universities and share your findings with others.

Overview of Program Types3:32

Application Procedure2:42

Meet the Instructors

Yujin Yaguchi
Professor
College of Arts and Sciences
Yuko Itatsu
Associate professor
College of Arts and Sciences

[MUSIC]

This week we're going to talk about the different types of programs and

also an overview of the application process.

So Yujin, would you like to give us an overview of the types of programs we have?

>> There are different types of programs available in Japan.

Generally speaking they can be divided into two categories.

One is Japanese medium programs where instruction is in Japanese.

So you'll have to have sufficient level of Japanese proficiency for this.

These programs usually start in April.

Increasingly, Japanese schools also offer English-medium degree programs, as well as

exchange programs for those students who do not have sufficient level of Japanese.

For these, you can come without knowing Japanese, or

with only limited level of Japanese language proficiency, and

take courses in English while studying Japanese as well.

For example, the University of Tokyo's PEAK, Programs in English At Komaba,

does not have any Japanese language requirement.

You can come to us as long as you have sufficient English proficiency

because we teach everything in English.

Of course, once you come here, we make sure you learn Japanese as well.

In terms of application procedure, each school has a different application system.

If you're going through a Japanese medium degree program, it will have application

requirements in Japanese, often including on-site examinations.

English medium programs also have their own application procedure.

These application procedures are usually clearly outlined in university web sites.

At PEAK, for example, we require students to submit application documents,

including essays, standardized test scores such as SAT, ACT, High B or A Levels.

English proficiency scores such as TOEFL or IELTS.

High school transcripts and recommendation letters.

These will be reviewed carefully, and

those who make the first cut will be interviewed.

The final decision is based on the results of the interview,

as well as the application documents.

Every program does admissions differently in Japan.

So I would urge you to take a look at the website of each university very carefully

to determine what kind of admission style suits you best.

And more importantly, what kind of program suits you best.

PEAK has two programs.

One is called Japan in East Asia, which is an interdisciplinary approach to Asia.

And another is called Environmental Sciences,

which is an interdisciplinary approach to the environment.

These are the two programs we have in English, and

others are offered in Japanese, at the University of Tokyo.

But other universities in Japan have other types of English medium programs.

So it would be best for you to do careful research in advance,

to find the programs that suit you the best.

And as I said, each program has different application procedure,

because in Japan there are no common application system.

Each application is time-consuming, and each school has different deadlines.

The University of Tokyo application deadline is quite early, so

it's important that you start doing the research relatively early in your high

school career.

>> So gathering information is going to be very important.

>> Yes, for whatever schools you apply to, whether they be in Japan or other places.

You have to do your research early and thoroughly.

>> Right, so I suppose at this point we should be able to hear some of our

students' voices, and how they've approached this process.

[MUSIC]

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