2-2 Points for selecting a school
Gathering information and then comparing your choices is the key to selecting a school!
Gather as much information as possible, and compare and consider schools based on the following points.
| 1 | Is the school certified? |
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If you enroll in a noncertified school, your time there will not be considered part of your academic history, and a visa will not be granted. Noncertified schools also do not offer student discounts for commuter passes and the like, and you will not be able to transfer to a university. If you cannot determine whether a school is certified or not, check with the association.（https://tsk.or.jp/） Useful links
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| 2 | Educational content and faculty |
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Even in the same specialized field, each school’s educational policies and instructional content offered by the faculty are unique. If you wish to find a job in Japan, it is crucial to confirm whether the class content meets the latest needs of the industry before selecting a school. |
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| 3 | Facilities and equipment |
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In addition to intangible aspects such as the curriculum and quality of the faculty, tangible aspects such as facilities and equipment are also important. The development of talented people who are immediately effective in the workforce is only possible if students have access to the right facilities for learning. |
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| 4 | Graduate employability |
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At professional training colleges, homeroom teachers and employment guidance counselors work together to provide employment guidance. While all professional training colleges put a great deal of effort into employment guidance, compare the employment policies and employment guidance system of the schools you are considering if you are serious about finding employment in Japan. It is also necessary to check the recent international graduate employability and whether the laws will allow you to work in Japan in the industry of your intended field of study. |
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| 5 | Tuition and scholarships |
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Most professional training colleges are private. Tuition fees can vary widely even for the same specialized field of study, so it is essential to carefully check (1) the amount of money required to apply for enrollment, (2) the amount to be paid in the first year, (3) the total amount to be paid by graduation, and (4) whether it is possible to pay the annual tuition in installments. It is also important to check whether the school has its own tuition reduction/exemption system or scholarship system and how to obtain scholarships. Useful links
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| 6 | School reputation and ratings |
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Selecting a school based on a “love-at-first-sight” impression is not recommended. Even if you find a school attractive based on its website or brochures, ask the opinions of various people such as schoolteachers, parents/guardians, senior students and friends, and compare multiple schools in the same field before making a decision. |
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| 7 | International student acceptance and support systems |
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Gather information on the school’s international student acceptance (number of students, countries and regions of origin, etc.) and support systems. Remember, professional training colleges that accept international students are required to have full-time staff in charge of daily life guidance and support for international students. |