The student visas for students from mainland China who were due to enter school in April 2007 were somewhat affected, with an average of around 50% across Japan. In particular, the approval rate in Tokyo dropped to less than 20%. However, based on the current visa situation, Japan's visa policy is gradually relaxing. This can be seen from the visa approval rate in July 2007, where the student visa approval rate for applicants from mainland China has risen to about 80%. The tightened Japanese student visa policies in March and April 2007 are now gradually improving. Applicants for studying in Japan should act accordingly.
It is reported that on August 11th and 12th, Beijing Jinjilie Overseas Education will host the "2007 China's First Vocational College Quality Exhibition". At that time, several famous Japanese vocational colleges will conduct joint interviews and admissions on-site. Over a hundred popular majors and the latest employment trends will be shared at the event.
Phenomenon - Vocational Schools are Similar to Domestic Junior Colleges
Vocational schools generally focus on vocational education. The course duration is two years. After graduation, by passing specified exams, one can obtain relevant national professional qualification certificates, equivalent to a junior college degree in China.
Currently, higher education in Japan mainly consists of two parts: regular universities and vocational education courses offered by vocational schools. Since World War II, Japan's higher education has mainly developed towards liberal arts and has been widely popularized nationwide. However, post-war Japan needed reconstruction in all aspects, and industrial development required a large number of technical talents. Additionally, after the war, people’s lives needed rebuilding. Where would such professional talents come from? That was Japan's vocational schools. Therefore, "Japan's economic growth relies on graduates from vocational schools" has been widely recognized.
Japanese vocational schools almost cover all disciplines needed by society. Previously, most high school graduates chose vocational schools, but now university students, short-term university students, or those already working, various kinds of people return to vocational schools for further study. To better serve society, Japanese vocational schools established the "Specialist" degree title in 1994, certifying short-term higher education qualifications. Even to reflect the demands of many international students, since 1997, graduates with the "Specialist" degree title have been granted visas for "Technology", "Humanistic Knowledge, International Business", etc.
Figures - Seven out of Ten Students Attend Vocational Schools
According to statistics from Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, many young people from various countries and regions come to Japan to learn its culture and technology, and vocational schools are increasingly becoming their first choice. Currently, there are 17,173 foreign students studying in Japanese vocational schools, accounting for 18% of all international students. According to a survey conducted last year by Japan's "All-Vocational-Union", among all foreign students, those from China account for the largest proportion, reaching 71%.
Currently, international students in Japan are facing a very good employment opportunity. With the decline in Japan's birth rate, society is experiencing fewer children, and the labor shortage problem in Japan will become increasingly serious. Promoting employment for young people and international students has become the biggest challenge facing the Japanese government.
To promote employment for these skilled young people, Japan has formed a system combining government, enterprises, and schools to promote employment.
Generally, Japanese vocational schools have student employment guidance centers responsible for guiding newly graduated students in finding jobs. Employment guidance centers mainly collaborate with government, enterprises, and related social institutions to hold lectures, accept student consultations, and bridge students with enterprises to help graduates find work. Japanese companies usually actively contact schools, release recruitment information to schools, or recruit through job fairs, and many companies even reach long-term agreements with vocational schools to directly recruit new employees from schools each year. These provide more employment opportunities for students at vocational schools.
Reminder - Language Ability Proof Must Match Actual Level
Although the Japanese student visa application process has entered a relatively mature phase, students applying for visas should not be complacent. Zhao Yue from Beijing Jinjilie Overseas Education's Japan-Korea Department reminds that applicants choosing to study in Japan must not provide false materials, especially in terms of academic credentials.
1. Do Not Provide False Materials Including False Academic Certificates
For Japanese study applications, regulations stipulate that formal schooling must be at least 12 years (including 12 years). Currently, high school exchange programs are limited to Chinese high schools with agreements with Japanese high schools and are not yet open to the public. Therefore, the examination of academic qualifications for Japanese study applicants has also become a key point for Japanese authorities. The Japanese Immigration Bureau and embassies/consulates will conduct random checks and verifications in this regard. The schools applied for by the applicant and various intermediary agencies in China will also cooperate accordingly.
2. The Japanese Language Proficiency Certificate Submitted Should Match the Actual Level
In Japanese study applications, it is common for the Japanese language proficiency hours certificate provided by the applicant to not match their actual ability. This has drawn full attention from Japanese visa review institutions. Therefore, after the applicant receives the "Residence Qualification Certificate" issued by the Japanese Ministry of Justice's Immigration Bureau (commonly known as "reverse visa"), the Japanese embassy/consulate in China has strengthened the interview review of the applicant in this aspect. If it is found that the applicant's Japanese language proficiency does not meet the corresponding level, the possibility of rejection will greatly increase. Additionally, from various recent Japanese study policies, it seems that the review of family economic payment capabilities has become a top priority.
Reproduced from China Education Information Network