University Preparation Course

The University Preparation Course caters students who have graduated from high school in a foreign country and plan to pursue higher education in Japan, providing them with Japanese language education and additional subjects required when enrolling into Japanese universities. In particular, individuals from countries where education up to high school is completed in less than 12 years can, by graduating from the University Preparation Course officially recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education, fulfill the requirements to enroll into Japanese universities.
ARC Tokyo Japanese Language School’s University Preparation Course is for students planning to major in humanities or social sciences, and besides Japanese language, in includes the basics of Math, Civics and English.

We will not recruit new students for the 2025 academic year.

University Preparation Course Features

Acquire the qualification to enroll into Japanese universities
　Even students who completed their education in less than 12 years, thanks to this course, would fulfill requirements for Japanese universities.

A complete program
　Japanese: 1360 course credits in the 2-year course, 960 credits in the 1,5-year course
Foundation subjects (Math, Civics, English): 240 course credits *1 course credit = 45 minutes
Besides equipping students with the proficiency required to take university level classes and learning abilities expected from high school graduates, the course also includes EJU preparation.

Exclusive support
　The school periodically organizes seminars to share the latest news on Japanese education; individual counseling and interview simulations are also available for a complete assistance.

Alumni voices

DAM THI LAN ANH / Vietnam

Rikkyo University

During my time at ARC Tokyo, I experienced many things in my studies and extracurricular activities. It was really good for me to belong to University Preparation Course. In addition to Japanese, we could also learn “basic subjects” such as mathematics, civics, and English for the purpose of entering a Japanese university. The wealth of knowledge that I have learned is very useful at university now. And the most impressive part of the University Preparation Course is the exclusive support by the teachers. We were able to have individual counseling with the teachers at any time, and we could receive detailed guidance for further education tailored to each student.

LIEN NGO / Belarus

Takushoku University

I entered ARC Tokyo Japanese Language School for the purpose of going on to a Japanese university. The course I chose was University Preparation course. The feature of this course is that you can study not only Japanese but also math, English, and civics to improve your knowledge. Of course, it was difficult for us to study math and civics in Japanese, but the teacher's explanations were thorough and easy to understand. Preparation for the JLPT and EJU test were also good enough, and I could improve my Japanese language skills here. Also, by gaining knowledge about Japanese culture, manners, and customs, I could understand Japanese culture and Japanese people well. Thanks to the teacher's guidance and support, I got used to living in Japan quickly and could pass the university entrance exam. I am grateful that I could have an enjoyable and safe student life at ARC Tokyo.

YIWEI WANG / China

Musashino University

When I just arrived in Japan, there were many things I didn't understand. I couldn't figure my future. It was a series of anxiety and worry, but actually everyone was same just like me. However, the anxiety with pounding in my heart was erased by the kind teachers in this University Preparation Course. They believed in me and helped me in my studies, in my life as well as when I was happy or felt lonely. They were always was on my side. I thought I was alone all long, but it was not correct! This class made me feel like I don't have to dream big, I just want to be myself. And I realized that I am not alone. The joy is doubled, the sadness is halved. Hard working in this course turned out to be my precious lifelong memory.

Course outlines

Visa type

Student visa (*Enrollment is open to holders of other visa categories)

Starting times & Available courses

April: 2-year University Preparation Course

October: 1,5-year University Preparation Course

*Applications must be consistent with available courses and their duration.

We will not recruit new students for the 2025 academic year.

Capacity

2-year course: 40 students

1,5-year course: 40 students

Class hours

From Monday to Friday (5 days per week)

9:15 to 12:30 / 13:30 to 16:45 (one class period is 45 minutes long, with four periods per day)

2-year course: classes in the morning from 9:15 to 12:30

1,5-year course: classes in the afternoon, from 13:30 to 16:45

Holidays

Weekends, public holidays, Summer holidays, Winter holidays, Spring holidays, and any special holiday established by the school Principal.

Check the course calendar HERE.

Homeroom system

Every class is supervised by one homeroom teacher that performs individual counseling with students for a dedicated follow-up.

Working part-time

It is possible to work part-time after obtaining a special permit denominated “Permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted”. Students can then work up to 28 hours per week, but cannot be employed in businesses related to adult entertainment.
More on working part-time HERE.

Tuition

2-year course: 1,592,000 JPY

1,5-year course: 1,194,000 JPY

Check the Costs & Fees page for more details.

Timetable (Example)

2-year course, first year

	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI
1st period	Pronunciation & characters	Pronunciation & characters	Pronunciation & characters	Pronunciation & characters	Pronunciation & characters・HR
2nd period	Comprehensive Japanese	Comprehensive Japanese	Comprehensive Japanese	Comprehensive Japanese	Comprehensive Japanese
3rd period	Comprehensive Japanese	Comprehensive Japanese	Comprehensive Japanese	Comprehensive Japanese	Japanese Affairs
4th period	Comprehensive Japanese	Comprehensive Japanese	Comprehensive Japanese	Comprehensive Japanese	Japanese Affairs

2-year course, first semester of the second year

	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI
1st period	Pronunciation & characters	Listening	Pronunciation & characters	Listening	Speech expressions + Homeroom
2nd period	Reading	Reading	Reading	Reading	Speech expressions
3rd period	Written expressions	English	Civics	Maths	Japanese Affairs
4th period	Written expressions	English	Civics	Maths	Japanese Affairs

2-year course, second semester of the second year

	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI
1st period	Pronunciation & characters	Listening	Pronunciation & characters	Listening	Speech expressions + Homeroom
2nd period	Reading	Reading	Reading	Reading	Speech expressions
3rd period	Written expressions	English communication	Civics (Politics and Economy)	Maths	Japanese Affairs
4th period	Written expressions	English communication	Civics (Politics and Economy)	Maths	Japanese Affairs

Textbooks

Japanese *Examples
　・Minna no Nihongo I & II 2nd edition
　・Kanji Master N5 to N1
　・encounter – Intermediate Japanese Textbook
　・Pronunciation , pronunciation activity that can be done with beginner sentence patterns
　・Pronunciation , Imitate and improve! Japanese reading aloud training
　・Reading comprehension , Revised version of Japanese for university and graduate students (1)
　・Reading comprehension , Carefully selected modern sentence B new edition etc.

Foundation subjects *Examples
　・CROWN English Expression II + III New Edition, Sanseido
　・Mathematics Series, New Edition – Maths I/Maths A/ Maths II/ Maths B/ Maths III, Suken Shuppan
　・New Contemporary Society (New edition), Shimizu Shoin
　・New Logic (New Edition), Shimizu ShoinShimizu Shoin
　・New Politics & Economics (New Edition), Shimizu Shoin

*Textbooks in use may vary.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between the Standard Study Abroad Course and the University Preparation Course?

There are three main differences:
– Learning purpose: in the standard course, students with different purposes such as employment, higher education and so on, all study together, but the objective of the students in the University Preparation Course is the same: entering university in Japan.

– Program: the Standard Study Abroad Course does not include English or Math. However, from the second year of the University preparation course, the program introduces Math, English and Civics (Politics, Economy, Social Studies, Logic), required to take university admission examinations.

– Tuition: tuition fees for the Standard Study Abroad Course and the University Preparation Course differ.
There is no difference, however, in school events and other activities.

2. I withdrew from school during my third year of high school: would I be able to enter university in Japan if I enroll in the University Preparation Course?

The course is intended for students who have completed high school (or equivalent education), therefore students who have not graduated cannot enroll. Students who have graduated from school in less than 12 years can, on the other hand, enroll and qualify for admission into Japanese universities.

3. Does the course offer classes for science majors?

The course does not include classes for science majors (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).

4. I already have upper intermediate Japanese proficiency: can I start studying from the second year?

One of the conditions of the University Preparation Course is to enroll for its official duration, therefore entering from the second year is not possible. Please inquire HERE.

5. Does ARC Tokyo Japanese Language School offer scholarships?

There are no scholarships available prior to enrollment, but outstanding students with good grades and attendance do have access to scholarships.
You can find a list on the SCHOLARSHIPS page. Details about applications and deadlines are notified as necessary.