(1 year, 1 year and 6 months, 2 years)

This program is designed for international students aiming to advance to higher education institutions in Japan or pursue employment within Japan.
Regarding course selection, please choose one of the following three study periods when applying:

Course Overview

Course Name

One-Year Preparatory Program for Higher Education

One-year-and-six-month program for academic advancement

Two-Year College Preparatory Program

Course Features

This program is designed for individuals with intermediate-level Japanese proficiency to acquire the Japanese language skills necessary for entering Japanese higher education institutions or securing employment within one year.

This program aims to equip students with foundational Japanese language skills at the upper-intermediate level with the Japanese language proficiency required for admission to Japanese higher education institutions or employment within one year and six months.

This program aims to provide students at the beginner level of Japanese with the Japanese language skills necessary for entering Japanese higher education institutions or securing employment, ensuring they acquire these skills from the ground up over a two-year period.


Kanji-using countries

Japanese language proficiency at CEFR A2 level or higher (equivalent to JLPT N4)

Japanese language proficiency at CEFR A1 level or higher (equivalent to JLPT N5)

A Japanese language proficiency level of CEFR A1 (equivalent to JLPT N5) or higher, with the ability to read and write hiragana and katakana without difficulty

non-kanji-using regions

Japanese language proficiency at CEFR B1 level (equivalent to JLPT N3) or higher, plus knowledge of approximately 650 kanji characters

Japanese language proficiency at CEFR A2 level (equivalent to JLPT N4) or higher, plus knowledge of approximately 300 kanji characters

Japanese language proficiency at CEFR A1 level (equivalent to JLPT N5) or higher, plus knowledge of approximately 100 kanji characters

Enrollment Period

4月

10月

4月

Total learning time

880 hours

1,320 hours

1,720 hours

Curriculum Objectives

  • Japanese language proficiency: CEFR B2 (equivalent to JLPT N2) or higher
  • Can understand the main points of complex texts, both concrete and abstract, including technical discussions in one's field of expertise.
  • You can converse with fluent, natural Japanese speakers without feeling nervous on either side.

Learning Achievement Levels from Enrollment to Graduation

Beginner Level Part 1

Lower Intermediate

Intermediate Level 1

Upper Intermediate

Advanced

Target

A1 Level:
(equivalent to JLPT N5)

Target

Level A2:
(equivalent to JLPT N4/N3)

Target

Level B1:
(equivalent to JLPT N3/N2)

Target

Level B2:
(equivalent to JLPT N2/N1)

Target

Level C1:
(JLPT N1 or higher)

One-Year Preparatory Program for Higher Education

6 months

three months

1 year and 6 months program for university advancement

6 months

6 months

three months

Two-Year College Preparatory Program 

three months

6 months

6 months

6 months

*This is an estimate of the time required to reach the target level from the starting level.

*For students who already possess Japanese language proficiency at or above the required level upon enrollment, the goal is to reach the C1 level.

Guidelines for Course Selection Based on University and Other Higher Education Goals (For November Entrance Exams)

First year

Second year

(Mon)

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

University Entrance Exams
Related Exams


: First Session


: First Edition JLPT

The 2nd
: EJU


: JLPT


: First Session


: First Edition JLPT

The 2nd
: EJU


: JLPT

One-year program


: Cleared

Passed the N2 exam

entrance examination

two months

1 year and 6 months program


: Cleared

Passed the N2 exam

entrance examination

8-month study period until the EJU

Two-year program


: Cleared

Passed the N2 exam

entrance examination

14 months of study until the EJU

Japan's College Admissions System

  • University entrance exams in Japan are often held around November of the year preceding enrollment.
  • Japanese higher education institutions (universities, vocational schools, etc.) require Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher as an admission standard.
  • Many universities in Japan require applicants to take the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) and achieve scores above their respective minimum standards.
  • Considering university entrance exams, the duration of study at Japanese language schools does not directly translate to the time required for university preparation; in reality, students need to improve their Japanese proficiency within a much shorter period.

Regarding Course Selection

One-year program

  • The shortest route to university admission, saving both tuition and time due to the short study period at Japanese language schools.
  • To qualify for the following year's entrance exam, passing the JLPT N2 in July shortly after enrollment is required. Therefore, a foundational level close to passing N2 is necessary upon entering the Japanese language school.

\ Hot off the press! /

In addition to the first entrance exam in November, Tokyo International University also holds a second entrance exam in March. If you plan to attend Tokyo International University, passing the N2 level of the JLPT by December is sufficient. Furthermore, even if you do not pass the N2 in December, you still have a chance to enroll at Tokyo International University if you are recommended by a teacher at our school, provided the teacher certifies that you will likely reach the N2 level by April, when you are scheduled to begin your university studies. For details, see “ Tokyo International University Special Advancement Bridge Program ."

1 year and 6 months program / 2-year program

  • Please consider the duration of each course listed above and how much time you will need to raise your Japanese proficiency to the N2 level before selecting a course.

Study Period and Progress

One-Year Preparatory Program for Higher Education

Overview of Level Setting in Japanese Language Education Programs

CEFR Level

Achievement Goals (Can do)


Duration
(months/weeks)

Total Class Hours

B1
B2

Early Intermediate
(JLPT N3
/ Equivalent to N2)

Late Intermediate
(JLPT N2
/ Equivalent to N1)

Whether the topic is concrete or abstract, you can understand the main points of complex texts. You can converse fluently and naturally with proficient Japanese speakers. You can produce clear and detailed texts on a wide range of topics and explain your own viewpoint while providing supporting evidence.

24 hours

6 months / 20 weeks

480
(Unit) Time

C1

Advanced
(JLPT N1 or higher)


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20–24
(units) hours

6 months / 20 weeks

400–480
(units) hours

1 unit of time = 45 minutes

1 year and 6 months program for university advancement

Overview of Level Setting in Japanese Language Education Programs

CEFR Level

Achievement Goals (Can do)


Duration
(months/weeks)

Total Class Hours

A2


(JLPT N4
/ Equivalent to N3)

Within simple, everyday contexts, you can understand commonly used phrases and expressions and exchange information. You can describe your background, immediate surroundings, and matters of direct necessity using simple language.


24 hours

24 hours

6 months / 20 weeks

440
(Unit) Time

B1
B2

Early Intermediate
(JLPT N3
/ Equivalent to N2)

Late Intermediate
(JLPT N2
/ Equivalent to N1)

Whether the topic is concrete or abstract, you can understand the main points of complex texts. You can converse fluently and naturally with proficient Japanese speakers. You can produce clear and detailed texts on a wide range of topics and explain your own viewpoint while providing supporting evidence.

24 hours

6 months / 20 weeks

480
(Unit) Time

C1

Advanced
(JLPT N1 or higher)

Can understand the main points of complex texts on both specific and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of expertise. Can produce clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects and explain their own viewpoint, providing supporting evidence.

20–24
(units) hours

6 months / 20 weeks

400–480
(units) hours

1 unit of time = 45 minutes

Two-Year College Preparatory Program

Overview of Level Setting in Japanese Language Education Programs

CEFR Level

Achievement Goals (Can do)


Duration
(months/weeks)

Total Class Hours

A1

Beginner Level Part 1

You can understand and use common everyday expressions and basic phrases. You can introduce yourself and others, and ask and answer questions about personal information.

20 (credit) hours

3 months / 10 weeks

200
(unit) time

A2


(JLPT N4
/ Equivalent to N3)

Within simple, everyday contexts, you can understand commonly used phrases and expressions and exchange information. You can describe your background, immediate surroundings, and matters of direct necessity using simple language.

20 (credit) hours

6 months / 20 weeks

440
(Unit) Time

B1

Early Intermediate Level:
(JLPT N3
/ Equivalent to N2)

Can produce coherent texts on familiar topics, connecting main points in a simple way. Can briefly describe experiences, events, and hopes, and give reasons for opinions or plans.

24 hours

6 months / 20 weeks

480
(Unit) Time

B2

Upper-Intermediate:
(JLPT N2
/ Equivalent to N1)

Whether the topic is concrete or abstract, you can understand the main points of complex texts. You can converse fluently and naturally with proficient Japanese speakers. You can produce clear and detailed texts on a wide range of topics and explain your own viewpoint while providing supporting evidence.

24 hours

6 months / 20 weeks

480
(Unit) Time

C1

Advanced
(JLPT N1 or higher)


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20–24
(units) hours

6 months / 20 weeks

400–480
(units) hours

1 unit of time = 45 minutes

Sample Schedule

Required courses

Elective Required Courses

First year of the 1 year and 6 months / 2-year program

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

AM

First period

9:30 – 10:15

Second period

10:15 – 11:00

3rd period

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

January–March
Elective Required Course (Twice Weekly)
EJU or JLPT Preparation

※Days of the week vary by subject

4th period

12:00 – 12:45

PM

5th period

1:35 PM – 2:20 PM

Homeroom Teacher Training

Kanji and Vocabulary

Kanji and Vocabulary

Kanji and Vocabulary

Kanji and Vocabulary

6th period

2:20 PM – 3:05 PM

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

7th period

3:20 PM – 4:05 PM

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Reading Comprehension

Composition

8th period

4:05 PM – 4:50 PM

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Reading Comprehension

Composition

1-year program / Second year of the 1.5-year or 2-year program

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

PM

First period

9:30 – 10:15

Homeroom Teacher Training

Kanji and Vocabulary

Kanji and Vocabulary

Kanji and Vocabulary

Kanji and Vocabulary

Second period

10:15 – 11:00

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

3rd period

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Reading Comprehension

Composition

4th period

12:00 – 12:45

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Comprehensive Japanese

Reading Comprehension

Composition

AM

5th period

1:35 PM – 2:20 PM

April–December
Elective (twice weekly)
EJU, JLPT, or BJT preparation

※Days of the week vary by subject

6th period

2:20 PM – 3:05 PM

7th period

3:20 PM – 4:05 PM

8th period

4:05 PM – 4:50 PM

※ The content of "Comprehensive Japanese" includes conversation, presentation, listening comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.

※For advanced classes, the two periods of "Comprehensive Japanese" will be replaced with "NIE (Newspaper in Education)".

*Note: BJT preparation classes are offered only from July through December.

Academic Schedule (Japanese Language Classes Only)

One-year program

(Mon)

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

AM

1

Monday to Friday, Periods 1 to 4

2

3

4

PM

5

Twice a week: 5th to 6th periods

6

7

8

1 year and 6 months program

(Mon)

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

AM

1

Monday to Friday, Periods 1 to 4

2

3

Twice a week: 3rd to 4th periods

4

PM

5

Monday to Friday, Periods 5 to 8

Twice a week: 5th to 6th periods

6

7

8

Two-year program

(Mon)

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

AM

1

Monday to Friday, Periods 1 to 4

2

3

Twice a week: 3rd to 4th periods

4

PM

5

Monday to Friday, Periods 5 to 8

Twice a week: 5th to 6th periods

6

7

8

Classes and Learning Content

Comprehensive Japanese

We cover a wide range of topics from daily life to social issues, engaging in all language activities—listening, reading, speaking (interaction and presentation), and writing—to comprehensively improve Japanese language skills. Our learning focuses on practical skills for life in Japanese society and prepares students for interacting with diverse people.

Kanji and Vocabulary

Students will learn the meanings of kanji essential for daily life in Japan and vocabulary using those characters. Native speakers of languages that use kanji will focus on pronunciation and polysemy while being mindful of differences from their native language. Non-native speakers will deepen their understanding while also valuing writing practice.

Reading Comprehension

Through a wide range of themes and various types of reading materials, students learn reading techniques and expression while developing reading skills. Simultaneously, they cultivate concepts, perspectives, and ways of thinking about social issues. They also practice expressing their own thoughts about what they have read.

Composition

Students practice writing techniques—such as notation, style, structure and paragraphing, sentence flow, expressing themes and definitions, stating facts, issues, and reasons, and quoting—while composing explanatory texts, essays, and opinion pieces. Follow-up activities may include peer reading in pairs or presenting to the whole class to share their work.

Homeroom Teacher Training

While considering your study abroad objectives and future goals, you will develop a Japanese language learning plan and an entrance exam/job hunting plan, preparing for and reviewing the execution of these plans. Additionally, you will prepare to become an independent learner so that you can continue your studies even after returning home.

Exam Preparation (Fundamentals and Practice)

JLPT Preparation ※JLPT: Japanese Language Proficiency Test

By understanding the grammar and vocabulary expressions at each level and repeatedly solving practice problems to become familiar with the question formats, you will aim for your target score.

EJU (Japanese) Preparation ※EJU: Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students

"Writing" involves learning writing techniques while composing essays on assigned topics within the allotted time. "Listening Comprehension/Listening and Reading Comprehension, Reading Comprehension" focuses on solving past exam questions to become familiar with the question formats, aiming to achieve the target score.

BJT Preparation ※BJT: BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test

Learn about Japan's job-hunting environment, master essential skills like self-analysis, company research, and resume writing, prepare for the BJT through practice in honorific speech and email composition, and engage in business case studies to get ready for working in Japan.