The Education System in Japan

The Japanese education system consists of six years of elementary school, three years of junior and senior high school each and four years of university or two years of junior college.

Compulsory education includes elementary school and junior high school. Over 90% of all students also graduate from high school and over 40% from university or junior college. The number of graduate university students is lower.

The Japanese school system is highly competitive. Most high schools, universities, as well as a few private junior high schools and elementary schools require applicants to write entrance exams. Many students attend special preparation schools (juku) besides regular classes, or for one to two years between high school and university (yobiko).

The most prestigious universities are the national University of Tokyo and University of Kyoto.