After studying for 1.5 or 2 years, there are many students who decide to continue their education after graduating from Nihongo Center.

List of Universities and Vocational schools

Studying at a Japanese Language School will give you the opportunity to enter a university in Japan. Each university has its own requirements for enrollment but you can see some of the universities previous students have joined.

Kyoto University Logo
Kyoto University
Notre Dame University
Notre-Dame University
Doshisha University
Doshisha University
Kansai Gaidai University
Kansai Gaidai
Otemon Institute
Otemon Institute
Ritsumeikan University
Ritsumeikan University
Ryukoku University
Ryukoku University
Kyoto Computer Gakuin
Kyoto Computer Gakuin
Seian University
Seian University
Kyoto Seika University
Kyoto Seika University
Temple University
Temple University
Waseda University
Waseda University
Kyoto University of the Arts
Kyoto University of the Arts
Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Kyoto College of Economic
Kyoto College of Economics

For a more technical education, you have the opportunity to enter vocational schools as well. Entering a vocational school can give you more opportunities of work after graduation than going to University.

Asahikawa Welfare Vocational School
Asahikawa Welfare Vocational School
ECC International foreign Language Institute
ECC International foreign Language Institute
I-Seifu Computer Information Institute
I-Seifu Computer Information Institute
Kyoto College of Foreign language
Kyoto College of Foreign Language
Kyoto Computer Gakuin (college)
Kyoto Computer Gakuin
ELHE Gakuen
ELHE Gakuen
Osaka Communication Arts
Osaka Communic. Art
Kyoto Institute of Design
Kyoto Institute of Design
 Nissan Automobile Institute
Nissan Automobile Institute
Kyoto Barber & Beauty College
Kyoto Barber & Beauty College
Osaka Animation College
Osaka Animation College
Osaka Computer information Institute
Osaka Computer Information Institute
Osaka Beauty Institute
Osaka Beauty Institute
Shusei Technical College
Shusei Technical College
Sundai
Sundai
Tech.C. Osaka
Tech. C. Osaka
Tokyo Design Gakuin
Tokyo Design Gakuin
Tsuji Culinary Institute
Tsuji Culinary Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Completing 1.5 to 2 years at a Japanese language school is the standard pathway for foreign students seeking university admission in Japan. Many Nihongo Center graduates have successfully entered Japanese universities and vocational schools.

Most Japanese universities require a minimum of JLPT N2. Competitive institutions typically expect N1 or a strong N2 score. Some English-taught programs may accept lower Japanese proficiency. Requirements vary by institution and faculty.

A university (daigaku) offers 4-year academic degree programs across a broad range of disciplines. A vocational school (senmon gakkou) provides 2–3 year specialized, employment-focused training in fields such as IT, design, culinary arts, or healthcare.

Yes. Nihongo Center provides guidance for students pursuing higher education in Japan after completing the language program. In the March 2026 graduating class, 35 of 105 graduates advanced to Japanese universities and vocational schools.

The standard pathway is 1.5 to 2 years at a Japanese language school. This meets the Japanese Ministry of Education requirements for university eligibility as a foreign national and provides the language level needed for academic coursework.

Ready to Start Your Japanese Journey?

Apply for the April 2027 intake — full student visa support included, small classes, central Kyoto.
Application deadline: October 31st, 2026.