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The very first program of its kind in Japan, the Academic Year in Japan Program provides the opportunity for serious students of Japanese to undertake integrated studies in APJLE accredited programs in two different locations, with the same student visa.

The program provides the chance to see Japan while you study the language and culture. You can start with a semester in Sapporo and then transfer south, or start in Okazaki and then transfer north. This flexibility provides you with the opportunity for example to enjoy studies during the mild and less humid summer Hokkaido that is able to offer, while avoiding the clod winters. Transfers are at the beginning of April and October. An additional option, primarily designed with the needs of students from the southern hemisphere in mind, enables a calendar year of studies commencing in Sapporo in January.

Due to visa restrictions, it is not yet possible to currently possible commence in Okazaki in January and transfer north for the studies from summer. The program can be extended beyond 12 months provided all academic requirements are exceeded. It is also possible to spend the entire program in one location if preferred.

This file is a print ready format

Contents - Outline, Dates/Schedule, Fees & Costs, Curriculum, Levels, Entry Requirements, Procedures, Application forms.

1) Outline:

The Academic Year in Japan program consists of two semesters, commencing in April and October. You can start in Sapporo or Okazaki, studying for a 6 month semester before transferring to the other center without visa issues. An additional option is to study for a calendar year starting in Sapporo from January.

The student visa required for participation in the program is the shuugaku visa issued by the Immigration Bureau of Japan. An interview is not required, however there is a considerable amount of preparation required in order to complete the student visa application kit. These requirements are detailed in the application kit.

The programs used to deliver the Academic Year are the Academic Intensive Japanese Program (AIJP) in Okazaki at the Aichi Center, and the University Preparation Program (UPP) in Sapporo at the Hokkaido Center. Each program is intensive, delivered via the direct method (ie Japanese and Japanese only is the language of instruction), and involves a vigorous curriculum. Teaching is delivered via teams, usually a minimum of 4 qualified & experienced instructors, all of whom are native speakers of Japanese, and class levels are determined by proficiency level at the time of enrollment and transfer.

Contents - Dates/Schedule, Fees & Costs, Curriculum, Levels, Entry Requirements, Procedures, Application forms.

1) Dates/Schedule:

The Academic Year in Japan program consists of two semesters, commencing in April and October. You can start in either Sapporo or Okazaki, studying for 6 months before transferring to the other center.

Spring 2008 Commencement:

2007/OCT/10 Applications open
2007/DEC/05 Deadline for applications
2008/JAN/10 Documentation submitted to Immigration Bureau
2008/FEB/28 Confirmation of student visa
2008/MAR/01-15 Transfer of fees, visa documents couriered to applicants
2008/APR/01-03 Arrival in Japan, check in for accommodation
2008/APR/04 Commencement
2008/SEP/25 Check out of accommodation, transfer to second center.
2009/MAR/?? Complete studies.

Autumn (Fall) 2008 Commencement:

2008/APR/10 Applications open
2008/JUN/05 Deadline for applications
2008/JUL/10 Documentation submitted to Immigration Bureau
2008/AUG/30 Confirmation of student visa
2008/SEP/01-15 Transfer of fees, visa documents couriered to applicants
2008/OCT/01-03 Arrival in Japan, check in for accommodation
2008/OCT/04 Commencement
2009/MAR/25 Check out of accommodation, transfer to second center.
2009/SEP/?? Complete studies.

Contents - Dates/Schedule, Fees & Costs, Curriculum, Levels, Entry Requirements, Procedures, Application forms.

2) Fees & Costs:

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Contents - Dates/Schedule, Fees & Costs, Curriculum, Levels, Entry Requirements, Procedures, Application forms.

3) Curriculum:

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Contents - Dates/Schedule, Fees & Costs, Curriculum, Levels, Entry Requirements, Procedures, Application forms.

4) Levels:

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Contents - Dates/Schedule, Fees & Costs, Curriculum, Levels, Entry Requirements, Procedures, Application forms.

5) Entry Requirements:

Successful application for the shuugaku visa is a pre-requisite for entering the program.

The Academic Year in Japan program is both intensive and academic. All students will need to have a high level of motivation to learn Japanese. Most students are either graduates or university/college students, although this is not currently a minimum entry requirement. Please note that a degree is preferred, but not essential. If you have not yet matriculated, then please note that it is essential for you to prove that you have the academic ability to enter a university in your country of origin or current country of permanent residence.

As an absolute minimum:

1) Applicants must have a minimum of 12 years of full-time education in their native country or have a diploma equivalent to a Japanese senior high school diploma. (For Hong Kong or Malaysian residents, please note that Form 5 may also be acceptable - though you will need to apply very early as interviews may be required.)

2) All students applying for the student visa will need to be at least 18 at the time they will enter Japan. It is NOT possible for you to begin this program on a tourist visa when you are still 17 (subject to the condition 1), and then transfer to the student visa after your 18th birthday.

It is not a pre-requisite but it is helpful if you have some experience of studying Japanese or a foreign language before.

Citizens of non-OECD countries will need to find guarantors. Please check the Visa Requirements section to see if this applies to you.

Contents - Dates/Schedule, Fees & Costs, Curriculum, Levels, Entry Requirements, Procedures, Application forms.

6) Procedure:

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Contents - Dates/Schedule, Fees & Costs, Curriculum, Levels, Entry Requirements, Procedures, Application forms.

7) Application forms:

Application Kits for the Academic Year Program are available online. Click here