Higher education policy in Japan

Akira Arimoto, Egbert de Weert

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademic

    Abstract

    This chapter discusses the higher education policy in Japan. One of the unique features of Japan's higher educational system is its dual structure—a small public sector controlled by central and local governments, and an enormous market-driven private sector. One-fourth of the total student population enrolls in public higher education, forcing the majority of students to attend the more costly, but generally educationally disadvantaged and crowded, private universities. Another feature of Japan's higher education is its hierarchical structure. A few universities enjoy high esteem and their graduates attain the more prestigious positions in society. Other types of institutions are distinguished in the status order, ranging from middle-class universities to junior colleges. At present, higher education in Japan is confronted with various important issues relating to changes in Japanese society at large, such as internationalization, an aging of the population, the diversification of lifestyles, and the dissemination of information technology. In the context of these changes, higher education is considered to play an important role in society.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationHigher Education Policy
    Subtitle of host publicationAn International Comparative Perspective
    EditorsL.C.J. Goedegebuure
    Place of PublicationOxford ; New York
    PublisherPergamon Press
    Pages162-187
    ISBN (Print)978-0-08-042393-7
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1994

    Publication series

    NameIssues in higher education
    PublisherPergamon Press

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