Attending high school in Japan gives students the opportunity to study in a unique country where tradition and technology live in harmony and a culture of discipline and respect comes first. Japanese high schools are known for their high academic standards, club activities, school uniforms and a culture in which students take an active part in school life.
Students from Turkey usually attend high school in Japan in one of two ways. In exchange programs lasting one semester or one academic year, students stay with a Japanese host family and attend Japanese high schools. Students aiming for an international diploma can choose international schools in cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Kobe. For young people interested in Japanese culture, language and anime, Japan offers an unforgettable experience.
Attending high school in Japan offers students important academic and personal advantages.
Japan is an island country in the Pacific Ocean in East Asia. Its capital is Tokyo. The official language is Japanese. The currency is the Japanese yen.
Japan is known for its advanced technology, high-speed rail network, historic cities, natural beauty and globally popular cultural output. The country has four distinct seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn. The long-standing friendship between Turkey and Japan means Turkish students are warmly welcomed in Japan.
The education system in Japan consists of six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school and three years of senior high school. Although high school is not compulsory, almost all students continue to high school. High school usually covers students between the ages of 15 and 18.
At Japanese high schools, students take part in club activities such as sports, music and the arts in addition to lessons. Students also take on responsibilities such as cleaning the school. University admission in Japan is based on a national common test and universities' own exams.
The types of high schools international students can choose from in Japan are:
There are different programs for high school education in Japan depending on the student's goals and the length of stay:
Application requirements for high schools in Japan vary depending on the type of program and the school. For exchange programs, students are usually expected to be within a certain age range, have a good academic record and be open to adapting to a different culture. Many exchange programs do not require prior knowledge of Japanese; however, basic Japanese makes settling in much easier.
The application usually requires report cards from recent years, a transcript, teacher references, student and family introduction letters and health information. Full-time enrollment at Japanese high schools requires passing the school's own entrance exam and a good level of Japanese. International schools may hold an English proficiency assessment, an entrance exam and an interview.
The school year in Japan starts in April and ends in March. It is divided into three terms: the first runs from April to July, the second from September to December and the third from January to March. The summer break lasts from late July to late August.
At international schools, the school year usually starts in August or September and ends in June. Applications for exchange programs are usually made 6 to 12 months before the program starts. Many exchange programs start in August or September to fit the school calendar in Turkey. Since visa processes take time, applying early is very important.
The city where you can attend high school in Japan depends on the type of program. In exchange programs, students are placed in the city or town where their host family lives.
In Japan, tuition at public high schools is largely covered by government support programs. However, this support applies to families residing in Japan. It is usually not possible for a student living in Turkey to enroll full-time in a Japanese public high school without moving to Japan with their family.
The most common way for students from Turkey to attend Japanese high schools is through exchange programs. In these programs, a program fee is paid to the organizing institution for host family placement, organization, insurance and support services. For students placed in private schools, school fees are usually included in the program fee. International schools are fee-paying private schools.
The cost of high school education in Japan varies widely depending on the type of program. Fees for exchange programs vary depending on the length of the program, host family placement and the services included.
Fees at international schools in Tokyo and other large cities are among the highest education fees in Japan. When planning your budget, you should account for the school uniform, school trips, club activities, airfare, health insurance, visa costs and pocket money in addition to the school or program fee.
At NGGlobal, we share the current prices of our partner institutions with you and work with you to choose the program that best fits your budget and goals.
The main accommodation options for high school students in Japan are:
In all options, students' safety and wellbeing come first. Students receive support from local coordinators or school staff throughout the program.
Turkish citizens need a student visa to attend high school in Japan. Before the visa application, the school or exchange organization in Japan applies for a certificate of eligibility on the student's behalf. Once this certificate is issued, the visa application is made through Japan's missions in Turkey.
The application usually requires documents such as the letter of acceptance from the school or exchange organization, the certificate of eligibility, proof of financial means, a parental consent form and documents on the person who will be responsible for the student in Japan. After arriving in Japan, students are issued a residence card and must register with the local municipality within a set period.
Since visa processing can take time, it is important to plan your application early. At NGGlobal, we support our students and their families at every step of the visa process.
Students who take part in a high school exchange program in Japan or complete part of their high school education there must obtain recognition (denklik) from the Turkish Ministry of National Education to continue their education where they left off when they return to Turkey. Students who earn a Japanese high school diploma or an IB diploma must also obtain recognition of their diploma to apply to universities in Turkey.
Because the Japanese school year starts in April, moving between grades needs careful planning. For the recognition process to run smoothly, the courses taken and grades earned must be documented, and the documents must be certified and translated. It is advisable to speak with your school and the Provincial Directorate of National Education before the program starts to learn the recognition requirements.
At NGGlobal, we offer free consultation to students who want to attend high school in Japan and to their families. By assessing the student's age, academic background, goals and the family's budget, we identify the most suitable program.
Contact us to build your plan for high school in Japan together.
Japanese high schools teach in Japanese. International schools in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe and other cities teach in English.
Many exchange programs do not require prior knowledge of Japanese. However, basic Japanese makes adapting to school and the host family much easier.
At Japanese high schools, the school year starts in April and ends in March. At international schools, it usually starts in August or September.
At Japanese high schools, students wear uniforms, take part in club activities in addition to lessons and take on responsibilities such as cleaning the school. This structure helps students develop discipline and teamwork skills.
Yes. If you prepare all the required documents, you can obtain recognition from the Turkish Ministry of National Education and continue your education in Turkey where you left off.
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