Vocational Schools
(専門学校 - Senmon Gakko)

1. Purpose and Goals:

• Main Goal: To acquire specialized knowledge and practical skills for a specific profession. The focus is less on academic theory (like universities) and more on job readiness.
• Career-Oriented: Senmon Gakko aim to equip graduates with the qualifications and abilities needed to enter the workforce immediately after completion.
• Diplomas: Upon successful completion (usually 2-3 years), you typically receive a "Diploma" (専門士 - Senmonshi) or "Advanced Diploma" (高度専門士 - Kōdo Senmonshi), which are recognized qualifications in Japan.

2. Fields of Study & Course Variety:

• Wide Range: Senmon Gakko offer courses in a vast array of fields. Some popular areas include:
  • IT & Computing: Programming, Web Design, Network Engineering, Game Development.
  • Business: General Business, Marketing, Accounting, International Trade.
  • Creative Arts: Anime, Manga, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Photography, Sound Engineering.
  • Hospitality & Tourism: Hotel Management, Travel Agency Operations, Bridal Services.
  • Engineering & Technology: Automotive Mechanics, Architecture, Electronics.
  • Culinary Arts & Confectionery: Cooking (Japanese, Western, Chinese), Baking, Pastry Making.
  • Welfare & Healthcare: Caregiving (Kaigo), Childcare.
  • Languages & Culture: Translation, Interpretation (though sometimes part of university programs too).
• Specialization: Courses are highly specialized, allowing you to focus intensely on your chosen field.

3. The Typical Pathway: Language School First

• Standard Route: The most common path for students from countries like Myanmar is:
  1. Attend a Japanese Language School: Study intensively for 1-2 years to achieve the necessary language proficiency.
  2. Pass Language Exams: Aim for JLPT N2 level or higher. Some schools or courses *might* accept N3, but N2 significantly broadens your options and is often the standard requirement. The EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) Japanese language score is also accepted by many schools.
  3. Apply to Senmon Gakko: While still studying at the language school, research Senmon Gakko, choose your desired course, and prepare your application.
  4. Obtain COE & Student Visa: Once accepted, apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and then your student visa.

4. Entry Requirements for Senmon Gakko:

• Basic Education: Completion of 12 years of schooling in your home country.
• Japanese Language Proficiency: This is crucial. As mentioned, JLPT N2 or equivalent is usually the minimum requirement because classes are conducted entirely in Japanese and involve specialized terminology. Proof of proficiency (JLPT certificate, EJU score) is mandatory.
• Entrance Examination (入学試験 - Nyūgaku Shiken): Most Senmon Gakko have their own entrance exams for international students. These can include:
  • Written Japanese test (to confirm language level).
  • Specific subject tests (e.g., basic math for business/IT, drawing test for art).
  • Interview (面接 - Mensetsu): To assess your motivation, Japanese communication skills, and suitability for the course.
  • Document screening.
• Attendance at Language School: Your attendance record from your Japanese language school is often considered during the application process. Good attendance (above 85-90%) is important.

5. Tuition Fees (学費 - Gakuhi):

• Generally Higher: Tuition fees for Senmon Gakko are often higher than language schools due to specialized equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Estimate: Expect to budget approximately 900,000 to 1,500,000 Yen (or more) per year. This depends heavily on the field (e.g., medical or tech fields can be more expensive).
• Breakdown: Similar to language schools, fees include Application Fee, Admission Fee (first year only), Tuition Fee, and potentially significant fees for materials, equipment usage, or practical training (実習費 - Jisshūhi).

6. Financial Proof for COE (経費支弁能力証明 - Keihi Shiben Nōryoku Shōmei):

• Still Required: Just like for language school, you (or your sponsor) must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses when applying for the COE needed for your Senmon Gakko student visa.
• Amount: The required amount might be similar or slightly higher than for language school, reflecting the potentially higher tuition and the longer study duration (usually 2+ years). Expect to show a balance covering at least the first year's total costs (tuition + estimated living expenses).
• Process: After you are accepted by the Senmon Gakko, the school will typically guide you through the COE application process, including submitting the necessary financial documents to them for the immigration application.

7. Graduation Requirements:

• Course Completion: You need to successfully complete all required subjects and practical training modules within the course curriculum.
• Credits/Units: Unlike language schools, Senmon Gakko often operate on a credit or unit system for their subjects. You need to earn the required number of credits.
• Examinations & Assessments: Passing regular exams, submitting projects, and successfully completing practical assessments are necessary.
• Attendance: Maintaining good attendance remains important throughout your studies for visa status and successful completion.

8. Enrollment Period (入学時期 - Nyūgaku Jiki):

• Mainly April: The vast majority of Senmon Gakko start their academic year only once a year, in April.
• Application Timeline: This means you need to research schools, prepare documents, and often take entrance exams during the summer and autumn of the *previous* year (e.g., apply between June-November 2024 for April 2025 enrollment). Deadlines are strict.

9. Part-time Work (アルバイト - Arubaito):

• Same Rules Apply: The rules for part-time work are the same as for language school students:
  • You need "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted..." (資格外活動許可).
  • You can work up to 28 hours per week during semesters.
  • Up to 8 hours per day (40 hours/week) during long official school holidays.
  • Forbidden job types still apply.

10. Accommodation (住居 - Jūkyo) & Costs:

• Options: Similar options exist:
  • School Dormitories: Some Senmon Gakko have dorms, but perhaps fewer options compared to large language schools. Availability might be limited. Costs are similar (30,000 - 70,000 Yen/month).
  • Private Apartments: Always an option, but remember the high initial costs (key money, deposit, etc.) and the challenge of finding one as a foreigner (guarantor often needed). Monthly rent varies greatly by location (50,000 - 90,000+ Yen/month + utilities).
  • Shared Houses: Can be a more affordable alternative to private apartments.

11. General Life & Potential Challenges:

• Cost of Living: Remains similar to estimates provided for language school students (80,000 - 130,000 Yen/month excluding tuition/rent).
• Academic Rigor: Senmon Gakko courses can be demanding, requiring significant study time and effort in specialized subjects, all conducted in Japanese.
• Finding Employment (就職活動 - Shūshoku Katsudō): Towards the end of your course, you'll need to start job hunting if you wish to work in Japan. This is a major process involving resume writing, interviews, and understanding Japanese work culture. Your school will likely offer support, but it requires significant personal effort.
• Visa Status Change: If you find a job related to your field of study, you will need to apply to change your visa status from "Student" to an appropriate work visa (e.g., "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services").