Professional training colleges are accredited post-secondary educational institutions providing professional education for students wishing to pursue professional careers in a number of industries. Together with universities and junior colleges, professional training colleges are one of the core educational institutions delivering post-secondary education in Japan. Professional training colleges typically offer programs ranging in length from 2 – 4 years and award graduates either a diploma (senmonshi) or an advanced diploma (kodo senmonshi). Graduates of professional training colleges can choose to begin their careers upon graduation or continue their studies by transferring to a university or graduate school depending on their program of study and the policies of the accepting institution.

The Japanese Education System