Undergraduate courses in Japan – 4 most sought-after areas

Before we talk about undergraduate courses, let’s talk a little more about Japanese culture. The Japanese have always been envied for their dedication and effort. But it is also a fact that this is part of the culture of this country. The Japanese lineage, since ancient times, teaches that one should give their best in everything they do.

They always defend honor and morality, respect hierarchy, and have the idea that education is the key to success. These are the reasons that make the Japanese nation a symbol of respect, ethics, and dedication.

And all this culture is also carried into all stages of life. It affects many other aspects of society, such as the level of quality of education. Which in Japan is nothing short of excellent.

Universities in Japan

There are approximately 780 universities in Japan, with only a minority being public. They are highly regarded in the fields of exact sciences, which include engineering in general, mathematics, physics, chemistry, etc.

To give you an idea, of the twenty-three Japanese who have won the Nobel Prize, nine of them were enrolled in public universities in Japan. All these achievements are the result of investment in education and the importance that the Japanese have placed on teaching in their society.

Undergraduate courses

Focusing on the exact, engineering, and biological sciences, Japan stands out worldwide with its high-level research. It is no surprise that the most sought-after courses by the Japanese are concentrated in these areas.

First of all, it is interesting to note that Japanese students are more concerned about which university they will enter. After knowing where they will study, the freshman decides what their area of expertise will be and, finally, which course they want to take.

But this leads to the question that originated this article: What are the most popular undergraduate courses among the Japanese? To answer that, we have listed below the four most popular and esteemed areas in Japan and the most sought-after undergraduate courses in each of them.

Licenciaturas

Japan is well recognized for its excellent education, from the most basic levels to undergraduate and graduate studies. This is due, in addition to its culture, to the training of its teachers.

Respect for teachers is extremely important for the Japanese, as they are the ones helping to transform their future.

Undergraduate teaching courses are one of the most sought-after areas by the Japanese. If a person can teach in English, both their salary and job opportunities will increase exponentially.

Especially in the city of Tokyo, where the University of Tokyo – or known as UTokyo, teachers have a wide range of opportunities. The job market is not saturated and is always interesting to future graduates.

Human Relations

Courses in the field of human sciences are among the most sought-after by Japanese students. In 2005, they accounted for 16% of the total number of students. The great importance of the humanities in Japan reflects its ethical society, persisting in the moral education of the Japanese since imperial times.

One of the most sought-after courses in the humanities is Global Studies, which would be equivalent to a degree in International Relations in Brazil.

Engineering

Those who believe that the first desired course among the Japanese is engineering are mistaken. Despite the reputation that Japanese people have in Brazil: “every Japanese is good at math,” this data shows that our impressions were wrong.

The significant mathematical background that the Japanese carry since primary school is substantial. And sometimes it discourages them when they want to pursue a career. Others see the opportunity from the education they received and exceed expectations.

The courses in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science have attracted the attention of students. Japan is a very technological country with a high level of innovation.

At Osaka University, the courses in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science are highly sought after. The reason is that the department of innovation and artificial intelligence is led by the creator of Geminoid F, Hiroshi Ishiguro. The robot has 65 facial expressions.

Business

First of all, most of the courses desired by students are within the field of business and social sciences. The most sought-after courses in business are: administration, law, and accounting.

The most famous business administration school in Japan is Waseda University, located in Tokyo. Its MBA – professional master’s degree in business – is among the most esteemed master’s programs in the world.

In the field of law, the University of Tokyo stands out for its excellence. Just like in Brazil, law graduates must pass an exam to practice as lawyers. In Brazil, the exam is conducted by the OAB – Brazilian Bar Association. In Japan, there is the Bar Examination.

Kyoto University has the most esteemed accounting course in Japan, also due to its MBA in the field.

Did any of these undergraduate courses surprise you?

I have to admit that it was a surprise to see Licenciatura as one of the most sought-after undergraduate courses. But I think I was only surprised because of the polluted mindset here in Brazil. Where teachers do not even receive half of the treatment that they do in Japan.

And I say this not because of the salary, but because of the treatment at work. Students are extremely respectful towards them, and even society does not accept anything less than good treatment.

Certainly, Japanese culture has much to teach the world. And it is not a small amount, but few are those willing to learn. But anyway, these were the undergraduate courses and the areas that are most sought after at universities in Japan. If you liked it, don’t forget to share it with your friends.