In the academic year 2024, the enrollment rate in universities and junior colleges reached around 62.8 percent for male students and 61.7 percent for female students in Japan. The share of young women attending higher education institutions increased more than tenfold in the past 60 years. The overall direct enrollment rate after high school graduation was 62 percent.

The representation of women in Japanese higher education continues to grow, with female students comprising 44.6 percent of university enrollments in 2023. This marks a steady increase over the past decade, reflecting changing societal attitudes and educational opportunities for women in Japan. Study field preferences Female students enrolled at universities in Japan exhibit a strong interest in the social sciences, with the highest number of female undergraduates majoring in the subject in 2023. At the postgraduate level, the engineering field had the highest number of female students in the same year. When it comes to gender distribution, humanities, education, medicine, and art attracted a higher share of women than men in postgraduate studies. Employment prospects The rising female university enrollment is translating into positive career outcomes. In 2023, 81.2 percent of female university graduates in Japan entered employment after completing their studies. It is worth noting that this proportion was much lower among women with postgraduate degrees, with below 70 percent of those with master’s and doctoral diplomas securing employment after graduation.

Japan: Primary school completion rate: The latest value from 1999 is 104.86 percent, a decline from 107.8 percent in 1998. In comparison, the world average is 80.38 percent, based on data from 117 countries. Historically, the average for Japan from 1971 to 1999 is 102.08 percent. The minimum value, 83.38 percent, was reached in 1979 while the maximum of 121.2 percent was recorded in 1978.

In the academic year 2023, the enrollment rate of children in Japan for senior high schools, including correspondence courses, reached close to 99 percent. That year, nearly 61 percent of senior high school students entered tertiary education institutions, such as universities and junior colleges, directly after graduation.  Non-compulsory secondary education After graduation from junior high school, compulsory education in Japan comes to an end, and students may either find employment or continue their academic path by studying at a senior high school, technical college, or university. As of late, around 1.3 million female students and 1.6 million male students were enrolled in one of the over 800 universities in the country.  Qualities of the Japanese educational system   Japan’s adult literacy rate is at around 99 percent. According to the results of OECD’s PISA Programme, Japanese fifteen-year-olds showcased high levels of education in the international comparison, scoring higher than the OECD standard in all rounds of assessment. The students especially excelled in scientific subjects, reaching mean scores of 536 points in mathematics and 547 points in science. In terms of sports and culture, student clubs are an important part of academic life in Japan. These clubs offer a wide variety of activities such as ball sports, Japanese traditional sports like judo, as well as cultural clubs for arts or tea ceremony among others.

Japan JP: Primary Completion Rate: Female: % of Relevant Age Group data was reported at 101.777 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 102.242 % for 2011. Japan JP: Primary Completion Rate: Female: % of Relevant Age Group data is updated yearly, averaging 99.464 % from Dec 1971 (Median) to 2012, with 37 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 104.022 % in 1971 and a record low of 88.965 % in 1979. Japan JP: Primary Completion Rate: Female: % of Relevant Age Group data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.World Bank: Education Statistics. Primary completion rate, or gross intake ratio to the last grade of primary education, is the number of new entrants (enrollments minus repeaters) in the last grade of primary education, regardless of age, divided by the population at the entrance age for the last grade of primary education. Data limitations preclude adjusting for students who drop out during the final year of primary education.; ; UNESCO Institute for Statistics; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

In 2023, around 81.2 percent of female students who enrolled in universities in Japan entered employment after graduation. By comparison, about 0.1 percent of female students who graduated from lower secondary schools or compulsory education schools began to work in that year.

In 2024, the number of private graduate schools in Japan amounted to 486, representing an increase from 463 in 2015. That year, there were 663 graduate schools in total, with the majority being private institutions.

As of May 2023, the largest share of master's students at Japanese universities, at around 42 percent, studied engineering as their major. That year, approximately 168.71 thousand graduate students were enrolled in master's study programs in Japan.

In 2024, about 76.5 percent of new university graduates in Japan secured regular employment. The total number of new university graduates who secured regular employment during that year amounted to about 451 thousand people.

's Number of upper secondary school graduates entering universities is 3,265person which is the 44th highest in Japan (by Prefecture). Transition Graphs and Comparison chart between Tokushima and Fukui(Fukui) and Kochi(Kochi)(Closest Prefecture in Population) are available. Various data can be downloaded and output in csv format for use in EXCEL free of charge.

As of the fiscal year 2021 in Japan, the average total cost of education until graduation for a student enrolled at private universities majoring in science amounted to around 8.2 million Japanese yen. This included entrance fees, fees for the entrance exam, tuition fees, travel expenses, and costs for out-of-school education such as private lessons.

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Higher Education Market Size 2025-2029

The higher education market size is forecast to increase by USD 117.9 billion at a CAGR of 18.9% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant shifts driven by advances in educational content delivery methods and the increasing prioritization of AI technology-integrated coursework. These trends are transforming the landscape of higher education, with institutions adopting online and blended learning models to cater to the evolving needs of students. However, the rising cost of higher education poses a considerable challenge for both students and institutions. According to recent data, tuition fees have been increasing at an alarming rate, making it difficult for many students to afford a higher education. This affordability issue may hinder the growth of the market, particularly for institutions that fail to offer competitive pricing or innovative financing options.
To capitalize on the opportunities presented by the shifting educational landscape and navigate the challenges effectively, institutions must focus on providing affordable, technology-driven educational solutions that cater to the evolving needs of students. This may involve investing in advanced learning technology platforms, offering flexible learning schedules, and collaborating with industry partners to provide students with real-world experience and skills that are in high demand in today's job market. By staying abreast of these trends and addressing the affordability challenge, higher education institutions can position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market.

What will be the Size of the Higher Education Market during the forecast period?

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The market continues to evolve, with dynamic market dynamics shaping various sectors. Institutions are increasingly embracing technology to enhance learning experiences, from digital literacy and campus technology to learning management systems and online assessments. Big Data is transforming student engagement and enrollment management, while student life and retention are being reimagined through personalized learning and student satisfaction. Competency-based education and certificate programs are gaining traction, particularly in social sciences and health sciences. International students contribute significantly to the market's diversity, with education technology facilitating global education. Faculty research and professional development are being augmented through artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Adaptive learning and flipped classrooms are revolutionizing undergraduate education, while continuing education and graduate programs are leveraging blended learning and virtual classrooms. Student loans and financial aid are essential components of student life, with student success hinging on effective enrollment management and academic advising. Open education and community colleges are democratizing access to education, while career services and student information systems are bridging the gap between academia and industry. Cloud computing and mobile learning are making education more accessible and convenient, with graduation rates and student satisfaction soaring as a result. In the realm of STEM education, data analytics and e-learning platforms are fostering innovation and collaboration. The integration of technology in higher education is an ongoing process, with new trends and applications continually unfolding.

How is this Higher Education Industry segmented?

The higher education industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Learning Method

  Online
  Offline
  Hybrid


End-user

  Private colleges
  State universities
  Community colleges


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Learning Method Insights

The online segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is undergoing significant changes between 2025 and 2029, with the online segment experiencing transformative evolution. Institutions are prioritizing technological integration, leading to the development of more interactive and immersive online learning platforms. Advanced digital tools enable real-time collaboration, virtual classroom experiences, and adaptive learning algorithms that cater to individual student needs. These innovations enhance student engagement and accommodate diverse learner demographics, such as working professionals and non-traditional students. Hybrid models, which blend online and in-person instruction, are increasingly

In 2024, the number of students enrolled in bachelor programs at universities in Japan amounted to over 2.6 million, while the number of students in doctoral programs reached about 77.7 thousand. That year, nearly 46 percent of undergraduate students at universities were female students.

In 2023, there were approximately 1.3 million female students enrolled at Japanese universities, up from about 1.2 million students in 2014. At the same time, there were about 1.6 million male university students in 2023. Profile of female students Recently, over 44 percent of all university students in Japan are women. Japanese female students are inclined to choose social studies as their undergraduate major, while they indicate a preference for engineering for postgraduate studies. Women with an undergraduate degree have the highest success rate of entering employment directly after graduation, closely followed by those who graduated from junior colleges. Women are strengthening the nation The number of women studying at universities in Japan has consistently increased, along with the female employment rate. Women account for more than half of Japan's total population, and they also have one of the longest life expectancies in the world. Consequently, further inclusion of women into society is considered one of the measures that will compensate for the loss of employable people due to Japan's shrinking population size.

Number and proportion of each attribute for births with and without infant mortality.

Japan CDI: Effective Job Offer Rate: Excl New School Graduates data was reported at 1.640 Times in Sep 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.630 Times for Aug 2018. Japan CDI: Effective Job Offer Rate: Excl New School Graduates data is updated monthly, averaging 0.690 Times from Jan 1975 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 525 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.640 Times in Sep 2018 and a record low of 0.420 Times in Aug 2009. Japan CDI: Effective Job Offer Rate: Excl New School Graduates data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Economic and Social Research Institute. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.S001: Leading Indicators: 2015=100.

's Number of university graduates going to further education is 2,414person which is the 7th highest in Japan (by Prefecture). Transition Graphs and Comparison chart between Chiba and Saitama(Saitama) and Hyogo(Hyogo)(Closest Prefecture in Population) are available. Various data can be downloaded and output in csv format for use in EXCEL free of charge.

According to a report published in April 2022, the job openings-to-applicants ratio in Japan stood at 1.58 for university students graduating in March 2023. The ratio increased for the first time after 2019. This number indicates that there were about one and a half job openings available for every university student graduating in 2023.

In the academic year 2024, around 71 thousand postgraduate students in Japan had a major in engineering, of which roughly 16 percent were female students. The field of engineering attracted the highest number of both male and female graduate students.

In the academic year 2024, there were approximately 1.8 thousand postgraduate courses at universities in Japan. Around 1.2 thousand of those courses were offered by private universities. That year, the total number of graduate courses for a doctoral degree amounted to about 1.4 thousand.