Japan eyes more English

At least 200 university departments in Japan should offer degrees through English-language courses to international students in 2033, up from 86 in fiscal 2020, according to a government plan.

The proposal was made at a meeting on April 4 of the government’s Council for the Creation of Future Education.

The education minister and independent experts of the council discussed policies on how to attract more students from other countries.

Other proposals included starting more joint degree programs with overseas partner universities and offering additional international exchange programs, both online and in person, to junior and senior high school students.

The proposals will become official as early as this month after being reviewed by other council members.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has pledged to have 400,000 international students enrolled in Japan in 2033.