Education played a powerful role after World War 2 in bringing democracy and demilitarisation to the country. Education is only compulsory at elementary and lower secondary levels (up to age 15), although 98% of students do progress to upper secondary level.
Most high schools have large classes and a publically run, but there are some private schools. Schools have a wide ranging curriculum and also offer after school clubs, meaning that most Japanese children stay at school until about 6pm and sometimes attend before school and at weekends. Some secondary school pupils have private tutors as well.
There are over 700 universities in Japan, mostly offering a four year bachelor’s degree programme. The University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are at the top of international rankings. University fees are high, but there are a range of scholarships, bursaries and charitable grants that help students cover their fees.
