Japan Considers One-Year Graduate Program for Teacher Licensing

On Monday, a subcommittee of the Central Council for Education proposed the creation of a new fast-track pathway that would allow working adults with a university degree to earn a teaching license in as little as one year at graduate school. Currently, the process can take about three years, as candidates without an educational background must complete additional undergraduate coursework alongside graduate studies.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) aims to submit a legal revision by 2027 to enable the reform. The new program is designed to attract professionals with skills in fields such as information technology and global affairs, who could bring fresh perspectives and expertise to Japan’s schools.

The subcommittee also raised the possibility of reducing the number of credits required for teacher certification, noting that non-education majors often face steep additional requirements that discourage them from entering the profession. To maintain teaching standards, MEXT plans to supplement reduced coursework with measures such as adding alternative learning options, like self-study using online videos.

With interest in teaching declining in recent years, officials hope that easing entry requirements while maintaining quality will encourage more talented individuals to pursue careers in education. The council is expected to finalize its recommendations by summer 2026.