PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture
Chapter 4. Improvement and Enrichment of Higher Education
2 Promotion of the Reform of Higher Education
(3) Improvement of the System of Academic Degrees
With regard to the degree awarding system, requests have been
made for its improvement. On the basis of the report of February 1991 of the
University Council, proposing the reconsideration of the academic degree system,
the Ministry has taken necessary measures for the improvement of this system,
including amendments to the Regulation on Academic Degrees. It is expected that
each university will take more positive steps for the smooth awarding of academic
degrees. Also, considering the transition toward a lifelong learning system,
and expecting the diversified development of institutions of higher education,
the Ministry has established a National Institution for Academic Degrees, aimed
at awarding academic degrees to those who, having independently attained the
level of higher education. are regarded as being equal to the graduate from a
university or a graduate school.
Further, the Ministry has established an associate bachelor's
degree to be awarded to the graduates from junior colleges and colleges of technology.