The MEXT Announcement on Foreign Student Management Failures

On February 19, 2026, Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT, or Monbukagakushō in Japanese) designated two higher education institutions as "Improvement Guidance Target Schools" (known as kaizen shidō taishō kō or ISGI in English resources) due to inadequate management of international students. Tokyo Welfare University in Tokyo and Nagoya Keiei Junior College in Aichi Prefecture were singled out for high rates of student withdrawals, expulsions, or unexplained absences attributable to institutional shortcomings.

This move underscores MEXT's ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of Japan's international student acceptance system amid a surge in foreign enrollments. With over 400,000 international students now studying in Japan—surpassing the government's 2033 target eight years early—the pressure is on universities and colleges to balance expansion with robust support systems.

Both institutions now face mandatory guidance to rectify issues like insufficient screening for language proficiency, financial capability, and post-enrollment support. Failure to improve over three consecutive years could escalate their status to "Improper International Student Enrollment Management Schools" (IIISEM), triggering reports to Japan's Immigration Services Agency and potential enrollment restrictions.

Understanding MEXT's Designation Criteria

MEXT's framework stems from the April 26, 2024, "Guideline for Administrative Guidance to Higher Education Institutions with Improper International Student Enrollment Management." Institutions are evaluated based on the ratio of attributable dropouts—withdrawals, expulsions, or missing students—from April 2024 to March 2025, relative to enrollment on May 1, 2024. A rate exceeding 5% triggers ISGI status.

"Attributable" cases exclude unavoidable factors like student death or sudden family financial crises. Instead, they focus on institutional responsibility across five key areas:

• Inadequate verification of Japanese language skills (e.g., lacking JLPT N2-equivalent checks for Japanese-taught programs, paired with poor post-admission support).
• Failure to confirm financial self-sufficiency, leading to tuition non-payment and expulsion.
• Insufficient academic, living, or health support after enrollment.
• Flawed admissions processes, such as improper scoring for age, prior education, or finances that inflate applicant qualifications.
• Other school-accountable circumstances.

This structured approach ensures accountability while promoting high-quality international education.

Tokyo Welfare University: A Spotlight on Persistent Challenges

Established in 1981, Tokyo Welfare University (Tōkyō Fukushi Daigaku) specializes in social welfare, nursing, childcare, and health sciences. It enrolls around 2,470 international students—about 6-10% of its total—making it one of Japan's larger hosts for foreign learners, particularly from Vietnam, Nepal, and China.

In the latest review, 152 students (6.2%) were deemed attributable dropouts. This echoes the university's troubled history. In 2019, authorities discovered over 1,610 international students had "disappeared" between fiscal 2016-2018, with 700 going AWOL in one year alone. Many were "research students" in preparatory programs who stopped attending to work illegally, exploiting student visas that permit limited part-time jobs.

MEXT and immigration officials investigated, temporarily barring new enrollments. The scandal highlighted revenue-driven recruitment without adequate oversight, as international students pay full tuition without subsidies.

Despite past reforms, the 2026 designation signals lingering gaps in screening and support, prompting renewed scrutiny.

Nagoya Keiei Junior College: Smaller Scale, Similar Struggles

Nagoya Keiei Junior College (Nagoya Keiei Tanki Daigaku), a two-year management-focused institution in Aichi, has 94 international students out of roughly 282 total—a striking 33% foreign ratio. Seven dropouts (7.4%) triggered its first ISGI designation.

Programs in business administration, accounting, and IT attract budget-conscious students seeking quick vocational skills. High foreign dependency raises risks: limited resources for language bridging or counseling can lead to mismatches, with students dropping out for work amid Japan's labor shortages.

This case illustrates vulnerabilities in smaller colleges, where intl fees bolster finances but strain administrative capacity.

Historical Context: The 2019 'Missing Students' Crisis

The current designations trace to June 2019's "New Policy on Thorough Management of International Student Enrollment," a joint MEXT-Immigration response to scandals like Tokyo Welfare's. Thousands of students vanished annually, often entering on student visas but abandoning studies for unauthorized full-time jobs in sectors like construction or hospitality.

By 2024, monthly reporting became mandatory, culminating in the 2024 guideline. These steps aim to prevent exploitation while supporting genuine academic pursuits.

Systemic Challenges in Japanese Higher Education

Japan's higher ed landscape features ~800 universities and 600 junior colleges, with private institutions dominating (75%). Declining birthrates shrink domestic pools, pushing reliance on full-paying internationals—who comprised 6% of undergrads by 2025.

Challenges include:

• Revenue Pressures: Privates cover 80% operating costs via tuition; intl students fill gaps.
• Language Barriers: Most classes in Japanese; inadequate EJU/JLPT prep leads to failures.
• Support Gaps: Overstretched advisors handle mental health, visas, jobs.
• Visa Loopholes: Students work 28 hrs/week; economic temptations high.

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Stakeholder Impacts and Perspectives

Students face disrupted studies, visa revocations, deportation risks. Institutions risk reputation damage, enrollment caps. MEXT warns of system-wide trust erosion, deterring quality applicants.

Experts like those from JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) advocate integrated support: mandatory orientation, tracking apps, partnerships with agents. University leaders acknowledge issues but cite resource strains; Tokyo Welfare pledged enhanced monitoring post-2019.

Prospective students should verify schools via Study in Japan portal.

Government Strategies for Balanced Growth

Paradoxically, MEXT is easing caps at elite nationals like Tohoku, Tsukuba, Hiroshima for 2026, enabling 10-20% more intl undergrads via English programs. The "Global 30" evolution emphasizes quality: scholarships, career services, post-grad work visas.

Recent stats: 70% Nepalese/Vietnamese in vocational tracks; China leads overall. Policies target STEM/humanities balance.

Paths Forward: Improvement and Monitoring

Designated schools must submit monthly reports, undergo audits. Success stories: Post-2019, many reformed via dedicated intl offices, dropout rates halved sector-wide.

1. Enhance admissions: Rigorous EJU/JLPT/financial proofs.
2. Build support: Tutoring, counseling, homestay networks.
3. Leverage tech: Attendance apps, AI alerts.
4. Collaborate: With embassies, JASSO.

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Photo by Hermann Wittekopf - kmkb on Unsplash

Future Outlook for International Education in Japan

By 2030, Japan eyes 400k+ sustained growth, with 10% workforce contribution. Stricter oversight will weed out lax players, elevating standards. For students, thriving means choosing accredited, supportive schools—tools like MEXT lists empower choices.

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