123,829 international students in Japan as of May 1, 2008, 4.5% up from last year.

(1) Number of international students by institutional type

Graduate school	32,666	(3.4% up)
University (undergraduate)/Junior college/ College of technology	63,175	(1.6% up)
Professional training college	25,753	(15.0% up)
University preparatory course	2,235	(4.8% down)

(2) 5 major countries/regions of origin

China	72,766	(2.1% up)
Republic of Korea	18,862	(9.2% up)
Taiwan	5,082	(8.5% up)
Vietnam	2,873	(11.3% up)
Malaysia	2,271	(5.8% up)

Note1: "International student" on this statistics is defined as a student from a foreign country who is receiving education at any Japanese university, graduate school, junior college, college of technology, professional training college or university preparatory courses and who resides in Japan with "college student" visa status, as defined in Annexed Table 1 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

Note 2: "Short-term international student" on this statistics is defined as a student from a foreign country who is receiving education in Japan for a period of one year or less. The purpose of a student is not necessarily to obtain a degree but rather to study at Japanese university, to experience a different culture, or to master Japanese language.

1. Trends in Number of International Students by Source of Funds (as of each May 1)

2. Trends in Number of International Students by Institutional Type (as of each May 1)

*Note: "University preparatory course" are designated by MEXT for students with school education of less than 12 years in foreign countries. Those who completed these courses are qualified to enter Japanese Universities.