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Junior College Qualifications
Japanese Education System
Q：What is the difference between Associate degree (tankidaigakushi, 短期大学士) and Associate (jungakushi, 準学士) both of which are issued by junior colleges?
A：Since July 1991, when the title of Associate was established by the Act to Partially Amend the School Education Act (Act No. 25 of 1991), junior colleges had awarded the title of Associate to their graduates. (In accordance with the Ac, those who have graduated before July 1991 may also be called Associate.) From October 2005 onwards, the award has been changed to Associate degrees.
According to the Japanese legislation, the title of Associate given to junior college graduates is considered an Associate degree (Article 3, Supplementary Provisions, School Education Act) (in Japanese only).
Please note that Associates are also awarded to graduates of Colleges of Technology (KOSEN).