Semester system
In Japanese: セメスター制 (semesuta-sei)
Definition
A semester system divides the year into terms, such as first and second semesters, and completes and credits each course within a term.
In more detail
The Standards for the Establishment of Universities say each course is taught over a period the university sets, such as 8, 10 or 15 weeks, and that the teaching year in principle spans 35 weeks.
How the year and terms are divided is stated in school rules. Besides two semesters, some universities divide the year into four quarters.
Admission and graduation in the middle of a year follow the term divisions.
In Classio
On Classio screens such as timetables, grades and fees, the term is chosen as first term (前期) or second term (後期).
See also
Related terms
- Timetable
A timetable arranges classes by subject, day, period, room and teacher, and underpins attendance and grade management.
- Course registration
Course registration is the process by which students register the courses they will take, based on the timetable, capacity and graduation requirements.
Sources
- Standards for the Establishment of Universities (e-Gov) — Articles 22 and 23: the teaching year and the period of each course
- Regulations for Enforcement of the School Education Act (e-Gov) — Article 4: items school rules must state (school year and terms; admission, withdrawal, transfer, leave and graduation)
Sources checked: October 24, 2026