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ZERO to PRO　HAL | College of Technology & Design

From ZERO to PRO! If you’re looking for employment, head to HAL!

There are no boundaries in the desire to learn.

982

international students*

international students

from43

countries and regions*

flags

and more!

* Achievement of the 3 HAL (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya) schools at the end of March 2026.

HAL has a variety of support systems so that international students can have a safe and enjoyable school life. As a school, we provide full support not only for school life and study, but also for housing and daily life in Japan, employment at Japanese companies, and acquisition for VISA. At HAL we will do all we can do to help those who have the desire to learn.

Open Campus

Visits / Consultations every day, even online!

(10:00 - 20:00 JST, excluding Sundays, Japanese public holidays, and dates between 12/26 - 1/5.)

See list of events

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Trial Class

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Available every day! Online individual consultations.

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Welcome to HAL

専門学校HAL 2026年度WEB MOVIE 「好きから逃げない」篇

HAL was established in Osaka, 1984. Currently, being one of the largest vocational schools in Japan with the school buildings in front of each terminal station in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. It is a school accredited by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as a "Professional Post-secondary Course" for practical education that is recognized by Japan. We have created the state-of-the-art learning environment by collaborating with world-leading companies such as Nintendo and Microsoft in various ways. At HAL, about 8,100 students are studying in the fields of Games, CG Images, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Music, Car Design, IT, WEB, and AI. Our graduates are highly regarded for their practical skills and employment guidance that reflects the human resource needs in each industry. Additionally, we have introduced an study abroad system at "CREAPOLE" in Paris, creating an environment for nurturing creators and engineers who will become active around the world.

YouTube

WHY HAL?

One-on-one guidance is provided by employment guidance instructors who understand the human resources needs of companies.

"If you’re looking for employment, head to HAL": this phrase has nothing to do with whether you’re Japanese or an international student.
For those who desire to get a job, the employment guidance instructors will give thorough individual guidance from resume writing to interview practice, production and presentation of your employment portfolio.
Thorough support for qualification acquisition and certification exam strategies, which are powerful tools when looking for a job.
We also provide full support for finding employment in Japan, such as job hunting strategies and acquisition of your VISA.

Unparalleled "Contest Achievements"
Many awards won consecutively in contests in a wide range of fields. It’s your turn next!

Industry-Academia Case Studies
You can aquire "real-world skills" by working with companies and creators from planning to commercilization!

"Special seminars” with direct guidance by professionals direct guidance from world-class creators and top runners in the industry.

Educational Partnership with Microsoft

Microsoft 365 Copilot for Approximately 8,000 Students. Developing the Next Generation of AI-Ready Professionals.

Microsoft is one of the world's leading technology companies. In collaboration with Microsoft Japan, HAL provides Microsoft 365 Copilot to approximately 8,000 students across all campuses.
In addition to learning how to use AI effectively, students develop the practical skills to apply AI in real-world and business environments. Through an education that integrates the latest AI technologies, HAL prepares students to become professionals who can lead the AI era and succeed in the global IT and digital content industries.

International Student Support System

  1. HAL is officially recognized by the Japanese government and public institutions as a Licensed School, Proper School, and Certified School.
  2. Upon graduation, students receive a diploma as well as the title of “Advanced Diploma” or “Diploma”.
  3. We offer a JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) Skill Up Course to help students improve their Japanese language skills.
  4. Dedicated international student advisors provide comprehensive support for all international students.
  5. We provide a safe and comfortable living environment, including school-designated dormitories, so that students can focus on their studies with peace of mind.
  6. Dedicated career advisors also provide comprehensive support for students seeking employment opportunities in Japan.

Many other support programs and services are also available for international students.

Certified by the Government of Japan
Certified School under the International Student Career Development Support Program

HAL has been certified by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as a vocational school that provides high-quality education for international students under the International Student Career Development Support Program.
Graduates of certified schools receive the same level of consideration as university graduates during the review process for work-related visa applications, providing an advantage when seeking employment in Japan. To receive this certification, schools must satisfy rigorous requirements, including accreditation as a Professional Postsecondary Course, a stable institutional foundation, proven achievements in career education and employment support for international students, and an appropriate system for accepting international students. This certification is granted only to schools that consistently maintain high standards in education and institutional management.

Employment Achievements from HAL International Students

HAL is powerful for international students going into the industry.

Aiming / BANDAI NAMCO Studios / CAPCOM / CyberAgent / CyberConnect2 / DMM.com / DOCOMO Systems / FromSoftware / GAME FREAK / GMO Internet / INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS / KLab / KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS / KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS / Konami Amusement / Konami Digital Entertainment / LIXIL / LY Corporation (formerly LINE. Yahoo! JAPAN) / MAPPA / miHoYo / SEGA / SQUARE ENIX / SUNRISE / TOYOTA Motor East Japan / Hero Mutual Entertainment / Shogakukan Music & Digital Entertainment / Toei ZUKUN LABORATORY / Nissan Motor Co., Ltd./Japan's No. 1 Software / Hitachi (China) Co., Ltd. / Nintendo / Hakuhodo i-studio / NetEase Games and many others

※ Achievement samples from graduates at the 3 HAL schools (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya)

Subjects / Courses

Game Design／Game Planning／Game Production／CG Images／Graphic Design and Illustration／Animation／Music／Car Design／AI／WEB／IT

Departments and majors that cover the cutting-edge industries.
After graduation, the professional world you are aiming for awaits you.

Upon graduation, you will obtain the title of "advanced diploma" / "diploma". It will be easier for you to re-enter and get a job in Japan.

Click here for more details

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Global Size Education Network

HAL has prepared an environment where you can learn the latest techniques from around the world, not just in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Paris. Creators and engineers who play active roles worldwide are born at HAL.

HAL

HAL TOKYO
2 minutes on foot from Shinjuku station (West Exit).
50 storeys above ground, Cocoon Tower general school building.
HAL OSAKA
90 seconds on foot from Osaka Station (West Exit).
21 storeys above ground and 3 storeys below ground, HAL OSAKA UMEDA general school building.
HAL NAGOYA
3 minutes on foot from Nagoya station.
36 storeys above ground, Spiral Towers general school building.
CREAPOLE (HAL Paris)
ESMOD (Paris Group School)
LIM College（New York Group School）

HAL Overseas Office

HAL has 11 offices around the world, including its sister school in Paris. Each office supports global learning, from overseas research / training and support when studying abroad, to collaborations with companies and educational institutions overseas as well as admission consultation when enrolling directly from overseas.

  • France Office (Paris Campus CREAPOLE)
  • America Office (New York)
  • Italy Office (Milan)
  • Dubai Office
  • Beijing Office
  • Shanghai Office
  • Hong Kong & Macau Office
  • Taiwan Office
  • Korea Office (Seoul)
  • Vietnam Office
  • Indonesia Office

Facilities / Equipment

The environment nurtures people!
Make the most of the best development and production environment approved by the PROs.

Click here for more details

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Campus Life

Click here for more details

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Voices of the International Students

China / Sijia Zuo

China / Sijia Zuo

Game 4-year Department

Designer at Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Korea / Hyungseung Kim

Korea / Hyungseung Kim

WEB Department

UI Designer at LINE Co., Ltd.

America / Daniel Dilauro

America / Daniel Dilauro

CG, Design and Animation 4-year course

Character artist at Kojima Productions Co., Ltd.

China / Yuyang Gu

China / Yuyang Gu

Information Processing Department

Engineer at Yahoo Japan Corporation.

Indonesia / RAYMOND

Indonesia / RAYMOND

Car Design Department

Clay modeller at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

China / Fei Hou

China / Fei Hou

Music Department

Sound Designer at NetEase Games (NetEase Games).

Click here for Voice of Seniors

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Frequently Asked Questions

About HAL

Q

What courses are offered?

A

Day Classes (4-Year Curriculum) ※ You will receive an ""Advanced Diploma"" upon graduation, which is equivalent to a 4-year Japanese university qualification. Faculty of Games Game 4-year Department Game Design Course Game Designer Major 3D Character Designer Major Smartphone Game Designer Major Game Planning Course Ⅰ　Game Planning Course Ⅱ Game Planner Major Game Scenario Writer Major Game Director Major Game Production Course Ⅰ　Game Production Course Ⅱ 3D & XR Game Programmer Major Online Game Programmer Major AI Programmer Major Faculty of CG CG & Design & Animation 4-year Department CG Images Course Ⅰ 　CG Images Course Ⅱ 3DCG Creator Major VFX Artist Major Graphic Design / Illustration Course Ⅰ 　Graphic Design / Illustration CourseⅡ CG Designer Major Illustrator Major Animation Course Ⅰ 　Animation CourseⅡ Animator Major AI Digital Illustration & Creative Artwork Major Faculty of Music Music Department Sound Creator Major Sound Engineer Major Game Music Major Faculty of Car Design Car Design Department Car Designer Major Car Modeler Major Next Generation Mobility Development Major Faculty of IT Advanced Information Science Department Advanced IT Course Ⅰ　Advanced IT Course Ⅱ Advanced System Engineer Major IoT Network Major Cyber ​​Security Major WEB Development Course Ⅰ　WEB Development CourseⅡ WEB Designer Major WEB Development Engineer Major Smartphone Application Development Major AI Systems Development Course Ⅰ　AI Systems Development CourseⅡ AI engineer major Next Generation Robotics Major Data science major Day Classes (2-Year Curriculum) ※ You will receive a ""Diploma"" upon graduation, which is the equivalent a Japanese junior college qualification. Faculty of Games Game Department Game Program Major Character Design Major Faculty of CG CG Department CG Design Major CG Animation Major Faculty of Music Music Department Computer Music Major PA / Recording Major Faculty of Information Technology Information Processing Department Information Processing Program Major Network Security Major WEB Department WEB Programming Major WEB Design Major Day Classes (1-Year Curriculum) Faculty of National Qualifications National Qualification Department Basic Information Technology Major Applied Information Technology Engineer Major Database Specialist Major Network Specialist Major Embedded System Specialist Major Information Security Supporter Major Paris School Study Abroad Course Night-time Classes (2-Year Curriculum) Game Department CG Imaging Department Graphic Design Department WEB design Department Network Department Information Processing Department ※ Student VISA cannot be obtained by those attending Night-time Classes. If you wish to enroll, please contact the Admissions Office.

Q

What educational features does HAL have?

A

Our school provides industry-academic collaborations, which provides practical experience from industry professionals and companies to students. We also train students in unique subjects such as ""Creativity Development"", ""Self-Development”, and “Thinking Skills”. These subjects maximizes creativity and builds necessary communication skills required in Japanese society.

Q

What has HAL achieved?

A

Our school has won consecutive prizes from competitions in a wide variety of fields and has garnered a staggering contest performance record. In the ""Japan Game Awards - Amateur Category""—where various works from universities and vocational schools all throughout the country are gathered annually, HAL is a top-level competitor that has won the grand prize award 9 times. In 2026, our school set a new record in Japan for 18 years of consecutive wins. This record demonstrates the overwhelming capabilities of our students at HAL. In addition, our school runs an industry-academic collaboration project known as ""Case Study"", where we take on practical work from companies, organizations, and creators to plan and manufacture new products. Students are able to make the most out of their creative senses while learning from and interacting with actual industry professionals. ・Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. - Completed game application and released to the general public. ・Proposed the next design of the Nissan ""GT-R"". ・Yahoo Japan Corporation (current LINE Yahoo) - Released an application that utilizes the Map Web API. ・Direct instruction by Takayuki Yanase of Shirogumi Co., Ltd., to produce HAL TVCF. ...and many others.

Q

Can beginners study here too?

A

From ZERO to PRO. Instructors who have experience in the industry will guide you starting from the very basics. We also hold special seminars featuring specialists from each industry as seminar leaders. With support from corporations, we have installed various game consoles as development platforms including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox 360, and the latest equipment including motion capture and a full digital surround system. We have created an environment that is perfectly geared towards creators. Since students study in an environment that matches professional spaces, even if you are a complete beginner at the time of admission, you will acquire the abilities needed for the industry by the time you graduate. ・Shigeru Miyamoto / Nintendo Co., Ltd./CEO Fellow / Works: Mario Series, The Legend of Zelda Series, Donkey Kong Series ・Nobuo Uematsu / Composer / Works: Final Fantasy Series ・Jakub Dvorsky / Game Creator / Works: Samorost, Machinarium

Q

I'm worried about being unable to keep up in class.

A

There is nothing to be worry about. Our admissions screening process places an emphasis on the individual's motivation and dedication towards their goals. Passing this initial process ensures that you will be able to keep up with our classes. There is also a complete homeroom system all throughout the year where we will be able to closely provide support to each of our students. Please rest assured that we also offer individual supplementary classes. In addition, we have a dedicated team of guidance staff members to provide international students with assistance. Like-minded Japanese students will be there to assist as well. We also hold a special course to help improve your Japanese proficiency, where an N1-level langauge instructor will provide direction on preparing for the JLPT N1 examinations. Our unique learning environment allows you to not only acquire specialized knowledge and Japanese language skills, but also receive advice on daily life in Japan.

How to Enroll

Q

I would like to know more about HAL.

A

We will send you the latest information regarding HAL for free. Click here to request our school brochures. ※ Overseas dispatch is not available.

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Q

I want to know the enrollment requirements.

A

Students who meet all of the following conditions in sections 1, 2 below, assuming that the intent of studying abroad is clear and have a strong desire to acquire knowledge and skills in their respective fields. 1. Those who have completed or are soon to complete a regular 12-year curriculum and will reach the age of 18 by the time of admission. ※ If your country's regular curriculum is less than 12 years, or if you will be under the age of 18 at the time of admission, please contact the Admissions Office. 2. Students who meet one of the following conditions for Japanese proficiency. ・ Students who have studied for over 6 months a Japanese language education institution accredited by the Ministry of Justice of Japan. ・ Students who have passed the N1 or N2 levels in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). ・ Students who have obtained 200 points or more in the Japanese language subjects from the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) (Total of reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and listening comprehension excluding description). ・ Students who got 400 points or more in the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT). ・ Students who have obtained 525 points or more in the JPT Japanese Proficiency Test. ・ Students who have studied for over one year at elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, vocational colleges, junior colleges, universities, or graduate schools in Japan. ※ Please contact the Admissions Office if you do not have Japanese proficiency above but can fully understand the content of the class and have a status of residence that allows you to stay in Japan without any problems from admission to graduation.

Q

I would like to know how to enroll.

A

● If the applicant resides in Japan Please contact the Admissions Office or visit the school directly to obtain the ""International Student Admission Guidelines"". ● If the applicant resides in his / her own country <other than Japan> We have two systems that allow admission by document screening without coming to Japan to take the examination*, and a system that asks a representative to apply for the application procedure. HAL will apply for status of residence on your behalf. 1. Overseas special admission system This system accepts and selects applications directly from overseas for those who have passed the N1 (Level 1) or N2 (Level 2) in the ""Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)""，or who have scored 400 or higher on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT), or who have scored 525 or higher on the JPT Japanese Proficiency Test.* 2. Admission system before arrival in Japan This system allows you to take the ""Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)"" exam and submit enrollment application materials before you arrive in Japan, based on your grades and document screening results*. The target persons are those who have obtained 200 points or more in Japanese subjects (total of reading comprehension, listening comprehension and listening comprehension excluding description). 3. Representative system Please ask a representative living in Japan to apply for you. We will contact the representative regarding the selection date. * Interviews will be conducted via the Internet. Please contact us via phone or E-mail. Admission consultations available every day. (10:00 - 20:00 JST, excluding Sundays, Japanese public holidays, and dates between 12/26 - 1/5.) HAL TOKYO: TEL. +81-3-3344-1010　E-mail: nyugaku.tokyo@mode.ac.jp HAL OSAKA: TEL. +81-6-6347-0001　E-mail: nyugaku.osaka@mode.ac.jp HAL NAGOYA: TEL.+81-52-551-1001　E-mail: nyugaku.nagoya@mode.ac.jp

HAL TOKYO

HAL OSAKA

HAL NAGOYA

I would like to visit HAL.

Q

I would like to visit HAL.

A

For those who would like to visit the school, please click on the link below. Visits available everyday, even online!(10: 00-20: 00, except Sundays and Japan public holidays, 12/26 - 1/5)

HAL TOKYO

HAL OSAKA

HAL NAGOYA

Please contact us!

HAL TOKYO
E-MAIL

+81-3-3344-1010

1-7-3 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023 Japan

Google Map
HAL OSAKA
E-MAIL

+81-6-6347-0001

3-3-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0001 Japan

Google Map
HAL NAGOYA
E-MAIL

+81-52-551-1001

4-27-1 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, 450-0002 Japan

Google Map
ⒸHAL