English

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

To All International Students

There are no boundaries in the desire to learn.

There are 730 international students from 29 countries and regions studying at HAL (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya)*.

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.

* Achievement of the 3 HAL (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya) schools at the end of January 2023.

Welcome to HAL

HAL was established in Osaka, 1984. Currently, being one of the largest vocational schools in Japan with the school buildings located 3 minutes by foot from 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 8,900 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.

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▶HAL NEWS TOKYO OSAKA NAGOYA

WHY HAL?

WHY HAL?

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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.

International Student Support System

1. HAL is a “licensed school”, a “proper school", and a “certified school" .
2. Upon graduation, you will receive a diploma and the title of "Advanced Diploma" or "Diploma".
3. There is a “Skill Up Course” available to help improve your Japanese proficiency.
4. There is an international student support system that helps you feel at ease during both your studies and daily life.
5. We provide a living environment where you can study with peace of mind.
6. We will take responsibility for supporting  you in gaining qualifications and getting employment in Japan. 

There are many other support systems available too!

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 / LINE / LIXIL / MAPPA / miHoYo / SEGA / SQUARE ENIX / SUNRISE / TOYOTA Motor East Japan / Yahoo 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

Subjects / Courses

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

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 TOKYO OSAKA NAGOYA

Global Size Education Network

Global Size Education Network

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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
3 minutes on foot from Shinjuku station (West Exit).
50 storeys above ground, Cocoon Tower general school building.

HAL OSAKA
3 minutes on foot from Osaka station.
21 storeys above ground and 3 storeys below ground, HAL Osaka general school building. 

HAL NAGOYA
3 minutes on foot from Nagoya station.
36 storeys above ground, Spiral Towers general school building.  

CREAPOLE (HAL Paris)

HAL Overseas Office

HAL has 8 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
  • Taiwan Office
  • Korea Office (Seoul)

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 TOKYO OSAKA NAGOYA

Campus Life

Campus Life

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▶ Click here for more details TOKTO OSAKA NAGOYA

Voices of the International Students

Voices of the International Students

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▶ Click here for more Voice of Seniors TOKYO OSAKA NAGOYA

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What courses are offered?

    ▼ 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
    Game Planner Major
    Game Scenario Writer Major
    Game Director Major

    Game Production Course
    VR / 3D Game Programmer Major
    Online Game Programmer Major
    Smartphone Game Programmer Major

    Faculty of CG
    4-year CG / Design / Animation Department

    CG Video Course
    3DCG Creator Major
    VFX Artist Major

    Graphic Design / Illustration Course
    CG Designer Major
    Illustrator Major

    Animation  Course
    Animator Major
    Digital Drawing 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 Information Processing Course
    Advanced System Engineer Major
    IoT Network Major
    Cyber Security Major

    WEB Development Course
    WEB Designer Major
    WEB Development Engineer Major
    Smartphone Application Development Major

    AI Systems Development Course
    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.

  • What educational features does HAL have?

    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.

  • What has HAL achieved?

    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 eight times. In 2021, our school set a new record in Japan for 15 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 - 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.

  • Can beginners study here too?

    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

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

    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

  • I would like to know more about HAL.

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

    HAL TOKYO
    HAL OSAKA
    HAL NAGOYA

  • I want to know the enrollment requirements.

    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 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.

  • I would like to know how to enroll.

    ● 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 or N2 in the "Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)"*.

    2. Admission system before arrival in Japan
    This system allows you to take the "Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)" exam outside of the country and submit it 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.

    *If necessary, we may conduct an interview by a video call or telephone.


    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. 03-3344-1010 E-mail: nyugaku.tokyo@hal.ac.jp
    HAL OSAKA : TEL. 06-6347-0001 E-mail: nyugaku.osaka@hal.ac.jp
    HAL NAGOYA : TEL. 052-551-1001 E-mail: nyugaku.nagoya@hal.ac.jp


    ▼ Application Method
    HAL TOKYO
    HAL OSAKA
    HAL NAGOYA

I would like to visit HAL.

  • 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)

Contact Details