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PART Issues and Developments of Policies in Education, Science and Culture

The improvement and expansion of higher education institutions is directed toward a quantitatively and qualitatively balanced development and is being carried out along the Systematic Planning and Administration of Higher Education after 1986 (so called New Higher Education Plan).

1) National universities are playing an important role in the promotion of basic academic research and planned human resources development. Major programs implemented during FY 1989 included (1) the improvement of graduate schools including the commencement of accepting graduate students into the independent multi-disciplinary graduate schools, (2) the establishment and reorganization of university departments, particularly in the fields of agricultural sciences and engineering, and (3) the transformation of two-year evening junior colleges into four-year evening university courses.

2) Local public universities engage in education and research that respond to the diversifying and increasing needs of communities. Private universities are promoting unique activities in education and research in the spirit of their private roots. The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture is determined to promote their further advancement and implements support policies such as the provision of subsidy, etc.

3) With regard to the training of medical doctors and dentists, in view of the supply and demand, the number of entering students at medical and dental faculties is being reduced. In response to the progress and development of medical sciences and therapy, the improvement of medical and dental education is in progress.

4)With regard to colleges of technology, the establishment and reorganization of faculties and departments are in progress so as to meet the progress in science and technology and the changes in the industrial structure, such as the training of information engineers.

5) Special training schools are institutions for vocational and technical education for practical purposes and offer learning opportunities that meet a variety of needs. In recognition of their important services, the Ministry implements various policies for their promotion.

6) In view of the rapid progress of our nation towards an information oriented society, internationalization and scientific and technological advancement, facilities and equipment of national universities and other institutions have been developed toward "intelligent" campuses, which can meet diversified and advanced needs for education and research as well as can provide affluent environment of a humane nature.