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PART Issues and Perspectives ofHigher Education

The population aged 18 - the age group going on to higher education - is projected to reach a peak of 2,050,000 in 1992, to decrease to 1,510,000 in the year 2000 and then to continue to decrease year by year.

In view of this trend in the population aged 18, it is anticipated that the higher education system as a whole will be confronted with a serious situation in which it will be compelled to reduce its total enrollment, and that it will face various difficulties regarding the financial management of institutions. On the other hand, however, during this period when the higher education age group will reduce, new demands for access to higher education will be created, along with the progress of scientific research and the social and economic development of the nation.

Along with the increasing needs of lifelong learning, the progress of internationalization in higher education and other trends, more adult citizens of a wide age range and more foreign students will be admitted to institutions of higher education. One of the tasks of these institutions will be that, with these trends in view, they should seek and explore the structures and programs of higher education needed to enable the Japanese society and economy to continue to maintain and further develop their vitality in the 21st century, and to enable the Japanese people to live an affluent life, both materially and spiritually.

At present the University Council is deliberating how to ensure the qualitative and quantitative development of higher education for the period beginning in 1993 during which the population aged 18 will be decreasing.