More Than Half of Caregiver Training School Students Are Foreign Nationals — What Does This Workforce Shift Mean?

In recent years, a major change has been taking place in Japan's caregiving industry.

One notable trend is that more than half of the students enrolling in schools that train Certified Care Workers are now foreign nationals.

According to data for the 2025 academic year, approximately 55% of new students at caregiver training institutions are international students, meaning they already outnumber Japanese students.

Why Has the Number of Foreign Students Increased So Much?

The main reason is that while the number of Japanese applicants has been declining, the number of international students has increased significantly.

The caregiving industry continues to face a chronic labor shortage. Although it offers stable employment, it has struggled to attract more Japanese workers. For foreign nationals, however, caregiving is attractive because it provides opportunities to work in Japan long-term and offers stable career prospects after obtaining professional qualifications.

In particular, many students come from Asian countries such as Nepal, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

A Study-Abroad Model Designed for Employment

Behind this trend is a unique system.

Many international students follow this path:

1. Japanese language school

2. Caregiver vocational school (approximately two years)

3. Employment at a caregiving facility

In addition, many students use financial support programs that help cover tuition and living expenses. In many cases, repayment is waived if the graduate works in the industry for a specified period.

In other words, this can be viewed as a study-abroad model designed specifically for future employment.

The Reality of Employers and the Workplace

After graduation, most students find employment at caregiving facilities such as nursing homes for the elderly.

These facilities face severe labor shortages, making the recruitment of foreign workers increasingly essential.

However, there are also challenges.

Language barriers, the difficulty of qualification examinations, and requirements to remain with the same employer for a certain period can create mismatches if students do not fully understand the system before enrolling.

Future Outlook

This trend is expected to continue.

Japan's aging population continues to grow, and demand for caregiving professionals is increasing every year. As a result, the industry's reliance on foreign workers is likely to become even greater in the future.

The Japan Job Guide Perspective

The caregiving sector offers significant opportunities for foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan.

However, the most important thing is to make informed decisions based on a clear understanding of the system.

By learning about residence status requirements, tuition support programs, and employment conditions in advance—not just the job itself—individuals can build a more stable and successful career in Japan.