the fourth year of the programme. The engineering programmes are 5 years in length while the marine mercantile programmes are 5.5 years duration. At the end of the programme, students are awarded an “Associate” credential. Within the engineering programmes, students may choose from a variety of sub-areas. These include chemical engineering, biotechnology, electrical and electronic engineering, civil engineering, information systems and control technologies. While many graduates enter the work force, around 40% go on to further post-secondary education. Graduates of the colleges are in high demand both by companies and by prestigious universities such as the University of Tokyo. Several colleges of technology have developed their own advanced programmes (専攻科) which are one to two years in length. Upon completion of these programmes, graduates may be awarded degrees by application to the National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation. Some colleges, such as the Wakayama College, received special permit from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology of Japan, to confer a BS in Engineering degree at the end of the advanced programme, and thus graduates do not have to apply to the National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation in order to receive their bachelor's degree. In 2002, the Committee on the Future of National Colleges of Technology was established. Following the Committee's 2003 final report, a Law concerning the Institute of National Colleges of Technology, Japan was enacted with the Institute coming into operation in 2004. See also Higher education in Japan Institute of technology Technical education in Japan Notes External links List of national Colleges of Technology in Japan Institute of National Colleges of Technology Higher education in Japan