The “Pre-MBA” is an MBA preparatory program offered at Western business schools. The program offers introductory-level management courses, and is especially designed for non-native English speakers who lack the confidence to participate in case study discussions, or who do not know how to go about writing reports and other documents. The Pre-MBA program is generally offered for a two- or three-month period during the summer holidays, with an emphasis on the curriculum courses listed below. As business schools are still under development in Japan, only a limited number offer the Pre-MBA, with only one school having received international accreditation for its pre-MBA program.

• Business English
• Academic writing
• Basic management courses

Also available are individual MBA credit courses (sometimes called “MBA Essentials”) for those in the general public who want to experience an MBA course. While the Pre-MBA is suited for people who want to study basic-level courses for several months during their holidays, MBA credit courses enable one to study an area or topic they have a particular interest in for a short time (several days).