Students in Japan may soon be able to qualify to apply for foreign universities by attending educational programs taught in Japanese, according to the education ministry.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, offered to students aged 16 to 19, is currently provided in English, French and Spanish. Those who complete the two-year curriculum and pass qualification exams are eligible to apply to more than 2,500 universities that recognize the program, including Harvard and Oxford universities.

Although the education ministry denied recent reports that the Geneva-based International Baccalaureate Organization said it will accept classes taught in Japanese, an official acknowledged that discussions on the matter are still ongoing.