technical college; kōsen
Abbreviation of 高等専門学校. Refers to five-year post-junior-high institutions combining upper secondary and higher education, specializing in engineering and technology.
See also: 高等専門学校
My older brother is studying mechanical engineering at a technical college.
After graduating from a kōsen, you may be able to transfer into the third year of a university.
higher schools and colleges
Rare, broader sense referring to upper-level educational institutions in general. Not the common modern usage; almost always encountered as the abbreviation for 高等専門学校.
In the prewar education system, 'kōsen' included various specialized schools.
Vocational school; usually post-high school and shorter term, focusing on practical skills, while 高専 integrates upper secondary and higher education with a strong engineering focus.
Abbreviation of 高等専門学校 (kōtō senmon gakkō, 'higher specialized school'). The kanji 高 (high) and 専 (specialty) directly reflect the full term.