Study Abroad Content Writer | Updated On - May 19, 2026
Japan offers a 6-year undergraduate medical degree, known as Bachelor of Medicine (MD), equivalent to an MBBS in India. The course includes both the theory classes and clinical training. Most of the 81 universities offer a medicine degree in Japanese, except in very rare cases, like IUHW-Narita, which is one of the few that teach the course in English. The primary admission intake for MBBS in Japan starts in April.
Some of the medical universities consistently ranking among the best in Asia, as featured by the QS 2026 rankings, are the University of Tokyo (#36) and Kyoto University (#57). The average annual cost of studying MBBS in Japan is around JPY 5.35 lakh/year (INR 3.2 lakh/year). The tuition fees are quite affordable as compared to MBBS in the USA, where the fees lie in crores. The monthly cost of living in Japan is JPY 1.04-1.35 lakh (INR 61,347-79,044), but to make education more accessible there are many Scholarships also like MEXT Scholarship.
z- Studying in Japan in 2026
- MBBS in Japan Fees and Rankings 2026
- Eligibility Requirements for MBBS in Japan
- Documents Requirements for Indian Students
- MBBS in Japan vs MBBS in India
- Cost of Living in Japan in 2026
- What is the MEXT Scholarship?
- Visa Application Process in Japan
- Career Options after MBBS in Japan
- Challenges for Indian Students for Studying Medicine in Japan
- FAQs
Studying in Japan in 2026
For students looking for universities for MBBS abroad in 2026, Japan is a great option. Japan is the 12th most peaceful country in the world as per the Global Peace Index 2025. Some of the reasons to choose Japan for MBBS are the following:
- High-quality education: Japan is known for its advanced healthcare and modern teachings.
- Best Student Cities: 4 cities of Japan, Tokyo (#2), Kyoto (#18), Osaka (#62), and Nagoya (#62), are featured by QS Best Student Cities.
- Global Recognition: Most of the Japanese universities are listed under WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools), which allows students to sit for further Licensing exams.
- Scholarship availability: The Japanese government provides scholarships for UG program students to reduce the tuition fees.
MBBS in Japan Fees and Rankings 2026
Most national universities in Japan follow a standard tuition fee of around JPY 535,800/year (INR 3.2 lakh/year) set by the government. Some of the popular universities in Japan for medicine are mentioned in the table below.
| University Name | Location | QS Health & Medicine Rankings 2026 | QS World University Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Tokyo | Tokyo | #36 | #36 |
| Kyoto University | Kyoto | #60 | #57 |
| Osaka University | Osaka | #106 | #91 |
| Hokkaido University | Sapporo | #177 | #170 |
| Tohoku University | Sendai | #184 | #109 |
| Kyushu University | Fukuoka | #195 | #170 |
| Nagoya University | Nagoya | #201 | #164 |
Tip for Indian Students: Start Japanese language learning immediately. Aim for JLPT N4/N5 first, then N2 before applying. During the first 2 years, students can study basic sciences in English or simplified Japanese. For clinical years, Japanese is mandatory for patient interaction and exams.
Eligibility Requirements for MBBS in Japan
The admission for MBBS in Japan usually starts in April. The eligibility for Indian students to pursue their medical degrees from Japan is the following:
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic requirements | Class 12 with PCB (min 50-60% marks) |
| Age requirements | Min 17 by the 31st of the admission year |
| Language Proficiency | Japanese Language Proficiency Test -JLPT N1/N2 |
| NEET Scorecard | NEET qualify |
| Entrance requirements | *EJU + University exam + interview |
*EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) is an entrance exam for international students who want to study in Japan. Many Japanese universities use the EJU score for the admission process, especially for UG programmes.
Documents Requirements for Indian Students
The list of documents required for admission to MBBS in Japanese universities is mentioned below:
- University application form
- Valid passport
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets
- Photographs
- NEET scorecard
- EJU reports
- Certificate of eligibility (COE)
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N1/N2)
- Proof of Funds (min. INR 13 lakhs)
- Visa supporting documents
MBBS in Japan vs MBBS in India
Choosing the correct study destination is one of the most important steps, as both paths differ in admission, cost and career options. The table below shows a quick comparison to help you get a better understanding and get things clear
| Parameters | MBBS in Japan | MBBS in India |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Name | MD (equivalent to MBBS) | MBBS |
| Total duration | 6 years | 5.5 years |
| Internship period | 1-2 years (separate/residency phase) | Included in the course |
| Entrance requirement | University requirements + JLPT | NEET |
| Language of Teaching | Mostly Japanese | English/Hindi |
| Licensing Exams | Japanese Medical Exam | NEXT |
| Recognition in India | Requires FMGE/NEXT | Directly valid in India |
| Course Fees (Full-Program) | INR 25-50 lakh | Govt.: INR 50,000 - 5 lakh Private: INR 60 lakh-1 crore |
| Post-degree opportunities | Limited in Japan without being fluent in Japanese | Easy to practise + PG options |
For detailed info, Check out: MBBS in Japan vs MBBS in India
Cost of Living in Japan in 2026
The cost of living in Japan typically ranges from JPY 1.04-1.35 lakh (INR 61,347-79,044). Students can expect high prices in rent and daily costs in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The cost breakdown for Japan is listed below in the table.
| Expense | Monthly cost (JPY) | Monthly cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accomodation | JPY 40,000-60,000 | INR 23,595-35,392 |
| Food | JPY 30,000-35,000 | INR 17,696-20,645 |
| Transportation | JPY 10,000-12,000 | INR 5,898-7,078 |
| Utilities & others | JPY 24,000-28,000 | INR 14,157-16,516 |
| Total Cost | JPY 1.04-1.35 lakh | INR 61,347-79,044 |
Currency Conversion used: 1 JPY = 0.59 INR on 23 April 2026
Check out: MBBS Abroad at low cost
What is the MEXT Scholarship?
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarship available for international students in Japan. It is offered by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
The scholarship covers:
- Monthly stipend of JPY 143,000-145,000 (~INR 84,300-85,500)
- Round-trip airfare
- Tuition fees
- Japanese language training course
Students can apply for the MEXT scholarship in 2 ways. One is to apply through the embassy of Japan in India or through university pages that have MEXT recommendation quotas.
Key points about MEXT scholarship:
- The scholarship is highly competitive- even if you get it, it doesn’t give you an admission guarantee.
- The applicant must be under 25 years of age
- Japanese language proficiency is tested
Visa Application Process in Japan
Getting a student visa for Japan involves multiple steps. The process is managed through Japan's Immigration Services Agency and requires a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before the visa can be issued.
To apply for a Japanese student visa, a student must first secure a seat in any Japanese university. The university applies for a *Certificate of Eligibility (COE)* from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Once you receive the COE, you can prepare your visa documents. You must submit your application to the Embassy of Japan in India or through VFS Global. The visa processing time is usually around 5 to 10 working days after submission. After approval, your visa is stamped on your passport, allowing you to travel to Japan. Upon arrival, you will receive a residence card, which serves as your legal stay permit in Japan.
Documents Required for Visa:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Passport-sized photographs
- Acceptance letter from the University
- Proof of financial ability
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Important note: The COE is the most important document required for your visa application. It is an official document issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan confirming you are eligible to study in Japan.
Career Options after MBBS in Japan
After completing their medicine degree from Japan, students have 3 options:
- Return to India and practise medicine in India: All Indian students who complete a medical degree from a foreign country must clear the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) to practise medicine in India. This exam is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) twice a year.
- Stay back and practise in Japan: Practising in Japan is a little challenging for Indian students. To start practising, students are required to clear the Japanese Medical Licensing Exam, which is entirely in Japanese. Students are required to learn Japanese (JLPT N1) to work in hospitals.
- Other Alternatives: Students can also practice medicine in other foreign destinations, like the USMLE (to practice in the USA) and PLAB (to practice in the UK)
Challenges for Indian Students for Studying Medicine in Japan
Studying in Japan can be a little challenging for Indian students. Some of the problems Indian students face in Japan are:
- Language Barrier: This is the most significant challenge. Almost all medical universities in Japan teach in Japanese. Even at IUHW Narita — the most international-friendly option — clinical training from Year 3 onwards is in Japanese. Learning Japanese to N1 level usually takes 3–5 years for most Indian students.
- High Cost: Even at the most affordable private medical university in Japan (IUHW Narita), the total cost over 6 years is approximately ₹1.09 crores in tuition alone.
- Long Duration: For Indian students, the journey usually takes 8–10 years, including 1–2 years of Japanese language training (up to JLPT N2) followed by a 6-year medical degree and licensing process. This makes it significantly longer than India’s 5.5-year MBBS.
- FMGE returns: After completing MBBS in Japan, Indian students must clear the FMGE to practise in India. The pass rate is usually below 20%, and studying in a Japanese-language environment can make preparation more difficult.
- Low seats for international students: Japan's medical universities have very limited seats for international students. IUHW Narita, for example, offers only 20 international student seats per year out of 140 total seats.
Check out: English-taught Universities in Japan
Also, Check out other countries for MBBS
FAQs
Ques. Is MBBS from Japan valid in India?
Ans. Students must ensure that the course is equivalent to MBBS (minimum 54 months, excluding internship). The university is a recognised institution in Japan. All NMC conditions are met at the time of the FMGE application. Students are strongly advised to contact the NMC directly and the Embassy of India in Tokyo before enrolling in any Japanese medical university.
Ques. Is Japan a good option compared to other countries for MBBS?
Ans. Japan is a safe country and offers a high quality of education and lifestyle. Students can face a major language barrier and struggle with limited English-medium courses.
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