Shahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Highlights:
- You can apply for Masters in Japan in the Fall (September or October) and Spring (April) intakes
- Some popular Masters program in Japan include Health, Engineering, Humanities, Business and Economics
- A bachelor degree and an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent are required for masters in Japan
- You also need to have a JLPT score (Japan Language Proficiency Test score) along with IELTS, TOEFL scores. The minimum JLPT score is N1 level
Japan is becoming a very popular study-abroad destination among international students. It has lower tuition fees as compared to other developed study-abroad destinations. The yearly tuition fees for MS in USA can range from INR 20 to 52 lakhs, whereas in Japan, it is INR 4.80 lakhs. Masters in Japan is a 2 years long program. The minimum requirements for masters programs in Japan are as follows
- Bachelor degree
- IELTS score of 6.0
- TOEFL score of 75-80
- JLPT N1 level or equivalent GRE score
Remember, admissions to Masters in Japan are highly competitive. Most Japanese universities require Japanese language proficiency along with English language proficiency. As per the Ministry of External Affairs, 1302 Indian students are studying in Japan. The tuition fees for masters programs in Japan are determined by the type of university and the course you choose. Masters in Japan cost for the first year is approximately 820,000 YEN for national universities. It can go up to 900,000 YEN for public universities, and 1,100,000 YEN for private universities (excluding medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs).
Table of Content
Why Study Masters in Japan
You can consider the below-mentioned reasons if you are choosing masters in Japan for international students
- Japan is the world leader in technological innovation, particularly in electronics, robotics, and automotive engineering. Global companies like Sony, Toshiba, and Toyota are based in Japan.
- Japan has over 780 universities, hundreds of junior colleges, and an unlimited number of vocational schools. You will definitely find a suitable university here.
- You can get the Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarships which is the most prestigious scholarship in Japan. Additionally, you can get the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship, Scholarships provided by JASSO, etc. This indicates, Japan offers numerous scholarships to international students.
Popular Masters Programs in Japan
Degree programs at Japanese universities are normally conducted in Japanese. Due to the globalization of higher education, many universities offer master's degrees in Japan taught in English. But which are the popular English taught masters in Japan? Find out below
Universities in Japan for Education and Teaching
Here, we have mentioned a few of the best universities in Japan for masters for education and teaching, along with tuition fees.
| University | Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tsukuba | MA in International Education | 2 years | 267,900 YEN |
| Kyushu Institute of Technology | Masters in Global Education of Green Energy and Green Environment | 2 years | 267,900 YEN |
| University of Toyama | Masters in Educational Science | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Masters in Teacher Training Development |
Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024
Universities in Japan for Masters in Health
Few universities for Masters in Japan for health, medicine and nursing are tabulated
| Universities | Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagoya University | Masters in Public Health | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine | Masters in Medical Science | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Tohoku University | Masters in Global Governance and Sustainable Development | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| University of Toyama | Masters in Nursing | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Fujita Health University | MSc in Health Sciences | 2 years | 480,000 YEN |
| University of Tsukuba | Masters in Public Health | 2 years | 267,900 YEN |
| Doshisha University | Masters in Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Information-Medical Life Systems | 2 years | 844,000 YEN |
| Juntendo University | Masters in Medicine | 2 years | 400,000 YEN |
Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024
Universities in Japan for Masters in Engineering
Some of the popular universities in Japan for engineering masters programs are tabulated below
| University | Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagoya Institute of Technology | Masters in Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Saitama University | Masters in Mechanical Engineering and Science | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Nagoya University | Masters in Civil and Environmental Engineering | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Kyushu Institute of Technology | Masters in Space Engineering | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Kitami Institute of Technology | M.Eng in Civil Infrastructure | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024
Universities in Japan for Masters in Humanities
Top universities in Japan for Masters in Humanities are provided below
| University | Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toyama | Masters in Chinese language and culture | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Kitami Institute of Technology | Masters in Humanities and Social Sciences | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Tohoku University | Masters in Cross-national culture | 2 years for masters 3 years for doctorate | 535,800 YEN |
| University of Tokyo | MA in Global Society | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Osaka Metropolitan University | Masters in Language and Culture | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024
Universities in Japan for Masters in Business and Economics
Few top universities for masters in Japan for economics are stated below
| University | Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tokyo | Masters in International Program in Economics | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Kyoto University | Masters in Agricultural Science | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| University of Toyama | Masters in Business Administration | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Keio University | Masters program in Business and Commerce | 2 years | 1,000,000 YEN |
| Waseda University | MSc in Finance | 2 years | 820,000 YEN |
Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024
Universities in Japan for Masters in Social Sciences
Here are the top universities in Japan for Masters in Sociology
| University | Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utsunomiya University | Masters in Agricultural and Rural Economics | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| University of Tsukuba | Masters in Agricultural and Rural Economics | 2 years | 267,900 YEN |
| University of Toyama | Masters in International and Regional Economies | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Nagoya University | Masters in Asia Cultural Studies | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| Meiji University | Masters in International development policy | 2 years | 1,100,000 YEN |
Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024
Universities in Japan for Masters Program in Law
Few top universities for masters program in Law in Japan are provided below
| University | Course name | Duration | Annual tuition fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyushu University | LLM | 1 year | 804,000 YEN |
| University of Toyama | LLM in Corporate Management and the Law | 1 year | 535,800 YEN |
| Waseda University | LLM | 1 year | 875,000 YEN |
| Nagoya University | Masters in Law and Political Science | 2 years | 804,000 YEN |
| Sophia University | Masters in Global Studies | 2 years | 480,000 YEN |
Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024
Universities in Japan for Masters in Management
Some popular universities for masters in management in Japan are presented below
| University | Course name | Duration | Annual tuition fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagoya University of Commerce and Business | MSc in Management | 2 duration | 535,800 YEN |
| United International Business School | Masters in management | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
| University of Tsukuba | Masters in International Relation | 2 years | 267,900 YEN |
| Tokyo University of Agriculture | Masters in International Agricultural Development | 2 years | 572,400 YEN |
| Kitami Institute of Technology | Masters in Regional Management Engineering | 2 years | 535,800 YEN |
Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024
Masters in Japan Admissions
To be eligible for admission to universities in Japan for masters, you need to have a bachelor degree. For this you need to satisfy any of the following
- Graduated from a four-year university
- Students completed 16 years of formal study in their country
- Candidates completed at least 3 years of study at a foreign university and earned a bachelor's degree
- Aspirants with a bachelor's degree from the National institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education
- Students completed 16 years of formal education in Japan via an online curriculum offered by a foreign school
Documents Required for Masters in Japan for Indian Students
When seeking admission to a graduate program, you'll need to provide the following documents. For any additional requirements, please refer to the specific guidelines provided by the institution you intend to apply to.
- University (undergraduate) graduation diploma or certificate
- Transcript from the last school attended
- Letter of recommendation
- University research/graduation thesis and an abstract
- English language proficiency scores
- Research proposal
- Others if any
Cost of Living in Japan
The rents in Tokyo and other large cities are higher than in other more rural areas. As an example, while the national average for monthly rents is 38,000 YEN, it is 50,000 YEN in Tokyo. It is also difficult to rent apartments or other accommodations near schools in metropolitan areas. So the community costs are also higher. The average monthly cost of living in Japan is as follows
Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024
Scholarships for MS in Japan for Indian Students
Japanese universities and Government work together to offer scholarships to international students. Some of the popular scholarships for masters degree in Japan for international students are given below
| Scholarships | Benefits | Eligibility | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEXT Scholarship | 117,000 YEN per month | Students coming from another Asian country, studying in one of the following areas: Public Administration Course, Business Course, Law Course, Local Administration Course, or Medical Administration Course | Entire duration of study |
| Monbukagakusho Scholarship for International Students | 48,000 or 30,000 YEN | Students with exceptional academic performance and character, who face financial difficulties | 6 months to 1 year |
| Student Exchange Support Program | 80,000 YEN | Student enrolling to only exchange programs between Japanese universities and universities in countries with which Japan established diplomatic relations | Short-term study |
| School Scholarships and Tuition Fee Waivers | Varies | International student (Asian preferred) studying MS in Japan | Varies |
Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024
Job Outcomes After Masters Program in Japan
A postgraduate degree from Japan adds immense value to your professional and personal career. IT and Engineering, Finance & Banking, Hospitality, Marketing and Medical are among the top paying sectors in Japan. Some common job roles and average annual salary after postgraduate in Japan are given below
Note: 1 YEN= 0.53 INR as of May 14, 2024
Work Permit in Japan
Your Japanese student visa does not allow you to work in the country. There are few work visas for occupations, artists, instructors, journalists, professors, skilled laborers, and more. The validity of each visa varies from 3 years to 5 years, and this depends on the type of work permit an employee chooses. The different types of work visas are listed below:
- Specified Skilled Worker Visa
- Specified Skills Visa 1-SSV1
- Specified Skills Visa 2-SSV2
After receiving your Work Permit, you're ready to explore job opportunities. Just keep in mind that under a Student visa, your working hours are capped at 28 per week. Additionally, certain job sectors like bars, clubs, adult stores, hotels, massage parlors, etc., are off-limits. Documents required for a Japan Work visa are as follows
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Visa application form that is completely filled
- Recent Photographs (4cm * 3cm)
- A copy of your passport with an expiry date
- Job Offer from a Japan-based company
- Provide a return mail envelope with a JPY 392 stamp
- CV and Original degree certificate
You can consider the aforementioned details while choosing to study MSC in Japan. The cost of MS in Japan for Indian students is around 3 lakhs to 5 lakhs per year. Hence, Japan universities for international students offer better ROI than other countries. There are many master degree in Japan taught in English.
FAQs
Ques: What are the admission requirements for a Master's program in Japan?
Ans: Admission requirements vary by university and program. You will need a bachelor's degree, proficiency in English or Japanese (depending on the program), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs may require standardized test scores like the GRE or JLPT.
Ques: How do I find scholarships or funding for my Master's studies in Japan?
Ans: Many universities offer scholarships for international students. Additionally, you can explore government scholarships like the MEXT Scholarship or private scholarships offered by organizations like the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) or other foundations.
Ques: What is the cost of living for international students in Japan?
Ans: The cost of living varies depending on the city, but on average, it ranges from ¥100,000 to ¥150,000 per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
Ques: Can I work part-time while studying for my Master's in Japan?
Ans: Yes, international students can work part-time for up to 28 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks, provided they obtain permission from the Immigration Bureau.
Ques: Are Master's programs in Japan taught in English or Japanese?
Ans: Many universities offer Master's programs taught entirely in English, especially in STEM fields and international relations. However, proficiency in Japanese may be required for programs taught in Japanese.
Ques: What are the visa requirements for international students pursuing a Master's in Japan?
Ans: You'll need a student visa to study in Japan. To obtain a student visa, you'll need a Certificate of Eligibility issued by your university, proof of financial support, and a valid passport. You must also meet certain health and character requirements.
Ques: What are the job prospects for international students after completing a Master's in Japan?
Ans: Japan has a high demand for skilled professionals, especially in industries like technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance. Networking, internships, and proficiency in Japanese can improve your job prospects.
Ques: Is it possible to extend my stay in Japan after completing my Master's degree?
Ans: Yes, you can extend your stay in Japan to seek employment after completing your studies. You may be eligible for a job hunting visa (designated activities visa) for up to 6 months to search for a job.
Ques: How can I adapt to the cultural differences in Japan as an international student?
Ans: Cultural adaptation is important when studying abroad. Engage in cultural activities, join student clubs, learn the language, and be open to new experiences. Japanese people are generally welcoming and understanding of cultural differences.
Ques: What support services are available for international students in Japan?
Ans: Japanese universities offer various support services for international students, including Japanese language courses, academic advising, counseling services, and assistance with accommodation and visa matters. Additionally, many cities have international student associations that provide support and organize cultural events.
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