Japan

Why study a PhD in Japan

Browse all PhD programmes in Japan

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Study in Japan

Japan is a country of contrasts, preserving old traditions related to the unique Japanese culture, like the Buddhist heritage, and, at the same time, the nation is a leader in scientific research, mostly technology, famous for manufacturing robots.

More than 100,000 international students from every corner in the world enrol in Japanese universities and colleges every year. Higher educational institutions here focus on academic performance based on innovative and creative ideas, but they also set much value in developing human quality.

Since 1949, there have been twenty-two Japanese (or Japanese born) winners of the Nobel Prize, especially in the fields of medicine, biology, chemistry and physics. All these are great reasons to consider studying in Japan. Want more?

Why study in Japan?

1. Japan takes education very seriously

The literacy rate in Japan is almost 100%. And that's not all! It has the largest number of Nobel prize winners in Asia, and Japanese students are among the best when it comes to Mathematics and Sciences.

These examples highlight the high emphasis on education and why studying in Japan will be an intense and enriching experience.

2. Live and study in a safe environment

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and levels of violence. This is beautifully complemented by a well-established medical system, with affordable costs and modern practices — all playing an essential role in the high life expectancy of Japanese citizens.

3. Scholarships and grants

Various scholarships and grants help international students cover their tuition or living costs at Japanese universities. Some partly waive the tuition fees (30% or 50%), others waive the entire fees (100%).

You can apply for scholarships both before and after arriving in Japan, so take the time to explore your options.

4. Learn Japanese

It doesn't matter whether you're simply passionate about the Japanese language or you want to use it as a key asset on your CV — studying in Japan will provide all the opportunities you need to learn the basics and then slowly master this unique language.

5. Japan's culture is fascinating

Being inhabited for thousands of years, it's hardly surprising that the Japanese culture is so old, rich, and captivating. From its history to its temples, from modern habits to century-old traditions, from summer festivals to local ceremonies — everything is there, waiting to be discovered, understood and appreciated.

We recommend visiting top attractions like Kinkaku-ji, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, Mount Fuji, Sensō-ji — a historic Buddhist temple, the Tokyo Skytree, the Imperial Palace, the Osaka Castle, etc.

Which universities and colleges to attend in Japan

Japan has over 700 universities and higher education colleges. You can enrol at:

  • Colleges of Technology – specialised higher education institutions that prepare students for technical careers. You can also apply to undergraduate and graduate degrees in Engineering, Accountancy, Business Administration, Nursing, Medicine, Architecture, and Law.
  • Specialized and professional training colleges – offer vocational courses in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, Education, Languages.
  • Junior colleges – award mainly associate degrees in subject areas like Economics, Nursing, Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
  • Universities – provide undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of fields of study.
  • Graduate schools – offer only Master’s and PhD programmes in numerous subject areas.

Examples of universities in Japan we recommend:

What is it like to study in Japan

Within Japanese universities, you will have to respect a tight class schedule and attend several courses and seminars each day. Most Japanese professors are friendly with foreign students; but during courses, you are advised to pay attention and ask questions at the end of the lecture.

Apart from the final exam, most courses will also require passing a mid-term exam as well and you should expect assignments, projects or research work every week.

What to study in Japan?

In Japan, universities cover numerous courses that include a variety of fields including Medicine, Business studies, Information and Communication Technology, Engineering and more.

Here are some of the most popular study options in Japan:

Major cities in Japan

Big Japanese cities perfectly blend a unique urban culture along with famous and emblematic Buddhist temples or gardens. You can literally engage in tons of enjoyable social and cultural activities.

Check out some of these cities and learn more about what it is like to study there:

How to apply

For most universities in Japan, you can simply apply online by submitting the application form along with all requested application documents. Additionally, you can check an official website dedicated to higher education studies in Japan that offers detailed information about courses provided by all universities in Japan.

Carefully check all the required application documents and make sure they are all translated into English. For instance, an internationally recognised Bachelor's degree or equivalent is the main requirement when enrolling for a Master’s degree at a university in Japan.

  • Make sure to know what the language requirements are, and whether you need to prove skills in English before enrolling in a degree programme.
  • Show how you performed as a student, and be sure to know what your Grade Point Average (GPA) was during your studies.
  • To help your chances of going to Japan, be sure to apply to more than one university!

Make sure you qualify for a Japanese university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Japan, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

There are over 250 English-taught programmes in Japan.

Universities in Japan will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. Almost all Japanese universities accept these official English exams:

Living in Japan

Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Japan:

Tuition fees in Japan

Tuition fees depend on the type of Japanese university and the field of study. To give you a general idea, international students usually pay:

  • 7,200 USD for the first year of a Bachelor's at a national university
  • 8,200 USD for the first year of a Bachelor's at a local public university
  • 9,700–14,400 USD for the first year of a Bachelor's at a private university. Some exceptions are Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical degrees.

The total tuition (includes all years of study) for Bachelor's programmes is around:

  • 21,000 USD for full-time Bachelors at national universities
  • 22,000 USD for full-time Bachelors at public universities
  • 33,000–50,500 USD for full-time Bachelors at private universities
  • 94,000–207,000 USD for full-time Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Bachelors at private universities

The total tuition (includes all years of study) for Master's programmes is around:

  • 11,800 USD for full-time Masters at national universities
  • 12,600 USD for full-time Masters at public universities
  • 13,000–23,300 USD for full-time Masters at private universities

Accommodation costs

Many universities in Japan offer accommodation for international students. There are rooms and apartments with low rents but availability is usually limited.  A single room in a university dormitory is around 270 USD/month and a double room costs 180 USD/month.

Another option for affordable housing is sharing an apartment; a room in a shared apartment costs between 200 and 500 USD/month.

Healthcare

Foreign students who plan to live in Japan for more than 3 months need a health insurance plan. Once you arrive, register for the National Health Insurance at the nearest local office and pay the insurance premium.

You will have to pay the insurance premium (around 190 USD) monthly once registration is completed.

Food costs

Local supermarkets in Japan have affordable prices, and on average you only spend around 240 USD on your monthly groceries. Most restaurants have high prices; a three- courses meal costs on average 40 USD. However, you can find plenty of street food at lower prices.

Other living expenses in Japan

  • monthly utilities: 50–65 USD
  • commuting: 45 USD
  • recreation and entertainment: 50 USD

Overall, international students should set aside between 600 and 900 USD for monthly living costs in Japan.

About Japan

Japan is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, divided into four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Honshu is home to Tokyo and many of Japan’s other largest cities, including Yokahama, Osaka, and Nagoya.

The meaning of the name Japan is "sun-origin", the reason why the nation is known as the "Land of the Rising Sun". Although the country’s territory is smaller than California, Japan is presently the 10 the most populous country in the world, with 127.3 million people.

From 1970’s to 2010, Japan was the world’s second largest economy. Today, Japan is famous for scientific and technology advance and innovations, especially in the fields of electronics, automobiles, machinery, earthquake engineering, industrial robotics, and biomedical research.

Most locals don’t speak English, so you will have to learn basic Japanese to adjust easier during your stay in Japan.

In Japan, you would experience four distinct seasons, with mild winters and rare snowfalls, humid springs, and very warm summers. In some regions, winters are cold with frequent snowfalls.

Iconic places to visit

Japan is a unique place that offers memorable experiences to any visitor. You’ll be surrounded by skyscrapers and modern restaurants, but you can also take trips to see Buddhist temples that each showcase Japanese history and culture. Additionally, Japan has fantastic natural landscapes so there are plenty of things you can enjoy, both indoor and outdoor.

Some of Japan’s iconic places are:

  • The Hiroshima Peace Memorial
  • Mount Fuji
  • Temple of the Golden Pavilion.
  • Imperial Palace Tokyo
  • The Island Shrine of Itsukushima
  • Osaka Castle
  • Sensoji Temple
Fun facts
  • Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, is the world’s largest metropolitan area.
  • Japan has one of the highest life expectancy, since more than 50,000 people there are over 100 years old.
  • Square-shaped watermelons are grown by Japanese farmers for easier stack and store.
  • Sleeping on the job is acceptable in Japan, as it's viewed as exhaustion from working hard.
  • Japanese people have 20 different ways for saying "sorry."
  • The term karaoke means "empty orchestra" in Japanese.
  • Japan is home to over 3,000 McDonald’s restaurants, the largest number in any country outside the U.S..

Universities, colleges and schools in Japan

Fukuoka-shi

Osaka-shi

Sapporo-shi

Sendai

Tokyo

Interesting programmes for you

Find PhDs Degrees in Japan

What subject to study in Japan?

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

Discover other countries

Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, you will enjoy top-quality education and research, especially in subjects like Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The number of English-taught degrees offered by Czech universities is constantly growing. This is a response to the numerous international students attracted by academic opportunities and great living standards at reasonable costs. The Czech Republic is among the safest countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index, and it allows you to travel around Europe easily. While out of class, you can visit local attractions like the Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, the local spas, and hot water springs, etc.
Finland
Finland
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes. In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway
Norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free. As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada
Canada
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
United States
United States
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel
Israel
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’. While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history. In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
Australia
Australia
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.
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