Masters Degrees in Japan

As famous for technical and creative ingenuity as it is for its unique heritage, Japan is a popular postgraduate study destination. A Masters in Japan will give you the opportunity to study at pioneering universities, surrounded by some of the most striking natural and man-made scenery in the world.

Why study a Masters in Japan?

The Japanese government has invested substantially in its universities over recent years, with a particular focus on encouraging and supporting international students. This means that studying a Masters abroad in Japan has never been easier, allowing more talented postgraduates to benefit from the country's expertise in fields as diverse as business management, consumer technology and civil engineering.

Whatever you study, you'll have an enviable experience living in one of the world's most famous tourist destinations. Japan's cities combine striking ultra-modern infrastructure with lovingly preserved heritage sites and are famous for their bustling nightlife and entertainment opportunities. Further afield you'll be able to visit stunning mountain landscapes, with the chance to hike, ski or just enjoy the view.

How popular is Masters study abroad in Japan?

Japan is the most popular study abroad destination in Asia (and one of the most popular in the world) with over 130,000 international students. Many study on the country's growing range of English-language Masters programs.

How long is a Masters degree in Japan

Masters degrees in Japan usually take two years to complete. The Japanese academic year runs for 12 months from April, including holiday periods.

How much does it cost to study a Masters in Japan?

Fees for Japanese Masters degrees are regulated by the government and currently cost in the region of ¥535,800 (approximately USD $4,900) per year. This applies to all courses at public universities; private institutions may charge more.

Are Japanese Masters degrees taught in English?

An emphasis on internationalisation in Japanese higher education has lead to a growing number of courses being offered in English. This is particularly likely for postgraduate programs. Universities may also offer Japanese language training and support to foreign students.

Will I need a visa to study a Masters in Japan?

International students will need to go through a two-stage process to receive a visa to study in Japan. Your university will first produce a certificate confirming your eligibility for residence as a foreign student; you can then use this to apply for an appropriate visa via a Japanese consulate or embassy.

Learn more about studying a Masters in Japan

There's more information about the Japanese university system, postgraduate degrees, application processes and other details in our full guide to studying a Masters in Japan, along with our page on Japanese university rankings.

You can also read our guide to postgraduate life in Japan for advice on Japanese culture, accommodation options and other details.