Masters in Japan: Best Universities, Eligibility, Cost

Masters in Japan for Indian Students: Japan is becoming a popular study-abroad destination for international students who wish to pursue an MS. In this article, we will cover all the aspects of Masters in Japan for Indian students including the best universities, top courses, intakes, cost, scholarships, admission, student visa, and post-study work permit.

Reasons to Pursue Masters in Japan for Indian Students

In this section of the article, let us try to answer the question, “Why Choose Japan for MS?” Here are some important reasons that will answer why an MS in Japan for Indian students is a good idea:

• High Academic Quality: Universities in Japan are known for their academic excellence and impetus to research. MS in Japan for Indian students will provide an opportunity to study at the best universities and gain exposure to learning opportunities and research projects. As per the OECD data, Japan spent USD 12,474 per full-time equivalent student (primary to tertiary levels). This is higher than the OECD average of USD 11,990.
• Job Opportunities: Japan’s population is declining and this signals a positive sign for international students who wish to work after completing their Masters in Japan. Moreover, Japan has a highly developed economy that has shown impressive recovery after the COVID shock and growth at 6% in the 2nd quarter of 2023. With excellent job opportunities in Manufacturing, Construction, Electronics, etc. students after MS in Japan may find themselves in high-paid jobs.
• Technology: Japan is renowned for its technological innovation and advances. Indian students may get the opportunity to be at the forefront of technical advancements and gain exposure to cutting-edge research and market trends by studying Masters in Japan.
• Affordability: Japan, as a study-abroad destination, is affordable compared to the US or the UK. Moreover, Japanese institutions provide generous scholarships that help students reduce the cost of pursuing an MS in Japan. Students are also allowed to work part-time for within 28 hours per week and up to 8 hours per day during holidays.
• Culture: For overseas students, Japan offers a distinctive cultural experience thanks to its rich cultural history. Indian students can become fully immersed in Japanese culture by learning the language, customs, and way of life, which will broaden their perspectives and help them comprehend another country better.

Masters in Japan Overview

The table given below provides an overview of different aspects of studying Masters in Japan for Indian students:

Head	Details of Masters in Japan for Indian Students
Total Number of Graduate Schools	86 National + 89 Public + 482 Private
Total 1st Year Cost of Studying	¥ 820,000 to ¥ 1,000,000
Top Universities (QS World University Rankings 2024)	The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tohoku University, Kyushu University, Nagoya University, etc.
Course Duration	2 years
Academic Year	April to March
Intakes	Spring (April) Fall (September/October)

(Source: Study in Japan)

Best Universities in Japan for Masters

The table given below provides the list of the best universities for studying MS in Japan for Indian students. Their rankings and their top courses and faculties are also provided.

University Name	QS World University Rankings 2025	Top Courses & Faculties
The University of Tokyo	32	Arts & Science Law Economics Engineering Agriculture Medicine
Kyoto University	50	Education Economics Pharmaceutical Sciences Engineering Law
Tokyo Institute of Technology	84	Environment & Society Computing Life Science and Technology Materials and Chemical Technology
Osaka University	86	Medicine Engineering Human Sciences Law Language and Culture
Tohoku University	107	Medicine Education Economics Engineering Dentistry Information Sciences
Nagoya University	152	Humanities Law Economics Informatics Agricultural Sciences
Kyushu University	167	Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation Education Law Economics Medicine Agriculture
Hokkaido University	173	Medicine Economics and Business Engineering Veterinary Medicine Biomedical Science
Waseda University	181	Business Sport Sciences Advanced Science and Engineering Environment and Energy Engineering Economics
Keio University	188	Pharmaceutical Sciences Environment and Information Studies Nursing and Medical Care Business and Commerce Policy Management

MS Courses in Japan

The Japanese education system, with respect to higher education, has the following parts:

• Colleges of Technology: These provide an Associate’s degree.
• Professional Training Colleges: These provide Diplomas or Advanced Diplomas.
• Junior Colleges: These provide an Associate’s degree.
• Universities: These provide undergraduate or Bachelor’s degrees.
• Graduate Schools: These provide a Master’s degree and PhD.

Masters programs in Japan are of 2 years in duration. Some of the top Masters programs in Japan are provided in the table below:

Top Masters Programs in Japan
Commercial Science	Agriculture	Veterinary and Animal Science
Clinical Engineering, Medical Technology, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy	Management	Material Engineering
Applied Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)	Civil Engineering	Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Information Engineering, Computer	Mathematical, Information Sciences, Statistics	Medicine
Dentistry	Economics	Mechanical Engineering
Sociology	Atomic Energy Engineering	Marine and Mercantile Engineering
Aeronautics and Space Engineering	Law	Earth and Environmental Sciences
International Culture	Biotechnology	Resource Engineering

Intakes for MS in Japan

The main intake for Masters in Japan is the Spring Intake in the month of April where the academic session lasts from April to March of next year. In addition to this, certain schools also offer Fall Intake in the month of September / October. Here is a summary of study intakes in Japan:

• Spring (April): Academic session lasts from April to March (next year).
• Fall (September/October): Academic session lasts from August / September (next year).

It is advised that students check the admission deadlines and other details well in time to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Cost of Studying Masters in Japan

The cost of Masters in Japan can range from ¥ 820,000 per year to ¥ 1,000,000 per year depending on the type of graduate school. The following points will provide an idea of the cost of Masters in Japan. The data mentioned below has been sourced from Study in Japan:

• National Graduate School: Average admission and tuition fee for the first year is ¥ 820,000 (Rs. 467,288).
• Local Public Graduate School: Average admission and tuition fee for the first year is ¥ 900,000 (Rs. 512,877).
• Private Graduates Schools (Except for Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Programs): Average admission and tuition fee for the first year is ¥ 1,000,000 (Rs. 569,864).
• Private Graduates Schools (Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Programs): Average admission and tuition fee for the first year is ¥ 850,000 (Rs. 484,384).

In addition to the tuition fee, students will also have to pay for the cost of living. The average monthly cost of living in Japan is around ¥ 93,000. A breakdown of the same is given below:

• Rent: ¥ 38,000
• Food: ¥ 28,000
• Utilities: ¥ 7,000
• Hobbies/Entertainment: ¥ 5,000
• Commuting: ¥ 4,000
• Insurance, Medical Expenses: ¥ 3,000
• Miscellaneous: ¥ 8,000

Scholarships for MS in Japan

Students looking to reduce the cost of studying may apply for various scholarships for studying in Japan. If the scholarship amount is significant, students can avoid part-time work as well. Here are some of the top scholarships for studying Masters in Japan:

• MEXT Scholarship: The amount provided for this scholarship is from ¥ 117,000 per month. It is valid for the entire time of study.
• Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students: The amount provided for this scholarship is ¥ 48,000 or ¥ 30,000 and the scholarship is valid for 1 year or 6 months.
• Student Exchange Support Program: It is a scholarship for short-term study in Japan. The amount provided is ¥ 80,000.
• Asian Development Bank- Japan Scholarship: It is available for Business, Engineering, Computers, Science, Medicine, Humanities, and Law streams.
• Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship: The maximum scholarship amount per student is USD 1,000.

Part-Time Work in Japan for International Students

International students, who study in Japan, are allowed to work on a part-time basis for not more than 28 hours per week when the classes are in session and for up to 8 hours per day during holidays. According to Study in Japan, students may earn nearly ¥ 59,000 per month (Rs. 33.620) and the average hourly wage is ¥ 1,080. Here are some rules related to part-time work in Japan for international students:

• It should not affect your studies.
• The income earned from part-time work is not meant for saving or overseas remittances.
• You must not work in any industry that is prohibited by law.
• You must have a student status in a Japanese academic institution.

Eligibility Criteria for MS Programs in Japan

Students, who want to study MS in Japan, need to fulfil certain criteria. Though the eligibility criteria might vary based on different courses and graduate schools, the following points will provide an overview of the eligibility criteria for pursuing Masters in Japan:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Students need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• Standardized Tests: Students are required to take the necessary tests such as EJU (Examination for Japanese University for undergraduate courses), JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test for studying a course taught in Japanese), IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
• Application Documents: Application documents such as personal statements, letters of recommendation, etc. are required to apply for a Masters in Japan.

Documents Required for Masters in Japan

Let us now look at the documents required to apply for an MS in Japan:

• Bachelor’s degree with a certain CGPA and academic courses.
• Academic or Professional experience (course-specific).
• GRE or GMAT scores (may vary according to university).
• English language proficiency test scores: IELTS or TOEFL
• JLPT (if applicable).
• Latest resume.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• LORs (Letters of recommendation).

• Admission Essay.

Japan Student Visa

The maximum stay in Japan on a student visa cannot exceed 4 years and 3 months. Students need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence (COE). In such a case, the student or his/her proxy (family member or his Japanese University) will make an application for a Certificate of Eligibility at a regional immigration services bureau in Japan. After receiving the COE, a student can then apply for a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in India. Moreover, any foreign national, who wants to stay in Japan for more than 3 months, will be issued a Residence Card (zairyu card).

Jobs after Masters in Japan for Indian Students

The table given below provides the top jobs taken up by international students in Japan. Information in the table has been sourced from Study in Japan:

Jobs after Masters in Japan for Indian Students
Translation and interpretation	Overseas trade
Information & communications technology	Planning (marketing research)
Management (non-executive)	Technology development
Corporate sales	Planning (public relations, advertising)
Accounting	Education

According to Statista, a student (who has done his MS in Japan) can expect to earn more than ¥ 400,000 per month (Rs. 227,823).

Post-Study Work Permit after MS in Japan

After completing their Masters in Japan, students can change their student residence status to a different status. Here are the details of the same:

• For working in any occupation or industry.
• For working in a broad range of occupations, industries, etc. Examples include professors, journalists, researchers, engineers, etc.
• For certain designated activities.

The maximum validity of the post-study work permit in Japan is for 5 years.

Now that students are aware of all the aspects of studying an MS in Japan, they are advised to do their own research as well before making a final decision. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.