Master's in Japan - Programs, Universities, Scholarships

Why study for a Master’s degree in Japan?

Japan is well-known for its rich history and culture, as well as its excellent education system. The country’s universities provide exceptional academic programs and the overall experience of living in Japan can broaden your horizons and help you grow as an individual.

Pursuing a master’s degree in Japan is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture that’s vastly different from Western society while preparing for a promising career.

Cost of Master’s Programs in Japan

The cost of a master’s in Japan is usually between ¥800,000 and ¥1,500,000 (about €5,500 - €10,000). This range is an estimate, as fees may vary considerably depending on the university and the field of study.

Universities in Japan do not offer tuition-free master’s programs, so a scholarship is the only way for international students to study for a master's degree in Japan without paying tuition fees.

Life as an International Student in Japan

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and provides amenities that aren’t commonly found in Western societies, such as 24-hour convenience stores and vending machines on almost every corner. The public transport network is amazing, so you’ll have the opportunity to travel and explore the country’s traditional temples, castles, and museums or just marvel at the cherry blossoms in one of its national parks.

Japan’s universities provide support and information to international students regarding matters such as seeking accommodation or employment or just adapting to their new life in the country. This way you can focus on your studies, knowing that there’s assistance available, in case you ever need it.

Are there any 1-year Master’s Programs in Japan?

In case you’d like to save some time or enter the workforce sooner, you could look for a 1-year master’s program in Japan. Some master's programs in Japan are designed to be completed in 1 year, while others may take 2 years or longer.

It's essential to research the individual universities and programs you're interested in to determine their duration.

Can I study for a Master’s degree in Japan online?

Most universities in Japan don’t offer distance-learning programs. Attending an online master’s program leads to the exact same degree as an on-campus graduate program but in case you want a master’s degree from a university in Japan, your physical presence is required.

What are the basic entry requirements of Master’s Programs in Japan?

Every university has its own admission requirements for its postgraduate programs. However, the basic entry requirements, which must be met in any case, are a recent certificate of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, a copy of your bachelor’s degree, and, most likely, a detailed transcript of grades and a personal statement as well.

To study in Japan, you’ll need a valid passport and a student visa.

Are there any scholarships for Master’s Programs in Japan?

If you want to reduce the cost of your postgraduate studies, you can apply for a scholarship. You can get a scholarship either directly from the university you attend or from other public or private organizations.

The scholarships offered are usually aimed at financially disadvantaged students or students with outstanding performance at the undergraduate level and cover part of the tuition fees and, sometimes, the full cost of attendance.

By applying to universities through Brive, you have a chance to get one of our scholarships.

Popular fields of study in Japan for Master’s degrees

• Engineering
• Architecture
• Robotics
• Psychology
• Computer Science
   

Can I stay in Japan after getting my master’s degree?

If you want to stay in Japan after completing your post-graduate studies, you have the ability to do it for six months after graduating, in order to seek employment. Alternatively, in case you already have a job, you can apply for a work visa.

Many universities provide their students with the chance to engage in internships or part-time positions during their studies, which can potentially lead to full-time employment. You can also explore internships and job opportunities independently and kickstart your career in Japan.

How to apply to a Master’s Program in Japan?

Once you have gathered the necessary qualifications and documents, you can apply to the graduate school of your choice. Each university follows a different application procedure, but there is also an alternative.

By applying through Brive, you have access to personalized guidance throughout the process and can easily apply to the programs you like with just one click. You can also apply for one of our scholarships and reduce the cost of your studies.

Schedule a free counseling session with one of our certified counselors, discover the programs that suit your needs, and apply to universities all over the world.