Masters in Japan for Indian Students 2026 Guide

Highlights

1. Japan boasts a strong academic environment, with four of its institutions ranked among the top 100 universities globally by QS World University Rankings.
2. The average annual tuition charges at public universities are ¥ 535,800 per month, making it affordable for Indian students.
3. International students are eligible for several scholarships, including MEXT Scholarships, which cover 100% of the fees and provide a monthly stipend.
4. Universities in Japan have two intakes – Fall, which runs from September to October and Spring, starting in April and is considered the primary intake.
5. The overall employment rate in Japan is 62.50, which benefits graduates pursuing their Master's in Japan.

Why Pursue a Master’s in Japan?

1. First-Class Research – The universities in Japan offer excellent research prospects to students through specialised exchange courses and government funding in fields such as medical, AI and robotics. This research is regulated by PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) and the AI Promotion Act, leading to reliable training.
2. Career Growth – Studying a Masters degree in Japan benefits students through offering industry-driven courses that are focused on equipping students with demanding skills in the healthcare/tech and engineering sectors. Additionally, these courses offer pathways to SSW (skilled worker visas).
3. Affordable Courses – Japan offer affordable education in comparison to the United States or the United Kingdom, leading to international degrees at a low cost. Moreover, Japanese education excels globally according to PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) rankings.
4. Global Network – Pursuing an MS in Japan allows students to grow their network through working with industry leaders through internship opportunities. Moreover, students study alongside scholars who are from different parts of the world, leading to global networking opportunities.

Popular Universities in Japan for Master's Programs

Japan has 780+ universities offering a range of Master's degrees across diverse fields. However, the best Universities in Japan for Masters according to QS World University Rankings are as follows:

Master’s Programs Available in Japan

Master's degrees are two years long. Students are required to gain 30 credits through core courses, including group work, lectures, practicals/internships, and tutorials. Each program consists of four semesters, of which three are dedicated to courses and the fourth to preparing the Master's dissertation. The popular subjects to pursue a Master's in Japan for Indian students include:

Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)

The Master’s in Engineering is a 2-year program that equips students with advanced research and technical skills. Students who pursue this qualification often secure professional roles in key fields, such as materials, robotics and energy.   

Computer Science & AI

Master's in Computer Science & AI emphasises core concepts of machine learning, advanced algorithms, robotics and data science. Students with a Bachelor's in Computer Science (CS) can opt for this to study a Master's in Japan, as it offers strong career pathways in demanding fields, such as data scientists and AI specialists.

Veterinary and Animal Science

Japan has 12,000+ pet care practices, making a Master's in Veterinary and Animal Science one of the most demanding courses. This 2-year postgraduate degree equips students with the knowledge of animal biology, production, welfare and health. However, to apply for this course, students must have a strong academic record in a relevant Bachelor’s degree, such as Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Animal Science, Zoology or Biology.

Dentistry

Students seeking a career in oral health can pursue a Master's in Dentistry, as the field has seen rapid growth in recent years, especially in roles such as dental hygienists and dental treatment support staff. The subject provides transdisciplinary and specialised courses in dental care, oral health and dental science. Moreover, students receive certification from the Japanese Dental Speciality Board (JDSB) upon completion of the degree.

Aeronautics and Space Engineering

Aeronautics Engineering Master's Degrees immerse students in an advanced field that combines design principles and innovative technology to create spacecraft and aircraft. It focuses on core aspects of aeronautics systems, aerodynamics and propulsion, preparing students for an adaptive career path. Moreover, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) collaborates with universities to provide students with training and research opportunities.

Medicine & Life Science

Master's in Medicine & Life Science offers a curriculum focused on pharmaceutical and medicinal life sciences, enabling students to acquire crucial knowledge about drug development. This Master's in Japanese institutes is committed to building personnel who can responsibly take leadership in diverse fields, including drug discovery, research, or education.

Earth and Environmental Sciences

Students who are curious to learn about Earth's complex dynamics, biosphere, anthroposphere, atmosphere and geosphere can pursue their Master's in Earth and Environmental Sciences. This Degree integrates key fundamentals of Earth science and environmental studies, enabling scholars to understand the evolution of the planet, anthropogenic impacts, such as resource depletion or pollution and natural processes.

Agriculture

Pursuing a Master's in Agriculture equips students with practical skills applicable to research, policy-making, and farming. Moreover, it consists of five courses: applied biosciences, biology, Agriculture & Horticulture, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and Agricultural & Environmental Engineering.

Law

Connected to the concepts of Law Sciences, the Master of Laws (LLM) equips scholars with the legal knowledge required to address contemporary issues in public or private organisations. It offers specialisation in Human Rights, International Economic & Business Law, Comparative Law, Corporate Law, Environmental Law and Intellectual Property (IP).

Biotechnology

Biotechnology degrees offer knowledge of microbiological processes, biological systems, and living organisms to produce innovative products that enhance the quality of life. The specialisations of this degree include Drug Research, Biodefense, Bioinformatics and Environmental Regulatory Affairs.

Also Read - MBA In Japan

Masters Intakes & Timeline in Japan

Universities in Japan usually offer two key intakes for Master's qualifications, which are spring and fall intakes.

Spring/ Primary Intakes

Spring intake starts in the month of April and is considered one of the crucial intakes for Master's programs that aligns with the academic year in Japan. The application for spring intakes starts in August to November of the previous year.

Fall/ Secondary Intakes

Fall Intake in Japan for Master’s Degrees starts between September or October. The application process for fall intakes spans from February to May. It requires early preparation of documents, including transcripts, SOPs or LORs.

How to Apply for Masters in Japan?

Here is the step-by-step guide that shows how students can apply for a Master's in Japanese Universities:

1. Research and Shortlist University – Start your research by selecting a Master’s subject based on your academic background, career goals and budget. You can use the course finder tool to select the most appropriate program. Once you decide on the subject, search for colleges in Japan that offer your chosen Master’s Degree with their deadlines.
2. Gather Crucial Documents – The next step requires students to collect all the required documents that are mentioned in the application form.
3. Submit Application – Once you collect all the essential documents, go to your chosen university portal and submit all the credentials before the deadlines. Pay the application fee, which is usually ¥ 5000.
4. Prepare for Entrance Exams/ Interviews – A few universities may require you to appear for an entrance exam, such as the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) or interviews, so you should start preparing for these exams.

Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required

Students planning to apply for a Master's in Japan must meet the following eligibility criteria and submit a list of documents to secure admission.  Students can make use of the college finder tool to find a suitable institute. The common requirements include:

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Japan

1. Bachelor’s Degree – A student must have a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised institute or its equivalent.
2. GPA Scores – A minimum score of 3.0 or above is required to apply for the MS in Japan.
3. English Proficiency Proof – It is vital for students to prove their English proficiency through IELTS (7.0 or above), PTE or TOEFL (80 or above) scores.
4. GRE/ GMAT/ EJU Scores – Although these standardised exam scores are not mandatory, submitting these scores can help you craft a compelling application.

Documents Require for Application

• Graduation Certificate
• Bachelor’s Degree Certificate
• GMAT/ GRE Scores
• Academic Transcript for your previous school
• Graduation thesis/ University Research
• Research Proposal
• IELTS or TOEFL Scores
• Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (Not Mandatory)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement and Letter of Recommendations

Scholarships to Pursue Masters in Japan

Students can apply for the following prestigious scholarships to pursue their Master's in Japanese Universities. These grants cover the overall education cost of students, including assistance with accommodation in Japan.

Cost of Studying Masters in Japan

The average cost of Masters in Japan ranges between ¥500,000 and ¥1,500,000 per year, based on the type of university, accommodation and personal expenses of an individual. Here is an estimated budget that a student can expect to spend every year while studying in Japan.

Career Opportunities After Completing a Master’s in Japan

A fresher can earn a monthly salary between ¥230,000 and ¥300,000, varying by job roles and industry. Here is a table that depicts the top professionals selected by international students after completing their Master's in Japan.

Part Time Jobs and Rules for Part Time Jobs

As per the survey of Study in Japan, an individual can earn up to ¥59,000 by working on part-time jobs during their Master's. However, there are a few strict norms that students must adhere to when working part-time, which are cited below with types of jobs.

List of Part-time Jobs for Students in Japan

MS in Japan for Indian students can become more affordable by working on the following jobs after their classes:

Rules for Part-Time Work

Here are the rules that students must follow to work on part-time jobs while study in Japan universities:

1. Permission from Immigration – Indian students must apply for “Permission to engage in other Activity than Permitted under the Status of Residence” at the Immigration Service Bureau of Japan to work on part-time jobs. Students will need their Student ID, Residence Card and Passport for the application.
2. Wages – ¥1200 to ¥1500 per hour.
3. Working Hours – 28 hours every week during semesters and up to 40 hours weekly during long vacations.
4. Prohibited Jobs – It is strictly prohibited to work in bars or nightclubs for students studying in Japan.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, pursuing Masters in Japan enables students to unlock a plethora of academic and career opportunities. It offers an ideal blend of career advancement, financial security and cultural alignment, leading to high competition among applicants. Hence, instead of focusing on academic records only, it’s crucial to create a strong personal statement that links directly with your goals. Many students struggle to create a compelling SOP, and that’s when Gradding.com comes into play. Being one of the best study abroad consultants, it helps students in every step of their study abroad journey. So, connect today to learn how you can make your application more compelling.

FAQs

1. Can I Study for A Master's in Japan Without Japanese?

Yes, students can pursue a Master’s in Japan without knowing the Japanese language. Many universities offer courses in English that allow international students to study their chosen course in Japan.

2. Are Master’s Programs in Japan Taught in English?

Yes, Master’s courses in Japan are taught in English, especially in top universities such as the University of Tokyo, Tokyo Institute of Technology and Kyoto University.

3. What Is the Cost of a Master’s Degree in Japan?

The annual fees to pursue a Master’s Degree in Japan usually range between ¥500,000 and ¥ 1,200,000. This amount typically covers tuition charges and enrolment fees for students.

4. Are Scholarships Available for Master’s in Japan?

Yes, several scholarships are available for students to pursue a Master’s in Japan, including:

• Japanese Government (MEXT)
• Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO)
• Asian Development Bank (ADB)-Japan Scholarship
• Aichi Scholarship Program
• Monbukagakusho Honours Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students

5. Can I Work in Japan After Completing My Master’s?

Yes, students can work in Japan once they complete their Master’s qualification, but they must secure a reliable job and get a work visa.