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MBA in Japan 2026: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility & Career Options.

Last updated: Jan 7, 2026

As the world’s fifth-largest economy in 2026, Japan has emerged as a powerhouse for business education. With a national goal to host 400,000+ international students by 2033, this country is swiftly expanding English-taught programs such as MBA in Japan and offering post-study work opportunities to attract students. Additionally, gradually Japan becoming a favourable study abroad destination, and 13000+ Indian students are studying here. If you also want to study in 2026 here and looking for a detailed guide? Then this blog is for you. Let’s dig and discover everything about the MBA in Japan for Indian students in-depth. 

Comprehensive guide on MBA in Japan for Indian students | Gradding.com

Table of Contents

MBA in Japan: Highlights

The table below describes everything about the MBA in Japan in a short overview. 

Feature Details
Duration 1 to 2 years.
Fees (Annual)¥2,000,000 - ¥5,000,000 (approx. INR 11Lakh - 28Lakhs)
Post-Study WorkOffers a 1-year post-study work visa for job seekers.
Popular SpecializationsTechnology, Finance, Marketing, Service & Hospitality, International Business.
English ExamsIELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo
Intakes
  • Spring (April)
  • Autumn (September/October)

Why Study MBA in Japan?

Several Indians are choosing Japan to pursue higher studies, especially an MBA. The key advantages of seeking this course here are the unique blend of cutting-edge business innovation, robust global economic ties, etc. But it’s not limited to just here, below are some of the reasons why an MBA in Japan for Indian students are considered best.

  1. English Taught and Accelerated Programs:  Universities here teach all MBA programs in the English language, catering to international students who seek their desired MBA. Moreover, many institutions offer accelerated programs, which means efficient one-year MBA courses that promise to provide quicker ROI. 
  2. Corporate Network and Placements: An MBA in Japan is a gateway to global talent roles, providing opportunities to work in Japanese multinational companies. Colleges have maintained strong industry networks, providing direct connections to global career placements and internship opportunities.    
  3. Affordability & ROI: It is considered that studying MBA programs in Japan offers an exceptional ROI due to the affordable cost. They have strong global ties with big companies for placements and valuable post-study work visas for graduates, making it accessible to grab various opportunities to become future leaders.  
  4. Cost-Effective: Japanese MBA is significantly lower in tuition fees in comparison to the UK/US programs. This offers high values, various MBA program options and experience a new education system.
  5. Asia-Focused Learning: Programs often blend global business theory with practical Japanese management practice, like Kaizen. Also, the institute offers a unique focus on “Business in Asia”, “Culture and Creativity”, or “Green Business”.

Top Universities for MBA in Japan

Japan is home to some of the best Universities for MBA programs. Famous for being globally recognised for offering world-class education, a wide range of courses in various fields, focused studies, employment opportunities, and placements in high-tech companies. This has attracted many Indian students to study MBA from japan. If you are on the hunt to find the best business college, then refer to this table of MBA university in Japan. Navigate rankings, acceptance rate, and further courses and costs.

Universities with Rankings Courses Fees
Keio University (Keio Business School - KBS) Ranking - #215Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Operations Management, and Organization Behavior, ¥4,300,000 - ¥7,000,000 (INR 24L – 40L)
Hitotsubashi University (ICS/Graduate School of Commerce & Management)Ranking - #151-200Strategy, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, and Operations/Supply Chain¥642,960 (INR 3.7L)
Waseda University (Waseda Business School - WBS)Ranking - #201-250Finance, Consulting, Marketing, Operations/Supply Chain, and Technology/IT¥1,915,000 (INR 11L)
Kyoto University (Graduate School of Management - GSM)Ranking - #57Service & Hospitality Management, International Management/Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sustainability & Social Entrepreneurship:¥1,071,600 (INR 6.1L)
GLOBIS UniversityRanking – Not given Entrepreneurship, Finance/FinTech, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, and Strategy,¥4,425,000 (INR 25L )
International University of Japan (IUJ)Ranking - #52Finance, Management, Marketing, Digital Technology and Operations, and Sustainability¥3,200,000 (INR 18L )
University of Tokyo Ranking - #36International Business, Finance, Technology Management, Innovation, Strategy, and Global Management¥535,800 (INR 3L )
Osaka University Ranking - #91Finance, Marketing, Operations Research & Supply Chain, Management Information Systems, and Accounting & Strategic Reporting.  ¥820,000 (INR 4.7L )
NUCB Business School Ranking - #99Consulting & Strategy, Finance/Accounting/Economics, and Supply Chain & Operations Management. ¥820,000 - ¥1,590,000(INR 4.7L -9.1L)
Doshisha University (Doshisha Business School) Ranking - #301Sustainability & Green Business, Culture & Creativity, Business in Asia, and Advanced Management. ¥1,336,000 (INR 7.7L)

These are some of the MBA universities in Japan. If you want to enrol here, but are confused which one is best, then use our College Finder tool. It will shortlist the university that matches your interests and preferences.

Top MBA Specialization in Japan for Indian Students.

Aspiring Indian students who are dreaming of pursuing an MBA in Japan find specialisation in high-tech areas such as IT, technology management, and innovation. Leveraging Japan’s industrial strengths, but also demonstrating and earning traditional strengths such as finance. With English-taught programs, various specialisations align with Japan’s tech leadership and global economic roles. Though, MBA fees in Japan for Indian students are pretty affordable, and there are many MBA program options available, such as

  1. Finance and Accounting
  2. Entrepreneurship/ social entrepreneurship
  3. Marketing & Management
  4. Healthcare management
  5. Information technology
  6. Supply chain and operations management
  7. International Business & Global Strategy
  8. Digital Marketing
  9. Tourism and hospitality management
  10. Arts management
  11. Asian business management
  12. Project management
  13. Strategy / Design / Innovation
  14. Sustainability & CSR

These are the top specialisations of MBA in Japan. To choose the right course that aligns with your interests and future goals, use our course finder tool. A reliable tool that provides the right suggestion.

Intakes in Japan

Japan generally have three main intakes, which are spring, summer, autumn/fall. The biggest and primary intake is spring (April) (only best for Japanese taught programs), but for English-taught programs, Autumn/ fall (September / October) is superlative. Third is the Summer (July) intake her you get less crowd. Here is the table of the intakes in Japan, walk through to understand them and choose the one that fits best for MBA in Japan.

Intake Typical Start DateMain Application Period Key Factors
SpringAprilAug - Nov (Prev. Year)Main intake for national universities, Japanese-taught programs.
SummerJulyFeb - April (Current Year)Also available, especially for some language schools or specific programs.
Autumn/FallSept/OctFeb - May (Current Year)Popular for English-taught courses, international schools.

Eligibility Criteria and for MBA in Japan

Japan is an emerging study abroad destination, and to seek an MBA in Japan, Indian students have to follow the eligibility criteria set by universities. Here is the list of MBA in Japan requirements for Indian students. Have a look.

  1. Academic Qualification: A recognised bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record (GPA 2.5 + or equivalent)
  2. English Language Proficiency Exam Scores: proof of English skills is important for English-taught programs like IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 83+.
  3. Standardised Exam Score: GMAT or GRE scores are required, but some universities might waive them due to their own entrance exam.  
  4. Work Experience: 2-3 years of work experience is required.

Documents Required for MBA in Japan for Indian Students

Below is the list of necessary documents required for an MBA in Japan for Indian students.

  • Academic transcript
  • Bachelor’s degree transcript and certificate
  • English language proficiency scores of IELTS or TOEFL 
  • Standardised test scores of GRE or GMAT
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
  • Completed application form and fees
  • Proof of financial support
  • Resume or CV
  • Work experience
  • Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

Application Process of MBA in Japan

Adhere the following steps of the application process to get admission in one of the MBA colleges in Japan you want to enrol in.

  1. Research about the MBA program and the university you want to study in Japan that aligns with your career and future goals
  2. Check eligibility criteria and other requirements, such as language and entrance exam scores.
  3. Gather the necessary documents required for admission.
  4. Now visit the university website to fill in the application form accurately.
  5. Pay the non-refundable application fees of JPY 9,000-30,000 typically. It is paid online.
  6. Complete the form, attach the documents and submit.
  7. Wait for the final decision; until then, prepare for the interview.  
  8. If shortlisted, accept the offer and pay tuition fees for admission.
  9. Now apply for the visa.

Cost of Studying MBA in Japan

The cost of studying in Japan is affordable for Indian students in comparison to other countries. Average MBA fees in Japan for Indian students range from 3-5 lakhs annually in public universities. In private, it will cost 10-20 lakhs per year, but it varies from institute to the courses they opt for. Alongside the living cost is generally considered high. In the table below, we have provided the estimated MBA in Japan cost of studying and living in Japan for Indian students.

ParticularsMBA Cost in Japan/Year (JPY)MBA Cost in INR
Public Universities¥500,000 – ¥850,000INR 2.88- 4.89 lakhs
Private Universities¥800,000 -¥2,000,000INR 4.6 lakhs - 11 lakhs  
Language Schools¥600,000 – ¥800,000INR 3.4lakhs - 4.6lakhs
Tuition Fees¥2,000,000 - ¥5,000,000INR lakh - INR26 lakh
Accommodation¥600,000 - ¥1,200,000INR3 lakh - INR6 lakh
Food¥300,000 - ¥600,000INR1.5 lakh - INR3 lakh
Transportation¥100,000 - ¥200,000INR52,000 - INR1 lakh
Health Insurance¥20,000 - ¥50,000INR10,400 - INR26,000
Books and Supplies¥50,000 - ¥100,000INR26,000 - INR52,000
Personal Expenses¥200,000 - ¥400,000INR1 lakh - INR2 lakh
Visa Fees¥30,000 - ¥50,000 (one-time)INR15,600 - INR 26,000 (one-time)
Miscellaneous¥50,000 - ¥100,000 INR26,000 - INR52,000

City-Wise Cost of Living in Japan

Japan have many cities that are famous for their lifestyle, opportunities and universities. Here is the table that represents the cost of studying for an MBA from Japan in different countries.

CityMonthly Expenses (JPY)Monthly Expenses (INR)
Tokyo¥335,115₹2 lakh
Kyoto¥189,211₹1.1 lakh
Sapporo¥156,56096647
Kobe¥247,113₹1.5 lakh

Scholarships to Study MBA in Japan

It may sound Japan is affordable in comparison to other countries, but when it comes to manage daily expenses along with paying tuition fees can be hectic. In that case, financial aid such as a scholarship is the paradigm shift for the Indian students. Here is the list of the scholarships required to study an MBA in this country.

Name of ScholarshipAward Amount
Narotam Sekhsaria’s ScholarshipUp to INR 20 lakh
Hani Zeini ScholarshipUSD 1,000 (INR )
Global Study AwardsUp to GBP 10,000 (INR )
C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate StudiesUp to INR 8 lakh
Jared J. Davis ScholarshipUSD 5,000 (INR )
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial ScholarshipUSD 1,000 to USD 10,000 (INR )
Okuma Memorial Scholarship¥400,000 per year (INR )
Azusa Ono Memorial Scholarship¥400,000 per year (INR )
Mori Masakatsu Memorial Foundation for Foreign Students¥100,000 per month (INR )
Matsumoto Kaoru International Scholarship¥120,000 per month (INR )

Also Read: Best Scholarships in Japan for Indian Students 2026

Career Opportunities After MBA in Japan

In Japan, after an MBA, there are many job opportunities in different fields that help students build their careers. After graduation, students can apply for the post-study work visa, that can help them gain experience by working in big Japanese MNCs. Moreover, the average MBA salary in Japan ranges from ¥6 million (INR 34 Lakhs). However, it varies by experience and position.

Job Role Key SectorsAverage Monthly Salary (JPY & INR
Financial ManagerFinance, Banking, Insurance¥1,050,000 (INR 6L)
General ManagerAll sectors (Manufacturing, Tech)¥931,000  (INR 5.3L)
Management ExecutiveConsulting, Tech, Finance¥866,000  (INR 5.1L )
Business Dev. ManagerTech, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods¥834,000  (INR 4.8L)
HR ManagerConsulting, Tech, Manufacturing¥842,000  (INR 4.9L)
Project ManagerIT, Engineering, Consulting¥619,000  (INR 3.6L)
Data AnalystIT, Consulting, Energy (High Demand)¥479,000 - ~¥800,000+  (INR 2.7L - 4.6L)

What are the Challenges Faced in Japanese MBA Programs?

Studying MBA programs in Japan may appear astonishing, but remember, not all that glitters are gold. There are many challenges faced in Japanese MBA programs by all international students. Have a look at the drawbacks stated below.

  1. Language Consideration: Although MBA programs are taught in English, not all universities and businesses in Japan adhere to the English language. Thus, it becomes the biggest impediment; a lack of Japanese language can create a hindrance in networking and securing a job after graduation.   
  2. High Cost of Living: In Japan, cities like Tokyo can be an expensive place to live, adding extra financial burden with paying fees and living expenses.    
  3. Cultural Barrier: Japan has a different corporate culture, often noticeable by hierarchical structures and emphasis on group harmony. It takes time to get adjusted and adapt, but after understanding, it becomes a valuable asset.        
  4. Social Integration: Inherent Japanese culture, social structures, and potential bias based on origin country (such as preferring white foreigners) can make Indian students feel isolated.   
  5. Concentrated Job Market: Job opportunities after post-MBA may be largely concentrated in industries like manufacturing and technology. So, if you desire to work into a professional career and your interests lie in particular sectors, then it can be difficult to find a tailored job here.        

Conclusion

In short, pursuing higher studies like an MBA in Japan is a dream of many Indian students. It is a life-changing opportunity as they experience a new education system, get cultural exposure, lifestyle and more. But, it brings many challenges as well, such as language barriers, a concentrated job market and more, although the MBA program is taught in English only. If you desire to study MBA in Japan in 2026 and need full-tailored guidance, then go nowhere as the best study abroad consultants of Gradding.com are here. They will help you from the start to the end of your study abroad journey.

FAQ

1. Is Japan good for an MBA?

Yes, Japan can be a good country to pursue an MBA, especially for those who have an interest in the Asian market, tech, finance, and innovation. Universities here offer quality education, strong industry links and better affordability than any other country programs, such as the UK, USA, and Canada.  

2. Can Indians do an MBA in Japan?

Yes, Indian students can pursue an MBA in Japan. Many top universities offer English-taught programs, strong industry links, and a blend of global theory with Japanese management.    

3. How much does an MBA cost in Japan for Indian students?

MBA cost in Japan for Indian students usually costs between INR 3 lakhs to over 20 Lakhs per year. For a two-year course, it can cost 10 lakhs to 29 lakhs. This varies significantly by university and courses.   

4. What is the duration of an MBA in Japan?

The duration of an MBA in Japan varies from 1 to 2 years, depending on the program type.

5. Is studying for an MBA in Japan Expensive?

Studying for an MBA in Japan can range from being affordable to quite expensive, with the total cost of studying and living varying from 8 lakhs to 20 lakhs.    

6. Are MBA Programs in Japan entirely taught in English?

Yes, numerous MBA programs are taught entirely in English in top universities. This becomes streamlined for international students to pursue an MBA without any language difficulty in Japan.       

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