Master's Degrees in Japan 2025, Top Universities, Fees and Scholarships

Master's Degrees in Japan 2025 offer international students high-quality education, affordable tuition, English-taught programs, and strong job opportunities in tech, engineering, and research. Learn about top universities, course requirements, total costs, and scholarships like MEXT to plan your Master’s degree in Japan effectively.
authorImageAnshika Agarwal19 Nov, 2025
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Master's Degrees in Japan

Master's Degrees in Japan 2025 offer a great chance to learn world-class skills and boost your career. Japan is famous for its technology, science, and beautiful culture. Know everything about the Master's Degrees in Japan 2025, the cost, the application rules, and how to find programs.

Master's Degree in Japan for International Students

Choosing Japan for your studies is a big decision. Here are the top reasons why a Master's degree in Japan for International students is worth it.

  • High Quality Teaching: Japan has some of the best universities in the world. Their research is highly respected.

  • Job Opportunities: Finishing your degree here can lead to great job opportunities in Japanese and global companies. This is especially true in tech and engineering.

  • Unique Culture: You get to live in a very safe country. You experience a blend of ancient traditions and super-modern city life.

  • Programs in English: You do not have to be fluent in Japanese. Many programs offer a Master's degree in Japan taught in English.

  • Lower Fees: The Master's degree in Japan cost are usually much lower than studying in places like America, Canada, or the UK.

Top Universities for Masters Degrees in Japan 2025

Japan has many excellent schools. The following universities are known globally and offer strong programs for a Master's degree in Japan for International students. These institutions are good if you are looking for a Master's degree in Japan taught in English.

Top Universities for Master's Degrees in Japan 2025

University Name

Type

QS World University Rankings 2026

Key Courses in English (Master's Level)

University of Tokyo

National (Public)

36

Public Policy, Economics, Engineering, Global Science, International Technology Management.

Kyoto University

National (Public)

57

Science (Physics, Chemistry), Engineering (Civil, Mechanical), Management (MBA), Global Environmental Studies.

Tohoku University

National (Public)

109

Engineering (Aerospace, Materials, Mechanical), Economics, Global Governance, Science (Physics, Chemistry).

Tokyo Institute of Technology

National (Public)

85

Highly specialized research in Engineering, Science, Computing, and Life Science and Technology.

Waseda University

Private

196

Asia-Pacific Studies, International MBA, Advanced Science and Engineering, Political Science, Social Sciences.

Osaka University

National (Public)

91

Science (Integrated Science, Biology), Engineering, International Public Policy.

 

Master's Degree in Japan Taught in English

A big concern for many is the language. But you can easily get a Master's degree in Japan taught in English.

  • G30 Program: Many top universities have special programs called Global 30 (G30). These entire programs are taught only in English.

  • Top Universities: Universities like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Waseda University offer many of these English-only courses.

  • Most Common Subjects: You will find the most programs in English in these subjects:

    • Engineering and Technology

    • Business (MBA)

    • Environmental Science

    • International Relations

Master's Degree in Japan Cost and Scholarships

The Master's degree in Japan cost is one of the main reasons many people choose to study here. Here are the details about the Master's Degree in Japan Cost:

Master's Degree in Japan Cost

Cost Type

Average Annual Cost (JPY)

Average Annual Cost (INR)

Simple Explanation

Tuition Fees

¥540,000 – ¥820,000

₹3.0 Lakh – ₹4.5 Lakh

University fees for one year for Masters Degrees in Japan 2025.

Living Expenses

¥1,000,000 – ¥1,500,000

₹5.5 Lakh – ₹8.5 Lakh

Includes rent, food, transport, etc.

Total Annual Cost

¥1,540,000 – ¥2,320,000

₹8.5 Lakh – ₹13 Lakh

Total money needed per year.

Master degree in Japan Scholarship

It is easy to find a Master's degree in Japan Scholarship. Many are available just for Master's in Japan for Indian students.

  • MEXT Scholarship: This is the most famous scholarship. It is offered by the Japanese government. It often covers all tuition fees and gives you a monthly living allowance.

  • University-Specific Scholarships: Many top universities offer their own scholarships to help with the Master's degree in Japan cost.

  • Private Scholarships: Many private Japanese companies and organizations also give out money to bright international students.

Applying for a Master's degree in Japan Scholarship early is very important. This can make the total Master's degree in Japan cost very low or even free.

Masters in Japan for International Students Requirements

The rules for getting a Master's degree in Japan for international students are clear.

Basic Needs for Master's degree in Japan for international students:

  • Bachelor's Degree: You must already have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

  • Language Test: If you want a program taught in English, you must show proof of English skills (like IELTS or TOEFL scores). If you want a Japanese-taught program, you need proof of Japanese ability (JLPT score).

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written essay explaining why you want to study that subject and why you chose Japan.

  • Letters of Recommendation: Two or three letters from your former university teachers.

Special Requirement: Research Plan

This is unique to Japan. For a Master's degree in Japan for international students, you often have to write a detailed research plan.

  • Plan: This document describes what research topic you want to study.

  • Finding a Supervisor: Many Japanese universities require you to find a professor (a supervisor) who agrees to guide your research before you officially apply.

  • The Process: This process is called Naitei. It is the biggest difference in the Master's in Japan for international students' requirements.

Master's in Japan for Indian Students

Master's in Japan for Indian students is becoming a very popular choice.

  • Accepted Degrees: Indian 4-year undergraduate degrees (like B.Tech) are usually accepted without any problem.

  • Popular Fields: Indian students often choose these subjects:

    • Robotics and AI

    • Mechanical and Civil Engineering

    • Computer Science

    • Business Administration

  • Support System: There are large Indian communities in major Japanese cities. This makes the Master's in Japan for Indian students feel less lonely.

The chance to get Master's Degree in Japan 2025 is good for Indian students because of the strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

Can I Get a 1 year Master's in Japan?

The Master's program in Japan lasts for two years. However, you can find a 1 year Master's in Japan.

  • The Exception: A 1 year Master's in Japan is offered only for specialized MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs. For example, some programs at Waseda University or Keio University may offer this shorter format.

  • Fast-Paced: These 1 year Master's in Japan programs are very fast-paced. They are intense and require a lot of work in a short time.

  • Common Format: For most academic subjects (like Science or Engineering), you should plan for the full two-year commitment to complete your research thesis.

The availability of a 1 year Master's in Japan depends on the university and the subject you choose.

Master Degree in Japan FAQs

Is it necessary to know Japanese to get a Master's degree in Japan?

No, it is not necessary for all programs. Many top universities offer a Master's degree in Japan taught in English, often through special programs like G30.

How much does the average Master's degree in Japan cost?

The total estimated annual cost, including tuition and living expenses, ranges from ₹8.5 Lakh to ₹13 Lakh (or ¥1,540,000 to ¥2,320,000).

What is the biggest requirement difference for a Master's degree in Japan for international students

The biggest difference is the need to find a professor (supervisor) who agrees to guide your research before you formally apply to the university.

Are there 1 year Masters programs in Japan available?

Yes, but they are rare. A 1 year Masters in Japan is mostly limited to intensive professional degrees, such as specific MBA programs offered by private universities.

How can Masters in Japan for Indian students reduce their total cost?

The best way to reduce the cost is by applying for the MEXT Scholarship offered by the Japanese government. This Master's degree in Japan Scholarship can cover both your tuition fees and provide a monthly living allowance.
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