how to do a phd in japan

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Study in Kobe

Graduate School Admissions - Doctoral programmes

In order to enter Degree programs, students have to take and pass the entrance examinations and an interview conducted by Kobe University. Following are the general information on eligibility, selection method, and admission information for each Graduate School.

Eligibility

Applicants must be foreign nationals who do not hold Japanese nationality and have successfully completed 16 years of school education or the equivalent. Those who are expected to graduate by March 31 of the year they are entering are also eligible.

For detailed information on each Graduate School’s eligibility requirements, please refer to each School’s website.

Selection Method

Students are selected by academic records and the result of the paper based and oral examinations conducted by each Graduate School. The types of examinations vary according to each Graduate School.

Many international students choose to enter Kobe University as a Research Student non-degree seeking student conduct research while improving their Japanese language ability for about 1 year, and then move on to a degree-seeking program after passing the entrance examination.

How to Apply

1. find your future supervisor.

Graduate Schools either do or do not require students Graduate School, but it is always better to decide the faculty member by whom you wish to be supervised, considering your own research topic. Check the information about the faculty members at Master’s Programs and Doctoral Programs and contact the faculty member directly.

How to find the future academic supervisor?

Make use of our Directory of Researchers in Kobe University .
When contact information is not available on the website of Graduate School, contact the Student Affairs Section of relevant Graduate School .

2. Obtain Application Information and Application Forms

When to request.

Application information is usually available on the Graduate School website and also on the website of Japan Study Support. However in order to apply, applicants have to obtain the original application forms. Each Graduate School distributes application forms at certain period usually once a year or twice a year.

Where and How to request

Applicants can obtain application forms either by visiting the office of each Graduate School directly or requesting by post. When requesting by post, be sure to enclose a return envelop with the necessary stamp attached to the Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School.

The return envelop should be a size that can enclose an A4-size Legal size without folding the forms.
Please attach the necessary amount of stamp to the return envelop.
For detailed information, please check the website of the relevant Graduate School.

When to apply

Each Graduate School has certain application period usually once a year or twice a year.

Where and how to apply

Send the Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School the necessary application materials by post. Must reach by the deadline, late arrival would not be considered for admission.

Students who have different educational background than that of shown on page 59 need to be pre-assessed before application. Please inquire Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School for detailed information.

4. Take the Examination

Each Graduate School has its own examination schedule. All examinations are conducted at Kobe University. Applicants should make arrangement to come to Kobe at this time.

5. Acceptance

How to find out the result.

In early March, applicants will receive an admission notice and other information by post if they passed the examination. Applicants who failed the examination will not receive the notice. If accepted, applicants must make the payment of admission fee by bank transfer, and submit the necessary documents.

6. Prepare for Coming to Japan

Prepare passport and visa (when applicants reside overseas).

In order to enter Japan, international students must have a passport and a “College Student Visa”. Please refer to “Procedure for Entering Japan” for details on how to apply for the visa.

Secure Accommodation

There are University housings and other accommodation that students can apply for through the university, but these rooms are limited. Please use the “Kobe University Student Apartment Search System” to look for private apartment. This system has been established with Nasic National Student Information Center for Kobe University international students. Students can also use this search system to reserve an apartment from overseas. It is available in 4 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean) and will also support students with lease agreement. For more information please refer to “Housing information”.

Students can also search apartment through Kobe University Co-op Service Center after arrival in Kobe.

Reserve an airplane ticket and purchase a traveler’s insurance. (Recommended but optional) (when applicants resides overseas)

7. after arriving in japan, come to kobe university during the designated period to complete the necessary entrance procedures., participate in new student orientation, classes begin, make payment of tuition fees, for more information.

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Guide to Studying PhD in Japan for International Students

Want to study for a PhD in Japan but not sure where to start? This article introduces all you need to know about PhD in Japan, from what programs are like, admission requirements, and what English PhD programs in Japan there are.

First Published: 2021-05-17 Updated: 2024-01-12

Table of Contents

Why should you study for a PhD in Japan?

Program Types, Durations, and Admission Requirements

PhD in Japan for International Students

Phd programs in japan in english, what is the applicable visa to study in japan, what is the cost to study for a phd in japan, are there scholarships for phds in japan.

Japanese graduate schools are called 大学院 (Daigakuin) . They consists of Master’s courses, 修士 (Shuushi Katei), to obtain a Master’s Degree, “修士号 (Shuushigo)” and PhD courses, 博士課程 (Hakushi Katei) to obtain a PhD, 博士号 (Hakushigo) .

In this article, we will focus on PhD Programs in Japan, what they are like, and what English PhD programs are there for international students. A person who has graduated from a PhD course is called 先生 (Sensei) or 博士 (Hakase) - Dr. in Japan.

The reasons for why you should study for a PhD in Japan are pretty much the same reasons for choosing Japan to study abroad , whether it’s for undergraduate studies, Japanese language studies, or graduate school studies. The reasons include:

World-Ranked Universities in Japan like University of Tokyo and Kyoto University and Nagoya University that rank among the Top 100 globally.
Japanese universities excel at research and technology. Many universities are research-intensive which makes for a great study environment, especially for post-graduate education and post-doc.
There are Japanese graduate schools offering English PhD programs. Many universities offer Japanese classes (in many cases mandatory, but higher levels optional) to help international students integrate into life in Japan.
Scholarships for international students, including for PhD courses.
Helpful if you are planning to continue working in Japan after completing your PhD. Also good for career prospects outside Japan.
Endless opportunities to expose yourself to Japanese culture and tradition. There’s no better way to learn about Japan than being at the source. On weekends and holidays, take the chance to explore.

Are you convinced to study for a PhD in Japan yet? From hereon, we will introduce in detail PhD programs in Japan.

What are PhD Programs in Japan like?

The doctoral program, better known as PhD, is the highest level of education to exist. A PhD is an advanced degree earned in various fields after successfully completing a research thesis. An individual can generally opt to study for a PhD after completion of a Master’s program.

In Japan, PhD is called 博士号 (Hakushigo) . PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy”, and graduates are bestowed the title of “Doctor (Dr.)”. In Japan, Doctor (Dr.) is called 博士 (Hakase), though most people go by 先生 (Sensei) .

Program Types, Their Durations, and Admission Requirements

The duration of a PhD program depends on your choice of subject and research thesis. Typically, a PhD program takes around 5 years to complete for those who graduated from a 4 years long undergraduate program. Specialized fields like medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental have 6 years long Bachelor’s degree programs and no Master’s program, and therefore their PhD programs are 4 years long.

In Japan, PhD programs are commonly split into 2 phases. Depending on their highest level of education (Master’s or Bachelor’s), students have an option of starting from the first phase or skipping to the second phase.

First Phase is called First Half of a PhD Program (2 Years)

Called 博士前期課程 (Hakushi Zenki Katei) , the first phase’s curriculum includes studies to obtain a Master’s degree , which is a prerequisite requirement for most PhD programs. The first phase is a 2 Years long program.

According to JASSO , one of the following admission requirements must be satisfied to be eligible to join this program:

Graduates from 4 Years long university program (Japanese university)
Graduates with Bachelor’s degree from at least 3 Years long foreign university program; 5 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary
Graduates of Bachelor’s degree from the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education
Graduates from National Defense Academy of Japan, Japan Coast Guard Academy, Meteorological College, or any ministry or agency established academy or college
Graduates from international schools in Japan that are officially recognised as being equivalent to an overseas university
Those who have completed specialized coursework at designated vocational schools
Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in their home country; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary
Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in Japan via online curriculum offered by an overseas institution; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary
Those who have completed studies at school under Japan’s old education system
Those aged above 22 who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Second Phase is called Second Half of a PhD Program

Master’s degree holders can skip the first phase to join the second phase. Called 博士後期課程 (Hakushi Kouki Katei) , the second phase is typically 3 Years long , but 4 Years for medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental fields.

Graduates with a Master’s, professional degree, or equivalent foreign degree
Graduates with a Master’s or professional degree from an overseas institution done via online curriculum while living in Japan
Graduates with degrees equivalent to a Master’s or professional degree from international schools in Japan recognised as being equivalent to an overseas graduate school
Graduates with Bachelor’s or equivalent degree who have completed minimum 2 Years research at university or research facility having the same academic prowess as a Master’s degree holder
Those with a degree equivalent to a Master’s degree from United Nations University
Those aged 24 or above who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Most graduate school programs in Japan are taught entirely in Japanese. For international students seeking to join these programs, demonstration of a high level of Japanese proficiency, at least N1, is required. This is to ensure that you are able to understand the curriculum in order to complete the course.

Fortunately, with the increasing number of international students in Japan, many universities have started internationalizing their programs with English-taught courses , including for PhD. There are programs taught mostly in English with supplementary Japanese, as well as programs taught completely in English.

For English-taught PhD programs, students may be asked to demonstrate their English language proficiency with English proficiency certifications like IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC. This requirement may be exempt for individuals whose undergraduate or Master’s degree shows high mastery in English.

Different universities offer PhD programs in different fields of study, so you will need to do a thorough search to find one that matches your interest. JASSO’s Search for Schools tool is incredibly helpful for this. You can search for educational institutions that accept international students by degree (undergraduate, Master’s, PhD), school type (public, national, private), school location, field of study, medium of instruction, etc.

To further help you, we have curated a list of 6 PhD programs in Japan which are popular, along with the names of universities offering these programs.

Visa, Tuition Fees and Scholarships for PhD in Japan

The applicable status of residence for international students in Japan is 留学 (Ryuugaku), aka “Study Abroad”.

Coming from Overseas

If you are coming from overseas to study for a PhD in Japan, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your university in order to obtain a Visa to enter the country. Upon entering Japan, you will be bestowed a status of residence and a residence card, which acts as your identity card.

Read more about Japan Visa, Status of Residence, and Residence Card here .

Existing Resident in Japan

If you are an existing resident in Japan, you will not need a Visa or a Certificate of Eligibility, which are required for first entry into Japan.

If you are already an international student in Japan, and planning to advance your studies to Master’s or PhD, then you may need to apply for “Extension of Period of Stay”, which can be done easily online now. Learn how to do it step by step here .

If you are a resident in Japan, but on a different type of status of residence, say the most common “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” or some other type of work visa, then you will need to apply for a “Change of Status of Residence”. This can also be done online now with a My Number Card and IC card reader.

In Japan, universities and graduate schools can be divided into 3 types of institutions - national, public and private. The admission and tuition fees for each type of institution is different with national schools having the lowest cost.

In Japan, the first year’s cost for university and graduate schools is higher than the subsequent years. This is because applicants need to pay an admission fee in addition to the year’s tuition fee.

The first year, aka admission year, cost for PhD that consists of that year’s tuition fee and an admission fee is:

Approx. 820,000 Yen for National Institution
Approx. 900,000 Yen for Public Institution
Approx. 850,000 Yen (medical studies) or 1,100,000 Yen (non-medical studies for Private Institutions

Tuition fees will vary between universities so be sure to check the particulars when applying.

【Helpful Reading】

For differences between national, public and private universities in Japan.
For the cost breakdown of studying abroad in Japan, including tuition fees and living costs.

Yes, there are scholarships for PhDs in Japan. According to JASSO , there are altogether 119 PhD program scholarships for international students for 2023 - 2024. Among the 119, 12 are available to apply before coming to Japan, and the remaining 107 can only be applied for after coming to Japan.

Read more about Japanese scholarships and how to apply for them here .

Education plays a crucial role in personal, social, and economic development. Achieving a PhD is sure to improve your confidence, greatly enhance your knowledge, and will make some higher level jobs available to you. After obtaining a PhD, many people choose to continue their research in universities or research centers as post-doc researchers. There are also many other consultation jobs available that requires your expertise.

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Charting Your PhD Journey in Japan: Admission, Lifestyle, and Balancing Work with Study

Japan, with its unique blend of ancient culture and technological innovation, offers a compelling environment for ambitious PhD students. Whether you’re diving into cutting-edge research or exploring the bustling streets, life as a doctoral candidate here is full of potential. But to truly thrive, understanding the ins and outs of admissions, budgeting for your lifestyle, and mastering the Japanese language is key.

Advantages of Pursuing PhD in Tokyo

Application Process and Timeline for a PhD Program

Can You Apply From Overseas?

List of English PhD programs offered by Universities in Japan

Navigating financial waters: living as a phd student, working while you learn, mastering japanese: a strategic move for phd students in japan, the key to professional opportunities, advantages of pursuing a phd in tokyo.

There are many advantages to pursuing an English-speaking PhD or master’s degree in Tokyo. Here are just a few:

High-quality education: Tokyo’s universities are renowned for their academic rigor and research excellence. Many of these universities are ranked among the top institutions in the world.
Cultural immersion: Tokyo is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich cultural heritage. Pursuing a degree in Tokyo will give you the opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
Networking opportunities : Tokyo is a global hub for business and innovation. You will have the opportunity to network with leading professionals worldwide.
Career prospects: A degree from a prestigious university in Tokyo will give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Application Process and Timeline for PhD Programs

Embarking on a PhD in Japan starts with navigating the admissions process. Programs in English are widely available, particularly in science and technology, economics, business, and various interdisciplinary fields. Admission requires a relevant master’s degree, a well-defined research proposal, and often proficiency in English or Japanese. The admission process for PhD programs in Japan typically varies from university to university. However, the general steps involved in the application process are as follows:

Meeting Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. Check the program website for specific admissions requirements and deadlines.
Submitting Application Documents: Required documents may include transcripts, recommendation letters, research proposals, and language proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
Participating in Entrance Examinations: Some universities conduct written examinations or interviews to assess candidates’ knowledge and aptitude for research.

The application deadlines for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs in Tokyo typically range from April to June. However, it is always best to check with the individual university for the most up-to-date information.

Can You Apply from Overseas?

Applications for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs in Tokyo can typically be submitted from overseas. The application process is usually online, and you must submit the required documents digitally. However, some universities may also require you to send a physical copy of your application materials.

Additional Considerations

Admissions requirements: Each university will have its own admissions requirements for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs. These requirements may vary depending on the program, but they typically include a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Language proficiency: While most English-speaking Ph.D. and Master’s programs in Tokyo do not require Japanese language proficiency, having some basic Japanese language skills is always a good idea. This will help you navigate daily life in Japan and make the most of your experience.
Funding: There are a number of funding opportunities available for international PhD students in Japan, including scholarships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships. It is important to research these opportunities carefully and apply for those you are eligible for.

Scholarships

Scholarships such as MEXT, Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships, or university-specific grants are vital in supporting your academic journey. They cover everything from tuition fees to living expenses, allowing you to immerse in your studies and the rich culture of Japan. Read what each scholarship offers below!

1. The Japanese Government ( MEXT ) Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). There are scholarships available for privately financed international students, as well as those under student exchange agreements. The application for the 2024 MEXT Japanese Studies Scholarship will open in January 2024 . Value of Award:

100% of tuition (covered by the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship)
145,000 JPY per month for living expenses (amount subject to change)
Economy class air travel between the home country and APU at the beginning and end of the program.

2. Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships

This scholarship is provided for future students of Japanese universities and graduate schools. This program serves two different application periods. If your expected enrollment is April 2024, the deadline is March 1, 2024 . If the expected enrollment is September/October 2024, the deadline is August 1, 2024.

Value of Award:

100% of tuition
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend for the duration of time, for Doctoral students: 140,000 JPY per month for two years

3. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship

This fellowship is awarded to postdoctoral researchers who are conducting research in Japan. The JSPS offers two different programs long-term and Short-term; the application period is from mid-April to June 7, 2023 .

200,000 JPY per month for living expenses
Leave for childbirth and childcare: Fellows are allowed to suspend their research for childbirth and childcare and are offered a path back into the laboratory. They can also choose to work short hours while on such leave.

4. The Fulbright Specialist Program Japan

This is a partial funding international scholarship provided by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for international students. For those candidates that met all eligibility requirements, you may apply to join the Fulbright Specialist Roster twice every 12 months . If you were not approved with your first application, you may reapply immediately and be included in the next peer review panel cycle.

Additionally, the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) offers about 135 graduate scholarships annually for studies in economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related fields.

As a PhD student in Japan, you’re allowed to work part-time up to 28 hours a week during term-time and full-time during vacations. This can supplement your scholarship and provide real-world experience, but it’s essential to balance this with your study commitments.

For PhD students aspiring to work in Japan, proficiency in the Japanese language is invaluable. It paves the way for greater job opportunities, deeper cultural integration, and successful networking.

Get the Full Japanese Experience

– Cultural Integration: Understanding the language is the first step to truly immersing yourself in Japanese culture and society.

– Work Eligibility: Many employers prefer or require proficiency in Japanese to navigate the local business environment and workplace culture.

– Networking: Speaking Japanese opens up a wealth of networking opportunities that are otherwise inaccessible, helping you to build valuable connections for your career.

If you’re a PhD aspirant in Japan with an eye on the job market, gaining proficiency in Japanese is more than just an academic requirement—it’s a strategic career move. The ability to communicate effectively in Japanese can significantly broaden your professional horizons and make you a compelling candidate in the job market, both during and after your PhD studies.

Our Language Courses: Tailor-Made for Your Success

Recognizing the importance of Japanese language skills for PhD students in Japan, our part-time and online courses are designed to fit into a busy academic schedule:

– Part-Time Japanese Courses These are ideal for PhD students who want to balance their research with language study. With flexible class times, you can learn Japanese without compromising your academic commitments.

– Online Japanese Courses For maximum flexibility, coto’s online Japanese courses allow you to learn from anywhere, at any time. This means you can advance your language skills even during fieldwork or if you’re on a research trip.

As a PhD student in Japan, your success isn’t solely determined by your academic achievements; it also hinges on your ability to navigate the local language and culture. By integrating Coto Japanese language courses into your study routine, you’re not just preparing for your dissertation defense—you’re setting the stage for a flourishing career in Japan. So, take the first step towards unlocking your full potential in the Japanese job market with our dedicated language courses, crafted to help you excel in both your studies and your professional life.

Test your Japanese level!

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PhD in Japan

Home » Admissions » PhD in Japan

Why study PhD in Japan?

Studying PhD in Japan is a fantastic opportunity to do research in one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries. Furthermore, because Japan has the world’s third largest economy, there are numerous interesting employment opportunities for exceptional postgraduates — Japan boasts world-class universities that rank among the top 100 in the world.

The country has 777 universities and 27 Nobel Prizes. Japanese universities are well-represented in worldwide rankings – five universities are among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings.

Top Universities

The University of Tokyo
Kyoto University
Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech)
Osaka University
Tohoku University
Nagoya University
Hokkaido University
Kyushu University
Waseda University
Keio University

Popular Fields to Study PhD in Japan

International Development Research, PhD
Global Science Graduate Course (GSGC), PhD
English Engineering Education (e3), PhD
Japanese Humanities, PhD

Program Duration & Cost of Education

The PhD program duration in Japan is three to four years.

On average the monthly living expenses (including tuition) for international students in Japan is around 138,000 yen on a national level. There are many types of financial aid/fully-funded scholarships provided for PhD programs in Japan.

Eligibility Criteria to Study PhD in Japan

A master’s degree or an international equivalent is required. Alternatively, if your university allows it, you may be able to start a five-year PhD program right after completing a four-year undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree.

To pursue a PhD in Japan, you might be required to take the GRE in your subject area, so check what the practice is at your chosen university.

Intakes & Application Deadlines

Depending on the curriculum, Japanese universities have three intakes- Spring, Autumn & Summer.

For Universities with two intake periods

Application deadline for the spring intake: November
Application deadline for the autumn intake: April

For Universities with three intake periods

Application deadline for the spring intake: October/November
Application deadline for the summer intake: February/April
Application deadline for the autumn intake: June/July

A Sneak Peek into the PhD Application Process

Below are the documents that are required:

Official diplomas of your previous degrees
Official transcripts (you may also be asked for a copy of your Bachelor or Masters dissertation)
Graduate entry test score and language proficiency certificates (if applicable)
At least two letters of recommendation (generally from a senior member of staff such as a department head or academic advisor)
An up-to-date CV
A research proposal
A medical certificate
A photocopy of your valid passport

Besides this, it is always better to check the university requirements at your chosen university.

Student Visa Terms and Provisions

Once you’ve received your PhD offer, you’ll need to apply for a “College Student Visa” (ryugaku visa) if you live outside of Japan. You can apply for this visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your area. As part of your application, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

A letter of admission from your university
A valid passport
A completed visa application form

You may also be asked to present proof that you will be able to sustain yourself financially while in Japan.

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TranSenz: MEXT Scholarship and Visa Information for Moving to Japan

How to find universities and professors in japan (mext scholarship).

Selecting your university in Japan by the beauty of the landscape is not necessarily the best approach, but here you’ll find several solid methods to find the best university for your MEXT scholarship-funded graduate studies in Japan.

Want to learn more about how to choose the best university and best advisor for your studies? Check out How to Find Your Best Degree Program and Advisor for the MEXT Scholarship for a step-by-step walkthrough or the search process!

I can’t tell you, but I can help you find the answer.

How to Search for Universities in Japan

There are over 700 universities in Japan, all with multiple fields of study, and many with degree programs in English. By the end of this article, you will know how to narrow down your list to the best universities for you.

Once we’ve narrowed down the universities, I will help you search for specific professors there that you can list as your desired adviser.

There are three primary ways I can recommend to search:

Leverage connections
Search by English-language programs
Search by research field

I will go through each method below, plus how to evaluate professors to determine whether they would be a good adviser for your research.

Let’s get started!

How to Leverage Your Connections to Find Universities in Japan

The best way to find the best degree program for you in Japan is to go through your connections. When you go through a connection, you will have access to someone with direct knowledge of the program.

You may also have an easier time making connections with the graduate school or adviser in Japan, if the connection is a personal one. Academia in general, and Japan in particular, is still heavily influenced by personal connections.

Leveraging a Current Professor or Academic Adviser

Your first stop in searching for a university in Japan should almost always be your current academic adviser. Ask your adviser if he or she has ever worked with a scholar from Japan in the same field, or if he or she knows someone who has.

Accessing a personal connection here is ideal, but relatively unlikely. If your professor does have a connection, I would recommend following through on that link before you pursue any other search methods in this article.

Even if your adviser does not have any personal connections in Japan, he or she might be able to recommend specific scholars in your field from Japan that you could study with. If you get names of scholars here, it’s time to go find out where they research or teach and then learn more about that university’s programs. (See the section on searching by research field below.)

Leveraging a University Partnership

If your adviser cannot help, your next stop should be your university’s international office.

Go to the international office to find out if your university has any links with universities in Japan. If you can get a list of universities in Japan that are affiliated with yours, then those are a great place to start your search.

This is especially important if you are applying for the University Recommendation MEXT Scholarship. Some Japanese universities will only accept applications from partner universities overseas!

Leveraging Your Extended Network

If you know anyone who has studied in Japan or is studying in Japan, you can ask them for recommendations about their university.

Even if you do not know anyone directly, put out a call through your friends in person or on social media to see if they know anyone in Japan that they can connect you with.

Even though this connection is weaker than an adviser or university partnership, it can still help you to narrow down your search!

Searching for Programs Taught in English

For most readers of this site, you are limited to programs that are taught in English. The program language determines the language of your courses and also the language of your thesis.

Even if you find a professor who speaks English in a Japanese-taught program, you would not be able to study there unless you can take all of your courses and write your thesis in English.

Typically, if you want to study in a Japanese-taught program, you would need at least N2-level Japanese for STEM fields and N1-level Japanese for everything else. Each university sets its own requirements, so be sure to search the web page for your specific degree!

So, how do you find universities that teach your degree in English? Fortunately, there are a few sites that have them all listed, including some that list which individual degree programs are taught in English. Review the sites below to find our what programs are taught in English, then go to each individual university’s website to learn more about the actual curriculum.

Japan Study Support (Browse): http://www.jpss.jp/en/univ/english/
Japan Study Support (Search): https://www.jpss.jp/en/search/
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO): http://www.jasso.go.jp/en/study_j/search/daigakukensaku.html
Univ in Japan: http://univinjapan.com/

Once you have identified universities that offer the field of study and level that you are searching for, go to each university’s own website to learn more about the exact courses, focuses, and professors there. Hopefully, by combing through each website, you will find professors close enough to your field of study to approach as potential supervisors.

Searching by Research Specialization

Especially if you are seeking a PhD, it becomes increasingly important to find a program and potential supervisor more closely aligned with your particular research interest.

Searching by English language programs, as explained above is still a valid way to do this, but another way to approach the search is by starting with the field of study first and considering the language later.

One advantage with this approach is that you can find opportunities that might not be apparent if you start with language.

For example, you may find a professor in your field of study who is not affiliated with an English-taught program, but works at a university that has an English program in a similar field.

For example, I worked at a university that had a graduate school of pharmaceutical sciences and a graduate school of life sciences. Pharma had no English program so students could not apply directly to that program unless they spoke Japanese. Life Sciences, however, did have an English-taught program. Many English-speaking students enrolled in the Life Sciences PhD, selected a primary adviser from that program, and still worked closely with the Pharma professors to accomplish their research.

Names from Previous Research

If you have come across the work of active Japanese university-affiliated researchers in your previous work, start by reviewing the universities where they teach. You already know they are active in research and publications and know enough of their body of work to start building a relationship.

How to Search for Professors by Field

The website below has a search tool that will allow you to find professors by name, field, institution type, region, keyword, and other criteria:

https://researchmap.jp/search/

Selecting a “Research Area” will give you a general list of professors and their affiliated universities. That will give you an idea what universities offer your field of study so that you can search their websites in more detail.

Identifying Potential Advisers for MEXT Scholarship

If you searched for programs, rather than specific professors, now it is time to select potential advisers from within those programs.

Even if you searched by professor, it is a good idea to research that professor in detail and make sure he or she is a good match. You should also look for a back-up adviser within the program, in case the professor you want to work with is about to retire, go on sabbatical, etc.

How to Search for Individual Professors

In most cases, you can find the names of professors either on the university’s website or in their graduate school pamphlets.

On the website, look for information about professors in:

A general researcher’s database or faculty database
The individual graduate school’s web page (lists of faculty members or department news)
The online syllabus (look for the names of professors that teach courses related to your studies)
Digital graduate school pamphlets

Usually, you will be able to find the names of professors from one of those sources. If a university does not have any of that information available, you might want to think about just how much that university cares about recruiting students (not much).

Another place you might want to look is in the application guidelines for self-financed students. Those guidelines will tell you if the university wants applicants to get in touch with professors in advance or not, and how to go about it.

If none of that information is available and you are determined to study at that university, you can try contacting the administrative office of the graduate school to ask where you might be able to find information about their professors related to a specific field. Tell them that you are interested in studying at their graduate school and want to learn more about the specific research being done.

I would not recommend that you tell them that you need a professor’s name to list in your MEXT scholarship application. Especially before you pass the primary screening, you are not likely to get a very enthusiastic response.

How to Screen Your Professors

Your relationship with your adviser is going to be the single-most important factor in determining how successful and enjoyable your next several years in Japan will be. Getting to know their research and character then getting in contact with them to start forming a relationship is important to guarantee your future success.

I am only going to cover how to research them, for now. Getting in contact is a subject for another post.

The following advice comes from past successful MEXT applicants, in no particular order:

Google your professor: Find out if they have a personal web page in English or Japanese and what their recent activities have been. ( “G” )
Make sure your professor speaks English if you do not speak Japanese! (“G”)
Check the professor’s recent work and publications. Look for young, active professors who are dynamic and engaged, rather than the senior professors resting on their laurels. ( Unknown Genius )
Check the university’s Japanese webpage via translation or with a Japanese-reading friend. Usually, Japanese professors post more detailed information in Japanese. ( Lars Martinson )

Other Considerations

Qualifications: You need to make sure that your professor has earned at least the same degree you are going for, or else they will not be able to supervise you.

Rank: This depends on the university. Some will only let full professors supervise. Other universities may let Associate or Assistant Professors supervise. If you do not have any full professors on you list, adding one as a back-up might be a good idea.

Own Lab (esp STEM): If your professor is in the STEM fields, he or she should have their own lab and not be a member of another professor’s lab. If your professor is not head of their own lab, the chances are good that he or she cannot advise students.

Good Luck with Your Research!

This article is based on Chapters 2 and 3 of How to Find Your Best Degree Program and Advisor for the MEXT Scholarship . The book goes into much more detail and includes examples of searches as well as worksheets to help you with the process.

Let me know in the comments below!

Special Thanks

Special thanks to the TranSenz supporters on Patreon . You can show your support for TranSenz on Patreon for as little as $2 per month (or less than 0.15% of the monthly MEXT stipend). Patreon supporters are instrumental in helping to cover the costs of maintaining this site and get priority responses to any questions as well as advance access to news and offers.

Hey Travis I wanted to apply for PhD under MEXT Scholarship. Now I’m working on the FSSRP. Should I send it to the respective professors that I chose now for their review or should I send it once I have passed the primary screening conducted by the embassy of my country ? Please help me!!

Officially, you do not need to contact universities and professors until after you pass the Primary Screening at your embassy. (Up to that point, they are not under any obligation to reply to you.) However, if you can network with a professor beforehand, that could play to your advantage. I certainly do not recommend sending them your FSRPP out of the blue and asking for a review, though. You have to build up a relationship with them, first, by expressing interest in their research and your desire to study with them. It may work and it may not, but since you have time before the Embassy deadline, it would be worth a shot!

Good Luck! – Travis from TranSenz

Thank you for the reply I have a doubt that if i pass the screening done by the embassy, will i enter as a non regular student or regular degree- seeking student. I wish to apply for PhD in Japan, so as a non regular student, it is not applicable to receive PhD certificate. In this case what is the option for me?

In the application form, you will specify whether you want to start as a non-degree student or a degree-seeking student. Then, when you apply to universities for the Letter of Provisional Acceptance, they will state in that letter whether they will accept you as a non-degree student or degree student. However, even after that letter, they can “upgrade” you to degree-seeking student if you pass the entrance exam before you arrive in Japan. You can also start your scholarship as a non-degree student then take the entrance exam to matriculate to the degree program and apply for an extension of your MEXT Scholarship at the same time so that you can become a degree-seeking student.

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