//
Gain insights into the Japan higher education framework, academic culture, teaching methods, and grading system to prepare for your studies.
4 years (6 for medicine, dentistry and some others)
At a university.
2 years or more
At a graduate school.
3 years or more
At a graduate school.
How long each degree takes in Japan.
Higher education starts after 12 years of school. Five types of schools admit international students.
Bachelor's degrees.
2-year courses (3 for some).
Master's and doctoral degrees.
Technical courses.
Job-focused courses of 2 to 4 years.
At universities.
At graduate schools.
At graduate schools.
More degrees in Japan are taught only in English. For those degrees, you do not need Japanese to earn the degree.
Each university sets its own grading scale. Ask for it when you apply. Waseda's School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) asks applicants to send their school's grading scale too.
The school year normally runs from April to March.
April to September
October to March
Some use three terms or four quarters.
A bachelor's needs a set number of credits.
Japanese universities are national, local public or private, depending on who set them up.
Explore all aspects of studying in Japan with our comprehensive guides
Get personalized guidance for studying in Japan with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationWe explain the options and match them to your plans.
Talk to Us