Masters Degrees in Japan 2025: Top Universities, Courses & Cost

Japan is becoming a popular study abroad destination for Indian students who wish to pursue an MS. Check out details about masters in Japan for Indian students including the best universities, top courses, intakes, cost, scholarships, admission, student visa, and post-study work permit.

When we think about Japan, we usually think about Anime or Sushi. But actually, it is one of the best place for Master's degree. Fields like Technology, Engineering, or Robotics are most popular in Japan.

Many students are scared that they need to know difficult Japanese language to study here. But this is not true anymore! Nowadays, many top Japanese universities like University of Tokyo or Kyoto University have started full English-taught programs. You can study your whole course in English while you slowly learn local language for talking to people.

The biggest benefit is the cost. The tuition fees in Japan are very low compared to USA or UK. You usually pay around $5,000 to $8,000 per year. If you have good grades, you can even get the famous MEXT Scholarship, which is fully funded by the government.

Also, students are allowed to do part-time jobs (called 'Arubaito') for 28 hours a week to cover living expenses. Japan is a very safe country with almost zero crime, making it perfect for international students to build a unique career.

Do I need to know Japanese Language?

This is the first question everyone asks. The answer is No, but Yes.

For Studying: You do not need Japanese if you apply for English-taught programs (often called G30 or Global programs). Professors speak good English and all slides are in English.

For Living: You definitely need basic Japanese (N5 or N4 level). If you go to supermarket or government office, people might not speak English. Life becomes very lonely if you cannot talk to anyone. So, start learning Hiragana and Katakana before you fly.

Reasons to Pursue Masters in Japan in 2026

In this section of the article, let us try to answer the question, “Why Choose Japan for MS?” Here are some important reasons that will answer why an MS in Japan for Indian students is a good idea:

• High Academic Quality: Universities in Japan are better in academic excellence and impetus to research.
• Job Opportunities: Fields like robotics, AI, renewable energy and manufacturing are the in demanding fields in Japan.
• Technology: Japan is renowned for its technological innovation. As an Indian student, you can get opportunities to work in these sectors.
• Affordability: Japan is affordable compared to US or UK. Also, Japanese institutions provide scholarships to study in Japan.
• Part Time Work Option: Students can reduce the cost of pursuing an MS in Japan. They can work part time 28 hours per week.

Masters in Japan Overview

The table given below provides an overview of different aspects of studying Master's in Japan for Indian students:

Best Universities in Japan for Masters

The table given below provides a list of the best universities for studying MS in Japan for Indian students, with rankings.

MS Courses in Japan

Masters programs in Japan are of 2 years in duration. Some of the top Master's programs in Japan are provided in the table below:

Cost of Studying Masters in Japan

The cost of Masters in Japan can range from YEN 820,000 per year to YEN 1,000,000 per year, depending on the type of graduate school. The following points will provide an idea of the cost of Masters in Japan. The data mentioned below has been sourced from Study in Japan:

• National Graduate School: Average admission and tuition fee for the first year is INR 4.83 lakhs
• Local Public Graduate School: Average admission and tuition fee for the first year is INR 5.12 lakhs
• Private Graduates Schools: Average admission and tuition fee for the first year is INR 5.70 lakhs
• Private Graduates Schools: Average admission and tuition fee for the first year is INR 4.85 lakhs

Other than tuition fee, students will also have to pay for the cost of living. The average monthly cost of living in Japan is around YEN 93,000.

Scholarships for MS in Japan

Students looking to reduce the cost of studying may apply for various scholarships for studying in Japan. If the scholarship amount is significant, students can avoid part-time work as well. Here are some of the top scholarships for studying Masters in Japan:

• MEXT Scholarship: The amount provided for this scholarship is YEN 117,000 per month.
• Student Exchange Support Program: It is a scholarship for short-term study in Japan. The amount provided is YEN 80,000.
• Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship: It is available for Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Humanities, and Law streams.
• Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship: The maximum scholarship amount per student is USD 1,000.

Part-Time Work in Japan for International Students

Indian students who study in Japan are allowed to work on a part time. Students can not work more than 28 hours per week. When the classes are in session, and for up to 8 hours per day during holidays. According to a Study in Japan, students may earn nearly ¥ 59,000 per month (Rs. 33.620), and the average hourly wage is ¥ 1,080. Here are some rules related to part-time work in Japan for international students:

• It should not affect your studies.
• The income earned from part-time work is not meant for saving or overseas remittances.
• You must not work in any industry that is prohibited by law.
• You must have a student status in a Japanese academic institution.

Jobs After Masters in Japan for Indian Students

The table given below provides the top jobs taken up by international students in Japan. Information in the table has been sourced from Study in Japan:

According to Statista, a student (who has done his MS in Japan) can expect to earn more than ¥ 400,000 per month (Rs. 227,823).

Rules for Part-Time Jobs in Japan (Arubaito)

Japanese student visa allows you to work, but there are strict rules.

• Hours: You can work maximum 28 hours per week. During long holidays (summer break), you can work 40 hours.
• Wages: The pay is good. You can earn 1,000 to 1,200 Yen per hour.
• Jobs: Students usually work in Convenience Stores (Konbini), restaurants, or as English teachers. If you know Japanese, you get better jobs.

Post-Study Work Options in Japan

One of the biggest advantages of pursuing a Masters in Japan is the country's clear and supportive pathway for international graduates to transition into the workforce. Unlike many other countries where you must leave immediately if you don't secure a job, Japan offers dedicated visa categories to give you ample time to find employment.

Here are the two specific pathways available to Indian students:

1. Standard Job Hunting Visa

If you haven't secured a full time job by the time you graduate, you are not required to leave Japan immediately. You can switch your student visa to a "Designated Activities" (Job Hunting) visa.

• Duration: This visa is granted for 6 months initially and can be renewed once, giving you a total of 1 year to find a job.

• Requirement: You need a recommendation letter from your university to apply.

• Strategy: This is the standard route for most international students completing their Masters in Japan. This is to ensure you have a stress free buffer period to attend interviews and secure an offer.

2. "J-Find" Visa

This is a massive strategic advantage introduced in 2023. If you graduate from a university ranked in the Top 100 of global rankings (like the QS World University Rankings), you may qualify for the J-Find Visa.

• Duration: Unlike the standard 1-year limit, this visa allows you to stay for up to 2 years for job hunting or entrepreneurship activities.

• Eligibility: This applies to graduates from prestigious Japanese institutions like the University of Tokyo or Kyoto University, as well as top-ranked overseas universities.

Shiksha Poll: Best Japanese City to Study

Recently, we have conducted a poll to find the best student city in Japan. In the poll, we have asked students, "Which Japanese City do You Want to Study in?" A total of 397 students voted in the poll, and around 65% students said that they want to study in Tokyo. Check out the poll result conducted by Shiksha Study Abroad. This result gives you a clearer picture of the recent trend among Indian students:

Now that students are aware of all the aspects of studying an MS in Japan, they are advised to do their own research as well before making a final decision.