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.

Is Japan an ideal destination for studying abroad? Well, the answer is yes! Educational institutions of Japan offer UG and PG courses at an affordable fee. Also, Japanese universities encourage students to innovate and try new technology. Due to these reasons, Japan is an ideal study destination for pursuing MS abroad. 

Top universities in Japan offer master's courses related to various fields like engineering, technology, and business. The Japanese government is making new policies to invite foreign students and working professionals, such as offering scholarships, and easy rules for foreign students to find jobs in Japan after their studies. In this blog, we will help you to know all about pursuing a master's in Japan, including universities, budget and other relevant queries.

Reasons to Pursue Masters in Japan in 2025

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 known for their 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. It is valid for the entire duration of the study.
• 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).

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.