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An MBA in Japan: Emerging Higher Education for International Students in 2026
Japan is an emerging country for international students for studying. It is one of those selected Asian countries which are famous among international students for providing higher education. The Land of Rising Sun, is one of the safest Asian countries, with a low crime rate.
Japan has an excellent education system with some top-ranked universities for MBA programs: NUCB Business School, Hitotsubashi University, Waseda Business School, Doshisha University, International University of Japan, Ritsumeikan APU, etc are considered some of the top universities for MBA in Japan by the QS Rankings for MBA programs globally 2025.
The cost of studying in Japan is affordable in comparison to the USA, UK and other developed English-speaking countries. MBA students need between USD 5,400 (YEN 820,000) to USD 11,000 (YEN 1.64 million) as tuition fees to pursue UG courses in Japanese universities.
Among others, Engineering, Business & Management, Computer Science, Data Science, International Relations, Robotics, Material Science, and Biotechnology are some of the best courses to study in Japan.
Two major intakes are available for students to apply for admission in Japan, i.e., Spring intake in April and Autumn intake in September or October.
Usually, the duration of pursuing an MBA in Japan ranges between 1 – 2 years. Two major intakes are available for students to apply for admission in Japan, i.e., Spring intake in April and Autumn intake in September or October. Below mentioned are some of the other key highlights about pursuing an MBA degree in Japan for international students.
For students seeking jobs in Japan post MBA, the top industries include Technology, Renewable Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction, Wholesale & Retail, Accommodation & Food Services, etc.
Top MBA universities in Japan
Mentioned below is the list of top MBA universities in Japan as mentioned in the prominent ranking body:
| University | Popularity Rankings |
| Kyoto University | #2 in Japan | #76 in the World |
| Tohoku University | #3 in Japan | #177 in the World |
| Nagoya University | #7 in Japan | #370 in the World |
| Keio University | #8 in Japan | #289 in the World |
| Waseda University | #9 in Japan | #301 in the World |
| Niigata University | #10 in Japan | #644 in the World |
Top Courses in Japan
Japan is known to all that Japan is one of the world leaders in technology, Innovation and advancement of science. Here are the popular courses in Japan for International students:
- Specialised Engineering Courses
- Business/Management related courses
- Data Science
- International Relations and Public Policy Courses
- Language Courses
MBA in Japan Admission Requirements
The entry requirements for admission to the MBA programs in Japan vary depending on the choice of university. Below are general admission requirements:
- A completed bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution
- A GPA of 2.5 or above
- Academic transcripts
- English language proficiency
- Relevant full-time work experience
- GMAT score of 600 or higher
- SOP
- Letters of recommendation (LORs)
- A resume/CV
- Other university-specific requirements.
Acceptance Rate in Top-Ranked Universities for MBA in Japan
Acceptance rate and academics play a very crucial role when it comes to university admissions, and applicants must keep them in mind before applying to a university. Mentioned below are the acceptance rates of top MBA universities in Japan:
- Kyoto University — 11%
- Tohoku University — 30%
- Nagoya University — 40%
- Keio University — 12%
- Waseda University — 17%
- Niigata University — 50%
Cost of studying in Japan
The cost of study in Japan depends on various things such as tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance and more. According to the Embassy of Japan, here is the information about the total tuition fees needed to study in different types of educational institutions in Japan:
- National Universities- USD 6,600
- Public Universities- USD 7,500
- Private Universities- USD 13,500
MBA in Japan: Scholarships Offered
The Japanese government offers MEXT scholarships to international students. Under this scholarship, students studying in different colleges can apply for financial aid. These scholarships cover partial or full part of tuition fees that provide financial support to students. The Japanese Ministry of education, culture, sports and Science keeps announcing the latest scholarship available for international students.
The table mentioned below, will give you an idea about tuition fees in Japanese universities:
| Type of Institution | Admission Fee | Tuition Fee | Total (Approx.) |
| National Universities | USD 1,800 | USD 3,500 | USD 5,300 |
| Local Public Universities | USD 2,600 | USD 3,500 | USD 6,000 |
| Private Universities | USD1,700 – USD 7,800 | USD 5,600 | USD 7,000 –USD 13,000 |
Here are some other types of scholarships offered by the top universities in Japan that are available for international students:
- Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarships
- Hani Zeini Scholarship
- Unimoni Student Stars
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
- C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
ROI of Studying an MBA in Japan
The Return on Investment for a university is decided by the salary expected by a graduate to earn after graduation. The salary expected is concluded by a graduate after comparing all the costs associated with attending college, such as tuition, living expenses, and foregone earnings.
The average placement salaries offered to students at the top universities for an MBA in Japan are mentioned below:
| University | Estimated Annual Salary |
| Tohoku University | USD 119,996 |
| Nagoya University | USD 40,000 – USD 66,500 |
| Kyoto University Keio University Waseda University Niigata University | USD 66,500 – USD 100,300 |
Conclusion
Japan is an emerging country to be considered for students wanting to do an MBA. The opportunity of studying a high standard education at an affordable price, compared to other regions such as the US sums up attractiveness to international candidates.
The cost of living in Japan is also an asset, as it is more affordable than in other English-speaking countries for MBA programs.
According to ICEF Monitor, Japan wants to attract 400,000 international students by 2033, and to send 500,000 Japanese students to study abroad. Demographics are a main reason that the government of Japan is embracing more international linkages.
The government of Japan made changes in Post-Study work visa rules in the year 2018. The aim of this change is to offer relaxation to the graduate students of country. Due to the ageing population, the government is focusing on making changes in post-study work visas in Japan. The government wants to keep 60% of graduates in the country to maintain the skilled workforce.
The federal government aims to offer up to 500,000 jobs to international students in Japan by 2033 and for 60% of them to stay and work in Japan after graduation, which makes the country a great destination for career prospects after students have completed their MBA programs.
