Japan attracts international students each year through a diverse higher education system and a broad range of study programs. The country is also home to many universities with extensive teaching and research activities, including institutions featured in our guide to the best universities in Japan.
Additionally, Japanese universities and graduate schools offer degree programs taught entirely in English, including programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. These English-taught degree programs are offered by universities and graduate schools rather than colleges of technology or professional training colleges. Read on to learn more about higher education in Japan.
Types of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Japan
1. Universities
Japanese universities provide undergraduate education and may establish graduate schools. Undergraduate programs usually last four years, or six years in medicine, dentistry, clinical pharmaceutical sciences, and veterinary medical science. Graduate program lengths vary by degree and field.
Japanese universities offer programs in fields such as business, law, medicine, engineering, psychology, and many others. Examples of universities in Japan include the University of Tokyo, Kyushu University, Keio University, and Kyoto University.
2. Junior Colleges
Junior colleges in Japan generally admit students who have completed 12 years of school education. Programs last two or three years and award associate degrees. Their purpose includes providing liberal arts education and developing abilities needed for occupations or practical life. Examples include Tohoku Bunkyo College and Kokusai Junior College.
3. Professional and Vocational Junior Colleges
Professional and vocational junior colleges award associate degrees (professional) and emphasize the practical and applied abilities needed for specialized careers. Programs last two or three years. Two-year programs require at least 62 credits, while three-year programs require at least 93 credits, along with practical-training and other requirements set by the institution.
4. Colleges of Technology (KOSEN)
A distinctive type of educational institution in Japan is the College of Technology, commonly known as KOSEN. As of May 1, 2025, Japan had 58 KOSEN institutions. Examples include the National Institute of Technology, Tokyo College, National Institute of Technology, Nagano College, and National Institute of Technology, Toyota College. KOSEN institutions provide integrated, practical technical education.
Students who have completed lower secondary education may enter a KOSEN program. Standard programs last five years, while mercantile shipping programs last 5.5 years. Graduates receive the academic title of Associate, rather than an associate degree, after meeting the graduation requirements, including 167 credits in standard programs or 147 credits in mercantile shipping programs.
5. Professional Training Colleges
Professional training colleges offer postsecondary courses that provide specialized practical vocational education. Admission to a postsecondary course generally requires 12 years of school education. Examples include Shinjuku Chourishi Professional Training College and Kyoto College of Medical Health.
Students who complete qualifying programs may receive the academic title of Diploma or Advanced Diploma. Diploma programs must be at least two years long and require at least 1,700 class hours or 62 credits. Advanced Diploma programs must be at least four years long and require at least 3,400 class hours or 124 credits.
6. Graduate Schools
There are two main categories of graduate-level institutions in the Japanese higher education system: graduate schools and professional graduate schools. Graduate schools offer master’s and doctoral degrees in various disciplines. Examples include the University of Tokyo Graduate Schools, Kyoto University Graduate Schools, and Waseda University Graduate Programs. A master’s program normally lasts two years. A doctoral program normally has a five-year structure, often divided into a two-year first stage and a three-year second stage. Students entering the second stage after earning a master’s degree normally study for three years. Doctoral programs in medicine, dentistry, clinical pharmaceutical sciences, and veterinary medical science normally last four years.
Professional graduate schools provide education and training for highly specialized professionals. In addition to general professional degree programs, Japan has professional graduate programs in fields such as law and teacher education.
Types of Degree Levels in Japan
1. Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s degree programs usually take four years to complete. However, programs in medicine, dentistry, clinical pharmaceutical sciences, and veterinary medical science take six years.
Four-year bachelor’s programs generally require at least 124 credits. Medicine and dentistry require at least 188 credits, clinical pharmaceutical sciences require at least 186 credits, and veterinary medical science requires at least 182 credits. Students in four-year programs may be permitted to graduate after at least three years if they have earned the required credits with excellent grades. This early-graduation system does not apply to the four six-year fields listed above.
2. Master’s Degree
Master’s degrees are generally earned after a bachelor’s degree. The standard program length is two years, and the programs are offered through graduate schools or graduate departments of Japanese universities.
Standard master’s programs generally require at least 30 credits, research supervision, and the successful completion of a thesis or research project. Professional degrees are separate qualifications. Most professional master’s programs require at least 30 credits and normally last two years. A Juris Doctor program normally lasts three years and requires 93 credits, while a professional Master of Education program normally lasts two years and requires 45 credits.
3 Doctoral Degree
Doctoral degrees, including programs discussed in our guide to doctoral study in Japan, may be earned through a five-year program, often divided into a two-year first stage and a three-year second stage. Students who already hold a master’s or professional degree generally enter the three-year second stage. Doctoral programs in medicine, dentistry, clinical pharmaceutical sciences, and veterinary medical science normally last four years. Exact admission and completion requirements vary by graduate school and program.
Japanese higher education institutions offer a wide range of academic and professionally oriented pathways. Admission requirements vary by institution and program, so applicants should carefully review the current official requirements for their chosen course. When you are ready, consult our guide on how to apply to universities in Japan and find a suitable program.
We hope this article has helped you understand Japanese higher education. If you are interested, you can also explore these available programs for international students and visit our Study in Japan Page!
