MBA in Japan: MBA in Japan Eligibility, Cost, Best Universities

Thinking about pursuing an MBA in Japan? With its strong economy, world-class universities, and innovative business culture, Japan is an excellent destination for MBA students. Many top universities offer English-taught programs, attracting students from all over the world. Plus, Japan welcomed over 314,000 international students in 2022, showing its growing appeal. An MBA here provides valuable insights into global markets and Japan’s unique management style. Whether you aim to work in Japan or expand your international career, an MBA from Japan can open exciting opportunities for you! In this blog, you will read all about MBA in Japan, its eligibility, best universities and colleges for international students, fees, and more details. Let’s begin.

Particulars	Details
Course	MBA in Japan
MBA in Japan Duration	1-2 years
MBA in Japan Eligibility	A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university Minimum 2-3 years of work experience English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, Eiken)
MBA in Japan Cost	JPY 2,000,000 to JPY 5,000,000 (approximately $13,500 to $34,000) per year)
MBA in Japan Scholarship	Japanese Government Scholarship Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO Scholarship)

Why Study MBA in Japan?

Japanese cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have established themselves as powerhouses in the Asian subcontinent. Home to around 300,000 international students hailing from 50 different countries, the Japanese educational structure is steadily being recognized as one of the best education systems in the world. Furthermore, the Japanese government also encourages student mobility through exchange programs with leading universities around the world aiding students in getting a global experience. Before we switch our focus to MBA in Japan, listed below are a few points accentuating why you must consider Japan while planning to study abroad:

Unparalleled Focus on STEM courses

Be its bullet trains, digital technology, hybrid vehicles or robotics, Japan is known for its modern-age engineering marvels since time immemorial. This has practically frontline Japan’s rise in economic terms and can be said to be a result of the long-sown seed of investment in education and human resources right from school to college level, making it more than an attractive alternative to destinations like the USA, UK, and Australia. Students wishing to do an MBA in Japan after an engineering or science degree can especially benefit from this.

Affordable Living

Owing to its efforts on making education accessible for students, the accommodation and health costs are quite low when compared to the likes of other cities. In addition to that, food and other necessary living costs vary greatly with cities giving students the option to choose as per convenience. Further, the financial support provided for pursuing MBA in Japan from universities as well as government is also available in significant numbers.

Hospitality

The citizens of Japan are synonymous when it comes to hospitality and a highly disciplined style of living. Its deeply ingrained ‘Omotenashi’ hospitality culture also reflects in student-friendly communities that treat international students with great respect and care.

Diversity

Close to 140,000 students from nearly all land continents and around 170 countries flock towards universities in Japan every year in order to take advantage of the brilliant and diverse course offerings including an MBA in Japan. There is a significant diaspora of Indian students with several alumni associations, for instance, the Mombusho Scholars Association of India.

Also Read: MBA after Engineering

What are the Different Types of MBA Courses in Japan?

Unlike any other country, Japan offers different types of MBA programs for both international as well as domestic students. Whether you have plans to pursue a part-time MBA, full-time MBA, or executive MBA, Japan is the perfect place for this. Here ar the different types of MBA options you need to know while studying in Japan:

Full-Time MBA

This is a general yet one of the most popular MBA programs in Japan that will need around 1-2 years to complete. It doesn’t matter which specialization you choose as per your MBA degree, you will find most of them in full-time MBA programs.

Part-Time MBA

When you choose to pursue part-time MBA programs, you will be able to complete your course materials without any problems. Not to mention, the flexibility of taking classes will also be increased. Depending on the schedule of the classes as well as your studying plan, the program can be completed within 2-4 years.

Executive MBA

This specific MBA program is perfect for working individuals who want to complete their higher education while also working in a job. This MBA program is also beneficial as it’s for professionals who have more than 5v years of working experience.

MBA in Japan: Specializations 

Gone are the days when the MBA degree only gained sub-fields in Commerce. The technologically advanced country Japan offers MBAs in trending as well as traditional fields. You will easily find popular options like MBA in Finance along with the latest ones like MBA in Information Technology, and MBA in Digital Marketing. Along with these streams, tabulated below are the specialisations in which you can pursue MBA in Japan-

Supply Chain and Operations Management	Tourism/ Hospitality Management	Finance/ Accounting/ Economics
Consulting and Strategic Management	Education and Government	Technology Management
Marketing Management	Arts Management	Healthcare Management

Best Universities for MBA in Japan

The B-Schools offering MBA in Japan have been recognized all over the world for their expert management education, training, internship and practical learning opportunities along with highly flexible study curriculum. In particular, the curriculum is built around the core, specialised tracks and electives that help individuals to gain a solid foundation of business management as well as expertise in fields like Finance, Strategy, IT, Entrepreneurship, Project Management and so forth. A considerable majority of graduates prefer to work in Japan itself. Tabulated below are the names of some famous universities offering postgraduate programs:

Name of University	City	Courses
Kyoto University	Kyoto	Full-Time MBA in Project Management
McGill University	Tokyo	MBA [Part Time]
Waseda University	Tokyo	1. International MBA [Full Time] 2. One Year MBA [Full Time] 3. General MBA [Part Time] 4. Specialized MBA [Part Time] 5. Waseda-Nanyang Double MBA [Full Time]
Globis University	Tokyo	1. Full-Time MBA 2. Part-Time MBA 3. Online MBA 4. Pre-MBA
Keio Business School, Keio University	Yokohama Kanagawa	1. Full-Time MBA 2. Executive MBA
Kyushu University	Fukuoka	Part-Time MBA
NUCB Business School	Aichi	1. MBA Innovation & Entrepreneurship [Part Time] 2. Executive MBA
Temple University	Tokyo	Executive MBA
Kobe University	Kobe	Full-Time MBA

MBA in Japan: Top Universities

There are a few top universities that have been especially recognized worldwide for their MBA in Japan. These have been given a rundown below:

Kyoto University

Offering 2 specialized International MBA programs with the Kyoto-Cornell Collaborative Degree, Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Management carries forward its rich tradition of excellence. With state-of-the-art facilities, highly-digital campuses and an expert-designed curriculum, it is considered one of the topmost universities offering an MBA in Japan.

The curriculum includes practical training, internships, projects and other activities. The list of subjects is divided into basic, specialized, business practice and advanced components, including emerging topics like contract management and dispute resolution, environmental challenges in business and cross-cultural management, etc.

Partners of Kyoto University include the elite Cornell University, USA along with University of Hamburg, Germany, EMLYON Business School, France and Copenhagen Business School, amongst others. Asian Development Bank-Joint Scholarship Programme and MEXT Scholarships are a few financial aid schemes for meritorious students.

Note: Applicants take note of the fact in order to apply for the Kyoto-Cornell Collaborate program, they have to apply to both of the institutions. 

Keio Business School, Keio University

Consistently ranked amongst the leading programs for MBA in Japan by Eduniversal Worldwide Business Schools Rankings 2014 and by Nikkei Human Resources Japanese MBA programs, Keio Business School has steadily gained an appreciation for its uniquely designed management curriculum since its founding in the year 1962. The school has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), amongst others and boasts of collaborative associations with the National University of Singapore, EMLYON Business School, University of Mannheim Business School, etc. Students also have the option to progress towards a PhD degree thus opening up avenues in management research and education.

Globis University

The Graduate School of Management, Globis University in Japan is a highly specialized B-school situated in the heart of Tokyo. With campuses in Osaka, Nagoya, Sendai, and Fukuoka and another in Singapore, it attracts students from all corners of the world owing to its unique blend of the industry-oriented and globally renowned curriculum as well as opportunities to indulge in the Japanese culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. For those looking to pursue an MBA in Japan, Globis University offers four dedicated MBA programs namely, the Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Online MBA, and its specially designed Pre-MBA. With an annual capacity of around 860 students and courses both in English and Japanese, the course offerings impart an entrepreneurial vision assisting individuals to develop a business-mindedness. It has forged partnerships with China Europe International Business School and Chulalongkorn Business School in Thailand through which students can take advantage of international exchange and research opportunities. Its career statistics are also exceptional with 100% internship placement, 85% of full-time MBA graduates taking up employment within 3 months out of which 65% work in japan itself. Microsoft, Hitachi, Bayer, General Electric and IBM are on its 100+ list of corporate partners.

McGill University-Japan

The Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University brings highly awarded Canadian management programs to the country of Japan. As for the rankings, the management faculty is counted amongst one of the top 50 Global 2-Year MBA Rankings by THE Rankings 2018 and as the 71st best MBA program according to QS Rankings. Its Japan campus offers a Weekend Executive MBA program designed specifically for working professionals. With an average age of 34 and average work experience of 11 years, the class profile is quite diverse with students hailing not only from countries in Asia but also from Belgium, Austria, Canada, Ireland, Germany, South Africa, etc. The university also organizes an international study trip to its main Montreal campus so that students gain international exposure as well as learn from their Canadian counterparts. The application procedure comprises an online application and a personal interview for which duly filled application materials must be submitted before Dec 15 of every year. Having two years of industry experience is a major prerequisite for applying.

Kyushu University

Another popular business school offering MBA in Japan is the Kyushu Business School. The admission process into MBA courses is conducted through General Admission in the Fall semester and Special Admission in the Winter semester. Amongst its list of partners, schools include the names of elite educational institutes such as Peking University, Nanjing University and the Dalian University of Technology, amongst others.

Further, it offers student exchange, teacher exchange and study tours to help students gain an international perspective and exposure. The MBA curriculum is divided into various subjects, building a solid foundation of business management through a focus on specific business areas of finance, marketing, strategy, organization management, accounting, English business communication and corporate ethics.

Individuals are then introduced to advanced topics like intellectual property, innovation, research and development management, etc. Further, the second round of the MBA Admission Process is designed to admit a handful of individuals with proven prior experience in areas of Management of Technology and Asian Business. For an MBA in Japan at Kyushu University, this admission process is highly competitive which is also depicted by the fact that in the year 2018, only 44 students were enrolled.

Top MBA Colleges in Japan

• NUCB Undergraduate School
• Graduate School of Management
• Doshisha Univ. Graduate School of Business

Eligibility to Study MBA in Japan

To pursue an MBA in Japan, students must meet certain academic and professional requirements. While specific criteria vary by university, here are some general requirements.

• A recognized undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• Many universities prefer candidates with at least 2-3 years of professional experience.
• TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs or JLPT (N2/N1) for Japanese-taught courses.
• Some universities require standardized test scores on the GMAT or GRE for admission.

Documents Required

Apart from meeting the eligibility criteria, you must submit a few documents as a part of your application process. This helps universities and colleges in Japan assess your academic qualifications and other details.

• Academic transcripts
• Resume/CV
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Essays
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Finance proof
• IELTS
• Valid Passport & Student Visa

Application Process for MBA in Japan

The application process is the next important thing you should know when planning to study MBA in Japan. Here are a few general steps you can expect in this process:

• Shortlist MBA courses and universities in Japan that align with your interests, budget, and other expectations. Review factors like tuition fees, location, and faculty.
• Next, check eligibility requirements on the official university websites about your course. Also, take a look at the deadlines to ensure you submit documents and applications timely.
• Create a student profile on the official university website and fill out the application form. Upload all the required documents.
• Pay the application fee and wait for the university’s decision.

Cost of Studying MBA in Japan 

The average cost of pursuing MBA in Japan may vary depending on the university, course, and specialisation. On average, tuition fees range from ¥2,000,000 to ¥5,000,000 (approximately $13,500 to $34,000) per year. Private universities tend to be more expensive than public institutions.

Apart from the tuition fee, students have to incur other university-related expenses such as annual registration charges, matriculation fees, entrance examination charges, etc. Additionally, students should budget for living expenses, ranging from JPY 100,000 to JPY 200,000 ($680 to $1,350) per month, covering accommodation, food, transport, and other essentials.

Scholarships for MBA in Japan

Although, the tuition fee for MBA programs in Japan is comparatively less than in other countries, it can be a hurdle for some students. Luckily, the Japanese government and universities offer plenty of scholarships to relieve the financial burden of international students. Here are some top-listed scholarships in which you can enrol to pursue an MBA in Japan:

• Hani Zeini Scholarship 
• Go Clean Scholarship 
• Global Study Awards 
• Jared J. Davis Scholarship 
• GVD Renovations Scholarship 
• Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship 
• Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship 

Jobs and Salaries After Completing MBA in Japan

When you complete your MBA in Japan, you will be able to receive high-paying as well as great job offers from some of the most reputed companies in the world. However, keep in mind that the market is extremely competitive. Therefore, you need to finish your course materials properly and score good marks on the exam if you want to stand apart from the crowd.

Job Designation	Average Salary/Month
Financial Manager	JPY 10,50,000 (INR 8.75 Lakh)
Project Manager	JPY 619,000 (INR 3.6 Lakh)
General Manager	JPY 931,000 (INR 5.4 Lakh)
Executive Manager	JPY 10,10,000 (INR 5.8 Lakh)
CEO	JPY 12,10,000 (INR 7.1 Lakh)

Top Recruiters

Top companies that hire candidates who have completed their MBA in Japan are:

• Amazon Japan
• Accenture
• Google Japan
• Deloitte
• Nissan Motor
• Boston Counselling Group
• Tohmatsu Group
• PwC Japan
• Mckinsey
• Mizuho Financial Group

FAQs

Interesting Reads

Study Abroad in Japan “The Land of the Rising Sun”	Cost of Living in Japan for Indian Students
Top Masters Courses to Pursue in Japan for International Students	Best University in Japan for International Students
Study in Japan for Indian Students	Indian MBA vs Foreign MBA: Which one is Better
Japan Scholarships for Indian Students: Apply Now!	How is the Education System in Japan Works?

This blog was all about MBA in Japan. If you want to get into a high-ranked university, you’ll need more than just good grades; you’ll also need flawless application because the competition is fierce. You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realise your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session