MBA in Japan

Home to scores of multinational enterprises like Toyota, Sony, Mitsubishi and Softbank which are headquartered in various cities, Japan offers an exciting mix of industry-inclined, research-oriented education along with vibrant career opportunities across sectors. in particular, the MBA courses in Japan offer individuals a platform to learn from internationally awarded faculty, a stimulating business environment and innumerable avenues for practical learning and experience. This blog presents a detailed analysis of how and where you can pursue an MBA in Japan as well as the unique benefits Japanese institutions offer.

Why Study in Japan?

Japanese cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have established themselves as powerhouses not only in the Asian subcontinent but across the globe in terms of business, finance and education, etc. Added to that, the highly civilized culture, amicable environment, and minimalist lifestyle make studying and living in Japan nothing short of an enriching experience. 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

Coming specifically to studying an MBA in Japan, all traditional options of full and part-time, online and executive programs are available for aspirants. Spread across these categories, the options of courses range from MBA in Data Analytics, MBA in Computer Science and MBA in Logistics to MBA in Banking, MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and MBA in Construction Management and everything in between. Further, options for pursuing an International, Dual Degree, and Global MBA are also offered. The subsequent paragraphs focus more on the highly-rated institutes known for their Master of Business Administration programs. 

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MBA in Japan: Universities at a Glance

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: 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

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 two specialized International MBA programs along 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 also includes practical training, internships, projects and a host of other activities. The list of subjects is divided into basic, specialized, business practice and advanced components which include highly diverse and 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.

Also Read: MBA In Interior Designing

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, part of a University with the same name. The process of seeking admission into MBA courses at the university is conducted through two routes namely, 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 also 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.

Also Read: MBA career options

Application Process for MBA in Japan

This is one of the most important pieces of information you need to know. If you want to complete your MBA degree in Japan, you need to make sure you’re punctual about the documents deadlines, and the submission process. Here’s the application process you need to know about applying for MBA in Japan:

• Make sure you shortlist your favourite universities in Japan from where you want to pursue your MBA.
• Make sure you pay close attention to the admission requirements, deadlines, and documents before you decide to apply to a specific college.
• You can apply to your preferred university directly from the online portal or official website.
• Make sure you submit all the relevant documents without any mistakes.
• Don’t forget to track the status of your application properly.

Eligibility, Admission, and Application

The conditions of eligibility for pursuing an MBA in Japan heavily vary depending on the program objectives and orientation of the course and university. As a general rule, a high-standing undergraduate degree is a major requirement while a few years of industry experience in relevant fields is highly recommended. what is important to note is that the Executive MBAs are usually designed for professionals already working. Prospective applicants also need to submit GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL scores as applicable, official transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR), Resume or CV, Degree, Transcripts, etc. However, the admission committee considers the overall candidature of applicants and not a single segment and can also waive off particular requirements for exceptionally qualified candidates. The deadlines for studying for an MBA from universities in Japan, in many cases, differ for domestic residents and international students and typically end around December-January. For visa purposes, specific guidelines may apply.

Required Documents

You will need several documents when you apply for MBA in Japan. Make sure you take a look at the list of documents to ensure you don’t miss anything:

• Resume/CV
• SOP
• LOR
• Finance proof
• Academic transcripts
• IELTS
• Essay

Cost of Studying MBA in Japan 

The cost of studying a program overseas is an imperative part of the study-abroad plan. The average cost of your chosen MBA will vary from one university to another as well as in terms of the chosen specialization. Japan houses universities of diverse categories including public and private. Another crucial factor that affects the cost of an MBA in Japan is the duration of the program. The courses which last for a longer duration usually cost more than shorter ones. Generally, the tuition fee for an MBA will be around INR 3,00,000- 32,00,000. 

Apart from the specific tuition fee, students have to incur other university-related expenses as well including admission fees, annual registration charges, matriculation fees, entrance examination charges, etc. While exploring the cost of studying in Japan, it is beneficial to have an estimated cost of living. Your monthly expense will be around INR 80,000 to 1,00,000. The cost may fluctuate depending on the city and the type of accommodation you may choose.

Also Read: MBA in Fashion Designing

Scholarships for MBA in Japan

Although, the tuition fee for MBA programs in Japan is comparatively less than in other countries, yet it can act as a hurdle in attaining quality education. Thus, seeking a scholarship will help you pave your way through the course. Here are some top-listed scholarships in which you can enrol to pursue 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 grat 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.

Top Companies

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

Highest Paying Jobs

The highest-paying jobs in Japan after completing an MBA degree are:

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)

FAQs

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