MBBS in Japan for Indian Students 2025

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MBBS programs in Japan are highly selective, with only 8% of international applicants securing admission to the 82 medical schools, where English-taught programs are limited to 12%.

MBBS in Japan is becoming an attractive option for Indian and international medical aspirants due to its research-driven curriculum, modern infrastructure, and globally recognized medical degrees. As of 2025, Japan has 82 medical universities, with around 12% of seats reserved for international students across public and private institutions. 

 Indian students must qualify NEET and demonstrate Japanese language proficiency at JLPT N1 or N2 levels to be eligible. Annual tuition fees range from JPY 550,000 (INR 3.19L) in public universities to JPY 3,100,000 (INR 18.0L) in private institutions, still more affordable than medical programs in Western countries. 

In this guide, you’ll read more about top MBBS universities in Japan, fees, eligibility, admission steps, scholarships, cost of living, and career scope after graduation, including licensing pathways in India and Japan.

Why should I consider an MBBS in Japan? 

Japan offers a unique blend of world-class medical education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a highly developed healthcare system, making it an excellent destination for MBBS aspirants.  

Medical degrees from Japan are recognized globally and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), allowing graduates to pursue licensing exams such as NExT (India), USMLE (USA), or the Japanese Medical Licensing Exam. 

Below are some of the top reasons to study MBBS in Japan as an Indian or international student: 

Key Factor	Why It Matters
Global Recognition of Degrees	Japanese MBBS-equivalent programs are listed in WDOMS and accepted for licensing exams like NExT, USMLE, and PLAB.
Affordable Fees	Public university tuition starts at around JPY 550,000 (INR 3.19L) per year, lower than most Western countries.
High-Tech Learning Environment	Training in areas such as AI in medicine, robotic surgery, and regenerative therapy.
Research & Clinical Exposure	Hands-on practice in advanced hospitals under experienced clinicians; access to live research projects.
Safe, Inclusive Society	Japan ranks among the top 10 safest countries globally with high living standards for students.
Global Career & Study Pathways	Opportunity to work in Japan after licensing or pursue higher education like MD/PhD in Japan or abroad.

With its blend of research opportunities, affordability, and global career scope, MBBS is a promising pathway for committed medical students who decide to study in Japan. 

Top MBBS Universities in Japan for International Students 

Japan is home to some of the most prestigious medical universities in Asia, many of which are ranked globally for their research output, faculty quality, and medical programs.  

These universities offer a 6-year Bachelor of Medicine (MD) degree, the Japanese equivalent of an MBBS.  

Here’s a list of the top 10 medical universities in Japan for international students in 2025, with updated QS 2026 rankings and tuition fee ranges: 

University Name	QS World University Ranking 2026	Annual Tuition Fees Range
University of Tokyo	=36	JPY 535,800 – JPY 820,000 (INR 3.10L – 4.75L)
Kyoto University	#57	JPY 535,800 – JPY 820,000 (INR 3.10L – 4.75L)
Osaka University	#91	JPY 535,800 – JPY 820,000 (INR 3.10L – 4.75L)
Tohoku University	#109	JPY 535,800 – JPY 820,000 (INR 3.10L – 4.75L)
Nagoya University	#164	JPY 535,800 – JPY 820,000 (INR 3.10L – 4.75L)
Hokkaido University	=170	JPY 535,800 – JPY 820,000 (INR 3.10L – 4.75L)
Kyushu University	=170	JPY 535,800 – JPY 820,000 (INR 3.10L – 4.75L)
Keio University	=215	JPY 1,000,000 – JPY 1,500,000 (INR 5.80L – 8.70L)
Tokyo Medical and Dental University	=697	JPY 535,800 – JPY 820,000 (INR 3.10L – 4.75L)
Chiba University	#791-800	JPY 535,800 – JPY 820,000 (INR 3.10L – 4.75L)

Public national universities in Japan offer subsidized fees for all students, while private institutions have comparatively higher tuition 

Cost of MBBS in Japan 

Japan offers a range of fee structures for medical courses based on the type of institution (national, public, or private).  

International students usually pay the same fees as domestic students in national universities, making Japan a more affordable option compared to countries like the US, UK, or Australia.  

Below is a breakdown of Cost of MBBS in Japan for 2025 for international students: 

Type of University	Annual Tuition Fees Range	Total 6-Year MBBS Cost Range
National Universities	JPY 535,800 – JPY 820,000 (INR 3.10L – 4.75L)	JPY 3,214,800 – JPY 4,920,000 (INR 18.65L – 28.47L)
Public Universities	JPY 600,000 – JPY 1,000,000 (INR 3.48L – 5.80L)	JPY 3,600,000 – JPY 6,000,000 (INR 20.88L – 34.80L)
Private Universities	JPY 1,800,000 – JPY 3,100,000 (INR 10.44L – 18.00L)	JPY 10,800,000 – JPY 18,600,000 (INR 62.64L – 1.08Cr)

Note: Tuition is charged annually and does not include living expenses, admission fees, exams fees, or insurance costs. 

MBBS in Japan Eligibility for Indian Students 

To study MBBS in Japan, Indian students must meet both academic and language-specific criteria 

Below is a clear breakdown of eligibility requirements for Indian students applying for MBBS in Japan in 2025: 

Eligibility Factor	Requirement
Academic Qualification	Minimum 60% in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in Class 12.
NEET Qualification	Mandatory for Indian students to qualify NEET for NMC eligibility.
Age Requirement	Minimum age 17 years at the time of admission.
Japanese Language Proficiency	JLPT Level N1 or N2 (required for later years or clinical practice).
Entrance Exam	Some universities conduct their own written tests and interviews.
English Proficiency	IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 70+ (if English support program offered).
Medical Fitness	Students must submit a valid medical certificate of fitness.

Even if the initial years may have English support, JLPT N2 or N1 is essential for clinical rotations and interacting with patients in hospitals.  

Students are advised to begin Japanese language training at least 6–12 months before applying. 

MBBS in Japan Admission Process 

The admission process for MBBS in Japan involves university-specific requirements, entrance exams, and mandatory proof of Japanese language proficiency. Indian students must also ensure NEET eligibility for practicing in India after graduation. 

Here’s the step-by-step admission process for MBBS in Japan for 2025: 

• Step 1: Shortlist Universities 
  Choose national, public, or private medical universities in Japan listed in WDOMS and suitable for international students. 
• Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria 
  Verify that you meet academic requirements, NEET qualification, JLPT N1/N2 scores, and any English test requirements (if applicable). 
• Step 3: Prepare Required Documents 
  Collect Class 12 transcripts, NEET scorecard, JLPT or English scores, passport, SOP, LORs, and medical fitness proof. 
• Step 4: Take University Entrance Tests/Interviews 
  Some universities conduct their own exams and interviews (online or in person) to test academic and language readiness. 
• Step 5: Apply on University Portal 
  Submit an online application with all required documents and pay the application fee before the deadline. 
• Step 6: Receive Offer Letter 
  Successful candidates receive a conditional or confirmed admission offer from the university. 
• Step 7: Pay the Tuition Deposit 
  Pay the initial tuition fee deposit (usually 10–30% of the first-year fee) to secure your seat. 
• Step 8: Apply for a Student Visa 
  Submit your COE (Certificate of Eligibility) and other documents at the nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate. 
• Step 9: Fly to Japan & Enroll 
  Complete on-campus formalities, attend orientation, and begin the program (typically in April or October intakes). 

Start your university search and JLPT preparation at least a year in advance to boost your chances of acceptance. 

MBBS Course Duration and Curriculum in Japan 

The MBBS equivalent in Japan is a 6-year program called Bachelor of Medicine (MD) or Igaku-ka. The first 2 years are focused on basic medical sciences and Japanese language learning, followed by 4 years of clinical practice and internships at affiliated hospitals. 

Here’s a breakdown of the course structure: 

• Total Duration: 6 years (including internship) 
• Degree Name: MD / Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS equivalent) 
• Medium of Instruction: Primarily Japanese (some English support available in the early years). 

Now, let’s understand the course curriculum as per the clinical phases:  

Course Phase	Years	Key Subjects
Pre-Clinical Phase	Years 1–2	Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Basic Japanese language training
Clinical Phase	Years 3–4	Pathology, Pharmacology, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Case Studies, Hospital Observations
Clinical Internship	Years 5–6	Full-time clinical rotations across surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, psychiatry, emergency care, and more

Note: After completing the MBBS course, students must pass the National Medical Licensing Exam in Japan (医師国家試験) to practice medicine in Japan. 

Scholarships for MBBS in Japan for International Students 

Japan offers several partial and fully funded scholarships to support international students pursuing medical degrees. These scholarships help reduce tuition costs, living expenses, and even travel fees, making MBBS in Japan for Indian students more financially accessible. 

Below are some popular MBBS in Japan scholarship options for international students in 2025: 

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Benefits
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship	Excellent academic record, below 25 years, admitted to a Japanese university	Covers full tuition, monthly stipend of JPY 117,000 (INR 67,860), round-trip airfare
JASSO Honors Scholarship	Enrolled in a Japanese university with strong performance	Monthly stipend of JPY 48,000 (INR 27,840)
University-Specific Scholarships	Based on academic performance or entrance exam scores	Tuition waivers of 30% to 100% depending on the university
Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)	Indian or Asian students pursuing medical education	Full tuition, monthly stipend, housing allowance, and travel support
Private Scholarships (e.g., Suzuki Foundation)	Merit-based, for life sciences or healthcare degrees	Variable financial coverage, usually partial tuition

Many scholarships are highly competitive. Indian students should apply early and maintain strong academic records to improve their chances of receiving MBBS in Japan for Indian students scholarships. 

Cost of Living in Japan for Medical Students 

The cost of living in Japan varies by city, with Tokyo and Osaka being more expensive than regional areas. On average, international medical students spend JPY 80,000–120,000 (INR 46,400–69,600) per month on the cost of living, excluding tuition.  

Student dorms and shared apartments help reduce housing costs. 

Monthly Living Cost Breakdown for MBBS Students in Japan:  

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	INR Equivalent
Accommodation (Dorm/Shared)	JPY 30,000 – 50,000	INR 17,400 – 29,000
Food & Groceries	JPY 20,000 – 30,000	INR 11,600 – 17,400
Transportation	JPY 5,000 – 7,000	INR 2,900 – 4,060
Utilities & Internet	JPY 7,000 – 10,000	INR 4,060 – 5,800
Books and Supplies	JPY 3,000 – 5,000	INR 1,740 – 2,900
Miscellaneous (phone, outings, healthcare)	JPY 15,000 – 18,000	INR 8,700 – 10,440

Note: Students can also work part-time (up to 28 hours/week) on a student visa to cover some expenses. 

Scope After MBBS in Japan 

Completing MBBS in Japan opens multiple career paths across clinical practice, research, and higher medical education.  

Japan’s aging population and strong healthcare infrastructure create a high demand for trained medical professionals, including international graduates who meet licensing requirements. 

Career Pathways after MBBS in Japan: 

Career Option	Requirements	Estimated Salary in Japan
Medical Practice in Japan	Pass the National Medical Licensing Exam + JLPT N1	JPY 10,000,000 – 15,000,000/year (INR 58L – 87L)
Residency/Clinical Training	University recommendation + language proficiency	JPY 4,500,000 – 6,000,000/year (INR 26L – 35L)
Medical Research (PhD)	MBBS + eligibility for research program	JPY 3,000,000 – 4,500,000/year (INR 17L – 26L)
Practice in India After Screening	Qualify NExT (National Exit Test)	Varies by location/specialization
Practice in Other Countries	Pass USMLE, PLAB, AMC (as per country)	Varies

Japan offers a high return on investment for medical graduates who continue into residency and specialization programs.  

Those returning to India can practice after clearing NExT or pursue MD/MS programs. 

Conclusion 

MBBS in Japan is an excellent pathway for Indian students who want to study medicine in a highly advanced and globally respected environment. With well-ranked national universities, modern healthcare facilities, and affordable public tuition fees starting from JPY 535,800 (INR 3.10L), Japan offers strong academic and career opportunities. However, the journey requires early preparation, especially for JLPT N1/N2, meeting NEET requirements, and adhering to Japan’s competitive admission process. 

From scholarships to clinical internships, Japan equips students with practical, research-oriented learning that can translate into medical careers in Japan, India, or other countries after fulfilling local licensing rules. For students looking for quality medical education with long-term global opportunities, Japan continues to be a smart and future-ready MBBS destination. 

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