MBBS in Japan

An MBBS in Japan is a 6-year medical programme, with 5 years of academic study followed by a 1-year clinical internship. The total cost at public universities can range from JPY 3,513,800 to JPY 4,800,000 (INR 21.4 Lakh to INR 29.3 Lakh), depending on the university and applicable fees.

Here are the key highlights of studying MBBS in Japan:

Particulars- MBBS in Japan	Details
Course duration	6 years
Academic study	5 years
Clinical internship	1 year
Top universities	University of Tokyo Kyoto University Osaka University
Scholarships	MEXT Scholarship Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship JASSO Scholarship
Intakes	April (Spring) and September/October (Autumn)

In the sections below, you will find details about theMBBS in Japan fees, top universities, course duration, eligibility, scholarships, intakes, admission process, medical licensing and career opportunities in detail.

Top Universities for MBBS in Japan

If you want to study MBBS in Japan, you have some very good medical universities to pick from. Many of them rank high in the world for their research, teachers, and medical courses.

These universities offer a 6-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. This is the Japanese version of MBBS.

Here is a list of the top universities in Japan for international medical students, with their QS ranks:

University Name	QS World University Rankings 2027	QS World University Ranking by Subject (Medicine) 2026
University of Tokyo	#39	#57
Kyoto University	#64	=83
University of Osaka	#95	#141
Institute of Science Tokyo	=97	=95
Tohoku University	#102	-
Nagoya University	#156	-
Keio University	=213	#194
Kyushu University	#171	-
Hokkaido University	=179	-

MBBS Course Duration and Curriculum in Japan

Medicine in Japan takes 6 years, and the path is easy to follow once you see how it is split. You earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, which is the MBBS equivalent.

All medical schools in Japan follow the Model Core Curriculum made by MEXT, the education ministry. So the course looks quite similar from one university to another. The academic year runs from April to March.

Course at a glance

• Total Duration: 6 years
• Degree Name: Doctor of Medicine (MD), the MBBS equivalent
• Medium of Instruction: Mostly Japanese. A small number of universities teach some parts in English.

Here is a general course structure for MBBS in Japan: 

Course Phase	Duration	What You'll Study
Pre-Clinical Phase	Years 1 to 4	Basic medical science Social medicine Early clinical subjects in classrooms and labs Computer-based test (CBT) and clinical skills test (OSCE) before you move to the hospital
Clinical Phase	Last 2 years (second half of Year 4 to Year 6)	Hands-on training in the university hospital Rotations through different departments Work with patients under the guidance of doctors
After the Degree	After Year 6	National Medical Licensing Examination 2 years of basic clinical training to work as a doctor in Japan

Note: The 2 years of basic clinical training come after your degree. They are not part of the 6 years.

MBBS in Japan Eligibility for Indian Students

To get into MBBS in Japan for Indian students, you need Class 12 with science subjects, a good score in the EJU exam, and a pass in the university's own test and interview. You also need strong Japanese, as most courses are taught in it. 

Let us understand the criteria in detail: 

Academic Qualifications

• Education: Class 12 from a recognised board. Japan asks for 12 years of school in total, so Indian 10+2 counts.
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are the main subjects. (Some universities may also ask for Maths)
• Age: Most universities want you to be 18 or older when you join. 

Entrance Exam Requirements

Most medical universities select students in two steps: 

• Step 1, EJU: A national test for international students. It covers Japanese, science, and maths.
  • You can take the science and maths papers in English or Japanese.
  • It is held twice a year, in June and November.
• Step 2, University exam: This can be a written paper, an essay, and an interview.
  • Osaka holds a written test in English and science, plus an interview.
  • Many universities want you to travel to Japan for it.
• NEET: Japanese universities don't ask for it. But NMC wants Indian students to clear NEET before joining a medical course abroad, if they plan to practise in India later.

Note: NMC also says the whole course must be taught in English, and most medical courses in Japan are taught in Japanese. So check the latest NMC rules before you decide.

Japanese Language Proficiency

Most medical courses in Japan are taught in Japanese, so you need to show your level before you apply:

• JLPT: N2 is the minimum, and N1 is preferred.
• EJU Japanese paper: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya don't ask for JLPT. They use your EJU Japanese score, and each university sets its own cut-off.

English Language Requirements

Most Japanese-taught courses don't ask for English scores. Where a university does, like Osaka or Nagoya, the usual scores are:

• TOEFL: 70 or above
• IELTS: 6.0 or above

Required Documents

Every university has its own list. Most ask for:

• Application form
• Class 10 and Class 12 academic transcripts 
• EJU score report
• English test score, if asked
• Valid passport
• Passport-size photos

Other papers your university lists, like a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, or a health certificate 

Check out: Letter of Recommendation Format | Statement of Purpose Format

Cost of MBBS in Japan

How much you pay for MBBS in Japan comes down to the type of university. National and public universities keep tuition low, while private universities usually charge more. 

This is how the MBBS in Japan fees look by university type:

Type of University	Annual Tuition Fee (JPY)	Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
National Universities	JPY 535,800–642,960	INR 3.2–3.9 Lakh
Public Universities	JPY 535,800–900,000	INR 3.2–5.5 Lakh
Private Universities	JPY 3.5–7.5 Million+	INR 21.3–45.8 Lakh+

Other Costs to Consider

• Admission fee: JPY 282,000 (INR 1.7 Lakh) at national universities. Private medical universities ask for about JPY 1.08 million (INR 6.6 Lakh) on average. You pay it once, when you join.
• Entrance exam fee: Around JPY 17,000 (INR 10,000) per application at national universities. If you apply to three universities, you pay it three times.
• National university, first year: About JPY 817,800 (INR 5 Lakh), with tuition and admission fee.
• National university, all six years: About JPY 3.5 million (INR 21.3 Lakh) for tuition and admission fee.
• Private medical university, first year: About JPY 4.78 million (INR 29.2 Lakh) on average. This covers tuition, admission, and other fees.
• Private medical university, all six years: Anywhere from JPY 18.5 million to JPY 47 million (INR 1.1 Crore to INR 2.9 Crore), depending on the university.

Note: These fees don't cover where you live, what you eat, health insurance, books, local travel, or flights home. Fees also change from one year to the next, so check with your university.

Cost of Living in Japan

Rent, food, and getting around will take up most of your monthly budget. What you spend depends a lot on the city, and on whether you live in the centre or outside it.

Here is a breakdown: 

Expense	Cost Range (JPY)	Cost Range (INR)
Accommodation – 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre	JPY 40,000–110,000/month	INR 24,000–67,000/month
Accommodation – 1-bedroom apartment in city centre	JPY 55,000–202,375/month	INR 34,000–1.23 Lakh/month
Food – Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	JPY 700–2,000/meal	INR 430–1,200/meal
Food – Rice (1 kg)	JPY 400–1,100	INR 240–670
Food – Eggs (12)	JPY 238–400	INR 150–250
Food – Chicken fillets (1 kg)	JPY 500–1,500	INR 300–900
Transport – One-way local transport ticket	JPY 190–380	INR 120–230
Transport – Monthly public transport pass	JPY 5,300–17,670/month	INR 3,200–10,800/month
Mobile – Phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data	JPY 2,000–6,500/month	INR 1,200–4,000/month
Utilities – Electricity, heating, water and garbage	JPY 15,500–40,000/month	INR 9,500–24,000/month
Internet – Broadband connection	JPY 4,000–8,000/month	INR 2,400–4,900/month
Leisure – Fitness club membership	JPY 5,000–12,000/month	INR 3,100–7,300/month
Leisure – Cinema ticket	JPY 1,700–2,500	INR 1,000–1,500

Source: Numbeo: Cost of Living in Japan

Top Scholarships for MBBS in Japan for Indian Students

Most scholarships in Japan are open to all subjects, not just medicine. Only the Japanese government's MEXT scholarship covers full tuition. The others pay a monthly amount that helps with rent and food. You also apply at different times.

MEXT and Rotary Yoneyama are applied for before you leave India, while JASSO is applied for after you reach Japan.

1. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship

Eligibility

• Indian citizens who have completed 12 years of schooling (Class 12)
• Under 25 years of age
• Strong marks, especially in science and maths
• Selection is through the Embassy of Japan in India, with a written test and an interview

Coverage

• Tuition, admission, and exam fees
• Monthly stipend of about JPY 117,000 (approx. INR 71,400)
• Round-trip flights between India and Japan
• One year of Japanese language training before the degree starts
• Funding for up to 7 years for medicine

Read more on MEXT Scholarship

2. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

• You must apply while living outside Japan
• JLPT N3 or above
• You must plan to enroll in a university in one of the areas the foundation lists

Coverage

• JPY 100,000 per month (approx. INR 61,000) for undergraduate students

3. JASSO Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students

Eligibility

• Self-funded student already enrolled at a Japanese university
• Valid student visa
• Good grades and a financial need
• You apply after reaching Japan, usually through your university

Coverage

• JPY 48,000 per month (approx. INR 29,300) for one year

Note: Amounts, rules, and deadlines change from year to year. Check the official MEXT, Rotary Yoneyama, and JASSO websites before you apply.

Intakes for MBBS in Japan for Indian Students

You can join MBBS in Japan in two intakes, April and September/October. April is the main one, and almost all medical universities admit you then. 

The autumn intake is open at only a few universities, mostly for international batches or programmes partly taught in English.

Here are the application periods and start dates for both intakes:

Intake	Application Period	Classes Begin
April (Primary/Spring)	September to January	Early April
September/October (Secondary/Autumn)	February to June	Late September or early October

If you are aiming for April, take the June EJU. Its results come in late July, which leaves you enough time to apply from September. 

How to Apply for MBBS in Japan?

Applying for MBBS in Japan takes eight steps, from picking a university to getting your student visa. 

You will need Japanese language skills and an EJU score before you apply, and many universities want you to travel to Japan for their own exam and interview.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Step 1: Shortlist Universities: Look at the fees, the language of teaching, and the entrance test of each university. Pick two or three, and make sure one of them is a national university.
• Step 2: Learn Japanese: Aim for JLPT N2 or higher. For Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, work on the EJU Japanese paper instead.
• Step 3: Take the EJU: Register for the June or November exam. Pick the science and maths papers your university asks for.
• Step 4: Submit Your Application: Fill in the form, attach your marksheets and EJU score report, and pay the exam fee. You pay this fee again for every university you apply to.
• Step 5: Give the University Exam and Interview: Expect a written test, an essay, and an interview. Many universities ask you to come to Japan for this.
• Step 6: Accept Your Offer: If you are selected, you will get an admission letter. Pay the admission fee and first-year tuition by the date given.
• Step 7: Get Your Student Visa: The university applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Take it to the Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for the visa.
• Step 8: Plan Your Move: Book your flights, find housing, and sort out health insurance before classes start in April.

Important: Ask the university early about when it will send your COE, since the visa takes time to process.

Medical Licensing in Japan

To work as a doctor in Japan, you need to pass the National Medical Practitioners Examination. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare runs it once a year. You sit it in your final year, and you can only practise after you pass and register.

Here is how the exam works:

Detail	What to Know
Conducted by	Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)
When	Once a year, in early February of your final year
Results	Mid-March
Format	Multiple-choice questions
Language	Japanese only
Pass rate	Around 90% for graduates of Japanese medical schools

After you pass, you register as a licensed doctor and start 2 years of basic clinical training at a teaching hospital.

Important: The exam is entirely in Japanese, so start learning medical terms early in the course.

Practising in India After a Japanese MD

A Japanese MD does not let you practise in India directly. The NMC sets strict rules for degrees earned abroad, and your course must meet all of them:

• You must have cleared NEET before you take admission.
• The whole course must be taught in English.
• The course must run at least 54 months, followed by a 12-month internship at the same university.

If you meet these, you then need to clear the NMC screening test for foreign graduates, currently the FMGE, and complete one more year of internship in India.

Important: Most medical courses in Japan are taught in Japanese, so most of them will not meet the NMC's English-medium rule. If you want to practise in India, check this with the university before you apply. If you plan to settle in Japan, this rule does not affect you.

Career Opportunities After MBBS in Japan

Where you build your career decides what comes next. You can stay and work in Japan, or you can come back to India.

To practise medicine in Japan, you need to:

• Pass the National Medical Practitioners Examination
• Finish 2 years of clinical training at a hospital
• Know enough Japanese to work with patients

To practise in India, you need to meet the NMC rules and clear the screening test for foreign graduates, which is currently the FMGE. The NMC plans to replace it with NExT, so check which one applies when you graduate.

Here are some common jobs after MBBS in Japan and what they pay:

Job Role	Approx. Annual Salary (JPY)	Approx. Annual Salary (INR)
Medical Doctor	JPY 2.4 Million – 12 Million	INR 14.6 Lakh – 73.2 Lakh
Medical Researcher	JPY 7.9 Million – 13.1 Million	INR 48.2 Lakh – 79.9 Lakh
Clinical Research Associate	JPY 4.58 Million – 6 Million	INR 27.9 Lakh – 36.6 Lakh
Resident Doctor	JPY 3.6 Million – 4.28 Million	INR 22 Lakh – 26.1 Lakh
University Research Assistant	JPY 1.06 Million – 1.2 Million	INR 6.4 Lakh – 7.3 Lakh

Source: Glassdoor

Note: Salaries are approximate. They change with your experience, employer, city, speciality, and licence status.

Conclusion

MBBS in Japan is not the easiest route to a medical degree. It takes years of planning, from learning Japanese to clearing the EJU and the university exam. But if you are ready for that, you get strong training, and tuition fees are low at national universities.

Start early and shortlist two or three universities, with at least one national university. Fees, scholarships and dates change every year, so check them on the official pages before you apply.

Planning to study abroad for MBBS in Japan? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with our upGrad experts, and we'll help you pick the right university and plan your application.