Top Medical Colleges in Japan for International Students (2025)

Medical colleges in Japan offer a 6-year MBBS degree with clinical training and growing global recognition. There are 28 approved universities, and many now provide English-medium medical courses for international students.

The program includes two years of classroom learning and four years of hospital rotations. MBBS tuition in Japan for foreigners is lower than in the US or UK. Scholarships like MEXT cover part of the cost.

Top choices include the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University. This guide covers entrance exams, internships, visa rules, and how to apply for the MBBS in Japan 2025 intake.

MBBS in Japan – Quick Facts (2025)

Degree Duration	6 years (2 pre-clinical + 4 clinical)
Average Tuition (Public)	¥535,800/year (~₹3 lakh)
Language Requirement	JLPT N2+ by clinical years
Top Universities	University of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
Scholarships	MEXT, JASSO, Tuition Waivers
Clinical Internship	Mandatory in final year

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Top Medical Colleges in Japan for International Students

Japan has over 25 recognized medical colleges offering MBBS-equivalent programs to international students. Leading institutions like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University offer globally ranked medical degrees.

Public universities charge a fixed tuition of around ¥535,800/year (~₹3 lakh), while private schools may charge higher. Programs are primarily in Japanese, but some offer English-medium medical courses, especially in pre-clinical years. MEXT scholarships for medical students help cover tuition and living costs.

Below are top-ranked medical universities in Japan open to international applicants in 2025:

Top Medical Universities in Japan (2025)

University Name	QS Ranking 2025	Avg Annual Tuition (JPY)
University of Tokyo	36	¥535,800 (~₹3 lakh)
Kyoto University	57	¥535,800 (~₹3 lakh)
Osaka University	91	¥535,800 (~₹3 lakh)
Tohoku University	109	¥535,800 (~₹3 lakh)
Nagoya University	164	¥535,800 (~₹3 lakh)
Hokkaido University	170	¥535,800 (~₹3 lakh)
Kyushu University	170	¥535,800 (~₹3 lakh)
Keio University	215	¥1,000,000+ (~₹5.6 lakh)
University of Tsukuba	350	¥535,800 (~₹3 lakh)
Hiroshima University	480	¥535,800 (~₹3 lakh)

These universities support international medical students in Japan through preparatory language training, affordable insurance plans, and visa guidance. Some also appear on the list of Japan medical colleges with FMGE pass rate success for Indian graduates.

New to Studying in Japan?

• Study in Japan – Complete Guide
• Education System in Japan

MBBS/Medical Course Overview in Japan

Medical colleges in Japan offer a 6-year MBBS program. It is split into two major phases:

• Pre-clinical phase (2 years): Focuses on foundational sciences and Japanese language training.
• Clinical phase (4 years): Covers practical hospital training and clinical subjects.

Students receive an MD-equivalent degree after completing the full 6-year program. Clinical rotations are compulsory in the final year and are done in affiliated hospitals. Most universities require students to pass the Japan medical entrance test and show Japanese language proficiency by the third year.

The duration of MBBS in Japan is fixed at six years, and international students must meet all program and visa requirements to complete their training.

Why Japan? Know Before You Apply

• Top Reasons to Study in Japan
• Study Abroad for Free – Is It Possible?

Medical Curriculum & Clinical Training in Japan

Medical colleges in Japan follow an integrated curriculum with both lectures and practicals. Here’s what international students can expect:

• PBL Format: Many universities follow Problem-Based Learning alongside traditional lectures.
• Language Development: Japanese language courses run parallel with medical training in the first 2–3 years.
• Clinical Exposure: Students begin clinical observation early, followed by hands-on hospital training.
• Assessment: Clinical skills and theory are tested continuously through internal exams and national tests.
• Internship Year: Final-year students must complete mandatory hospital rotations.

Many English-medium medical courses in Japan exist at the undergraduate level, but most clinical modules require Japanese proficiency. Programs like the Kyoto medical degree (English) and the University of Tokyo medical program are designed with international student needs in mind.

Plan Your Budget First

• Cost of Living in Japan
• Accommodation in Japan – What to Expect

Entrance Exams for Medical Colleges in Japan

Most medical colleges in Japan require international students to pass standardized entrance exams. These include the EJU, university-specific written tests, and language proficiency exams. Some institutions, like the University of Tokyo medical program, also conduct interviews to assess academic intent and communication skills.

Entrance Exams Required for Medical Courses in Japan

Exam Type	Purpose	Details
EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission)	Academic ability in subjects like physics, chemistry, math	Conducted twice a year (June & November); required by national universities
University-Specific Entrance Exams	Subject tests + logical reasoning	Held individually; syllabus includes Biology, Chemistry, and English
JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)	Japanese language proficiency	JLPT N2 or higher needed for most Japanese-medium courses
TOEFL/IELTS	English proficiency (for English-medium tracks)	TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.0+ accepted by programs like Kyoto’s English track
Interview Round	Personal motivation, ethics, basic medical aptitude	Conducted online or on campus; common at top-ranked medical universities

Tip: For international students targeting English medium medical courses in Japan, strong EJU and language scores significantly improve admission chances.

Exploring Medical Pathways in Japan?

• MBBS in Japan – Full Breakdown
• Medical Colleges in Japan – List for Aspirants

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students Applying to Medical Colleges in Japan

Admission to MBBS programs in Japan requires students to meet both academic and language-related criteria. Indian applicants must also meet the NEET requirement for future FMGE clearance.

Requirement for International Medical Students in Japan (2025)

Requirement	Details
Academic Background	Class 12 with PCB; minimum 70–80% marks depending on the college
NEET Requirement	Mandatory for Indian nationals as per NMC/MCI guidelines
Age Limit	Minimum 17 years old at the time of admission
Language Proficiency – Japanese	JLPT N2 or N1 required by 3rd year; earlier for Japanese-taught programs
Language Proficiency – English	TOEFL iBT 80+/IELTS 6.0+ for English-medium medical degrees
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Required by most top medical colleges in Japan
Medical Certificate	Physical and mental health fitness proof
Financial Documents	Proof of funds to cover tuition + living cost (typically ¥1,000,000+/year)

• Most Medical Colleges in Japan follow an October–April intake cycle.
• English medium medical courses in Japan are limited, so early application is key.
• Some universities require a pre-admission interview or written test in addition to the EJU.

Looking at Non-Medical Study Options Too?

• Top Engineering Universities in Japan
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Scholarships for Medical Colleges in Japan

International students applying to medical colleges in Japan can reduce costs through competitive scholarships. The MEXT scholarship for medical students is the most comprehensive—covering tuition, monthly stipend, and airfare. Some public universities also offer tuition waivers or merit-based reductions.

Scholarships for MBBS in Japan

Scholarship Name	Coverage	Eligibility
MEXT (Monbukagakusho)	Full tuition, monthly stipend (~¥117,000), airfare	Excellent academic record, under 25, Embassy/University track
JASSO Scholarship	Monthly stipend of ¥48,000	For students with high GPA and limited financial resources
University Tuition Waivers	Partial or full fee waivers (varies by institution)	Merit-based; apply after enrollment
Indian Govt. Tie-ups	Limited slots under cultural exchange programs	Apply through ICCR or MEA portals

Students at top schools such as the University of Tokyo medical program or Kyoto University’s English medical track are often preferred for university-nominated MEXT scholarships.

Note: Deadlines for MEXT (Embassy) close by May, and University Track ends by October each year. Prepare early.

Looking for Scholarships in Japan?

• Scholarships in Japan – Full Guide
• MEXT Scholarship – Eligibility & Benefits

Visa Process for MBBS Students in Japan

Once accepted by a recognized medical college in Japan, international students must apply for a student visa. The process starts with getting a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the university, followed by document submission at a Japanese consulate or embassy.

MBBS Student Visa Requirements for Japan

Step	Details
1. Receive COE from University	Issued after confirming admission and financial proof
2. Prepare Visa Documents	Valid passport, COE, admission letter, financial guarantee, photos
3. Apply at Embassy/Consulate	Fill visa form, submit documents, pay fee (approx. ¥3,000–6,000)
4. Attend Interview (if required)	Some embassies conduct short interviews for visa issuance
5. Arrival & Residence Registration	Register at local ward office in Japan and apply for National Health Insurance

• You must show proof of funds to cover MBBS tuition in Japan for foreigners and living expenses ¥1 million/year (₹5.5 lakh).
• Medical fitness certificates may be requested.
• The visa is usually valid for 1–2 years, renewable upon academic progress.

After arrival, students must enroll in health insurance for med students in Japan, which costs around ¥20,000–¥30,000 (₹11,000–₹16,500) per year.

Cost of Studying Medicine in Japan for Indian Students

The biggest cost gap sits between public and private universities. Public schools follow a national fee cap; private schools charge several times more. Add living costs in Tokyo or Kyoto, health insurance, and books to set your yearly fund proof for the student-visa.

Study Medicine in Japan Cost

Expense Head	Public Universities<br>(annual range)	Private Universities<br>(annual range)
MBBS tuition Japan for foreigners	¥0.52 – 0.56 million (₹2.8 – 3.1 lakh)	¥2.0 – 3.0 million (₹10.8 – 16.5 lakh)
Admission fee (one-time)	¥0.27 – 0.29 million (₹1.4 – 1.6 lakh)	¥0.9 – 1.1 million (₹4.9 – 6.0 lakh)
Living cost medical students Tokyo	¥0.80 – 1.20 million (₹4.3 – 6.5 lakh)	Same range; on-campus dorms are cheaper
Health insurance for med students in Japan	¥0.02 – 0.03 million (₹1.1 – 1.6 klan)	Same
Books & lab coats	¥0.04 – 0.06 million (₹0.2 – 0.3 lakh)	Slightly higher for private tracks
Total yearly estimate	₹7 – 8 lakh	₹14 – 18 lakh

Part-time work (up to 28 hours a week) can offset routine expenses. Students with a MEXT scholarship medical Japan cover most or all of these outlays through a stipend and fee waiver.

Post-MBBS Career Scope in Japan and Other Countries

Finishing the six-year degree and medical internship Japan opens three main roads: practice in Japan, return to India, or move to another country for residency exams. Your choice will shape which test you prepare for right after graduation.

Career Scope in Japan After Medical Courses

Pathway	Key Step	Why It Matters
Residency in Japan	Pass the Japan Medical Licensing Exam (NMLE) and clear a Japanese-language OSCE	Grants a PG seat in university hospitals; pays a resident salary
Return to India	Sit FMGE/future NExT; show internship log from Japan	Needed for registration with NMC; recent FMGE pass rates Japan graduates are higher than many other foreign cohorts
Move to USA/UK/Australia	Attempt USMLE, PLAB, or AMC exams	Japanese MD-equivalent degree meets transcript rules; extra English test may apply
Research Track	Apply to PhD or clinical research posts at the University of Tokyo, Kyoto, or overseas	Builds an academic profile; easier entry if you scored well in college ranking medical Japan universities

Is Studying MBBS in Japan a Good Option for Indian Students?

Japan can be a suitable choice for Indian students interested in medical education. Medical colleges in Japan offer well-equipped labs, clinical exposure, and scholarship options like MEXT. Compared to countries like China or Korea, Japan is known for safety (Global Peace Index rank of 17) and academic discipline. If students are prepared for the language and entrance requirements, Japan offers a stable and structured path to a global medical career.

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