Graduate School
Move from subject study to further academic pursuit
Overview
Graduate schools in Japan provide education and research at master's, doctoral and other levels. When preparing to apply, first decide on the target course, then choose schools and programs based on your subject background, research interests and language ability.
Who it suits
Students who have graduated with a bachelor's degree or meet the eligibility of the target program and wish to pursue further study.
What you study and how long
The master's course is the master's-level program in Japan and usually lasts two years; the doctoral course usually lasts three years. Coursework, research training and graduation requirements vary by major and program.
Application preparation
First confirm the eligibility and your research or subject direction, then check the requirements for language scores, research plan, subject exam, interview and other documents. Whether to contact a supervisor in advance should be confirmed with each program.
Where it leads
After completing the master's course and meeting the school requirements, you may continue on to a doctoral course or plan your career based on your major.
A master's course differs from the Japanese research student status and the two concepts are not interchangeable. The research student in a Japanese graduate school is a non-degree stage and does not equal admission to a master's course.
Related study path
JLPT Direct Entry in China → Graduate School
Prepare for the JLPT and the documents needed for a graduate school application in China, and apply directly to your target school.
Who it suits：Students who wish to pursue a master's degree and meet the eligibility of their target graduate school.
Related questions
Do I have to be a research student first to apply to graduate school?
Not necessarily. The research student is a non-degree transitional option for experiencing a research environment early. Many programs also allow you to apply directly to the master's course, and whether you need to be a research student first depends on the target school and the specific program, so confirm the eligibility and selection method first.