Finishing medical studies and becoming a doctor is one of the most honored and wanted job positions in the world. Considering the cost of this education and better conditions in some countries, many students decide to educate themselves abroad. One of the most popular destinations to get your MBBS is Japan, with its rich cultural heritage, high-tech education, and welcoming hosts.

There are many reasons students prefer Japan for acquiring diplomas, and we can only mention a few. Reasonable prices are always the first thing someone considers, even though Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world, it is still more affordable to study and live there than let’s say the USA. Besides that, Japanese medicine progressed so much in the last few decades and they are now offering top-notch education and it’s all available in English at most universities.

There is one thing to keep in mind when studying in any foreign country, and that is the language barrier. In most countries, including Japan, you have to learn the language to be able to finish medical school and do your internship. This is because communication with patients is crucial and most of them don’t know English, so you have to learn Japanese to accommodate their needs.

Can International Students Enroll in Medical Schools in Japan?

Yes, international students are more than welcome to enroll in medical schools in Japan. The Japanese government has been constantly working on improving the conditions and attracting international students for many years now. They have a plan to welcome over 300,000 students from different countries and are very supportive of multiculturalism.

Thus, it can be even easier to get into Japanese universities as a foreign student than Japanese students. They have special staff and members dedicated solely to the purpose of accommodating new and international students.

Check Also: Available Programs for International Students

What is the Medical Curriculum Like in Medical Schools in Japan?

Medical education in Japan lasts six years. These six years are divided into four years of preclinical education and two years of clinical education.

In the last few decades, Japanese medical education has changed completely, making it more approachable, understandable, and empiric. Also, in 2005, they made a common achievement test obligatory, and you would have to pass this test to enroll in preclinical education.

After the initial four years of education, you have to do some internship work for two years. This residency is paid and working hours are limited.

Learn More: Steps to Become a Doctor in Japan

Top Medical Schools in Japan

1. Nagoya University – School of Medicine

Nagoya University was established in 1871, and it is the best medical school in Japan. It was the last Imperial University of Japan in 1939, and since then they have come a long way, promoting better education, gender equality, and international cooperation. Also, several Nobel Prize winners graduated from this university, which further supports the claims that this is one of the best education centers in the world.

Nagoya University provides English lessons to Japanese students, but they also have over 1,100 lecture courses in English for international students.

Studying medicine at Nagoya can be a bit difficult compared to other study programs, but the high-quality education and internships provided are worth it. They are selective for a reason, as they want to continue to produce competent doctors.

2. Tokyo Medical University – School of Medicine

Tokyo Medical University is another top medical school in Japan. It was established in 1916 in a series of events that led a group of students to make a new university and a better place to study. To honor the founders and promote self-reliance, the university’s motto is “Justice, Friendship, and Service”

It offers preclinical and clinical studies and international students are welcome to complete their higher education in this university. The school has many affiliate hospitals for internships and the most important thing is that they are in the heart of Japan, Tokyo. So education there is not only at its best in the university, but you will be able to experience the culture, busy metropolis, and multicultural environment while working on getting your diploma.

3. Chiba University – School of Medicine

Another prominent institution that is considered to offer top-notch medical programs is Chiba University. Located in Chiba prefecture, one of the most developed in Japan, was founded in 1872, and the Medical Department was established in 1874. Since then it has been going by the motto “Always aim higher” which perfectly describes its goals and is one of the leading research facilities in Japan.

The university has over 14,000 students and 1,600 international students altogether, and it is expected to increase each year. It offers a broad range of schools including the School of Medicine. Chiba University has always been regarded as one of the best institutions in Japan, especially in promoting research and cooperation activities with other countries.

4. Tohoku University – School of Medicine

Tohoku University, another top medical school in Japan, was established by Vice Minister of Education Masataro Sawayanagi in 1907, and it became the first university to enroll women in 1913. To this day it proudly stands behind its beliefs that all genders and classes are equal. This got them into quite a few disputes with the government, but that never wavered its beliefs.

Tohoku University is promoting the idea that research should come first and be put to good use, by helping society and improving living standards. They are also famous for welcoming a huge number of international students, over 3,400 of them to be exact.

The university is one of the hardest universities to get into because they are very strict and selective about admitting students, thus they keep up the high standards set long ago.

5. Kyushu University – School of Medicine

Kyushu University was founded over a century ago in 1911, and it has been providing top-quality education since its inception. The university is equally devoted to education and research. To promote diversity, it has been welcoming international students from more than 97 countries and regions. One of every eight students is from abroad and that sums up to around 13% of foreign students.

See Also: How To Study For Free in Japan

6. Keio University – School of Medicine

Next on our list of the best medical schools in Japan is Keio University, established in 1858. For over 160 years, the university promoted the empirical science approach and modern views. It is one of the oldest yet continues to provide advanced programs that have greatly contributed to and influenced the Japanese education system.

Keio University has six campuses within Tokyo prefecture where students can immerse themselves in Japanese culture and heritage whilst studying. The international student population at Keio University has gradually increased over the years and to accommodate as many foreign nationals as possible, the university offers numerous courses taught in English.

7. Tokyo Medical and Dental University

Tokyo National School of Dentistry was founded in 1928 and in 1944, the school expanded and was renamed as  Tokyo Medical and Dental University. The school’s motto is  “professionals with knowledge and humanity”.

Tokyo Medical and Dental University is definitely a good choice for international students, especially for those who aspire not only to get an education but also to learn the skills to nurture humanity and help society as a whole.

8. Kyoto University – Faculty of Medicine

Kyoto University was founded in 1897 as the second university in Japan. Since then they have achieved some impressive numbers: 340,000+ students graduates, about 22,500 students, and over 2,000 international students.

The university has been cooperating with many countries and regions and made some big discoveries and progressions in science, which proves they are more than ready to provide proper education.

9. University of Tsukuba – Institute of Medicine

The University of Tsukuba came to fruition in 1872, but it was formally relocated and established in 1973. It has proudly influenced and reformed the education system in Japan with new and creative ideas, research, and a free-thinking spirit.

The School of Medicine and Health Sciences consists of three colleges, the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, and the College of Medical Sciences. All colleges have been providing degree programs at all levels.

 

Considering that Japan is fast becoming a leader in modern science and medicine, it is one of the best countries for international students to pursue medicine. Aspiring students should consider Japan as one of their top choices for studying abroad as most medical universities in the country offer reasonable tuition rates and excellent research facilities. Not only that, but these universities are serious about generating competitive human resources in the medical industry.

 

We hope that this article on the best medical schools in Japan was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more about studying abroad, check out the Study in Japan and Available Programs in Japan!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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