Pursuing postgraduate studies in one of the top universities in Japan is a dream-come-true for many people. The competency you can acquire at that level of education would be significant in your field. Meanwhile, scholarship opportunities for a master’s education in Japan are a desirable advantage one shouldn’t overlook.
Table of Contents
- Postgraduate Studies
- Postgraduate Studies in Japan
- Scholarship for getting a Masters Degree in Japan
- Additional Tips
- Summary
Postgraduate Studies
Postgraduate studies include education after a person finishes a bachelor’s degree or undergraduate course in a college or university. The first part is referred to as a Master’s Degree in any particular field, such as Biochemistry, Law, Engineering or Business Administration which often lasts for two years, while the second and final part is called a Doctorate Degree and commonly requires 4 to 5 years to complete. Both degrees normally require the preparation and completion of an expert-guided dissertation or thesis or research work in a specialized discipline within one’s chosen expertise.
A Master’s Degree provides a graduate in any field to obtain advanced studies in an area of specialization directly related to one’s undergraduate course. It is also a way of changing one’s course mid-stream, especially after having gained work experience and finding new opportunities in an entirely different area of study or specialization.
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Postgraduate Studies in Japan
Whereas many college graduates avoid taking advanced studies and instead prefer to apply their basic college education to find advancement in their jobs and from the ongoing developments in their fields, having formal advanced education has advantages. More so if one is seeking to undergo postgraduate studies in Japan since the quality of education or training there ranks as one of the best in the world. In fact, two of the Japanese universities rank among the top 100 universities worldwide, which are University of Tokyo and Kyoto University at 36th and 65th places respectively, according to Times Higher Education.
Funding for highly-specialized research works involving graduate students is also a big determinant in one’s future success and, in Japan, one will have a greater opportunity to be involved with universities that are government-funded and engaged in state-of-the-art technologies that offer lucrative incomes after one’s degree is completed. For those deciding to return to their country of origin, having such excellent education in Japan can provide the edge in terms of finding highly-competitive jobs at the top of one’s industry back home.
※ Times Higher Education, "World University Rankings 2020"
As more globalized societies emerge in the ever-converging international communities, more and more Japanese universities are adapting to cater to students from all over the globe. English programs are prominent in Japan's top universities like the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, Nagoya University, and many others. Examples of popular fields are Masters in Management, Masters in Information Sciences, and Masters in Economics.
Deriving a thorough understanding of the opportunities available for foreigners seeking to acquire master’s degrees in Japan is vital in sourcing out the most appropriate universities and the specific fields that would allow them to maximize the benefits of choosing to study there. Pursuing a master’s degree offers several benefits in terms of the lower costs compared to pursuing a PhD while at the same time offering a more career-oriented education. Additional formal education after a bachelor’s program likewise expands one’s academic horizons, job opportunities and advancement in a chosen field.
Scholarship for getting a Masters Degree in Japan
Japanese universities offer a wide choice of scholarships tailor-fitted for any person’s basic college education and offer fresh perspectives beyond what one has acquired earlier. These are just some of the many scholarships for master’s degrees one can choose from (Please note that some scholarships are school-specific or area-specific):
1. Fully-Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships 2020-2021 offered by the Rotary International
The Rotary Club offers academic fellowships to qualified students who wish to pursue a Professional Development Certificate Program or Master’s Degree Program in the area of peace and conflict resolution and prevention at one of several peace centers in the USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Sweden, Thailand, and Uganda. The local Rotary may recommend any candidate who holds a college degree.
※ Rotary International, "Peace Fellowship Application"
2. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
This is a joint-scholarship offered by ADB and the Japanese Government in such fields as Public Policy, Economics, Disaster Management Policy; Public Finance; Macroeconomic Policy, Japanese and Culture, and Maritime Safety and Security Policy. This is intended for students from developing countries in their mid-career government positions.
※ Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Scholarships in Asia and the Pacific"
3. Honjo International Scholarship Foundation
A lot of scholarships require the student to submit forms to the university, after which the university will screen the applicants to select a few to receive said scholarship, even for private scholarships. However, Honjo International Scholarship Foundation allows you to apply directly to the foundation itself, as long as you have already received a notice of acceptance into the graduate program of your choice from the university.
※ Honjo International Scholarship Foundation, Scholarship for foreign students studying in Japanese graduate school
4. The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) Scholarships
GRIPS offers scholarships for students who will undergo a Master’s Degree program in Japan for students from developing countries who wish to pursue studies in Public Finance, Public Policy, Economics, Planning and Public Policy, Japanese Culture, and Maritime Safety, and Security Policy at the institute.
※ The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), "Fees & Tuition Expenses"
5. JFUNU Scholarships for MSc in Sustainability Program for Developing Country Students
This is granted to citizens in developing countries who wish to engage in the field of sustainability, preferably those whose undergraduate degree is related to sustainability. Candidates must also have a strong interest in sustainability studies and have shown a commitment to study and understand global issues, and must be enrolled in the UNU-IAS Master of Science in Sustainability programme.
※ United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, "MSc in Sustainability (2020)"
For other available scholarships and for guidelines on how to apply, visit the following (Please note that these scholarships include those for undergraduate programs as well so please look for the letter M under “Qualifier (School Year)”:
Scholarship for International Students in Japan 2020-2021
Additional Tips
Applicants must be ready to provide proof of their undergraduate education. They must have strong scholastic records and can also provide sufficient evidence that they need financial assistance, as well as the fact that they can . They must also show necessary English proficiency qualifications. Two of the most recognized are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
During the selection process, it is advisable for candidates to show their best in terms of their confidence in their educational background, as well as in the awareness of relevant contemporary subjects related to global issues. They also have a working understanding of the universities and partner institutions involved in the granting of scholarships and conducting the fellowship programs. Most of all, they must show openness and sincerity in their desire to study in Japan.
Please note that each scholarship has its specific requirements, such as area of study, school, country of origin, as well as if the scholarship can be received with other scholarships. Please check carefully for details.
Summary
Japan has always been engaged in the enhancement of academic education as a tool for global peace, understanding, and development. As it continues to lead in social, economic, cultural, and scientific pursuits toward achieving those noble human visions, it finds many opportunities as well for other nations to participate through offering advanced university courses to foreign students who desire to reside in Japan for that purpose. We have shared the ways in which international students can be financially supported in their endeavors in pursuing a graduate degree in Japan.
