Gaining a grounded knowledge of medical studies is a significant pursuit nowadays. To equip oneself with a competitive background, a sound educational institution is necessary and Japan’s medical education is something to consider. Take a look at how international students could pursue competent medical studies in Japan.
Table of Contents
- Pursuing a career in Medicine
- Medical Education in Japan
- Qualifications and Requirements
- Scholarships and other opportunities
- Summary
Pursuing a career in Medicine
The medical practice has remained an important field throughout history, considering its implications and significant contributions to the continuity and sustenance of civilization in general. Scientific breakthroughs, responses to timely challenges to human health, and even the most basic levels of medical practice are the main contributions. For the past 150 years, an established medical education system has still been a significant role-player in determining the course of the practice, and people are as drawn as ever to pursuing it. It is during this course of time, until the present, that the unfolding of formal medical education took place, grounding itself with evidence-based assumptions and clinical observations.
※ US National Library of Medicine-National Institutes of Health, "The role of medical education in the development of the scientific practice of medicine"
The present consciousness of the people towards healthcare created an increase in demand for general practice. To properly deal with levels of primary care to chronic disease management, doctors are always necessary. Their roles in the practice are somewhat the defining features. With an increase in demands, students are considering a medical education as well.
Educational institutions, with their respective medical education curriculum, train generations of physicians. From the fundamental commitment of giving healthcare service to the complex levels of specializations, these educational institutions are responsible for guaranteeing any student quality education. Also, the quality of education shall abide by the global standards especially during these times when internationalization continues to exert relevance in different levels.
As an international student who wanted to pursue a medical career, choosing the best medical schools is the starting point. Taking notes about medical schools around the world may help but you may want to take Japan into your consideration.
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Medical Education in Japan
Medical education in Japan traces its roots back in the 19th century when the University of Tokyo established the first formal medical school in the country. The forerunners of such formal medical education through a university are the local schools that taught basic medical practices. Generally, the medical education system of the country is patterned with Western models.
Up to this date, medical schools offer programs that also include specialization and postgraduate studies as well as residency. The competitive nature of medical education in Japan is manifested in its healthcare systems. Considering the holistic services provided by Japanese healthcare institutions, supported by top of the line technology and up to date professional expertise, it can be said that graduating from one of Japan’s medical schools is an amazing feat. Thus a foreign national considering attending medical school in Japan must be aware of the uphill battle in front of them and weigh it with the payout at the end.
Furthermore, medical education in Japan is internationally recognized through its accreditation system. Medical schools comply with the Japan Accreditation Council for Medical Education or JACME that sets the standards for international education. Affirming the Basic Medical Education Global Standards outlined by the World Federation for Medical Education or WFME, the council monitors the holistic provision of medical education in the country.
※ US National Library of Medicine-national Institutes of Health, "History of Japanese medical education"
Given the overall structure and accreditation system of medical education in Japan, it is evident that it produces world-class physicians. The prestige of obtaining quality medical education in the country can be manifested through its medical schools. In 2019, 28 of Japan’s medical schools were among the top 500 institutions, according to the QS World University Rankings. This just proves how medical education isn’t mediocre in the country. University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Tohoku University and their respective schools of medicine are some of the most in the country and, of course, in the world.
※ Top Universities, "Top Medical Schools in 2019"
Then what’s in it for an international student? International students take up medical studies in Japan for various reasons. One of which would be the extensive government program for international students. The Japanese government allows huge funding for supporting the engagement of its universities with the international community. For instance, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology invested ¥4.1 billion for the internationalization program of Japan’s Global 30 Core Universities. National universities such as Kyoto University, Osaka Universiy, Tohoku University and Tokyo Universities are some of the partner institutions of MEXT for this program.
The internationalization initiative is distributed in various academic fields including health sciences. Also, research and development funding was provided. For example, over the past decades, government agencies under MEXT such as Japan Society for the Promotion of Science distributed more than ¥100 billion solely for research initiatives and exchange programs in the medical field that involved international participation.
※ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan, "Higher Education in Japan"
Attracting the top academic talents around the world would not only foster the foundations of every discipline but would showcase as well the value of the Japanese education system.
Another thing would be the favorable conditions in the country. Japan has proven itself to be conducive to the academic endeavor. International students proliferate greatly within the Japanese community as it invites diversity and rigid inclination towards internationalization. Lastly, with its world-class quality of medical education, Japan medical schools will prepare any international student and equip them with exquisite education.
Qualifications and Requirements
Now, considering the valuation of the structure and the benefits that international students can obtain from Japanese medical education, one would ask, what are the qualifications and eligibility requirements? Any student who completed an undergraduate degree from their origin country may apply as long as the following requirements are secured. Regardless of the medical school, it is a standard that every applicant should pass the universities’ respective entrance examinations. This is the preliminary requirement for admission. Reservation for slots can be done through inquiring directly with the preferred medical school. Afterward, the applicant must prepare the following:
· Passing the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students or EJU (most medical schools require EJU scores to be above average which is 60% for each of the four components)
- Valid Passport
- Student Visa (acquired through the Japanese Embassy)
- Previous school documentations such as transcript of records and other certification (graduation, certificate of good conduct)
- Application form from the university
- Completing the admission screening process of the university (medical schools conduct interview, entrance examinations and written essay examinations)
- Recommendation from the previous school attended
- Proficiency with the Japanese language (N1 or N2 with JLPT, scoring at least 200 points with Japanese as Foreign Language in EJU)
※ Japan Student Services Organization, "Student Guide to Japan 2019 - 2020," p.7-9
One must have an exceptionally high level of Japanese as a foreigner not only to be accepted by the school and go through its courses but in order to take the national exam in whatever field one intends to pursue. As there are not many foreign doctors in Japan, it’s not an easy path. However, one should consider whether that work will be a worthwhile experience.
On average, medical school tuition fees in Japan may range from ¥500,000 to ¥2,000,000 annually. Of course, this depends if the institution is public or private. The fees may include or exclude other expenses such as admission fees, and practice-related costs such as school supplies and membership fees. The costs may be intimidating at first glance but mind you that there are various scholarship programs that may help with these expenses.
※ Tokyo Medical University, "School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine" ※ Shiga University of Medical Science, "How to Pay Tuition Fees & Other Fees"
Scholarships and other opportunities
Medical students may opt to apply for a scholarship. Their applications can be done through the medical school itself. One of the most common scholarship programs is the one provided by the Japanese Student Services Organization. Scholarship programs from such organizations may give stipends from ¥30,000 to ¥150,000 depending upon the fees and the level of study by the student.
Moreover, students can apply through university-based scholarships that would reduce their tuition fees and other expenses. Universities such as Kyoto University, Nippon Medical School, and Tokyo Medical University can provide support for privately financed students who are in need of financial assistance. This funding comes from their respective medical school foundations composed of alumni who graduated from schools mentioned above.
※ Tokyo Medical University, "Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)"
Summary
Pursuing a career in the medical field is a lifetime commitment to garnering service to humanity. Choosing where to obtain its education shall be decided attentively. And as an international student interested to pursue such a track, putting Japan’s medical education on the radar is a must. Given all the background and opportunities within its field, would you know to consider having that M.D. after your surname from the Land of the Rising Sun?
