MBA in Japan

Home to scores of multinational enterprises like Toyota, Sony, Mitsubishi and Softbank which are headquartered in various cities, Japan offers an exciting mix of industry-inclined, research-oriented education along with vibrant career opportunities across sectors. in particular, the MBA courses in Japan offer individuals a platform to learn from internationally awarded faculty, a stimulating business environment and innumerable avenues for practical learning and experience. This blog presents a detailed analysis of how and where you can pursue an MBA in Japan as well as the unique benefits Japanese institutions offer.

Why Study in Japan?

Japanese cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have established themselves as powerhouses not only in the Asian subcontinent but across the globe in terms of business, finance and education, etc. Added to that, the highly civilized culture, amicable environment, and minimalist lifestyle makes studying and living in Japan nothing short of an enriching experience. Home to around 300,000 international students hailing from 50 different countries, the Japanese educational structure is steadily being recognized as one of the best education system in the world. Furthermore, the Japanese government also encourages student mobility through exchange programs with leading universities around the world aiding students in getting a global experience. Before we switch our focus to MBA in Japan, listed below are a few points accentuating why you must consider Japan while planning to study abroad:

• Unparalleled Focus on STEM courses

Be it bullet trains, digital technology, hybrid vehicles or robotics, Japan is known for its modern age engineering marvels since time immemorial. This has practically frontline Japan’s rise in economic terms and can be said to be a result of the long-sown seed of investment in education and human resources right from school to college level, making it more than an attractive alternative to destinations like the USA, UK, and Australia. Students wishing to do an MBA in Japan after an engineering or science degree can especially benefit from this.

• Affordable Living

Owing to its efforts on making education accessible for students, the accommodation and health costs are quite low when compared to the likes of other cities. In addition to that, food and other necessary living costs vary greatly with cities giving students the option to choose as per convenience. Further, the financial support provided for pursuing MBA in Japan from universities as well as government is also available in significant numbers.

• Hospitality

The citizens of Japan are synonymous when it comes to hospitality and a highly disciplined style of living. Its deeply ingrained ‘Omotenashi’ hospitality culture also reflects in student-friendly communities that treat international students with great respect and care.

• Diversity

Close to 140,000 students from nearly all land continents and around 170 countries flock towards universities in Japan every year in order to take advantage of the brilliant and diverse course offerings including an MBA in Japan. There is a significant diaspora of Indian students with several alumni associations, for instance, Mombusho Scholars Association of India.

Also Read: MBA after Engineering

MBA in Japan

Coming specifically to studying an MBA in Japan, all traditional options of full and part-time, online and executive programs are available for aspirants. Spread across these categories, the options of courses ranges from MBA in Data Analytics, MBA in Computer Science and MBA in Logistics to MBA in Banking, MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and MBA in Construction Management and everything in between. Further, options for pursuing an International, Dual Degree, and Global MBA are also offered. The subsequent paragraphs focus more on the highly-rated institutes known for their Masters of Business Administration programs. 

Related Articles: MBA in Airport Management

MBA in Japan: Universities at a Glance

The B-Schools offering MBA in Japan have been recognized all over the world for their expert management education, training, internship and practical learning opportunities along with highly flexible study curriculum. In particular, the curriculum is built around core, specialised tracks and electives that help individuals to gain a solid foundation of business management as well as expertise in fields like Finance, Strategy, IT, Entrepreneurship, Project Management and so forth. A considerable majority of graduates prefer to work in Japan itself. Tabulated below are the names of some famous universities offering postgraduate program:

MBA in Japan: Specializations 

Gone are the days when the MBA degree only gained sub-fields in Commerce. The technologically advanced country-Japan offers MBA is trending as well as traditional fields. You will easily find popular options like MBA in Finance along with the latest ones like MBA in Information Technology, MBA in Digital Marketing. Along with these streams, tabulated below are the specialisations in which you can pursue MBA in Japan-

MBA in Japan: Top Universities

There are a few top universities that have been especially recognized worldwide for their MBA in Japan. These have been given a rundown below:

Kyoto University

Offering two specialized International MBA programs along with the Kyoto-Cornell Collaborative Degree, Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Management carries forward its rich tradition of excellence. With state-of-the-art facilities, highly-digital campuses and an expert-designed curriculum, it is considered one of the topmost universities offering an MBA in Japan. The curriculum also includes practical training, internships, projects and a host of other activities. The list of subjects is divided into basic, specialized, business practice and advanced components which include highly diverse and emerging topics like contract management and dispute resolution, environmental challenges in business and cross-cultural management, etc. Partners of Kyoto University include the elite Cornell University, USA along with University of Hamburg, Germany, EMLYON Business School, France and Copenhagen Business School, amongst others. Asian Development Bank-Joint Scholarship Programme and MEXT Scholarships are a few financial aid schemes for meritorious students.

Note: Applicants take note of the fact in order to apply for the Kyoto-Cornell Collaborate program, they have to apply in both of the institutions. 

Keio Business School, Keio University

Consistently ranked amongst the leading programs for MBA in Japan by Eduniversal Worldwide Business Schools Rankings 2014 and by Nikkei Human Resources Japanese MBA programs, Keio Business School has steadily gained an appreciation for its uniquely designed management curriculum since its founding in the year 1962. The school has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), amongst others and boasts of collaborative associations with the National University of Singapore, EMLYON Business School, University of Mannheim Business School, etc. Students also have the option to progress towards a PhD degree thus opening up avenues in management research and education.

Also Read: MBA In Interior Designing

Globis University

The Graduate School of Management, Globis University in Japan is a highly specialized B-school situated in the heart of Tokyo. With campuses in Osaka, Nagoya, Sendai, and Fukuoka and another in Singapore, it attracts students from all corners of the world owing to its unique blend of the industry-oriented and globally renowned curriculum as well as opportunities to indulge in the Japanese culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. For those looking to pursue an MBA in Japan, Globis University offers four dedicated MBA programs namely, the Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Online MBA, and its specially designed Pre-MBA. With an annual capacity of around 860 students and courses both in English and Japanese, the course offerings impart an entrepreneurial vision assisting individuals to develop a business-mindedness. It has forged partnerships with China Europe International Business School and Chulalongkorn Business School in Thailand through which students can take advantage of international exchange and research opportunities. Its career statistics are also exceptional with 100% internship placement, 85% of full-time MBA graduates taking up employment within 3 months out of which 65% work in japan itself. Microsoft, Hitachi, Bayer, General Electric and IBM are on its 100+ list of corporate partners.

McGill University-Japan

The Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University brings the highly awarded Canadian management programs to the country of Japan. As for the rankings, the management faculty is counted amongst one of the top 50 Global 2 Year MBA Rankings by THE Rankings 2018 and as the 71st best MBA programs according to QS Rankings. Its Japan campus offers a Weekend Executive MBA program designed specifically for working professionals. With an average age of 34 and average work experience of 11 years, the class profile is quite diverse with students hailing not only from countries in Asia but also from Belgium, Austria, Canada, Ireland, Germany, South Africa, etc. The university also organizes an international study trip to its main Montreal campus so that students gain international exposure as well as learn from their Canadian counterparts. The application procedure comprises of an online application and a personal interview for which duly filled application materials must be submitted before Dec 15 of every year. Having two years of industry experience is a major prerequisite for applying.

Kyushu University

Another popular business school offering MBA in Japan is the Kyushu Business School, part of a University with the same name. The process of seeking admission into MBA courses at the university is conducted through two routes namely, General Admission in the Fall semester and Special Admission in the Winter semester. Amongst its list of partner schools include the names of elite educational institutes such as Peking University, Nanjing University and the Dalian University of Technology, amongst others. Further, it also offers student exchange, teacher exchange and study tours to help students gain an international perspective and exposure. The MBA curriculum is divided into various subjects, building a solid foundation of business management through focus on specific business areas of finance, marketing, strategy, organization management, accounting, English business communication and corporate ethics. Individuals are then introduced to advanced topics like intellectual property, innovation, and research and development management, etc. Further, the second round of the MBA Admission Process is designed to admit a handful of individuals with proven prior experience in areas of Management of Technology and Asian Business. For an MBA in Japan at Kyushu University, this admission process is highly competitive which is also depicted by the fact that in the year 2018, only 44 students were enrolled.

Also Read: MBA career options

Eligibility, Admission, and Application

The conditions of eligibility for pursuing an MBA in Japan heavily varies depending on the program objectives and orientation of the course and university. As a general rule, a high standing undergraduate degree is a major requirement while a few years of industry experience in relevant fields is highly recommended. what is important to note that the Executive MBAs are usually designed for professionals already working. Prospective applicants also need to submit GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL scores as applicable, official transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR), Resume or CV, Degree, and Transcripts, etc. However, the admission committee considers the overall candidature of applicants and not a single segment and can also waive off particular requirements for exceptionally qualified candidates. The deadlines for studying an MBA from universities in Japan, in many cases, differ for domestic residents and international students and typically end around December-January. For visa purposes, specific guidelines may apply.

Cost of Studying MBA in Japan 

The cost of studying a program overseas in an imperative part of the study-abroad plan. The average cost of your chosen MBA will vary from one university to another as well as in terms of the chosen specialization. Japan houses universities of diverse categories including public and private. Another crucial factor that affects the cost of MBA in Japan is the duration of the program. The courses which last for a longer duration usually cost more than shorter ones. Generally, the tuition fee of an MBA will be around INR 3,00,000- 32,00,000. 

Apart from the specific tuition fee, students have to incur other university-related expenses as well including admission fee, annual registration charges, matriculation fee, entrance examination charges, etc. While exploring the cost of studying in Japan, it is beneficial to have an estimated cost of living. Your monthly expense will be around INR 80,000 to 1,00,000. The cost may fluctuate depending upon the city and the type of accommodation you may choose.

Also Read: MBA in Fashion Designing

Scholarships for MBA in Japan

Although, the tuition fee for MBA programs in Japan is comparatively less than other countries, yet it can act as a hurdle in attaining quality education. Thus, seeking a scholarship will help you pave your way through the course. Here are some top-listed scholarships in which you can enroll to pursue MBA in Japan-

• Hani Zeini Scholarship 
• Go Clean Scholarship 
• Global Study Awards 
• Jared J. Davis Scholarship 
• GVD Renovations Scholarship 
• Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship 
• Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship 

FAQs

Whether you wish to do an MBA in Japan or at any other study destination, it is important to align one’s career objectives with the orientation of the program. Take the assistance from Leverage Edu’s AI tool which suggests you combinations of courses and universities based on your skills, abilities and interests so that you can take an informed decision towards a rewarding career. Also, since the deadlines for the September 2020 intake are nearing, it becomes all the more important to be ready with the documents required for the admission process. If you are facing any hurdles regarding the same, our experts are here to provide assistance at every step!

The post MBA in Japan appeared first on Leverage Edu.