With a GMAT or GRE score
Hitotsubashi ICS and Waseda's main track require a score; neither publishes a minimum. A strong score also unlocks the biggest scholarships elsewhere.
Show 2 programsRoute guide
MBA in Japan
A 1–2 year English MBA to move into management or strategy.
Who it's for
People with 2–5+ years' experience aiming for leadership roles.
- Time to a job
- 1–2 years
- From starting this route to your first job in Japan.
- Visa path
- Student
- work visa
- The visas you hold, in order.
- How secure
- Secure
- How likely you can stay if plans change.
- Japanese needed
- None for English MBAs
- N2 widens options
- To get in, and to get hired.
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree
- GMAT for some schools (Hitotsubashi, Waseda); not GLOBIS
- Work experience strongly preferred
Check it on the official site
Timeline
- 19–12 months before
Apply in early rounds
Scholarships are often decided with admission.
- 2During
Internships and recruiting
Most schools have career offices and partner companies.
MBA in Japan
Every way into an MBA in Japan
10 full-time programs, checked against each school's official page. Fees, GMAT rules, scholarships and how selection works.
Pick your way in
Without a GMAT
GLOBIS, NUCB, Doshisha, Hosei, Tsukuba and IUJ admit on essays, English score, work experience and an interview. At IUJ a GMAT/GRE score replaces the interview.
Show 8 programsTaught in Japanese
Keio Business School teaches core courses in Japanese and tests your Japanese in the interview. Plan for business-level Japanese (around JLPT N1) before applying.
Show 1 programScholarship or self-funded
Self-funded is the default. Scholarships range from 20% tuition cuts to full tuition plus a monthly allowance (Hitotsubashi YLP, MEXT, APU up to 100%). They are competitive and decided with your application.
Compare scholarshipsLoading costs…
Do's and don'ts
✓ Do
- Use 1-year programs to limit lost earnings
- Apply for scholarships in round 1
✕ Don't
- Don't expect an MBA to replace N2 for Japanese companies