If you want to study nursing in Japan, where do you apply?
There are more than 20 nursing schools in Japan with very different programs and admissions requirements.
We ran research on some of the nursing universities in Japan and also got some reviews from students who have studied there.
And in this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting into the best nursing schools in Japan and what to expect once you get there.
Let’s start with the big question: Why should you study nursing in Japan?
Why should you study nursing in Japan?
Japan’s nursing curriculum is just as robust as its international counterparts.
If you want to study nursing in Japan, you’ll be able to improve yourself with the various types of people you will meet, wonderful Japanese food, and most importantly, the excellent schools that are recognized by people all over the world.
Is it good to study nursing in Japan?
If you’re studying abroad in Japan or an international student looking for nursing schools in Japan for international students.
The country offers you the chance to explore all important aspects of becoming a reputable nurse both nationally and internationally.
There are many schools here that offer different nursing disciplines.
How do you become a nurse in Japan?
Being a medical professional abroad is an eye-opening and life-changing opportunity.
It is a great experience if you are interested in pursuing a career as a nurse.
Here are some basic requirements to become a nurse in Japan:
- An individual must have two years of professional experience
- The aspiring nurse must pass a Japanese-language nursing test within the four years of being permitted residency in Japan.
List of the Best Nursing Schools in Japan
Make your selections from any of these schools listed here, we have included their contact details where you can reach out to them individually and start your application process.
You can also click here to check out other nursing schools across the Globe.
- University of Tokyo
- Health Science University
- Kyoto University
- Osaka University
- University of Tsukuba
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University
- Keio University
- Kyushu University
- Nagoya University
- Yamaguchi University
- University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan
- Chiba University
- Tohoku University
- Teikyo University
- Kitasato University
- Hiroshima University
- Okayama University
- Hokkaido University
- Kobe University
- Juntendo University
- Nagasaki University
Related Contents:
These articles might interest you too:
- 14 best colleges in Japan for International students
- Top 10 High school student exchange programs in Japan
- Top 20+ Scholarships in Japan for International Students (+fully Funded)
University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo (東京大学) is a public research university and one of the schools that offer nursing degrees in Japan.
It is one of Japan’s most prestigious universities and Asia’s highest ranked university by major international ranking systems.
The university has 10 faculties with a total of around 30,000 students.
Its five campuses are in;
- Hongō
- Komaba
- Kashiwa
- Shirokane and
- Nakano
Founded by Imperial ordinance on November 4, 1877, it is one of the oldest nursing colleges in Japan.
Health Science University
Health Science University is one of the nursing schools in Japan for international students.
The school offers a wide range of nursing courses as well as an M.S.N. program for foreign students and an English-language Ph.D program for all students interested in pursuing a research degree.
While there is no undergraduate Japanese language coursework required to study at HSU, applicants must pass an English-language test and are expected to have taken several nursing courses prior to applying for admission.
Kyoto University
Nursing programs at Kyoto University are among some of the best in all of Japan and they accept both Japanese and international students.
As one of Japan’s top schools, a nursing degree from Kyoto University will be highly respected by employers.
The university has 17 different bachelor’s programs available with a variety of specializations including:
- Nursing practice
- Medical care
- Gerontology and
- Clinical knowledge
While a bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete full-time, an accelerated program is also available for three years.
Osaka University
The Osaka University School of Nursing is a nursing program located at Osaka University in Shirokanedai, Minato-ku.
This is one of the nursing colleges in Japan that offers clinical and classroom instruction for students interested in pursuing careers as nurses.
Students receive training in:
- Acute care
- Family care and
- Psychosomatic nursing
As one of the best nursing universities in Japan, the students are well prepared for professional certification exams to become registered nurses.
University of Tsukuba
Graduate and undergraduate nursing students can enroll at University of Tsukuba.
Located just north of Tokyo, University of Tsukuba is considered one of Japan’s best schools for nursing.
This university offers a number of opportunities for students to specialize their degree further by participating in international exchange programs and attending conferences abroad.
Additionally, University of Tsukuba is one of the nursing schools in Japan for international students and boasts numerous facilities that are some of the most advanced in all Japan.
They have laboratories with cutting-edge technology that puts students at an advantage when entering into their clinical rotations.
Tokyo Medical and Dental University
TMDU is a globally ranked top 100 research university, and consistently ranks as one of the best nursing colleges in Japan for international students.
TMDU offers nursing programs for both Japanese and non-Japanese speakers.
The school accepts both undergraduate (4 year) and graduate (2-3 years) students.
TMDU also has an R&D hospital with interdisciplinary departments that allows students to study nursing from all angles.
Keio University
The Keio is committed to academic excellence and ongoing research that is relevant to society.
As one of the best nursing universities in Japan, Keio has a holistic approach to education and supports students’ pursuit of their interests through diverse course options.
The Keio has four campuses across Tokyo and Yokohama.
The main university campus is located in Hiyoshi-cho, Shibuya-ku.
Kyushu University
Kyushu University has produced some of Japan’s most notable nurses and nursing professionals.
Located in Fukuoka City on Kyushu Island, it is consistently ranked among Japan’s top schools for nursing.
The faculty takes a holistic approach to teaching that combines traditional classroom learning with hands-on experience in hospital settings.
As one of the best schools that offer a nursing degree in Japan, the courses are taught by experienced faculty members who come from various backgrounds.
Nagoya University
Nagoya University is one of the best nursing schools in Japan for international students.
Foreign students may enroll in English-language programs at Nagoya University or other Japanese universities.
As of 2012, nursing is one of Nagoya University’s most popular majors.
Yamaguchi University
This prestigious university is ranked as one of Japan’s most diverse schools.
Most of Yamaguchi University’s undergraduate programs are geared toward Japanese nationals.
However, an international admissions department exists for students who wish to pursue a nursing degree in Japan at YU through one of its nine faculties—which include those for medicine and life sciences.
As such, prospective students must apply through the university directly and undergo a separate application process from that of their Japanese counterparts.
University of Occupational and Environmental Health
The University of Occupational and Environmental Health (UOEH) is one of Tokyo’s leading universities for nursing education.
The school offers a one-year program that allows students to earn a diploma as well as an associate degree.
Also, students can enroll in undergraduate courses or get their postgraduate education here.
Chiba University
This is a public university located in Chiba, and one of the nursing colleges in Japan.
It is one of 10 national universities incorporated by Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) and one of three national universities located in Greater Tokyo Area.
The university was established in 1949 and was first named Chiba Prefectural Medical College.
Tohoku University
The Tohoku University School of Nursing puts a strong emphasis on acquiring an understanding of nursing and its value from both scientific and holistic perspectives.
Its nursing curriculum encompasses a variety of subjects such as;
- Clinical practice
- Social sciences
- Science and management
These complement each other to provide students with well-rounded training.
Not to mention its beautiful campus located just outside Sendai city!
Teikyo University
Although Tokyo has plenty of universities to choose from, most prospective international students aren’t aware of Teikyo University.
In fact is one the schools with a nursing degree in Japan and is located on a spacious campus with easy access to Tokyo’s downtown area and public transportation options galore.
It’s little wonder that Teikyo is one of best nursing schools in Japan.
The nursing program at Teikyo is hard to beat.
At just three years long, it’s one of the shortest nursing programs available and allows students to complete their education faster than most other programs.
Students are required to fulfill 800 hours of clinical training prior to graduation with a minimum passing score of 75% on all tests.
Kitasato University
Since its founding as a public university in 1901, Kitasato has produced many alumni who have contributed to nursing education and research around the world.
Kitasato University is also one of the nursing schools in Japan for military students with the curriculum that includes:
- Nursing theory
- Human biology and pathology
Additional, as one of the top nursing schools in Japan, the school offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Hiroshima University
Hiroshima University is a public research university located in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
Established in 1874 as a teacher-training school for women and as part of the national modernization effort after the Meiji Restoration.
Over time it became one of the most prestigious universities that offer a nursing degree in Japan.
Its 27 faculties and 13 graduate schools cover a wide range of subjects including:
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Science & Engineering and
- Medicine
Its main campus is on a hill overlooking Hiroshima City.
Okayama University
Nursing graduates from Okayama University are highly sought after by hospitals and clinics throughout Japan.
They receive extensive training to prepare them for a range of careers in clinical settings or within academic departments at Japanese universities.
Nursing students at Okayama have several opportunities to study abroad and/or undertake a semester of study at one of more than 150 schools abroad as part of their curriculum.
Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University is one of Japan’s best nursing schools.
Founded as an agricultural university, it still remains a strong force for medicine and research.
Although it doesn’t offer a nursing degree for foreigners interested in studying nursing in Japan, it does offer English-language degrees.
Kobe University
The Kobe University is one of the private institutions that are allowed to grant bachelor’s degrees in medicine and surgery.
The institution is also among only two universities with a formal relationship to an American research university.
It offers bachelor’s degrees in nursing.
Juntendo University
Juntendo University is considered as one of top nursing schools in Japan and has a faculty to student ratio of 6:1 with an average class size of 14 students.
Juntendo University offers bachelors programs and masters programs through 10 different faculties covering 87 areas of study.
Nagasaki University
Located in Nagasaki Prefecture on Kyushu Island, Nagasaki University is one of few public universities with a nursing school.
The nursing school offers a curriculum that follows national standards.
Students enrolled in Nursing at Nagasaki University can choose to specialize as a medical assistant or as an operating room nurse.
Upon graduating, students are eligible to sit for both national and international exams.