AIC Study Pathway
Master’s and PhD in Japan
Build a research-focused graduate application with stronger university selection, supervisor communication, proposals, academic documents, funding and admission preparation.
Is this pathway right for you?
- Best for: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree holders seeking a graduate degree or research route in Japan.
- Preparation window: Begin 12–18 months ahead when professor contact, research planning or scholarship preparation is required.
- Key decisions: Research fit, faculty and supervisor selection, program language, proposal quality, funding and application route.
What this pathway will help you do
Choose well
Compare research fields, faculty expertise, laboratories, degree structure, language and funding.
Prepare properly
Develop your research idea, proposal, academic CV, professor communication and scholarship plan.
Apply confidently
Complete university or scholarship screening, interviews, admission, COE and relocation preparation.
Recommended preparation order
CAREER AFTER GRADUATION
Employment in Japan After Graduation
Plan job hunting, match your studies to professional work, compare residence options and prepare a backup if graduation arrives before an offer.
Cornerstone guides for this pathway
- Master’s and PhD in Japan: Complete Admission Roadmap (now live)
- How to Choose a Graduate School in Japan (now live)
- English-Taught Degree Programs in Japan (now live)
- How to Write a Strong Statement of Purpose (now live)
- How to Prepare a Research Proposal for Japan (now live)
- How to Contact a Japanese Professor Professionally (now live)
- MEXT Scholarship: Embassy and University Recommendation (now live)
- Academic CV, Recommendation Letters and Application Portfolio (now live)
- Transcripts, Certificates, Translations and Document Checklist (now live)
- Financial Sponsor, Bank Balance and Study Budget Planning (now live)
- Academic Eligibility for Studying in Japan (now live)
- April vs September/October Intake in Japan: Planning Guide (now live)
- University Application Fees, Deadlines and Entrance Procedures (now live)
- How to Evaluate Schools and Avoid Misleading Education Agents (now live)
Official starting points
AIC will prioritize MEXT, JASSO, Study in Japan and current university graduate-school guidelines. Supervisor-contact expectations and application procedures differ by program.
AIC verification promise
This page is a starting pathway map. Its cornerstone guides are released progressively, and every high-risk rule is checked against the responsible official authority. Confirm each institution’s current requirements before applying.
Official Study planning · Types of schools · Immigration and Student visas
Arrival readiness
Plan your accommodation and first 30 days
Compare dormitories, apartments and share houses, calculate the real move-in cost, and follow Japan’s residence registration and health insurance procedures in the correct order.
Open the accommodation and arrival guide →Work while studying
Know the legal limit and protect your academic progress
Understand work permission, the combined 28-hour limit, prohibited jobs, labour rights and the attendance risks students must manage.
Open the part-time work rules guide →