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An MBA, a Master of Business Administration is the pinnacle degree for top working professionals all over the world. Now, you have the chance to stay for an MBA degree in the city of Tokyo, the financial hub of Asia!
In response to the dynamic and globalized business world, many students and working professionals are looking to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Although MBAs are typically associated with the US or UK universities, did you know that now, you can study for an MBA in Tokyo? Tokyo is often referred to as the financial hub of Asia, and with the establishment of the Global 30 programs, many Japanese universities are creating new programs where you can study for an MBA completely in English.
Why study for an MBA in Tokyo?
An MBA is an internationally recognized degree that includes a wide array of courses related to business principles including accounting, finance, economics, and marketing.
Tokyo, in our humble opinion, is one of the best cities in the world to study for an MBA. There are three reasons which make Tokyo a great destination for your MBA:
1. Tokyo as the financial hub of Asia
Although Singapore and Hong Kong are growing at a faster rate, Tokyo has been the historical financial hub of Asia and many regional headquarters of Fortune 500 companies are still located in Tokyo.
Suga: Tokyo can be the global financial hub
2. Great working experience while studying
Tokyo offers one of the best internship and working opportunities in the world. If you are looking to continue working while studying for the MBA, or a student looking for an internship opportunity, Tokyo has got you covered!
Check out our sister site, Doorkle Internship, to find the best internship opportunities in Tokyo for International Students!
3. Low tuition and living costs
Last but not least, Tokyo offers one of the best balances of quality of life and cost of living while studying for an MBA degree. Tokyo, despite its developed infrastructure, is much cheaper to live in than the likes of New York or Singapore. The average cost of living in Tokyo is less than $1500 a month, meaning you have the option to not work and obtain your MBA in one full year.
The Top 5 MBA Programs in Tokyo
MBA in Tokyo #1: Waseda University
Waseda University is one of Tokyo’s most prestigious universities and its international MBA program is regarded as one of the Largest English-taught MBA programs in all of Japan.
Waseda’s International MBA program is a full-time, two-year program conducted in English. Each cohort has around 70 students. One key advantage of Waseda’s MBA program is its unique seminar system, where students can choose a Zemi (seminar) class, consisting of a small group gathering with the same specific field that members research.
There is also a one-year full-time MBA Program. However, most classes are held in Japanese.
Time frame: Full-time, 2 years
Number of students: 70
Cost: 920,000 JPY per semester, total 3,726,000 JPY
MBA in Tokyo #2: Keio University
Offered by Keio Business School (KBS), Keio University’s MBA program was established in 1962 as Japan’s first full-fledged business school and MBA program. Students at Keio University benefit from amazing networking opportunities throughout all of Asia and North America. Students are required to pass eight core courses with a required grade point average or above, and at least 12 elective courses. During the second year, students spend about 8 – 12 months writing their MBA thesis.
Please Note: Japanese language proficiency is required for admission as discussions in the courses are carried out in Japanese.
Learn more about the Keio Business School through their brochure!
Time frame: Full-time, 2 years
Number of students: 100
Cost: 2,217,600 JPY per year
MBA in Tokyo #3: McGill University
The McGill MBA Japan is a unique MBA program conducted on weekends for working professionals from all fields.
One key advantage of studying at McGill University in Japan is the international recognition and networking opportunities with many professors prominent in the business world in North America and Europe. Students also have the opportunity to participate in an international study trip to McGill’s home campus in Montreal.
Time frame: Part-time, weekends only, 2 years
Number of students: 30-40
Cost: Total 6,042,000 JPY + consumption tax
MBA in Tokyo #4: Tsukuba University
The University of Tsukuba, despite its main campus located outside of Tokyo, offers an MBA program in its Tokyo building for convenient access.
One key advantage of Tsukuba University’s MBA program is its Short-term Study Program (TSSP). For most full-time workers, it is hard to experience an overseas university as an exchange student. However, Tsukuba University offers the TSSP where students can study in one of 11 partner universities in Australia, China, France, Germany, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United States.
Time frame: Full-time, weekends only, 2 years
Number of students: 30
Cost: Tuition: JPY 535,800 / per year, Total in two years: JPY 1,353,600
MBA in Tokyo #5: Hitotsubashi University
Hitotsubashi University offers both a one and two-year MBA program to suit one’s working schedule. The curriculum and admission criteria are exactly the same, however, the two-year program is more suitable for full-time working professionals who prefer to study on the weekends.
The Hitotsubashi MBA program was ranked the best MBA in Japan in the QS 2019 rankings. It has an excellent student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, and has a good diversity of international students (85%). It also has high gender equality with 47% of all enrolled students being women.
Time frame: Full-time, 1 year/ Part-time, 2 years
Number of students: 44
Cost: JPY 642,960 per year
Conclusion
… and there you have it! The top 5 MBA programs in Tokyo. Our staff at Schoolynk believes that you will never go wrong with any of the above picks so what are you waiting for. We are sure you will have a great time studying for an MBA in the bustling city of urban Tokyo.
Check out this article to see more information on MBA programs in Tokyo and Japan.