In the bustling landscape of education and healthcare, Japan stands out as a country renowned for its technological advancements, cultural heritage, and educational excellence.
When it comes to nursing schools, Japan offers a plethora of options that combine cutting-edge medical training with a deep-rooted respect for tradition and patient care.
In this comprehensive guide, we will help you find some top-notch nursing schools in Japan, and whether you’re an aspiring nurse looking to embark on a fulfilling career path or seeking to expand your horizons as a healthcare professional, these distinguished institutions are bound to pave the way.
Why should you study nursing in Japan?
Studying nursing in Japan offers a unique blend of advanced education, cultural sensitivity, and innovation. With cutting-edge curriculum, global perspectives, and a patient-centered focus, Japanese nursing schools prepare graduates for diverse healthcare settings.
Practical training, diverse specializations, and abundant career opportunities further enhance the experience. Moreover, the chance to learn the Japanese language and immerse in the country’s culture adds a valuable dimension.
Overall, studying nursing in Japan is a holistic and enriching choice for aspiring healthcare professionals.
What are the best Nursing Schools in Japan?
Make your selections from any of these schools listed here, We have included their contact details so you can reach out to them individually and start your application process.
1. University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo (東京大学) is a pillar of excellence in Japanese nursing education. Renowned as a prestigious public research university, it not only offers nursing degrees but also holds the distinguished title of Asia’s top-ranked university in major international rankings.
With 10 faculties and around 30,000 students, the university cultivates learning across five campuses: Hongō, Komaba, Kashiwa, Shirokane, and Nakano. Its rich history traces back to a founding by Imperial ordinance on November 4, 1877, marking it as one of Japan’s oldest nursing colleges.
The University of Tokyo’s approach combines academic innovation, hands-on training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This unique blend equips nursing graduates to excel in a dynamic healthcare landscape, solidifying its place as a premier nursing school in Japan and a beacon of excellence for aspiring healthcare professionals.
2. Health Science University
Health Science University stands out for its comprehensive offering of nursing courses, including an M.S.N. program tailored for foreign students. For those driven by research pursuits, the university presents an English-language Ph.D. program, inviting all students with a penchant for advanced degrees.
What sets HSU apart is its inclusive approach. Unlike many institutions, HSU doesn’t mandate prior undergraduate Japanese language coursework. Instead, it values English proficiency through a language test. Furthermore, aspiring students are encouraged to have a foundation in nursing courses before seeking admission.
This progressive approach, along with its diverse array of programs, cements Health Science University’s reputation as one of Japan’s premier nursing schools.
3. Kyoto University
Kyoto University stands out as a premier institution for nursing education in Japan, welcoming both domestic and international students to its esteemed nursing programs.
Renowned as one of the leading educational institutions in Japan, a nursing degree earned from Kyoto University commands exceptional regard from potential employers.
The university boasts an array of 17 distinctive bachelor’s programs, each offering a diverse range of specializations such as:
- Nursing Practice
- Medical care
- Gerontology
- Clinical knowledge
The comprehensive four-year curriculum for a bachelor’s degree ensures a thorough education, while an accelerated three-year program option is also available for those seeking an expedited path to their degree.
4. 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.
5. University of Tsukuba
Situated just north of Tokyo, the University of Tsukuba is arguably one of the best nursing schools in Japan offering an array of avenues for students to specialize in their nursing degrees.
Furthermore, the University of Tsukuba shines as a top destination for international students pursuing nursing education. It takes pride in its state-of-the-art facilities which are among the most advanced in the country.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the university’s laboratories provide students a competitive edge as they transition into their clinical rotations, enhancing their practical skills and knowledge
6. Tokyo Medical and Dental University
TMDU presents inclusive nursing programs catering to both native Japanese speakers and those from around the world. The university extends its arms to both undergraduate (4-year) and graduate (2-3 years) students, accommodating diverse educational paths.
Enhancing its stature, TMDU boasts an innovative R&D hospital housing interdisciplinary departments, providing students with a comprehensive perspective to approach nursing education from all dimensions.
TMDU holds a prestigious position as a globally recognized research institution within the top 100, and maintains a consistent reputation as one of Japan’s foremost nursing colleges, especially for international students.
7. Keio University
Keio University is dedicated to upholding academic distinction and continuous research with real-world significance.
Recognized as one of the best nursing schools in Japan, Keio University adopts a comprehensive educational methodology, empowering students to explore their passions through a wide array of course selections.
Spanning four campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama, Keio’s primary academic hub resides in Hiyoshi-cho, Shibuya-ku, embodying its commitment to excellence in education and research.
8. 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.
9. Nagoya University
Nagoya University stands out as a premier choice for international students seeking nursing education in Japan.
International students have the option to join English-language programs at Nagoya University or other Japanese academic institutions.
Since 2012, nursing has emerged as one of the most sought-after majors at Nagoya University, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier nursing school in Japan.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Chiba University
Chiba University is a public university located in Chiba and one of the nursing colleges in Japan.
It is one of 10 national universities incorporated by the Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) and one of three national universities located in the Greater Tokyo Area.
The university was established in 1949 and was first named Chiba Prefectural Medical College.
13. 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!
14. Teikyo University
Amid Tokyo’s array of universities, Teikyo University often remains unnoticed by potential international students yet it holds a distinct position as one of the esteemed institutions offering nursing degrees in Japan.
Situated on an expansive campus, it boasts convenient access to both Tokyo’s vibrant downtown and an abundance of public transportation options.
Unsurprisingly, Teikyo has earned its place as one of Japan’s finest nursing schools, and its nursing program is a standout. Spanning just three years, it stands as one of the most expedient pathways to a nursing degree, allowing students to achieve their educational goals swiftly.
A key strength lies in its mandatory 800 hours of clinical training, coupled with a requirement to achieve a minimum passing score of 75% on all assessments prior to graduation.
15. Kitasato University
Since its founding as a public university in 1901, Kitasato University has produced many alumni who have contributed to nursing education and research around the world.
Kitasato University is also one of the best nursing schools in Japan for military students with a curriculum that includes:
- Nursing theory
- Human biology and pathology
Additionally, as one of the top nursing schools in Japan, the school offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Kobe University
Kobe University is one of the private institutions that are allowed to grant bachelor’s degrees in nursing, medicine, and surgery. The institution is also among only two universities with a formal relationship to an American research university.
20. Juntendo University
Juntendo University is considered one of the 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 bachelor’s programs and master’s programs through 10 different faculties covering 87 areas of study.
21. 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, and upon graduating, students are eligible to sit for both national and international exams.
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