- Japan plans to launch 5 year bachelor’s-master’s programs by 2026.
- The move aims to increase graduate enrollment and address workforce shortages.
- The education ministry hopes to improve global competitiveness and attract international students.
Japan is set to reform its higher education system by introducing integrated five year bachelor’s-master’s programs starting as early as the 2026 academic year. The education ministry recently presented the proposal at a Central Council for Education subcommittee, marking a major shift aimed at increasing graduate school enrollment and addressing the country’s shrinking, aging workforce.
Under the current system, students complete a 4 year undergraduate and 2 year master’s program. The proposed structure will allow students to complete a master’s degree in just one additional year and begin graduate level coursework while still in their undergraduate studies. This change is designed to produce more specialists in a shorter time and ease pressure on universities facing declining student numbers.
Though accelerated programs already exist at a few institutions like Keio and Hitotsubashi universities, this nationwide rollout is expected to formalize the 5 year path across the country. The University of Tokyo is also set to launch a similar 4+1 program at its upcoming College of Design in 2027.
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In 2024, only 12.6% of Japanese undergraduates advanced to graduate studies much lower than in many Western countries. The disparity is even more evident in humanities and social sciences, where less than 5% pursue further education.
Officials have cautioned that quality must not suffer due to the accelerated pace, especially with research output. Experts also stress the need for employers to value master's degrees more clearly, so students see long term benefits in continuing their education.
