phd in japanese

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How to Say PhD in Japanese: Formal and Informal Ways, Tips, and Examples

If you’re wondering how to say “PhD” in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this academic degree in Japanese. Additionally, we’ll provide you with regional variations if necessary, along with plenty of tips and examples to help you grasp the nuances. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. Formal Ways to Say PhD in Japanese

In formal contexts, such as academic or professional settings, it’s important to use the appropriate terminology to convey the significance of a PhD degree. Here are a few formal expressions:

“博士” (はくし) – This is the most common and widely accepted translation for “PhD” in Japanese. It is used to refer to both the degree itself and someone who holds the degree. For example, you can say: “彼（かれ）は博士です” (He is a PhD holder.) “彼女（かのじょ）は博士号（ごう）を持（も）っています” (She has a PhD degree.)

Note: The formal way of referring to a PhD can also vary depending on the specific field of study. For instance, in the medical field, you might use “医学博士” (いがくはくし) to specifically denote a doctorate in medicine.

2. Informal Ways to Say PhD in Japanese

In informal situations, when conversing with friends or in casual contexts, you may come across different expressions people use to refer to a PhD. Here are a few examples:

“博士号” (はくしごう) – This term is often used less formally to refer to a PhD degree. For instance: “彼（かれ）は博士号（はくしごう）を取（と）ったんだよ” (He got his PhD degree.)

Remember that informality can vary depending on the context and the relationship between the speakers. When in doubt, it’s always safer to use the formal expressions.

3. Regional Variations

In general, the formal and informal expressions mentioned above are commonly used throughout Japan. However, there may be some regional variations in certain areas or dialects. It’s worth noting these variations:

• 関西弁 (Kansai Dialect): In the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto, people may use the term “博土” (はくど) instead of “博士” (はくし).
• 東北方言 (Tohoku Dialect): In parts of the Tohoku region, including cities like Sendai, the word “博士” (はくし) may be pronounced as “ぱっし.” This variation can also be accompanied by other dialectal changes.

While these regional variations exist, they aren’t as widespread or commonly used as the standard expressions mentioned earlier.

4. Tips and Additional Examples

Now, let’s dive into some useful tips and additional examples to help you further understand how to say “PhD” in Japanese:

Tip 1: If you’re unsure about the formality level of a situation, it’s always better to lean towards the more polite and formal expressions to show respect.

Tip 2: When addressing someone with a PhD, it’s common to include the honorific prefix “先生” (せんせい), meaning “teacher” or “professor.” For instance:

“山田（やまだ）先生は医学博士ですか？” (Is Dr. Yamada a PhD holder in medicine?)

Tip 3: If you want to emphasize the study area or field of someone’s PhD, you can mention it alongside the formal expressions. For example:

“彼（かれ）は心理学の博士号（はくしごう）を持（も）っています” (He has a PhD degree in psychology.)

Tip 4: In informal contexts, you can drop the “です” (desu) or “ます” (masu) endings for a more relaxed tone. For instance:

“彼（かれ）は博士（はくし）なんだ” (He’s a PhD holder.)

Tip 5: If you want to refer to someone as a PhD holder without explicitly mentioning their name, you can use generic pronouns like “彼” (かれ) for males or “彼女” (かのじょ) for females.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to say “PhD” in Japanese, both formally and informally. Remember to use “博士” (はくし) or “博士号” (はくしごう) in formal and semi-formal settings, while being mindful of potential regional variations. Utilize tips such as using honorifics or mentioning the field of study to demonstrate cultural understanding. Now you’re ready to impress others with your knowledge of Japanese academic terminology!

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Yvonne Gail

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Japanese Ph.D. Program

Specialization in linguistics.

[Note: Students interested in pursuing the PhD with a specialization in Japanese linguistics can apply for our  MA in Japanese linguistics (if they do not yet have a related MA degree), and, for the PhD, our PhD program in Asian Languages and Cultures , where they can specialize in Japanese linguistics.]

SPECIALIZATION IN LITERATURE AND CULTURE

I. admission.

Application to the Ph.D. program is recommended for those students who have already earned an M.A. in this field or are in the process of earning one. 

Students already enrolled in this department's M.A. program must submit a Petition to Proceed in order to be admitted to the Ph.D. program. See  department policy 2.5 and consult the Academic Counselor for more information.

II. Course Requirements

In addition to the minimum of 45 credits or its equivalent required for the master's program, the Ph.D. student must take at least 50 credits of course work at the graduate level, 20 of which must be at the 500 level.

The following courses and dissertation credits are required:

• Modern Japanese: JAPAN 431, 432, 433 (may be bypassed with previous training, if approved)
• Classical Japanese and kambun : JAPAN 471, 472, 505 (may be bypassed with previous training, if approved)
• 10 credits in classical Japanese literature & culture (JAPAN 571, 572, or 573)
• 10 credits in modern Japanese literature & culture (JAPAN 531, 532, or 533)
• ASIAN 800 Doctoral Dissertation (27 credits)

Additional course work may be required. Each student develops his or her individualized program of study in consultation with his or her faculty adviser.

III. Language Requirement

In addition to English and Japanese, the student must demonstrate proficiency in a third language related to his or her course of study.  Proficiency must be demonstrated in this third language to the satisfaction of the adviser before the student may proceed to the General Examination.

Students pursue advanced studies in three distinct fields, each of which is supervised by a member of the graduate faculty. At least one of those fields must be classical Japanese literature and at least one must be modern Japanese literature. Each of these fields requires a substantial research paper. The third field, which may be pursued outside the department, will be selected in consultation with the adviser and its requirements will be determined by the supervising faculty member.

V. General Examination

After the above field requirements have been fulfilled and the third language requirement has been satisfied, the student must take and pass an oral General Examination for admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree. The examination is administered by the Doctoral Supervisory Committee.

VI. Dissertation and Final Examination

After achieving Doctoral Candidate (Ph.C.) status, the student engages in research and the writing of the dissertation under the direction of his or her Doctoral Supervisory Committee. When the Doctoral Supervisory Committee deems the student ready, a final examination will be conducted in which the dissertation is evaluated. When the final examination has been passed and the result has been approved by the Dean of the Graduate School, then the requirements are complete and the degree is granted.

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Ph.D. in Japanese Literature and Culture

The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students for a doctoral degree in Japanese literature and culture.

Students should consult the most up-to-date version of the degree plan on the  Stanford Bulletin  as well as the  EALC Graduate Handbook . Each student should meet with their faculty advisor at least once per quarter to discuss the degree requirements and their progress.

Admission to Candidacy

Candidacy is the most important University milestone on the way to the Ph.D. degree. Admission to candidacy rests both on the fulfillment of department requirements and on an assessment by department faculty that the student has the potential to successfully complete the Ph.D.

Following University policy ( GAP 4.6.1 ), students are expected to complete the candidacy requirements by Spring Quarter of the second year of graduate study.

Pre-Candidacy Requirements

Demonstrate proficiency in modern and classical Japanese by completing the following courses or demonstrating equivalent linguistic attainment by passing the appropriate certifying examinations.

• JAPANLNG 213 - Fourth-Year Japanese, Third Quarter (2-4 units)
• JAPAN 264 - Introduction to Premodern Japanese (3-5 units)
• JAPAN 265 - Readings in Premodern Japanese (2-5 units)
• EALC 201 - Proseminar in East Asian Humanities I: Skills and Methodologies (3 units)
• EALC 202 - Proseminar in East Asian Humanities II: Current Scholarship (1 unit)

Complete eight advisor-approved courses numbered above 200 from among the offerings of the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. At least four of these eight courses must be advanced seminars numbered above 300. At least one of these eight courses must deal with Japanese linguistics. For students focusing on modern literature, at least two of these eight courses must deal with premodern material. For students focusing on premodern literature, at least two of the eight courses must deal with modern material.

Complete two upper-division or graduate-level courses in two supporting fields for a total of four courses outside of Japanese literature or linguistics. Supporting fields, to be determined in consultation with the student’s primary advisor, may include Japanese anthropology, art, art history, history, philosophy, political science, religious studies, Chinese literature, Korean literature, comparative literature, etc.

All Doctoral students must complete an MA qualifying paper. An MA thesis is accepted instead of a qualifying paper for students initially admitted as EALC MA students. Students seeking an MA en route to the PhD must secure approval from the primary advisor and submit an MA thesis.

A graded MA qualifying paper or thesis must be submitted to the DGS and SSO with an accompanying note from the student’s primary advisor by week five of spring quarter of the second year of study for the annual review and candidacy decision.

During the quarter when students complete the MA qualifying paper or thesis (25-30 pages), they must enroll in  EALC 299 .

Teaching Requirement

• DLCL 301 - The Learning and Teaching of Second Languages (3 units)

Demonstrate pedagogical proficiency by serving as a teaching assistant for at least three quarters, starting no later than autumn quarter of the third year of graduate study. The department may approve exceptions to the timing of the language teaching requirement.

Post-Candidacy Requirements

Demonstrate proficiency in at least one supporting language to be chosen in consultation with the primary advisor according to the candidate’s specific research goals. Students concentrating on classical Japanese literature usually are expected to fulfill the supporting language requirement by completing  kanbun , JAPAN 265 - Readings in Premodern Japanese (2-5 units). For the supporting language, students must be proficient at the second-year level, at the minimum; a higher level of proficiency may be required depending on the advisor’s recommendation. Reading proficiency must be certified through a written examination or an appropriate amount of coursework to be determined on a case-by-case basis. When deemed necessary by the student’s advisor(s), working knowledge of an additional supporting language may also be required.

Pass a comprehensive qualifying examination that tests the candidate’s breadth and depth in the primary field of research and methodological competence in the relevant discipline before advancing to Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status.

Students should submit a dissertation prospectus before advancing to Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status. The prospectus should comprehensively describe the dissertation project and include sections on the project rationale, key research questions, contribution to the dissertation’s field, literature review, chapter-by-chapter description, a projected timeline, and bibliography.

Pass the University Oral Examination (dissertation defense). General regulations governing the oral examination are found in Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures ( GAP 4.7.1 ). The candidate is examined on questions related to the dissertation after acceptable parts have been completed in draft form.

Following university policy ( GAP 4.8.1 ), submit a dissertation demonstrating the ability to undertake original research based on primary and secondary materials in Japanese.

Japanese Literature and Culture Ph.D. students must complete a Qualifying Paper by week 5 of spring quarter of the second year as part of the Candidacy evaluation process. The Qualifying Paper should be 25-30 pages in length not including bibliography and must demonstrate the ability to develop and carry out an original research project using primary and secondary materials in Japanese. The Qualifying Paper can be an extension of a seminar paper, but its topic should be discussed with the student’s primary advisor prior to writing.

The Dissertation Prospectus Defense constitutes the first step toward faculty approval for the student’s proposed dissertation project and should be completed before the student begins to apply for external funding to conduct doctoral research in Japan – typically by Spring quarter of the third year, but sometimes in Spring or Summer quarter of the second year if the student’s research agenda is already well defined by that time. The defense is a two-hour oral exam conducted by the student’s dissertation reading committee (minimum of three faculty members, including the primary advisor). The prospectus, 12-15 pages not including bibliography, must be submitted to committee members at least two weeks prior to the defense.

The Comprehensive Exam is a two-hour oral exam on Japanese literature with three examiners. The reading list (maximum 150 titles) must be approved by them at least one quarter in advance. The list must include primary texts in Japanese literature as well as core texts in methodology; students may also add a subfield and a fourth examiner if deemed necessary by their primary advisor for their research and credentialing. To pass the exam students must demonstrate competency in literary history and critical issues for the field of Japanese literary studies, selected methodologies, and key issues in any subfield. The Comprehensive Exam must be completed by the end of the fourth year.

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• PhD Program in Japanese

The PhD in Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Colorado offers specializations in Chinese or Japanese with concentrations in literary and/or cultural studies of either the pre-modern or modern periods. The program consists of:

• course work
• a Comprehensive Examination consisting of a written and an oral component
• a doctoral dissertation
• an oral defense of the doctoral dissertation.

The following guidelines represent the PhD procedures specific to our department; they are not intended to replace or supersede the University of Colorado at Boulder Catalog nor any other official document issued by the Graduate School. See in particular the  Graduate School Rules .

Course Work

The PhD requires a minimum of 45 credit hours in graduate courses numbered 5000 or above in Japanese and may include a focus in a related field (such as History, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Sociology, Art History, Film Studies, etc.). Students who have completed an MA degree may be able to apply up to 21 hours toward this requirement.

The required 45 credit hours of coursework must be passed with a grade of B or better. If a student receives a grade of B- (or a lesser grade), the course in question will not count toward the total number of credits required to graduate. Upon receiving more than one B- (or lesser grade), a student will normally be dropped from the graduate program.  In order to ensure that special circumstances are taken into account, the department Graduate Committee will review each such case and recommend appropriate action to the department chair.

In addition to superior language skills in English as well as in the classical/literary and modern form of the language, a reading knowledge of one additional language is required (typically one additional Asian language or one European language), to be decided in consultation with the main advisor.

This ability may be determined by completing a college level intermediate course (typically fourth semester) in the language with a grade of B or better (either at CU or prior to arrival on campus); passing with the current minimum acceptable score an appropriate foreign language test; or passing a test of reading knowledge set by appropriate faculty.

New PhD students will select the courses they take during their first year of study in consultation with the Graduate Director of the program. By the end of their second semester, students are required to choose their major advisor, with whom they will plan their program of study thereafter. Normally this faculty member becomes the Chair of the Comprehensive Examination Committee as well as of the Dissertation Committee.

Comprehensive Examination

Before admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree, students must pass a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive exam will cover three fields—the chosen field of concentration and two related fields—to be decided in consultation with the student’s Comprehensive Examination Committee.  

The examination is conducted by an examining board appointed by the chair of the department and approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. The board shall consist of the major advisor and additional members as necessary to a minimum of five (one of whom must come from outside the department or from outside the program).

Working in consultation with the Chair (usually this will be the student’s major advisor) and other members of the Comprehensive Examination Committee, the student will formulate a dissertation topic and prepare a reading list of primary texts pertaining to that topic, and a further list of secondary materials composed of critical and theoretical texts intended to inform the student’s approach to the dissertation topic. The reading lists will be circulated to the Comprehensive Examination Committee two weeks before the written exam.

The examination itself consists of a take-home written exam in three fields (the chosen field of concentration and two related fields) followed by an oral examination lasting about 90 minutes that concentrates on the written exam, but may also address texts and topics on the reading lists that are not covered in the written exam.

For the written exam, the student will be given three groups of two or three questions in each field. Usually, the Chair of the Comprehensive Examination Committee will set questions in the student’s chosen field of concentration; the questions for the two related fields are each set by a committee member. The questions for each group will be emailed to the student by the Graduate Program Assistant or the Chair of the Comprehensive Examination Committee, usually in intervals of three weeks. Each time, the student will choose one question from the group and return the response to the committee members within two weeks. What form the response is going to take is decided by the Chair of the committee. Typically, the response will be a scholarly paper of 15 to 30 pages.

The oral examination will cover the student’s broad area of concentration. It takes place within two weeks after the third response is submitted. Students are expected to demonstrate familiarity with primary and secondary sources as well as related issues such as social and historical context, and current theoretical trends in the field. The Comprehensive Examination is only open to the members of the Examination Committee.

The student is responsible for notifying the Graduate Program Assistant of the date of the oral examination to reserve a room.  The Exam Form  should be submitted to the Graduate Program Assistant as soon as the date is confirmed.

Upon successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination, students should fill out the  Candidacy Application for an Advanced Degree .

Dissertation Hours

A minimum of 30 hours of doctoral dissertation credit with no more than 10 of these hours in any one semester are required. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 dissertation hours per semester after passing the comprehensive exam and extending through the semester in which they defend their dissertation.

Dissertation Director and Committee

Students form the Dissertation Committee in consultation with the major advisor. The committee consists of the Dissertation Director (usually this will be the student’s major advisor) and four other graduate faculty members (one of whom must come from outside the department or from outside the program).

Dissertation Prospectus

The dissertation prospectus will be submitted within a month after the Comprehensive Examination, to be followed by its defense a week later.

The dissertation prospectus should provide a clear written outline of the dissertation, including: the major theme or themes of the dissertation; a clearly expressed thesis or argument about the topic itself; an overview of relevant secondary literature; a chapter-by-chapter outline; a timeline for its completion; an extensive bibliography. Students are expected to demonstrate familiarity with their field, a thorough knowledge of primary and secondary sources, current trends in scholarship, and a clearly articulated sense of their contributions to the field. The prospectus should be roughly 4,000–5,000 words long, plus bibliography, and will be circulated to the Dissertation Committee; the Dissertation Committee will decide if a prospectus is acceptable. The prospectus defense will take place with the members of the Dissertation Committee. The defense lasts approximately an hour. If the prospectus is approved, the student begins to write the dissertation.

Dissertation

The PhD dissertation must be based upon original research and demonstrate mature scholarship and critical judgment as well as familiarity with the tools and methods of research. It should be a worthwhile contribution to knowledge in the student’s special field. The dissertation is written in close consultation with the Director and Dissertation Committee.

The dissertation must meet the format requirements of the Graduate School. Students should consult the University Catalog and confer with the Graduate School for specifications and deadlines.

Dissertation Defense

The dissertation defense—an oral examination and discussion lasting about 90 minutes—should take place in the spring semester of the fifth year. The student should schedule the defense before the start of the spring semester. Copies of the dissertation should be delivered to the committee members at least one month prior to the defense date.  The Exam Form  should be submitted to the Graduate Program Assistant as soon as the date is confirmed. A satisfactory vote from at least four committee members is required to pass the defense. The Final Examination is open to anyone who wishes to attend.

Typical Timeline

• Semester 1:   3 seminars
• Semester 2: 3 seminars
• Semester 3: 3 seminars
• Semester 4: 3 seminars
• Semester 5: 2 seminars; 5 hours of Dissertation Guidance; ​preparation of Comprehensive Exam
• Semester 6: 1 seminar; 5 hours of Dissertation Guidance; ​Comprehensive Exam; Submission of Dissertation Prospectus
• Semester 7: at least 5 hours of Dissertation Guidance
• Semester 8: at least 5 hours of Dissertation Guidance
• Semester 9: at least 5 hours of Dissertation Guidance
• Semester 10: at least 5 hours of Dissertation Guidance; Submission and Oral Defense of Dissertation
• MA Program in Japanese
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• Japanese, PhD

UW–Madison offers MA and PhD degrees in Japanese, specializing either in linguistics or in literature and culture. The program provides broad foundations and focused training in these two specialties, assuring that our graduates are amply prepared to teach and conduct research.

The linguistics specialty excels in areas such as functional linguistics, pragmatics, discourse/conversation analysis, sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, and language pedagogy.

The literature and culture specialty covers the classical Heian through contemporary Reiwa periods, offering a wide range of courses on fiction, poetry, drama, popular culture, visual culture, cinema, acoustic culture, and cutting-edge cross-media and avant-garde topics, particularly manga and anime.

The Japanese Program is housed in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures (ALC), along with the Chinese Program and the Asian Languages and Cultures Program. As such, students will have opportunities to interact with all faculty, staff, and graduate students affiliated with the department to examine their area of specialty in broader regional and disciplinary contexts.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Prior to submitting application and materials, applicants should carefully review the information regarding the program of interest and the  faculty’s expertise  to determine the fit between their interest and the program. To this extent, prospective applicants may contact a specific faculty to discuss their research interest prior to submitting applications.

Applicants should also review the  Graduate School's admission process and Graduate School's minimum requirements .

Applicants must upload an academic writing sample or MA thesis to their application. You may submit a seminar paper, thesis chapter, or journal article. This paper should be in English, and may either be published or unpublished.

For more information on application materials, refer to the application and admissions information page.

In order to be considered for fellowships, project assistantships, and teaching assistantships , all application materials must be in by the fall deadline .

If you do not need any funding support, you may submit applications by April 15.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Graduate Student Costs

For tuition and living costs, please view the Cost of Attendance page .  International applicants recommended for admission to the Graduate School are required to show sufficient funds to attend the University during the course of studies (tuition, food and housing, incidentals and health insurance) to be officially accepted by the Graduate School.

Department Resources

The Department of Asian Languages and Cultures offers financial assistance in the forms of fellowships, teaching assistantships (TAships), and project assistantships (PAships). Please make note of the deadline of January 10 for financial assistance consideration . All necessary materials including test scores must be submitted by the deadline.

If you are an international applicant and receive a fellowship, PAship or TAship, please make note that you will likely be required to show additional financial documentation to meet the minimum required for your official acceptance to the Graduate School.

Other Awards & Fellowships

• F o r e i g n Language & Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships: FLAS fellowships are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the UW's National Resource Centers to assist students in acquiring foreign language and either area or international studies competencies. FLAS awards are only available for specific languages and are contingent on federal funding.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Applications by students in professional fields are encouraged. Preference will be given to applicants with a high level of academic ability and with previous language training.

Academic Year and Summer FLAS awards are two separate competitions requiring two separate and complete applications.

Complete details about FLAS at UW-Madison are available on the FLAS FAQs (your first stop) and the FLAS Languages & Coordinators pages (should you have additional questions).

• Adv a n ce d Opportunity Fellowship (AOF): This fellowship is awarded to highly qualified underrepresented students. To be considered for AOF funding, prospective students must be new to the Graduate School and be admissible to a graduate program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For further information: https://grad.wisc.edu/diversity/ .
• Project Assistantships. Availability of PAship varies from one year to another, depending on the types of projects the departmental faculty are engaged in. PAs assist faculty members’ research projects and/or respond to some programmatic needs of the department and other campus units.
• T e a c hin g Assistantships. Availability and types of TAship vary from one year to another, depending on the department’s curricular needs and student enrollment. TAs will support a number of our language and culture courses, typically team-teaching with faculty members. If you are interested in being a teaching assistant in our language programs, you must submit the TA application and necessary materials (1-2 page written autobiography that refers to your prior teaching experience, letter of recommendation that speaks to your teaching experience, video recording of your teaching, if available) through the Graduate School application system by January 10 .
• Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) Awards Office:  IRIS manages its own funding opportunities (Scott Kloeck-Jenson Fellowships, IRIS Graduate Fieldwork Awards, Incubator Grants), coordinates the campus component of a number of external programs (Boren Fellowships, Fulbright US Student Program, Fulbright-Hays DDRA, Luce Scholars Program), assists students, faculty, and staff in exploring funding options, and much more. Visit:  https://iris.wisc.edu/funding/  for more information on awards. Contact Mark Lilleleht, Assistant Director for Awards, with questions at  [email protected]  & 608-265-6070.
• Other Forms of Financial Aid: Loans and some on-campus job openings are handled through the Office of Student Financial Aid . Please contact them to obtain more information.
• Students may also obtain information from the Grants Information Center in the Memorial Library, Room 262, 728 State St., Madison, WI 53706. Phone 608-262-3242.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Mode of Instruction

Mode of instruction definitions.

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

Curricular Requirements

Required courses, linguistics pathway 1.

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

It is recommended that students take a research methods course.

Literature Pathway 1

Graduate school policies.

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.

With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 9 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison

With program approval, no more than 7 credits of graduate coursework (as defined above) completed while a UW–Madison undergraduate may transfer to satisfy degree requirements. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)

Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.

Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW–Madison

With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 9 credits of graduate coursework (as defined above) taken as a UW–Madison Special student. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

A semester GPA below 3.5 will result in the student being placed on academic probation. If a semester GPA of 3.5 is not attained during the subsequent semester of full-time enrollment, the student may be dismissed from the program or allowed to continue for 1 additional semester based on advisor appeal to the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee. A student on probation may not take the preliminary examination.

Advisor / Committee

Starting fall 2018, all students are required to be supervised by co-advisors. One of the co-advisors must be a member of the Japanese Program, but the other co-advisor can be identified from related fields outside of the Japanese Program.

At the point of beginning work on the dissertation, a single dissertation advisor (most likely one of the co-advisors) may be chosen, or the co-advising arrangement may continue for the dissertation as well.

Dissertation committees must have at least four members representing more than one graduate program, three of whom must be UW–Madison graduate faculty or former UW–Madison graduate faculty up to one year after resignation or retirement. At least one of the four members must be from outside of the student’s major program or major field (often from the minor field).

Credits Per Term Allowed

Time limits.

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS)  (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

Students should contact the department chair or program director with questions about grievances. They may also contact the L&S Academic Divisional Associate Deans, the L&S Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning Administration, or the L&S Director of Human Resources.

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Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

Program Resources

Throughout the academic year, professional development trainings, workshops, and graduate student-organized activities take place. The Director of Graduate Studies is eager to hear from students about what interests they have for such events. 

Graduate School Office of Professional Development

The Graduate School Office of Professional Development (OPD) coordinates, develops, and promotes learning opportunities to foster the academic, professional, and life skills of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers and scholars.

Professional development topics include  Individual Development Plans , communication, mentoring, grant writing, dissertation writing, career exploration, job search strategies, and more. OPD collaborates with the Writing Center, Libraries, DoIT Software Training for Students, Delta, career centers, and others to provide a wealth of resources and events tailored to the needs of UW–Madison graduate students.

The office developed and maintains  DiscoverPD , an innovative tool for UW–Madison graduate students to advance their academic and professional goals. DiscoverPD introduces nine areas (or "facets") of professional development, includes a self-assessment, and provides a customized report of areas of strength and weakness. The report comes with recommendations to help graduate students strengthen their ability within each area.

More information on campus resources for student professional development is available at  Graduate Student Professional Development . Students may keep up-to-date by reading  GradConnections , the weekly newsletter for graduate students, and bookmarking the  Events Calendar  to keep tabs on upcoming workshops of interest.

• Learning Outcomes
• Demonstrate a thorough and in-depth understanding of research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, or practice in at least one of the following areas of study: Japanese literature and culture, Japanese linguistics, and Transasian studies.
• Formulate ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge within the specialized field(s).
• Create scholarship and advance knowledge that makes a substantive contribution to the field(s).
• Articulate and communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner to both specialized and general audience.
• Recognize, apply, and foster ethical and professional conduct.

Please visit the  Asian Languages & Cultures website  for a complete list of faculty, instructional, and academic staff.

• Requirements

Contact Information

Asian Languages & Cultures, Graduate Program https://alc.wisc.edu/graduate-programs/

Tiange Wang, Graduate Program Coordinator [email protected]

Tyrell Haberkorn, Director of Graduate Studies [email protected]

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

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Guide to Studying PhD in Japan for International Students

Want to study for a PhD in Japan but not sure where to start? This article introduces all you need to know about PhD in Japan, from what programs are like, admission requirements, and what English PhD programs in Japan there are. 

First Published: 2021-05-17 Updated: 2024-05-31

Table of Contents

Why should you study for a PhD in Japan?

• Program Types, Durations, and Admission Requirements

PhD in Japan for International Students

Phd programs in japan in english, what is the applicable visa to study in japan, what is the cost to study for a phd in japan, are there scholarships for phds in japan.

Japanese graduate schools are called 大学院 (Daigakuin) . They consists of Master’s courses, 修士 (Shuushi Katei), to obtain a Master’s Degree, “修士号 (Shuushigo)” and PhD courses, 博士課程 (Hakushi Katei) to obtain a PhD, 博士号 (Hakushigo) . 

In this article, we will focus on PhD Programs in Japan, what they are like, and what English PhD programs are there for international students. A person who has graduated from a PhD course is called 先生 (Sensei) or 博士 (Hakase) - Dr. in Japan. 

The reasons for why you should study for a PhD in Japan are pretty much the same reasons for choosing Japan to study abroad , whether it’s for undergraduate studies, Japanese language studies, or graduate school studies. The reasons include:

• World-Ranked Universities in Japan like University of Tokyo and Kyoto University and Nagoya University that rank among the Top 100 globally.
• Japanese universities excel at research and technology. Many universities are research-intensive which makes for a great study environment, especially for post-graduate education and post-doc. 
• There are Japanese graduate schools offering English PhD programs. Many universities offer Japanese classes (in many cases mandatory, but higher levels optional) to help international students integrate into life in Japan. 
• Scholarships for international students, including for PhD courses.
• Helpful if you are planning to continue working in Japan after completing your PhD. Also good for career prospects outside Japan.
• Endless opportunities to expose yourself to Japanese culture and tradition. There’s no better way to learn about Japan than being at the source. On weekends and holidays, take the chance to explore. 

Are you convinced to study for a PhD in Japan yet? From hereon, we will introduce in detail PhD programs in Japan. 

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What are phd programs in japan like .

The doctoral program, better known as PhD, is the highest level of education to exist. A PhD is an advanced degree earned in various fields after successfully completing a research thesis. An individual can generally opt to study for a PhD after completion of a Master’s program. 

In Japan, PhD is called 博士号 (Hakushigo) . PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy”, and graduates are bestowed the title of “Doctor (Dr.)”. In Japan, Doctor (Dr.) is called 博士 (Hakase), though most people go by 先生 (Sensei) . 

Program Types, Their Durations, and Admission Requirements

The duration of a PhD program depends on your choice of subject and research thesis. Typically, a PhD program takes around 5 years to complete for those who graduated from a 4 years long undergraduate program. Specialized fields like medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental have 6 years long Bachelor’s degree programs and no Master’s program, and therefore their PhD programs are 4 years long. 

In Japan, PhD programs are commonly split into 2 phases. Depending on their highest level of education (Master’s or Bachelor’s), students have an option of starting from the first phase or skipping to the second phase. 

First Phase is called First Half of a PhD Program (2 Years)

Called 博士前期課程 (Hakushi Zenki Katei) , the first phase’s curriculum includes studies to obtain a Master’s degree , which is a prerequisite requirement for most PhD programs. The first phase is a 2 Years long program.

According to JASSO , one of the following admission requirements must be satisfied to be eligible to join this program:

• Graduates from 4 Years long university program (Japanese university)
• Graduates with Bachelor’s degree from at least 3 Years long foreign university program; 5 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Graduates of Bachelor’s degree from the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education
• Graduates from National Defense Academy of Japan, Japan Coast Guard Academy, Meteorological College, or any ministry or agency established academy or college
• Graduates from international schools in Japan that are officially recognised as being equivalent to an overseas university
• Those who have completed specialized coursework at designated vocational schools
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in their home country; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in Japan via online curriculum offered by an overseas institution; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed studies at school under Japan’s old education system
• Those aged above 22 who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Second Phase is called Second Half of a PhD Program

Master’s degree holders can skip the first phase to join the second phase. Called 博士後期課程 (Hakushi Kouki Katei) , the second phase is typically 3 Years long , but 4 Years for medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental fields. 

• Graduates with a Master’s, professional degree, or equivalent foreign degree
• Graduates with a Master’s or professional degree from an overseas institution done via online curriculum while living in Japan
• Graduates with degrees equivalent to a Master’s or professional degree from international schools in Japan recognised as being equivalent to an overseas graduate school
• Graduates with Bachelor’s or equivalent degree who have completed minimum 2 Years research at university or research facility having the same academic prowess as a Master’s degree holder
• Those with a degree equivalent to a Master’s degree from United Nations University 
• Those aged 24 or above who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Most graduate school programs in Japan are taught entirely in Japanese. For international students seeking to join these programs, demonstration of a high level of Japanese proficiency, at least N1, is required. This is to ensure that you are able to understand the curriculum in order to complete the course. 

Fortunately, with the increasing number of international students in Japan, many universities have started internationalizing their programs with English-taught courses , including for PhD. There are programs taught mostly in English with supplementary Japanese, as well as programs taught completely in English. 

For English-taught PhD programs, students may be asked to demonstrate their English language proficiency with English proficiency certifications like IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC. This requirement may be exempt for individuals whose undergraduate or Master’s degree shows high mastery in English.

Different universities offer PhD programs in different fields of study, so you will need to do a thorough search to find one that matches your interest. JASSO’s Search for Schools tool is incredibly helpful for this. You can search for educational institutions that accept international students by degree (undergraduate, Master’s, PhD), school type (public, national, private), school location, field of study, medium of instruction, etc. 

To further help you, we have curated a list of 6 PhD programs in Japan which are popular, along with the names of universities offering these programs. 

Visa, Tuition Fees and Scholarships for PhD in Japan

The applicable status of residence for international students in Japan is 留学 (Ryuugaku), aka “Study Abroad”. 

Coming from Overseas

If you are coming from overseas to study for a PhD in Japan, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your university in order to obtain a Visa to enter the country. Upon entering Japan, you will be bestowed a status of residence and a residence card, which acts as your identity card.

Read more about Japan Visa, Status of Residence, and Residence Card here .

Existing Resident in Japan

If you are an existing resident in Japan, you will not need a Visa or a Certificate of Eligibility, which are required for first entry into Japan. 

If you are already an international student in Japan, and planning to advance your studies to Master’s or PhD, then you may need to apply for “Extension of Period of Stay”, which can be done easily online now. Learn how to do it step by step here .

If you are a resident in Japan, but on a different type of status of residence, say the most common “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” or some other type of work visa, then you will need to apply for a “Change of Status of Residence”. This can also be done online now with a My Number Card and IC card reader. 

In Japan, universities and graduate schools can be divided into 3 types of institutions - national, public and private. The admission and tuition fees for each type of institution is different with national schools having the lowest cost. 

In Japan, the first year’s cost for university and graduate schools is higher than the subsequent years. This is because applicants need to pay an admission fee in addition to the year’s tuition fee. 

The first year, aka admission year, cost for PhD that consists of that year’s tuition fee and an admission fee is:

• Approx. 820,000 Yen for National Institution
• Approx. 900,000 Yen for Public Institution
• Approx. 850,000 Yen (medical studies) or 1,100,000 Yen (non-medical studies for Private Institutions

Tuition fees will vary between universities so be sure to check the particulars when applying. 

【Helpful Reading】

• For differences between national, public and private universities in Japan.
• For the cost breakdown of studying abroad in Japan, including tuition fees and living costs.

Yes, there are scholarships for PhDs in Japan. According to JASSO , there are altogether 119 PhD program scholarships for international students for 2023 - 2024. Among the 119, 12 are available to apply before coming to Japan, and the remaining 107 can only be applied for after coming to Japan. 

Read more about Japanese scholarships and how to apply for them here . 

Education plays a crucial role in personal, social, and economic development. Achieving a PhD is sure to improve your confidence, greatly enhance your knowledge, and will make some higher level jobs available to you. After obtaining a PhD, many people choose to continue their research in universities or research centers as post-doc researchers. There are also many other consultation jobs available that requires your expertise. 

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Japan Studies (Graduate School of Global Studies Doctoral Program)

The Doctoral Program in Japan Studies encompasses systematic study of the Japanese language, Japanese language education, Japanese literature and culture, and Japanese history and society for comprehensive Japan research.

The program is directed at developing an objective perspective of Japan within a global context. Given the urgent need for human resources capable of conveying Japan to the world, this program is focused on training Japanese and foreign students who can meet this need. The degree acquired through this program is a Doctor of Philosophy.

The Doctoral Program in Japan Studies has one program.

Japan studies program.

This program trains students in the specialized knowledge needed for a broad and comprehensive understanding of Japan so that they can disseminate this knowledge to the world.

Classes: Japanese linguistics, Japanese language education theory, language education theory, Japanese literature and culture, Japanese historical sociology, Japanese politics and economics, Japan studies, etc.

Doctoral Program in Japan Studies

Students in this program will acquire:

• Specialized knowledge in fields related to Japan and the deep comprehensive understanding of the country required to speak of Japan within a global context. Foreign students in particular will acquire a high level of Japanese language ability and understanding of Japanese society.
• Deep and specialized knowledge of Japanese language, Japanese education, Japanese literature and culture, Japanese historical sociology, Japanese politics and economics, etc.
• The qualifications to become a highly skilled academic researcher at a university inside or outside Japan or professional teacher of Japanese language in an international institute of higher education or equivalent organization.

Theses：Doctoral Dissertation

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• Graduate Studies in A&S

PhD in Japanese Language and Literature Requirements

The PhD in Japanese Language and Literature at Washington University provides students with a solid foundation in all periods and forms of Japanese literature while requiring expertise in one’s research concentration.  Students select a complementary minor field in a second Asian literary tradition or another area of Japanese Studies as appropriate. Given present faculty strengths, students are encouraged to focus on Japanese literature of the twentieth century, while appreciating the strong “traditionalist” current that marks much of this literature.

I.  General Degree Requirements

The primary focus of this doctoral program will be the study of classical, pre-modern, and modern Japanese literature, with a secondary focus in an appropriate minor field, bolstered by relevant methodologies.  Doctoral students will be afforded a range of teaching experiences as part of their professional training, with extensive hands-on instruction in pedagogical methodology.  Some students may have the opportunity to teach in related programs outside the Department as well.  Toward the end of their program, students will conduct research in Japan.

PhD candidates:

1)  Complete 72 hours of graduate units, which may include up to 12 hours of dissertation research credit. Students who have completed their MA at Washington University may transfer up to 30 units; students coming with a similar MA from another American university may transfer up to 24 units.  Transfer credits for students from non-American universities are treated on a case-by-case basis.  The total will include:

• A maximum of 48 units from courses, comprised of seminars and advanced classes selected so as to yield a broad and deep familiarity with Japanese literary and cultural history and one’s area(s) of concentration.
• Of the 48 required units, the following distribution will apply:
• 9 units of required courses in literary and cultural theory, methodology, and pedagogy to be determined in consultation with advisor.  (May include CompLit 402 Introduction to Comparative Literature: Theory and Methods; Japan 537 Proseminar; Japan 573 Seminar in Japanese Language Teaching.) 
• 6 units must comprise Japan-related courses offered through other departments and programs.  Students will either concentrate on one discipline for their secondary area or take courses from several in order to broaden their expertise.
• 6 units must comprise courses in the literary and cultural traditions of China or Korea.

2)  Demonstrate native or near-native competence in both Japanese and English.

3)  If needed for research in the chosen area of specialization, achieve sufficient proficiency in one or more languages in addition to Japanese and English (normally French or German among the European languages, Chinese or Korean among Asian languages).

4)  Successfully complete the Qualifying and Comprehensive examinations. 

5)  Successfully complete a doctoral dissertation based on extensive research on a literary or cultural topic that produces new knowledge of publishable quality in the field of Japanese studies.  Normally dissertation research and writing is completed in the last two years of graduate study.

Examinations:

Qualifying Evaluation : toward the end of the first year of the PhD program, students submit a portfolio including all research papers written for classes taken in the first semester and work in progress for the second semester as determined in consultation with the advisor and advisory committee.  Students subsequently meet with the committee to discuss the contents of the portfolio and their progress in the program.  During the discussion, the student will also be asked to describe future research goals. The second element of this qualifying evaluation assesses students' progress in their primary languages. (This will be waived in the case of native speakers of Japanese.)

Comprehensive Examinations : Near the end of formal courses, normally at the end of the third year of full-time study, students complete three Comprehensive Examinations, preferably in a single semester, on: 1) Major field: premodern or modern/contemporary Japanese literature, 2) Minor field: premodern Japanese literature in the case of students whose major field in modern literature; modern and contemporary Japanese literature for those whose major field is premodern, and 3) A comparative and/or theoretical field relating to the candidate’s area of research specialization, defined in consultation with and approved by the advisory committee.  For guidance and preparation of their field exams, students will prepare a comprehensive bibliography.  Following successful completion of the three examinations, students will present their dissertation prospectus in a public forum before a panel of relevant faculty.

• In conjunction with the Comprehensive Examinations, and before the beginning of the fourth year, students must submit a Dissertation Prospectus for committee approval.

Implementation Plan for the Japanese Literature PhD Advanced level communication

In order to give our graduate students ample opportunity to experience advanced level communication, the faculty in the Japanese Literature PhD program will conduct the following:

1) require presentations in graduate-level seminars.

2) actively encourage participation (paper presentation, panel organization) in regional and national conferences, such as the Midwest Conference on Asian Affairs.  In addition, we encourage participation in annual graduate-student-organized conferences (Columbia University, University of Colorado-Boulder, etc.)  We also expect our students to participate yearly in the symposium sponsored by the Comparative Literature Program.

3) in preparation for these conferences we arrange for our students to give small-group readings of their work.

4) we develop symposia and seminars on campus, and expect our students to participate actively.  We arrange for them to have lunch or otherwise interact with the guest speakers.

5) in preparation for job interviews, we arrange for our students to conduct mock interviews and job talks.

6) following committee approval of the dissertation prospectus, we require students to offer a colloquium-style presentation of the dissertation project

Probation and Dismissal Policy

Refer to the EALC Probation and Dismissal Policy for details.

II. Selection of Candidates and Admissions Criteria

Applicants for this program will be expected to have advanced proficiency in modern Japanese and a demonstrated ability to write analytically and to think critically in English.  Applicants should have completed the MA degree in: a) Japanese literature or cultural studies, b) East Asian Studies with focus on Japanese literature/culture, or c) another relevant field.  Additionally applicants will be screened for their commitment to the study of Japanese literature and culture, and their interests in areas of research strength among our faculty (early modern, modern, and contemporary Japanese literature). The Japanese Graduate Committee, comprised of tenure-line Japanese literature faculty in East Asian Languages and Cultures, will choose candidates from among applicants for recommendation to the Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences.

III . Resources and Support

The Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences will provide the usual support in the form of A&S Fellowships.

Washington University has several special fellowship programs such as the Olin Fellowship for Women or the Chancellor's Graduate Fellowship Program for outstanding and diverse American students interested in careers as college or university professors. The McDonnell International Scholars Academy may also be an additional source of support for candidates in this program, given the strengths of the Academy’s connections with top-ranked Tokyo University.

IV. Language Study and Research Abroad 

The Department maintains ties with other institutions in this country and abroad where the students might carry out their advanced studies and research.  Exchange arrangements may be made with Tsukuba University near Tokyo, where students may apply for government-sponsored funding.  Faculty may also be able to assist students in making arrangements with Dôshisha University in Kyoto.