Japanese Degrees in the US: Evaluation and Equivalency Made Simple

When it comes to academic, professional, or immigration goals, accurately evaluating Japanese credentials is key to opening doors in the U.S. With Japan’s structured education system, degrees like the Gakushi (Bachelor’s) and Shushi (Master’s) often align seamlessly with U.S. standards. But translating this alignment can be tricky without expert guidance.

That’s where MotaWord steps in. We streamline the process of evaluating Japanese credentials, ensuring they meet U.S. requirements with precision. From Japanese law degrees to medical qualifications, our evaluations cut through the complexities and provide clear, compliant results. With MotaWord, navigating Japan’s educational landscape becomes fast, accurate, and straightforward, helping you unlock academic and professional opportunities in the U.S. effortlessly.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the details of Japan’s education system and compare its credentials to U.S. standards. We’ll explore key degrees such as the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as professional qualifications in law, medicine, and dentistry. You’ll also learn about the common challenges in evaluating Japanese credentials and how MotaWord’s expert services address these issues. Whether you're navigating the complexities of education, employment, or immigration, we’ll show you how to ensure smooth transitions with accurate and reliable evaluations.

Overview of Japan’s Education System

Japan’s education system is widely recognized for its structured approach and high academic standards, following a 6-3-3-4 system. This structure consists of six years of primary school, three years of junior high school, three years of senior high school, and four years of university. It is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in general education through the K-12 levels, followed by specialized training in higher education.

Primary Education

Primary education in Japan spans six years and is compulsory for all children. The focus is on developing foundational skills in subjects such as Japanese language, mathematics, science, social studies, and moral education. A strong emphasis is placed on cultivating discipline, teamwork, and respect for others. Extracurricular activities like sports and cultural clubs also play an essential role in helping students develop interpersonal skills and social responsibility.

Junior High School

Following primary school, students enter junior high school for three years, which is also compulsory. At this level, the focus shifts to building core academic competencies. Subjects include mathematics, science, Japanese, English, and history. In addition to core subjects, students can start to explore electives and participate in various extracurricular activities, allowing them to develop both academically and personally.

Senior High School

Although senior high school is not mandatory, the majority of students continue their education at this level. Senior high schools offer both general and specialized tracks. Students can choose an academic, vocational, or technical pathway based on their career goals. A significant part of senior high school education is preparing for the highly competitive university entrance exams, which determine access to higher education.

Higher Education

Japan's higher education system includes universities, junior colleges, and professional training colleges. Most bachelor’s programs are four years long, and these institutions offer a range of academic and professional development pathways. The system is diverse, offering options for students to pursue a broad range of fields, from the humanities and sciences to technical and vocational subjects.

Universities (Daigaku)

Universities are the cornerstone of higher education in Japan, offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Bachelor’s degrees typically require four years of study. After completing a bachelor’s degree, students can pursue a Master’s degree (Shushi), which generally requires two years of additional study. For those seeking further academic achievement, Doctorate degrees (Hakushi) take three to five years of study beyond the master’s degree.

Junior Colleges (Tanki Daigaku)

These institutions provide two to three-year programs, focused on practical and professional skills, particularly in fields like nursing, early childhood education, and home economics.

Professional Training Colleges (Senmon Gakkou)

These colleges offer specialized training in technical and vocational fields, such as information technology, fashion, culinary arts, and engineering. These institutions aim to provide students with direct skills applicable to the workforce.

Accreditation Bodies in Japan

In Japan, accreditation is governed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), which plays a pivotal role in overseeing the country’s educational institutions. MEXT ensures that universities, colleges, and other educational institutions meet the national standards for academic quality, curriculum, and institutional practices. It is responsible for the recognition and certification of universities and colleges that are authorized to award degrees.

Key Academic Credentials in Japan

Japan’s education system provides a well-structured path from primary school to higher education, with clear distinctions between different levels of academic credentials.

Primary and Secondary Education

At the secondary education level, students in Japan complete junior high school (three years) and senior high school (another three years). Upon successful completion of senior high school, students receive the Senior High School Diploma, which is comparable to the U.S. high school diploma. This diploma certifies that the student has completed the required academic curriculum and is eligible for university admission, subject to entrance exam results.

• Junior High School Certificate: While not typically issued separately, the completion of junior high school is marked by students continuing into senior high school or vocational education.
• Senior High School Diploma: Equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma, this credential signals the successful completion of secondary education and eligibility for higher education.

Higher Education Credentials

In Japan, higher education credentials are standardized as follows:

• Gakushi (Bachelor’s Degree): Typically awarded after four years of undergraduate study. However, for professional fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary science, it takes six years. This degree is similar to the U.S. bachelor’s degree, and students must complete coursework and a thesis or project in their field of study.
• Shushi (Master’s Degree): This degree typically requires an additional two years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. Master’s students engage in advanced coursework and research, building upon the foundation established in their undergraduate studies.
• Hakushi (Doctorate): Awarded after three to five years of study beyond the master’s degree. The focus is on original research, and candidates must produce a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to their field.

Junior College Diploma

The Junior College Diploma (Tanki Daigaku) is a unique credential in Japan, awarded after completing a two to three-year program at a junior college. What distinguishes this program is that it combines upper-secondary and post-secondary coursework, allowing students to continue their education while focusing on professional skills. The program is designed to offer a pathway for students who want to enter specialized fields, such as nursing, early childhood education, and home economics, and provides them with practical skills that are essential for the workforce.

This diploma is equivalent to both the completion of secondary school and an Associate's Degree in the U.S. and serves as a bridge for students who wish to enter the job market earlier than with a traditional bachelor's degree. However, students who wish to pursue further education can often transition into university programs to earn a full bachelor’s degree, making it a flexible option that blends both secondary and higher education elements.

Professional Degrees in Medicine and Dentistry

In Japan, professional degrees in medicine and dentistry are considered distinct and typically require a longer period of study than other bachelor’s programs. These degrees are specific to the professional fields of medicine and dentistry and differ from regular bachelor’s programs in their comprehensive, specialized curricula and longer duration.

• Medicine (Doctor of Medicine - MD): A professional degree in medicine requires six years of undergraduate study. Medical students must complete extensive coursework in the sciences, followed by clinical training in hospitals. Upon completion, they must pass the National Medical Examination to become licensed doctors in Japan.
• Dentistry (Doctor of Dental Surgery - DDS): Similarly, the professional degree in dentistry is awarded after six years of undergraduate study. The curriculum includes both theoretical coursework and practical training, culminating in the national examination to practice as a dentist.

Japanese Bachelor’s Degree in Law: First Professional Degree in Law Until 2004

The Japanese Bachelor's Degree in Law is awarded after completing a 4-year university program in law. Until 2004, this degree was considered the first professional law degree in Japan, qualifying holders to sit for the bar exam and pursue careers as licensed attorneys.​

Before 2004, the Bachelor's Degree in Law was equivalent to the first professional degree in law in the United States. It represented a level of education that granted access to the legal profession and allowed for further specialization or licensing as an attorney.​

However, in 2004, Japan reformed its legal education system, and the Juris Doctor (JD) degree replaced the Bachelor's Degree in Law as the first professional law degree. The Bachelor's Degree in Law then became equivalent to a general undergraduate degree in law, similar to a bachelor's degree in the United States. Despite this change, holders of the Bachelor’s Degree in Law were still eligible to sit for the bar exam until 2010.​

Starting in 2011, the JD became the only pathway to sit for the bar exam, with candidates holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Law eligible for advanced standing in JD programs. The shift to the JD marked a significant change in Japan's legal education system, aligning more closely with international legal education standards.​

Equivalency Determination for U.S. Standards

Japan’s educational credentials align with U.S. academic standards, and their equivalency can be determined based on the structure and content of the programs. Below is a detailed analysis of how Japan’s key academic credentials compare to U.S. standards.

High School Equivalency

The Senior High School Diploma in Japan is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. Completing senior high school in Japan requires three years of study, after which students are awarded a diploma that certifies their readiness for higher education. This diploma meets the academic requirements for university admission, just like the U.S. high school diploma.

Undergraduate Credentials

The Gakushi (Bachelor’s Degree) from Japan is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The Gakushi is awarded after completing four years of undergraduate study, which includes major-specific coursework as well as general education requirements. The structure and duration of the program, along with an emphasis on credit hour equivalency, align the Gakushi directly with a U.S. bachelor’s degree. This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for professional careers or further academic study.

Additionally, the Grand School Diploma (Daigakko Sotsugyo Shosho), awarded upon completion of four years of post-secondary education, represents a level of education comparable to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. This diploma is granted by institutions approved by ministries and agencies other than the Ministry of Education. The Grand School Diploma qualifies graduates for graduate studies, with a completion of a minimum of 120 semester units required for further academic advancement.

For those pursuing education-related careers, the 4-Year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Japan is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree in education. This degree is awarded after a four-year program of study and prepares graduates for teaching careers or further studies in the field of education. The B.Ed curriculum includes subject-specific coursework and practical teaching experience, ensuring the graduate is fully equipped for educational roles.

Graduate Credentials

The Shushi (Master’s Degree) from Japan is equivalent to a U.S. master’s degree. After completing a Gakushi (Bachelor’s Degree), students typically pursue two years of postgraduate study to earn the Shushi, which involves advanced coursework and research, preparing graduates for higher-level professional roles or further academic study. Similarly, the 2-Year Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Japan is awarded after two years of postgraduate study following a Gakushi and is equivalent to a U.S. Master of Education. This degree focuses on advanced topics in education and equips graduates for leadership roles in educational institutions or policy-making.

The Hakushi (Doctorate), earned after three to five years of study beyond the master’s degree, is equivalent to a U.S. Ph.D. This degree is focused on original research and requires the completion of a dissertation, marking the completion of the highest level of academic achievement, identical to the U.S. doctoral program.

Professional Degrees from Japan: U.S. Equivalencies

• The Bachelor’s Degree in Law (Before 2004): Until 2004, the Japanese Bachelor’s Degree in Law was considered the first professional law degree and was equivalent to a U.S. law degree, such as a Juris Doctor (JD). This degree qualifies graduates to sit for the bar exam and pursue careers as licensed attorneys in Japan. After 2004, this degree became equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in law.
• The Juris Doctor (JD): Since 2004, the Juris Doctor (JD) has become the first professional law degree in Japan. It is now considered equivalent to the U.S. JD, which is required to practice law. The JD in Japan is a graduate-level degree and prepares students for professional legal practice, aligning closely with U.S. legal education requirements.
• The Bachelor of Dentistry (BDS): The Bachelor of Dentistry in Japan is typically a six-year program, but in some cases, it can be a two-year program following a four-year bachelor’s degree. This professional degree is considered equivalent to a U.S. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). It qualifies graduates to practice as dentists in Japan and is recognized as equivalent to the U.S. dental degree.
• The Bachelor of Medicine: The Bachelor of Medicine in Japan is awarded after completing a six-year program and is equivalent to the U.S. Doctor of Medicine (MD). This degree prepares graduates for medical practice and requires postgraduate training for full licensure as a physician, similar to the U.S. MD.
• The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM): The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine in Japan is typically a six-year program, but in some cases, it may also be obtained after completing a two-year program following a four-year bachelor’s degree. This degree qualifies graduates to practice as veterinarians in Japan and is recognized as equivalent to the U.S. veterinary degree.
• The Doctor of Medical Sciences, Doctor of Dental Sciences, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: These degrees are awarded upon completion of at least four years of study beyond the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Dentistry, or Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine. They are considered a terminal academic degree and represent the attainment of a level of education comparable to a professional degree in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine in the United States. These degrees prepare graduates for advanced clinical roles, specialized research, and academic positions in their respective fields. The Doctor of Medical Sciences is equivalent to a U.S. Doctor of Medicine (MD), the Doctor of Dental Sciences is equivalent to a U.S. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is equivalent to a U.S. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

Japan’s educational system produces credentials that are fully aligned with U.S. standards, ensuring that graduates can pursue academic and professional opportunities both domestically and internationally.

How MotaWord Supports Japanese Credential Evaluation

MotaWord offers comprehensive and reliable Japanese credential evaluation services, backed by a team of experts with extensive experience in assessing academic credentials from Japan. Our credential evaluation specialists collaborate to ensure that all documents are accurately evaluated, meeting international standards.

• Streamlined Process: Leveraging MotaWord’s expertise in evaluating Japanese credentials simplifies the process. We follow a detailed, step-by-step procedure for assessing academic records, including verifying transcripts, diplomas, and accreditation. Our streamlined approach helps expedite academic credential evaluations, translation, and alignment with U.S. standards, saving time and effort in complex immigration, employment, and educational cases.
• Enhanced Credibility: MotaWord’s credential evaluation services ensure that all evaluations are accurate, professional, and compliant with U.S. regulations. By using MotaWord, clients can present documents that have been expertly assessed and translated, enhancing the credibility of the evaluation and fostering confidence with immigration authorities, academic institutions, and employers.
• Legal Compliance and Accuracy: MotaWord ensures that all evaluations comply with USCIS requirements and U.S. academic standards. We provide precise alignment of foreign academic qualifications, helping immigration attorneys navigate complex regulations. This safeguards against potential issues, ensuring that all evaluations are accurate, consistent, and legally compliant.

Our dedicated client support team is available to guide you through every step, from document submission to understanding the results. We ensure a smooth transition for your academic or professional goals, helping you navigate the complexities of credential evaluation with ease and confidence.

MotaWord Helps You Integrate Japanese Academic Qualifications Into the U.S. System

Accurate credential evaluation is essential for seamlessly integrating Japanese academic qualifications into the U.S. system, whether for academic, professional, or immigration purposes. MotaWord simplifies this process, ensuring that Japanese degrees and qualifications are evaluated with precision and in compliance with U.S. standards. Our expertise bridges the gap between Japan’s educational system and U.S. expectations, providing reliable and trusted evaluations. Start your evaluation today at motaword.com/quote/evaluation to unlock academic and professional opportunities in the U.S.

Mark Rogers - Head of Evaluation Services at MotaWord

Mark is a credentials evaluator expert with over five years of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated a keen attention to detail and a thorough understanding of international education systems, contributing to his reputation as a trusted authority in the field of credentials evaluation.