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Hosei University is well known for its excellent reputation and is in high demand within Japan. Over 500,000 alumni are very active in various fields around the world, building a strong alumni network. IIST alumni also lead fulfilling lives with a wide variety of choices after completing their studies, finding a job in their home countries or in Japan, or continuing their research in a doctoral course after their master’s degree.

Go on to a doctoral course

If you want to pursue a PhD at IIST after your master’s degree, you need to take and pass the entrance examination for the doctoral program in the second year of your master’s program. By using the intramural recommendation entrance examination, you can skip the submission of English score from the required submission documents. If you consider to enter the doctoral program, consult with your supervisor as soon as possible.

Sample Schedule

Refer to the admissions guidelines for previous years.

Find a job in Japan

Japanese Language Study

In order to find a job in Japan, even if the company use English as its formal language, a certain level of Japanese language ability is generally required, and international students who can speak Japanese have a huge advantage in finding a job. At least N2 level Japanese is supposed to be required. Hosei University provides a variety of support and environment to help students to improve their Japanese language skills during their studies.

Japanese Language Class (Optional)

Japanese language classes are offered as optional. Though the credits of these classes are not included in the requirements for completing the program, no additional fees will be charged to attend the classes. Students can take Japanese language classes during their studies at IIST according to their own Japanese language level.

Tutor

In order to support the education and research of international students enrolled in graduate schools, mainly senior students act as tutors and provide guidance to junior students not only on research but also other aspects of university life. If the tutors are Japanese students, they can actively communicate in Japanese language. Make the most of it.

Laboratory

All international students enrolled in graduate schools at Hosei University belong to a laboratory and take required seminar courses. There are many opportunities to interact with Japanese students to improve Japanese language skills on a daily basis.

Tutor Japanese Language Consultation Room

International students can receive necessary guidance, such as manuscript corrections and face-to-face instruction, on the Japanese language expression for assignments and papers.

International Exchange Events

Hosei University organizes various international exchange events. It is an opportunity to exchange information with Japanese students, to experience Japanese culture, and to improve your Japanese language skills.

Career Support Service

The remarkable success of our graduates is also due to our generous support system to help students find employment. And at Hosei University, support in English is also available. It is common that a certain level of Japanese language ability is required to find a job in Japan, and international students who can speak Japanese will have a huge advantage in finding a job. For those who are considering finding a job in Japan, make sure to cultivate a good Japanese language skills as well.

Individual Consultation

Hosei University has an English-language employment counseling service for English degree students. Students can receive advice in English on job hunting in Japan, mock interviews, and entry sheet preparation. To use this service, contact Graduate Schools Section.

School Recommendation System

We have several companies that use the school recommendation system. Using this system has the advantage of early selection and a shortened process. Japanese language skill is required to apply. Job applicants should consult with the Graduate schools section as soon as possible.

Job Hunting Guidance

After enrollment in September, there will be a Career Center Guidance for new students, providing information on rules and manners, schedules, and necessary preparations for job hunting in Japan.

Job Hunting Schedule

Sample Schedule of Master’s student

You need to start looking for a job around April, six months after enrollment. If you wish to find a job, try to be active as early as possible. Schedules vary by industry and company. Be sure to check the schedule by yourself.

Tips for Job Hunting

It is not easy for international students to find a job in Japan. Here are some tips to help you to find a job.

Take action as early as possible

Job hunting should start in the second half of the first year of the master’s program. If you decide to find a job in Japan, you need to start to gather information and proceed with necessary preparations. Be sure to take action as early as possible.

Active part-time jobs and circle activities

Japanese companies value your understanding of Japanese culture. Experience in interacting with Japanese people will be a weapon in your job hunting activities. Be active in circle activities and part-time jobs.

Active communication in the lab

The laboratory is a treasure trove of information. Once you have decided on employment or further study, be sure to communicate well with your supervisor. He/She will be able to give you the necessary advice to find a job or to continue higher education.

Gather Information

Be active in gathering information for finding a job. “Job Hunting Guide for International Students” supervised by JASSO is one of the good references.

Improve Japanese Language Proficiency

If you wish to find a job in Japan, most companies require a Japanese language proficiency of N2 or higher. You should brush up your Japanese language skills as early stage as possible.

Companies hiring foreign students

  • mazda
  • FANUC
  • Hitachi socialinovation Forum
  • ROHM
  • NTT data
  • Kubota
  • SHARP
  • Toyo Tec
  • KYOCERA … etc

Messages from Graduates

FAN Mingyang

Graduates of IIST Master’s Course, prospective employee of Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.

I have got the offer from Honda, Japanese automobile manufacturers. I chose Japan to start my career because I like the life here, everything is clean, everyone has good manner and the food here is close to Chinese food. For my job hunting, actually I planned it quite early, at the beginning of my study in Hosei. I followed the university’s job hunting guidance. I started from internships during my first summer break. Then, I started my true job hunting during the second winter break. For new IIST students who want to find a job in Japan, the first thing I want to say is Japanese language is the most important thing in job hunting. I advise you to start planning your job hunting as soon as possible, and to choose the big, international, Japanese company, since you will have more chance there. You might be refused at the beginning, at this time do not be depressed, just keep going, get experience and trust yourselves. The career center of Hosei is really good, they may help you a lot. Finally, I wish you enjoy your research and life in Hosei!

HE Keren

Doctoral student of IIST, completed IIST Master’s Course

After successfully completing my master’s degree at Hosei University, I am excited to continue my academic journey by pursuing a doctoral degree at this esteemed institution. My master’s studies have provided me with a strong foundation in video compression and image processing, and have ignited my passion for in-depth research. I am particularly drawn to the cutting-edge research opportunities and the guidance of the experienced faculty here. My career goal is to contribute to the video compression and image processing field through innovative research, and I believe that the doctoral program at Hosei University is the perfect platform to nurture my research skills and academic aspirations. I look forward to engaging in meaningful research projects and making a valuable contribution to the academic community.

Studying in Japan can bring many rewards, but it also comes with many challenges. My top tip is to take the time to learn Japanese well first. Even learning basic Japanese skills can be of great help in daily life. Additionally, building strong international student connections and seeking guidance from academic advisors is invaluable. Finally, in addition to your day-to-day academic studies, take the opportunity to explore Japan—travel and actively participate in local activities. Japan is a very beautiful country, and it is worth your time to get to know and experience it.

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