MBBS in Japan

Kochi Medical School 2025-26

Japan

Kochi Medical School has served as one of Japan’s pillars of medical education for more than four decades. It came into existence in 1976 as Kochi Medical University with the aim of nurturing top-class medical practitioners who are dedicated to the service of humankind.

About Kochi Medical School Nankoku

In 1998, the addition of the Nursing Course was another achievement in the expansion of healthcare education. Since then, the school has churned out thousands of doctors, nurses, public health nurses, and midwives who offer healthcare both domestically and internationally. Student enrollment was approximately 3,822 for the Medical Course and 1,421 in the Nursing Course by 2021.

Kochi Medical School Nankoku – Table of Contants

About
Advantages
Ranking
Departments And Course Duration
Facilities And Infrastructure
Fee Structure
Required Documents
Eligibility Criteria
Admission Process
Benefits
Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students
FAQ’s

Following the amalgamation with then Kochi University in 2003, the college became an independent administrative corporation in 2004 and was reorganized as Kochi Medical School, National University Corporation Kochi University.

Kochi Medical School maintains two deeply rooted original philosophies left behind by its forerunner: “Revere the Divine, Love Humanity” and “Pursue Truth.” Overall, the two principles encapsulate the essence of medical professionalism—consideration of the broader universe, relentless pursuit of truth, and deepest compassion for patients.

Kochi Medical School Nankoku Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions

The school aims to nurture individuals who have sincerity, empathy, and integrity and merge humanistic values with scientific precision. An ideal physician, as Kochi Medical School would have us envision, harmonizes the art of healing and the science of medicine, just as balance between body and soul is present in human life.

Medicine is simultaneously a science and an art. As William Osler aptly put it, “The practice of medicine is an art, based on science.” Kochi Medical School works towards fortifying these twin pillars—contemporary scientific medicine and empathetic clinical practice.

The university is devoted to delivering medical education and medical services based on the most modern scientific developments with a focus on empathy and ethical conduct. With ongoing innovation and clinical practice, the organization transforms issues it encounters in patient care into opportunities for research and innovation. This ongoing cycle of learning, research, and application ensures the ongoing growth of both medical science and patient care.

One of the prime factors in the excellence of research of the university is the Center for Innovative and Translational Medicine (CITM), which leads innovative activities in research and technology development. By uniting researchers with medical students, CITM promotes innovation and creativity in medical science. Students of theirs are engaged directly in hands-on research from the second to fourth year in cutting-edge labs.

This type of exposure allows them to be involved in creating new medical information rather than simply reproducing preconceived experiments. This type of exposure allows scientific curiosity and acquaints students with the principles behind clinical practice. Grads are welcomed back to the Graduate School for advanced study—such as the MD-PhD program, Master of Public Health (MPH), or studies in Innovative Medicine—to become even more proficient and design solutions to emerging medical problems.

Advantages of Studying in Kochi Medical School Nankoku

Exciting Research Possibilities

KMS fosters active research by a wide variety of departments and specialized programs.

Translational research: The Department of Medical Oncology, being relatively young, is highly active in clinical trials and translational research in order to bridge the gap between research and practice.

Interdisciplinary research projects: You can participate in collaborative studies with many internal and external groups, including projects regarding marine biological resources in collaboration with the “Ocean and Medicine Course” and the Center for Advanced Marine Core Research.

New students’ research: Undergraduate and relatively new graduate students are actively invited by the Department of Physiology to join its neurobiology research, as it recognizes the value of this opportunity.

Varied Graduate Programs

The graduate school has a range of specialized master’s and doctorate courses to further your medical knowledge and solve contemporary healthcare problems.

Public health: The Master of Public Health Course grants a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, similar to one given in the U.S., which equips medical professionals for public health positions in Japan and abroad.

Medical science: Medical Science Course educates non-medical graduates to become educators and researchers with specialized knowledge in medical science and complex social issues.

Innovative medicine: There are advanced courses in innovative areas like Medical Virtual Reality, Crisis Management Medicine, and Healthcare Innovation.

Strong Clinical and Community-Based Training

KMS focuses on training medical professionals to handle complex problems from diverse healthcare backgrounds.

Comprehensive training: The Family Medicine Training Program allows students to study the health of residents in their community and get exposed to different medical settings, from local clinics (primary care) to the hospital of the medical school (tertiary care).

Patient-centered approach: Departments like Laboratory Medicine focus on patient-centered research, incorporating a wide range of information to learn about a patient’s condition and improve data for their treatment.

Promoting community health: The university is very much engaged in the regional community. It has collaborative programs with neighboring communities and research of relevance to regional health.

State-of-the-art Medical Centers and Facilities

Students have access to the latest, well-equipped centers for both clinical education and research.

Kochi Medical School Hospital
Center for Medical Education Development
Center for Innovative and Translational Medicine
Center for Photodynamic Medicine

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Kochi Medical School Nankoku – Ranking

Kochi Medical School is also nationally reputed in Japan as a model for community-based medical education in its Family Medicine Training Program. The program emphasizes the understanding of health at different levels of care: primary (community clinics), secondary (regional hospitals), and tertiary (university hospitals).

Students gain experience in diverse health care settings, developing the flexibility to provide integrated medical services and function within regional and international health systems.

Celebrating over 40 years of excellence, Kochi Medical School has been marching onward toward greater sophistication and international prominence. The school remains dedicated to nurturing medical professionals who are scientifically oriented, ethically grounded, and capable of creating new treatments based on the most recent medical science.

In realizing its steadfast commitment to education, research, and public service, Kochi Medical School strives to address medical issues throughout the world and shape the destiny of contemporary medicine.

Departments And Course Duration in Kochi Medical School Nankoku

MBBS (Medical Course) – Kochi Medical School, Nankoku

Departments

Kochi Medical School, under Kochi University, offers a comprehensive and integrated 6-year undergraduate medical program (equivalent to MBBS) designed to train competent, compassionate, and research-oriented physicians. The curriculum is supported by a wide range of departments that cover both basic medical sciences and clinical medicine.

1. Basic Medical Science Departments

Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Pharmacology
Pathology
Microbiology and Immunology
Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Behavioral Science and Medical Ethics

2. Clinical Medicine Departments

Internal Medicine
Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Orthopedic Surgery
Ophthalmology
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Dermatology
Psychiatry
Neurology
Radiology
Anesthesiology
Urology
Emergency and Critical Care Medicine
Family and Community Medicine

These departments work collaboratively to provide an education that blends scientific understanding with practical clinical experience, fostering holistic medical professionals.

Course Duration and Structure

The MBBS program at Kochi Medical School spans 6 years and is divided into three main phases:

Preclinical Phase (Years 1–2)

1. - Focuses on foundational sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.
  - Students gain basic laboratory and research skills, as well as early exposure to the ethical and social dimensions of healthcare.

Paraclinical Phase (Years 3–4)

1. - Covers subjects like pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, and public health.
  - Students participate in clinical observation and hands-on lab exercises.
  - Introduction to the Advanced Medical Science Course, including opportunities for early research at the Center for Innovative and Translational Medicine (CITM).

Clinical Phase (Years 5–6)

- Intensive clinical rotations across major hospital departments.
- Students gain real-world experience in patient diagnosis, treatment planning, and multidisciplinary care.
- Training includes exposure to primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings, emphasizing Japan’s renowned Family Medicine Training Program.

Degree Awarded

Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, which is equivalent to the MBBS qualification in other countries.

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Facilities And Infrastructure in Kochi Medical School, Nankoku

National University Corporation Kochi University’s Kochi Medical School has a globally competitive learning environment underpinned by advanced facilities, research institutions at the forefront, and extremely advanced hospital facilities. The campus is found within Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture, which offers a secluded and scholarly challenging atmosphere best suited for medical school and research.

1. Campus and Academic Buildings

There are modern lecture halls, seminar rooms, and smart classrooms with updated multimedia facilities at the Kochi Medical School campus. Academic facilities are equipped to enable interactive learning, group discussions, and simultaneous teaching of basic and clinical sciences.

Facilities for access to simulation-based learning in clinical skills labs and PBL rooms are available for enhancing technical skills as well as communication skills necessary for medical professionals.

2. University Hospital

Kochi University Hospital is a prominent teaching and research hospital. It has state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities with firsthand experience with a wide range of clinical cases.

More than 600 beds and several special departments such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, and emergency medicine.

Includes advanced diagnosis centers such as CT, MRI, PET scanners, and units of minimally invasive surgery.

Practical clinical training and rotations are also available to students in actual hospital environments with direct patient contact under the guidance of the faculty.

3. Research and Innovation Centers

Kochi Medical School is a center for medical innovation and scientific studies.

Center for Innovative and Translational Medicine (CITM) supports cutting-edge research in molecular biology, genetics, and regenerative medicine.

Clinical and biomedical experiments are carried out using advanced equipment in research laboratories.

Student collaboration with instructors and researchers helps foster discovery learning and leads to new healthcare innovations today.

Student participation in group research with graduate schools and foreign institutions introduces them to international medical progress.

4. Library and Learning Facilities

Kochi University Medical Library has extensive digital databases, e-books, journals, and medical textbooks.

Global journal access like PubMed, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE.

Individual study areas, group discussion rooms, and computer facilities enhance learning.

The library is kept open for longer hours to suit the demanding work schedules of medical students.

5. Laboratories and Clinical Skill Centers

State-of-the-art anatomy dissection facilities, histology laboratories, biochemistry laboratories, and simulation-based clinical training facilities.

Medical students learn medical procedures and diagnostic techniques in simulated environments before attending to actual patients.

The Simulation Center uses mannequins and virtual patient simulators to educate emergency medicine and surgery procedures.

6. Student Accommodation and Facilities

The university offers comfortable on-campus housing and surrounding housing for both local and overseas students.

The rooms are equipped with basic amenities, internet access, and study rooms.

Facilities are offered to access common areas, cafeterias, and laundries for convenience.

The environment is safe, friendly, and conducive to academic concentration and community living.

7. Sports, Health, and Recreation

For the overall health and welfare of the students, Kochi Medical School provides a range of sporting facilities such as gyms, open spaces, and indoor recreational halls.

Regular sports activities and cultural programs promote physical fitness and camaraderie.

Medical students too are free to participate in extracurricular music, arts, and volunteer community service clubs.

8. Technology and Digital Infrastructure

Free Wi-Fi access across the campus.

Smart boards, web-based learning management systems (LMS), and computer anatomy programs.

Computerized record systems employed in hospital training expose students to authentic medical informatics.

9. Community and Family Medicine Training Centres

The school’s Family Medicine Training Program makes use of local community clinics and affiliated hospitals, and hence students are exposed to a variety of healthcare systems—from rural community health care to tertiary level hospital care.

The well-established infrastructure and the latest learning equipment at Kochi Medical School provide a platform whereby students grow into global capable, empathetic, and research-oriented medical doctors.

Official site For Kochi Medical School Nankoku: Click Here

Kochi Medical School Nankoku Fee Structure

Approximately fee structure will be 60 lakhs to 70 lakhs.

Required Documents For Admission in Kochi Medical School Nankoku

Academic transcripts from higher secondary school

Passport-sized photos and a valid passport

Language proficiency proof (JLPT / TOEFL / IELTS)

Letters of recommendation (If required).

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Financial proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses

Health check-up and vaccination records

Eligibility Criteria For Admission in Kochi Medical School Nankoku

Academic Qualification – Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Minimum Marks – At least 70% in PCB subjects
Entrance Exam – NEET (for Indian students)
Language Requirement – JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N2/N1 or TOEFL/IELTS if applying for English-medium programs
Age Limit – Should cross 17+
Valid Passport

Admission Process For Kochi Medical School Nankoku

Research Universities: Find the top medical colleges in Japan and check if they offer MBBS in English or Japanese.
Prepare Documents: Collect all required academic and personal documents.
Submit Application: Apply online through the university portal or via Japanese embassies.
Entrance Exams: universities may require a written test or interview (if Necessary)
Application Fee: Complete payment as part of the process.
Get Acceptance Letter: If selected, you’ll receive an admission letter needed for the student visa.

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Benefits of Studying in Kochi Medical School Nankoku

Advantages of Studying at Kochi Medical School, Nankoku

Kochi Medical School, under the umbrella of National University Corporation Kochi University, is one of Japan’s leading medical education and research centers. The school brings together academic achievement, clinical exposure, and ethical growth to create globally capable and empathetic physicians. Education at the school provides students with numerous academic, career-oriented, and personal advantages.

1. Excellent Academic Heritage

With over 40 years of academic prowess, Kochi Medical School has solidly established itself as a productive factory of capable doctors, nurses, and scientists. The school has high standards of academics with the integration of modern science learning and traditional ethics of empathy and integrity. The curriculum is well-planned and enjoyed by the students where medical theory, clinical training, and research training are blended harmoniously to give complete medical education.

2. Internationally Accredited 6-Year MBBS Program

6-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program—is equivalent to the MBBS degree—and is established on the basis of the high level of education in Japan and is approved by leading medical councils worldwide. The program is not only designed for academic success but also to gain practical experience so that graduates have the skill level needed to be successful at foreign medical careers, postgraduate courses, or research fields.

3. Integrated Clinical and Research Training

Kochi Medical School provides students comprehensive hands-on clinical exposure in its university hospital, which is a primary teaching and research facility. Students are rotated through various specialties, exposed to real cases of patients under the supervision of professionals.

In addition, the students participate in second-year early medical research through the Center for Innovative and Translational Medicine (CITM), hearing directly from active researchers and honing analysis and problem-solving skills essential to modern medical practice.

4. Integrated Family and Community Medicine Training

The Family Medicine Training Program at the university is the most highly regarded in Japan. It enables students to be taught about the provision of healthcare at various levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary care—and also community-based education. This prepares aspiring doctors to treat both urban and rural patients and make them more prepared to handle a range of medical ailments.

5. Sophisticated Facilities and Congenial Learning Environment

Students are enriched by a modern learning environment that includes simulation-based skill centers, virtual classrooms, fully equipped laboratories, and a medical library stocked with current materials. Its member Kochi University Hospital provides opportunities for exposure to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies to support students with the newest in medical education.

6. Focus on Humanistic and Ethical Education

Purveyors of its early philosophies—”Revere the Divine, Love Humankind” and “Seek Truth”—the university retains the moral, ethical, and affective aspects of medical practice. Students are encouraged to develop empathy, respect, and a deep sense of social responsibility, shaping them into compassionate healthcare workers.

7. Research and Postgraduate Opportunities

Kochi Medical School has provisions for ongoing academic development with postgraduate degrees like MD-PhD, Master of Public Health (MPH), and courses in Innovative Medicine. Those who are interested in pursuing medical research or higher-level clinical studies can directly move into these programs upon graduation.

8. International Collaboration and Cultural Exposure

The university encourages a global academic focus, engaging in research partnerships and academic exchange with foreign universities. International students, including Indian students, have the benefit of Japan’s high standards of education within an environment of cultural diversity. This enables them to acquire cross-cultural competence and prepare them for international practice in medicine.

9. Safe, Peaceful, and Supportive Environment

Located in Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture, the university offers a secure, serene, and scenic setting in which to learn. Low living costs, hygienic surroundings, and a welcoming population make it an ideal location for concentrated academic study. The university further provides dormitory accommodation, medical care, and student services to ensure good health.

10. Career and Professional Development

Kochi Medical School graduates are highly esteemed in Japan as well as internationally. A solid educational foundation, combined with clinical competency and ethics education, offers numerous career choices in hospitals, research institutions, global health organizations, and universities.

Education at Kochi Medical School, Nankoku offers students a comprehensive medical education based on scientific excellence, human empathy, and global conscience. With its focus on the combination of research, clinical practice, and ethical practice, the school develops professionals who are well prepared to further the future of medicine in Japan as well as globally.

Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students in Kochi Medical School, Nankoku

Kochi Medical School, being a part of the National University Corporation Kochi University, provides world-class education through the combination of Japan’s scientific strength, technological strength, and ethics. Being one of the choices for Indian students to learn the course of medicine overseas, the school provides higher quality learning experience, a world of varied rich cultural experience, and entry to an internationally acclaimed profession in the domain of medicine.

Following are the major privileges and advantages for Indian students who are pursuing their medical degree from Kochi Medical School.

1. Internationally Acceptable MBBS (MD) Degree

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree of Kochi Medical School is equivalent to the MBBS degree and internationally accepted, including all medical councils of the country. Indian citizens who are studying medicine from this place can sit for FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NEXT examination in India to get medical licensure and, thus, the right to practice medicine in India or overseas.

2. Low-Cost High-Quality Medical Education

Being a national university, Kochi Medical School levies relatively lower fees than most of Japan’s private universities and Western nations without any compromise to the quality of education. The living expenses in Nankoku City are also relatively lower, thereby complementing Indian students’ access to world-class education at affordable expenses.

3. English-Supported Learning Environment

Although Japanese is taught as the language of study in Japan, Kochi Medical School offers proper support to overseas students. Members of the faculty are educated to deal with overseas students, and English study materials, tutorials, and counseling are provided, especially in clinical training and research environments. Further, Indian students are requested to learn elementary Japanese, making hospital rotation and community exposure convenient for them.

4. State-of-the-art Clinical Training and Research Facilities

Indian students are educated in state-of-the-art clinical practice, advanced diagnostic technology, and state-of-the-art medical research within the Center for Innovative and Translational Medicine (CITM). The high-end research environment within the university provides scope for students to participate in state-of-the-art projects in areas like genetics, regenerative medicine, public health, and molecular biology and, in turn, assists in academic as well as career development.

5. Safe Environment and Cultural Adaptability

Japan is famous throughout the world for being safe, clean, and hospitable. Nankoku City has a peaceful, student-centered environment that very easily suits Indian students when they are adapting to college life. The level of discipline among the Japanese people and the tolerance towards diversity goes hand-in-hand to some extent with the values of the Indians, helping to foster greater understanding and ease of adaptation.

6. Advanced Infrastructure and Student Amenities

Indian students are blessed with the facilities of high-tech labs, electronic classrooms, well-equipped libraries, and ultra-modern hospital wards. The university also offers comfortable dorms and international student service amenities such as accommodation, visa, orientation courses, and medical facilities.

7. Postgraduate and Research Tracks

After successfully completing an MBBS (MD) degree, Indian students can proceed with further studies at Kochi University through postgraduation avenues like MD-PhD, Master of Public Health (MPH), or Innovative Medicine. These higher degrees serve to increase employability across the globe as well as provide access to global research and study opportunities.

8. Focus on Humanistic and Ethical Education

The motto of Kochi Medical School, “Revere the Divine, Love Humanity” and “Search for Truth,” is most valuable in harmony with the Indian ethos of mankind and reverence for life. The curriculum centers on compassion, social responsibility, and patient-centered practice so that the students not only become proficient physicians but humane and ethical professionals too.

9. Global Exchange and Opportunities for Collaboration

Overseas partnerships are present in academic partnerships with overseas research institutions and overseas universities by Kochi University. Indian students can pursue exchange programs, conferences, and collaborative research, getting exposed to global developments in medicine and forging professional networks.

10. Radiant Career Opportunities

Kochi Medical School graduates are very welcome in Japan and around the world for clinical and academic ability. Indian students can choose to undertake practice medicine, research, or further studies in Japan, India, or abroad. Kochi educates them with the knowledge and self-discipline to thrive in global healthcare.

Nankoku Kochi Medical School offers a great opportunity to earn a globally accepted medical degree in an environment imbibed by Japan’s spirit of innovation, precision, and discipline. With a strong foundation of studies, state-of-the-art research facilities, low cost of education, and a warm environment, the college is a bridge that unites Indian talent and Japan’s top-class system of medical education so that students become internationally qualified, responsive, and visionary medical professionals.

FAQ’s

Where is Kochi Medical School located?

Kochi Medical School is located in Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. The campus is surrounded by a peaceful and scenic environment that provides an ideal setting for academic and research pursuits.

What degree does the medical school award?

Kochi Medical School offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, which is equivalent to the MBBS degree awarded in India and other countries. The program focuses on developing skilled, compassionate, and research-oriented physicians.

Is the degree from Kochi Medical School recognized internationally?

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree is globally recognized. Indian students can appear for FMGE/NExT in India to obtain a medical license, and graduates are eligible to apply for postgraduate programs or medical practice in many countries after fulfilling local licensing requirements.

Are there research opportunities for undergraduate students?

Yes. Students from their second to fourth years can participate in real laboratory research through the Advanced Medical Science Courses and CITM. This hands-on experience helps them understand the scientific principles behind medical treatments and develop research-oriented thinking.

Does the university offer English-language support for international students?

While most lectures are conducted in Japanese, international students receive strong academic support, including English learning materials, tutorials, and bilingual mentoring. Students are encouraged to learn basic Japanese, which is essential for clinical communication during hospital training.

What is the admission process for international students?

Indian and other international applicants usually apply through university-approved admission channels or through exchange/partnership programs. Applicants must submit their academic transcripts, proof of English or Japanese proficiency, a valid passport, and other required documents.

What career opportunities are available after graduation?

Graduates can:

Pursue medical licensure and clinical practice in Japan, India, or other countries.
Continue advanced studies in MD-PhD, MPH, or Innovative Medicine programs.
Engage in medical research, hospital administration, or academic teaching roles worldwide.