Iwate Medical University School of Medicine 2025-26

  • Japan

Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka “Iwate Medical University’s” roots can be traced to the pioneering activities of Dr. Shunjiro Mita, who considered the urgent need for better medical treatment in the Iwate area. 

About Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka

In 1897, he bought out the failed Prefectural Hospital and reopened it as Iwate Hospital, the initial step towards modern medical education in the northern region of Japan. Based on this, Dr. Mita founded Iwate Medical School in 1901, the first-ever private medical school in the whole of the Tohoku-Hokkaido area. The school utilized Iwate Hospital as its central clinical training facility, providing students with worthwhile hands-on medical training.

Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka – Table of Contents

But in 1912—having operated for 11 years—the school was forced to shut down due to national reforms in medical education. But the unrelenting commitment of Dr. Mita in the process of establishing healthcare and medical education never wavered. 

In the closing years of the Taisho period, Japan experienced increased movement towards opening up medical schools, and in February of 1928 determination on the part of Dr. Mita resulted in the reopening of Iwate Medical College. It was guided by both Dr. Shunjiro Mita and his later successor, Dr. Sadanori Mita, who were both presidents from 1928 to 1950.

Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka
Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka

Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions

An actual transformation arrived on June 18, 1947, when the college was reorganized as Iwate Medical University by Japan’s post-war educational transformations. A new era had begun, with Dr. Sadanori Mita as the university’s first president. In 1951, the school further solidified itself as an education corporation by the official resumption as a community-based private medical university for the cultivation of medical science and public health.

This was followed by the rapid growth of the university in its first and second Five-Year Expansion Plans (since 1956), enhancing its teaching and research facilities considerably. The founding of the Graduate School of Medical Science in 1960 and that of the School of Dentistry and School of Liberal Arts in 1965 brought Iwate Medical University to a full-fledged comprehensive medical education and inter-disciplinary study center. 

The School of Dentistry, the first in northern Japan (along with that of Tohoku University), was further enlarged with the establishment of the Dental Hospital in 1967 and the Graduate School of Dental Science in 1983.

The university has also been a leader in medical science and public service. The university co-founded the Iwate Prefectural Advanced Emergency Center in 1980 as its bid to advance treatment of local emergencies. The Cyclotron Center, which is one of Japan’s few advanced positron nuclear medicine research institutes, was established in 1990 in collaboration with the Japan Radioisotope Association. The Hanamaki Onsen Hospital was established under university governance in 1993, expanding its medical presence further.

To commemorate its 60th anniversary, Memorial Heart Center was built in 1997 as Japan’s third Advanced Specialist Hospital with a focus on cardiovascular excellence. In 1999, two years later, Iwate Medical University was chosen by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (currently MEXT) to participate in the Private University High-Tech Research Center Project. These acknowledgments prompted the formation of the Advanced Medical Science Research Center within the School of Medicine and the Advanced Oral Health Science Research Center within the School of Dentistry.

The university embarked on a new journey in 2007 with the opening of its cutting-edge Yahaba Campus and the School of Pharmacy. The new campus incorporates state-of-the-art facilities for the study of medical, dental, and pharmaceutical sciences, promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration and academic excellence in education, research, and clinical practice.

Advantages of Studying in Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka

Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka – Holistic Curriculum and Praxis

The MBBS at Iwate Medical University is a six-year program incorporating general education and professional medical education.

The students are given actual exposure in clinical practicums in their fifth and sixth years, during which they actively engage themselves in the care of patients. The clinical training under advanced conditions enables the student doctors to engage in medical consultations and learn in person from practicing doctors.

The university also focuses on community medicine, providing a two-week practical practicum in local health facilities. The students are also given specialized surgical training with miniature pigs, giving them realistic experience in surgical procedure.

Career Readiness and Global Opportunities

Iwate Medical University graduates are ready to enter a wide variety of medical careers in various specializations. They can work in hospitals, clinics, research institutes, or in medical departments of other industries.

With Japan’s high levels of education, the program also prepares students to acquire the skills and knowledge that enable them to pursue international medical careers.

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Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka – Ranking

Iwate Medical University has its roots in the visionary work of Dr. Shunjiro Mita, who appreciated the need for enhanced medical services in the Iwate area. In 1897, he bought the insolvent Prefectural Hospital and re-established it as Iwate Hospital, the initial step towards modern medical education in northern Japan. 

Established on this ground, Dr. Mita founded Iwate Medical School in 1901, the first private medical school in the whole of Tohoku-Hokkaido. The school utilized Iwate Hospital as its primary clinical training center, providing students with precious hands-on medical experience.

But in 1912—11 years after the school had been in operation—it was forced to shut down due to national reforms in medical education. But Dr. Mita’s unrelenting resolve towards the establishment of healthcare and medical studies never faltered. 

Towards the close of the Taisho period, Japan had experienced increased motion towards the establishment of medical schools, and in February 1928, Dr. Mita’s resolve resulted in the establishment of Iwate Medical College once more. The college was headed by both Dr. Shunjiro Mita and his later successor, Dr. Sadanori Mita, who served in the offices as presidents from 1928 to 1950.

A complete overhaul arrived on June 18, 1947, with the college being restructured into Iwate Medical University as part of post-war education reforms in Japan. The new era had begun with Dr. Sadanori Mita becoming the first president of the university. In 1951, the university was further bolstered as an educational corporation with formal re-launch as a community-oriented private medical university with its aim to cultivate medical science and public health.

Following this, the university also saw quick growth in its first and second Five-Year Expansion Plans (since 1956), which further improved its research and teaching facilities. The creation of the Graduate School of Medical Science in 1960 and the establishment of the School of Dentistry and the School of Liberal Arts in 1965 upgraded Iwate Medical University as a comprehensive school of medical education and inter-disciplinary study. 

The School of Dentistry, the first of its type in northern Japan (after Tohoku University’s), continued to grow with the opening of the Dental Hospital in 1967 and the Graduate School of Dental Science in 1983.

The institution has also led the way in medical research and community service. In 1980, the university co-established the Iwate Prefectural Advanced Emergency Center in an attempt to enhance region emergency care. A decade after, in 1990, the Cyclotron Center, Japan’s one of the only advanced positron nuclear medicine research centers, was established in collaboration with the Japan Radioisotope Association. In 1993, the Hanamaki Onsen Hospital, under university management, expanded its medical influence further.

Memorial Heart Center was founded in 1997 as Japan’s third Advanced Specialist Hospital for cardiovascular excellence to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Two years hence, in 1999, Iwate Medical University was chosen by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (presently MEXT) to participate in the Private University High-Tech Research Center Project. This was followed by the opening of the Advanced Medical Science Research Center in the School of Medicine and the Advanced Oral Health Science Research Center in the School of Dentistry.

In 2007, the university launched a new chapter of its history with the opening of its new Yahaba Campus and the establishment of the School of Pharmacy. The new campus combines cutting-edge facilities for the education of medical, dental, and pharmaceutical sciences, allowing for interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence in education, research, and clinical practice.

Departments And Course Duration in Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka

The MBBS program at Iwate Medical University School of Medicine is a six-year undergraduate course designed to develop skilled, compassionate, and community-oriented doctors. The curriculum integrates basic medical sciences, clinical medicine, and practical training to ensure a well-rounded education.

Course Duration:

  • Total Duration: 6 years
    • Pre-clinical Phase (Years 1–2): Focus on liberal arts, general education, basic medical sciences, and introduction to medical ethics.
    • Para-clinical Phase (Years 3–4): Emphasis on pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, public health, and early clinical exposure.
    • Clinical Phase (Years 5–6): Full-time clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals and community settings, with direct patient interaction and practical experience.

Departments:

  • Department of Anatomy
  • Department of Physiology
  • Department of Biochemistry
  • Department of Pharmacology
  • Department of Pathology
  • Department of Microbiology and Immunology
  • Department of Public Health and Social Medicine
  • Department of Internal Medicine
  • Department of Surgery
  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  • Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine
  • Department of Ophthalmology
  • Department of Otolaryngology (ENT)
  • Department of Dermatology
  • Department of Anesthesiology
  • Department of Radiology
  • Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine
  • Department of Community Medicine

This structured curriculum ensures that students acquire both scientific knowledge and clinical competence, preparing them for successful medical practice and research careers in Japan and abroad.

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Facilities And Infrastructure in Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka

Iwate Medical University School of Medicine offers state-of-the-art facilities and an up-to-date learning environment focused on offering high-standard medical education, advanced research, and hands-on clinical training. The university’s infrastructure combines technology, convenience, and usability to offer students the best academic and hands-on training.

Campus and Classrooms:

The campus of the university is exceptionally well-equipped and modern with smart classrooms, multimedia lecture theatres, and state-of-the-art learning facilities that promote collaborative learning and interactive learning. Yahaba Campus, in particular, houses the School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, which enables interdisciplinary learning.

Laboratories and Research Centers

Iwate Medical University has specialized anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology labs, as well as state-of-the-art clinical skills simulation rooms. The Advanced Medical Science Research Center and Cyclotron Center serve as platforms for innovative research in nuclear medicine, imaging, and molecular diagnostics.

Teaching Hospitals:

The university has several affiliated hospitals, including:

  • Iwate Medical University Hospital – A large teaching and research hospital providing extensive clinical training.
  • Memorial Heart Center – One of Japan’s top centers for advanced cardiovascular medical treatment.
  • Hanamaki Onsen Hospital – A hospital with roots in the surrounding community, offering practical experience in local medicine.

These hospitals offer students an opportunity to gain practical experience in real medical settings and work under seasoned clinicians.

Library and Learning Resources:

The university library is a modern study center with an enormous collection of medical journals, e-resources, and foreign publications. In addition to this, the university also features quiet reading spaces, computer stations, and online databases that allow students to browse the latest research and literature.

Simulation and Clinical Training Facilities

Students learn in clinical sim-labs with high-fidelity mannequins, diagnostic tools, and surgical models (mini pig models for practicing surgery). These labs offer safe, real-world learning experiences before actual patients are encountered.

Hostels and Accommodation:

Fully equipped on-campus hostels for domestic and international students are available. The rooms are tastefully decorated, complete with shared kitchens, study areas, and access to computers, creating a comfortable residential environment.

The university encourages holistic development with sporting complexes, gymnasiums, and cultural clubs. Students have the chance to take part in athletics, music, art, and community service programs to complement academic life.

Disaster and Community Medicine Training:

Iwate Medical University is well known for disaster medicine and community health. It offers advanced facilities and courses in emergency response training in order to provide students with the ability to work during disasters and help local healthcare development.

Official site For Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka: Click Here 

Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka Fee Structure

Approximately fee structure will be 60 lakhs to 70 lakhs.

Required Documents For Admission in Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka

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 Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka 

  • 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 Iwate Medical University School of Medicine Morioka

  • 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 at Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka

Studying at Iwate Medical University offers students the perfect combination of quality education, clinical experience, and global exposure, making it one of Japan’s best medical schools.

Comprehensive Medical Education: The MBBS course of six years integrates basic sciences, clinical medicine, and social medicine in a manner that the students undergo comprehensive education in medical theory as well as patient care.

Early and Sophisticated Clinical Exposure: Since the first year, students are exposed to hands-on clinical training, emergency care, and community medicine programs, gradually advancing to full clinical rotations in later years.

World-Class Teaching Hospitals: The students train at partner hospitals, including leading specialty hospitals like the Memorial Heart Center, with direct experience in patient care under masterful supervision.

State-of-the-Art Research Opportunities: The university features research centers like the Advanced Medical Science Research Center and Cyclotron Center, where students can participate in cutting-edge medical research.

Community and Disaster Medicine Focus: Iwate Medical University has a community medicine and disaster medicine focus, training students to effectively practice in local and emergency medical settings.

Specialized Practical Training: Specialized training facilities, such as operation experience in miniature pigs, offer realistic hands-on operation training.

Facilitating Learning Environment: The most modern facilities, libraries, hostels, and sports/extracurricular activities provide a holistic learning experience conducive to intellectual and personal growth.

Overall, Iwate Medical University gives its students the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become skilled, compassionate, and community-oriented physicians ready for domestic and global medical professions.

Privileges And Benefits for Indian students in Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka

Iwate Medical University welcomes Indian students and offers favorable conditions to enable them to excel both academically and professionally.

English-Friendly Programs: Although the main language of instruction is Japanese, the university makes provision for support of international students in adjusting to clinical training and academic demands.

Reasonable Tuition and Living Expenses: Unlike most private medical universities around the world, Iwate Medical University offers affordable tuition charges and value-for-money campus accommodation options.

Top-Class Clinical Training: Indian students receive hands-on training in world-class hospitals and specialty institutions, such as emergency medicine, community medicine, and surgical instruction.

Cultural and Community Support: The university has specific international student services like orientation programs, counseling, and advising to enable Indian students to adapt to life in Japan.

Global Career Opportunities: Graduates are ready for practice as doctors in India or globally, being eligible to sit for licensing exams like the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) in India.

Exposure to Research and Innovation: Indian students get access to advanced medical research facilities such as the Cyclotron Center and Advanced Medical Science Research Center.

Wellness of Students: Well-maintained hostels, sporting facilities, and cultural activities provide a well-balanced academic and social experience for Indian students when studying abroad. 

FAQ’s

Is Japanese language proficiency required?

While the medium of instruction is primarily Japanese, the university provides support programs for international students to adapt to clinical practice and academic learning.

What is the fee structure for international students?

Tuition fees are competitive compared to other private medical universities. Exact fees may vary each year, and students are advised to check the official university sources for updated details.

Are Indian students allowed to practice in India after graduation?

Yes, graduates from Iwate Medical University are eligible to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) in India to obtain a license to practice.

What kind of clinical training is provided?

Students receive hands-on clinical training at affiliated hospitals, including advanced specialty centers, emergency care, community medicine, and surgical practice using simulation models.

Does the university provide hostel accommodation?

Yes, comfortable on-campus hostels are available for international students, equipped with study areas, internet access, and other basic facilities.

Are there opportunities for research?

Yes, students can engage in research activities at the university’s Advanced Medical Science Research Center, Cyclotron Center, and other specialized laboratories.

What are the career opportunities after graduation?

Graduates can pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, research institutes, or pursue higher studies in Japan or abroad. They are also prepared for medical practice in their home countries.

How is the student life and extracurricular environment?

The university offers a holistic environment with sports, cultural clubs, community service programs, and events to support personal growth alongside academic excellence.

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