TSV
Academic Degrees - TSV
The Japanese academic degree system is a credential framework granted by higher education institutions such as universities and graduate schools to individuals who complete specific educational programs under the School Education Act. In addition to the three-tier structure of bachelor's (4-year university), master's (graduate school), and doctoral (highest degree) degrees, various other degrees exist including associate degrees and professional degrees. Professional degrees emphasize education that bridges theory and practice, with types including Juris Doctor (professional) from law schools and Master of Education (professional) from teacher training graduate schools. These degrees are positioned within international educational frameworks and contribute to quality assurance in Japanese higher education.
code slug name description category credits duration level
L6 bachelor Bachelor's Degree A degree awarded to those who complete a 4-year university program. undergraduate 124 credits or more 4 years (6 years for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy) 6
L7 master Master's Degree A degree awarded to those who complete a master's program at graduate school. graduate 30 credits or more 2 years 7
L7-P professional-master Master's Degree (Professional) A professional degree awarded to those who complete a professional graduate school. professional 30 credits or more 2 years 7
L7-JD juris-doctor Juris Doctor (Professional) A professional degree awarded to those who complete a law school. professional 93 credits or more 3 years (2 years for those with prior legal education) 7
L7-ED master-of-education-professional Master of Education (Professional) A professional degree awarded to those who complete a teacher training graduate school. professional 45 credits or more 2 years 7
L8 doctor Doctoral Degree The highest degree awarded to those who complete a doctoral program at graduate school. graduate 30 credits or more (including master's credits) 5 years (4 years for medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine) 8
L5 associate-degree Associate Degree A degree awarded to those who complete a junior college. undergraduate 2 or 3 years 5
L5-SD advanced-diploma Advanced Diploma A title awarded to those who complete a specialized training college program (4+ years). vocational 4 years or more 5
L5-D diploma Diploma A title awarded to those who complete a specialized training college program (2+ years). vocational 2 years or more 5