Meiji University of Oriental Medicine

What you'll study

The route is thesis-focused rather than taught: candidates prepare a single academic doctoral thesis that spans foundational to clinical aspects of acupuncture and moxibustion, demonstrating original research that broadens the scientific understanding and future development of the field.

Entry requirements

• Applicants must satisfy one of two research-history conditions: (1) hold the research experience in acupuncture medicine specified in the university's schedule (see separate table) or (2) have studied at this graduate school's doctoral course for three years, completed prescribed credits, and withdrawn.
• Research-history counting includes periods such as full-time university research staff, time enrolled in the graduate doctoral course, work as a university research student, or service as a full-time researcher at institutions recognized by the graduate committee. At least two years of research activity conducted at this university (engaged in qualifying research one or more days per week for two consecutive years) must be included in the research history.
• Applicants must pass the foreign language examination (English, written). Use of English–Japanese/Japanese–English/medical dictionaries is allowed; certain non-network electronic dictionaries may be permitted after prior application.
• After passing the foreign language test, candidates apply for a preliminary review (予備審査) via a supervising or recommending professor. Required attachments for the preliminary review include: the thesis (or proof of acceptance if unpublished), a thesis abstract, at least five supporting publications (minimum two as first author), CV, research-history certificate with reports, foreign-language pass certificate, and other specified forms. Details include provisions for sole- or co-authored submissions and associated certification forms.
• On preliminary-review success and supervisor approval, candidates submit the formal application with roughly 32 copies of the thesis and related items, plus documents such as final education certification, foreign-language and preliminary-review certificates, and research-history documentation.

Career prospects

The programme is designed for those aiming at high-level research, academic posts, or leadership in clinical research that bridges oriental and modern medical paradigms. Successful graduates are positioned to contribute to evidence-based development of acupuncture/moxibustion through university, research institute, or advanced clinical research roles.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Specific scholarships are not detailed on the thesis-doctor page. Candidates should consult the university's graduate office about fee obligations and possible institutional or external research funding; note the programme charges set application and examination fees (see entry-fee details) and requires payment of prescribed review and thesis-examination fees to the university's administration.

Practical fees (from programme materials)

• Foreign-language examination fee: 10,000 yen.
• Preliminary-review and thesis-examination fees vary by applicant category (examples listed by the university range from 200,000 to 500,000 yen for thesis examination and 50,000 to 100,000 yen for preliminary review depending on applicant status); applicants must consult the university's fee table for the exact applicable amount.