2027 entry · Tokyo Medical University Graduate School of Medicine · Doctoral program
I welcome inquiries from practicing physicians who want to pursue a doctorate in Japan in diabetes, metabolism and endocrinology while continuing clinical work. Physicians at Tokyo Medical University–affiliated hospitals and at other hospitals or clinics are welcome, including colleagues in Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa and Chiba, elsewhere in the Kanto region, and throughout Japan.
Research and clinical work
We can discuss questions arising from clinical practice, including diabetes, lipid metabolism, thyroid and endocrine disorders, and clinical data analysis. At the initial consultation, we will discuss research interests, supervision, coursework and the practical arrangements for combining research with your current role. Participation from outside Tokyo, on-site attendance and access to data depend on the project, university requirements and agreement with the relevant institutions.
2027 entry and application process
Second-round application: November 16–30, 2026 (documents must arrive by November 30). Examination: December 14, 2026. Results: January 21, 2027 at 11:00 a.m. JST. Enrollment paperwork is due by January 29, 2027 at 3:00 p.m. JST.
For most practicing physicians, the relevant route is general selection. The separate resident special category has its own restricted eligibility. The general route requires a meeting with the head of the intended academic field before applying. A six-year medical degree is one recognized qualification. Formally employed applicants must submit the university’s permission form from the head or appointing authority of the institution where they will be employed from April 2027. The application also includes a recommendation from the head of the intended field, academic records, and other documents as applicable.
The general examination includes English and a field-specific examination. For general selection, eligible IELTS (6.0 or higher) or TOEFL iBT (76 or higher) results can qualify for the English examination exemption, subject to the guide’s conditions. Applicants whose first language is not Japanese should review the additional documentation and Japanese-language interview requirements. The second-round preliminary eligibility review deadline was October 30, 2026. If you require that review, ask the Admissions Center about your options before preparing a submission.
Fees in the 2027 admissions guide
Application fee: ¥10,000, paid during the application period. At enrollment: ¥504,300, consisting of a one-time ¥100,000 admission fee, ¥400,000 tuition and ¥4,300 in one-time insurance charges. The admission and insurance charges are separate from the application fee. Check the university’s guide for the official payment instructions and confirm any employment or funding arrangements individually.
Start with a consultation
Please email Hirotsugu Suwanai, Associate Professor, Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University. Please include your current institution, clinical field, research interests and intended entry date. Please omit patient information.
This page invites prospective applicants to discuss research and supervision. Formal applications and admissions are handled by Tokyo Medical University. For official requirements or questions, consult the Admissions Center notice and application forms, the 2027 doctoral admissions guide (Japanese PDF), or the Admissions Center. Hospital faculty profile.