National Institute of Genetics Japan
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Graduate life at NIG combines research intensity with the natural beauty of its location near Mount Fuji. The campus provides modern research facilities, student housing, and basic amenities within a compact setting. The small graduate student population creates close-knit community, with strong relationships forming among students and between students and faculty mentors. Student dormitories on campus provide affordable housing, simplifying living arrangements for students focused on research. Dining facilities, recreational spaces, and basic shopping serve daily needs. The research culture emphasizes long laboratory hours, though individual work patterns vary by research group and personal style. Social events organized by students and the institute provide breaks from research and opportunities for community building. Mishima is a small city of approximately 110,000 people, offering a quieter lifestyle than major Japanese urban centers. The city provides essential services and some entertainment options, while the views of Mount Fuji on clear days create stunning backdrop. Tokyo is accessible in approximately one hour by Shinkansen (bullet train), providing access to urban amenities for weekend excursions. The natural environment supports outdoor activities including hiking and hot spring visits in the surrounding region.
Location & Surroundings
NIG is located in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. The campus sits at the base of Mount Fuji, providing spectacular views of Japan's iconic mountain. This location offers natural beauty and tranquility while maintaining good connections to Tokyo and other major centers. Mishima is a small city with historical significance as a post station on the historic Tokaido road between Tokyo and Kyoto. The city center offers restaurants, shops, and cultural sites within easy access of the campus. The cost of living is significantly lower than Tokyo, making the modest graduate stipends more comfortable. The area is known for clean spring water, historic temples, and proximity to the Izu Peninsula's resort areas. Transportation via Shinkansen makes Tokyo accessible for conferences, collaboration, and entertainment. The broader region offers outdoor recreation including Mount Fuji hiking (seasonal), hot springs, and coastal areas. International access is via Tokyo's Narita or Haneda airports, both reachable in 90 minutes to two hours. The location may feel isolated for those seeking constant urban stimulation, but appeals to those valuing natural beauty and focused research environment.
Costs & Career Outcomes
SOKENDAI tuition is approximately 535,000 yen annually (roughly $4,000 USD), relatively affordable by international standards. Living costs in Mishima are moderate, with campus housing available at subsidized rates. Total annual costs of approximately 2 million yen ($15,000 USD) are manageable with scholarship support. MEXT scholarships for international students provide tuition coverage plus monthly stipend of approximately 145,000 yen ($1,100 USD). JSPS DC1 and DC2 fellowships for doctoral students provide approximately 200,000 yen monthly, though competition is intense. Research assistantships and teaching opportunities provide additional income. Some students support themselves through a combination of smaller scholarships and part-time work within regulations. Career outcomes include academic positions at Japanese universities and research institutes, postdoctoral positions internationally, and industry research roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. NIG's reputation in genetics facilitates academic job placement in Japan, while the international publication record developed during doctoral study supports applications elsewhere. The training emphasizes fundamental research skills applicable across genetics and genomics fields, providing flexibility in career direction.
Campus Location
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