Japan doctoral program admissions fall over 20% in 20 years

Ph.D. candidates need more assurance of job opportunities, business leaders say

Doctorate holders face limited prospects for using their knowledge and skills at Japanese companies. (Photo by Arisa Moriyama)

Nikkei staff writers

September 5, 2023 02:18 JST

TOKYO -- The number of students enrolling in doctoral programs in Japan has dropped by one-fifth over the past 20 years, government and other data show, in what business leaders say reflects the lack of attractive job opportunities for Ph.D.s.

In fiscal 2022, 14,382 students enrolled in doctoral programs across Japan, down 21% from a peak of 18,232 in fiscal 2003, according to data from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and other sources.