Jikei University School of Medicine

Jikei University School of Medicine ( 東京 慈 恵 会 医科大医科 ) is a private higher education institution in Japan that first opened its doors to future graduates back in 1881. By now, the university with its main building and a small campus is located in the city of Tokyo.

Jikei Medical University is the oldest private medical institution in Japan. It was founded in 1881 by physician Kanehiro Takaki, who opened the Seiikai School in the Ginza district of Tokyo. Takaki studied medicine in Britain, at the medical school of St. Thomas' Hospital in London, and built the curriculum on the principles of the English medical school. In 1921, the institution was granted university status. Today the university has a history of more than 145 years and preserves its founder's motto: «Treat not the disease, but the patient».

The medical department program lasts six years and is structured around small-group classes. Clinical training takes 36 weeks, and practice-oriented clinical internship takes another 40 weeks. The nursing department has 40 faculty members for an intake of 60 students, ensuring small-group instruction. The university supports international exchange: its international relations center has signed agreements with 15 foreign institutions.

The institution combines a medical faculty with two departments — medical (physician training) and nursing — as well as master's and doctoral programs in medicine and nursing. The group's structure includes two nursing colleges and four clinical hospitals: the main hospital in the Nishi-Shimbashi district, as well as medical centers in Katsushika, Komae, and the city of Kashiwa.

The university is historically known for the scientific contribution of its founder: Kanehiro Takaki proved that the cause of beriberi disease is nutritional deficiency, and through an improved diet eradicated it in the Japanese navy — this work anticipated the discovery of vitamin B1.

The university became the first officially recognized private medical educational institution in Japan. Today the university conducts active scientific research, including studies in the fields of nephrology and transplant medicine.

A few interesting facts about the university:

• The first academic dissection in Japan was conducted here by students (1882).
• The first nursing school in Japan was founded at the university (1884), modeled after the Nightingale school.
• Today the university has 647 medical students and 244 nursing students. The number of graduates who are association members reaches 8,546, and the faculty and staff number 7,917.

The university has 47 clubs and circles: 27 sports, 13 creative, and 7 hobby associations. Many students belong to several clubs at once, combining a demanding academic program with extracurricular activities.

This is a Japanese university with an enviable regularity that occupies a leading position among the best universities in Japan. Also, the university is among the best of the globe, which ensures so great popularity among young people all over the world.

University infrastructure involves students access to a large scientific library. A big and important advantage when choosing this Japanese university is also connected with the presence of the university of its sports grounds, a hostel for students and a park for a relaxing holiday and walks.

University graduates demonstrate high results on state examinations: in 2025, the pass rate was 99% in the medical department and 100% in the nursing department.

In order to get into the list of first-year students of this higher educational institution, it is necessary to submit the entire package of documents in a timely manner, as well as to report on previous academic progress. In addition, a special commission, forming a list of students, always pays attention to the results of entrance examinations of each applicant.

Tuition at the Jikei University School of Medicine

Each academic year at the university is traditionally divided into semesters. Training is conducted on a paid basis for all, but each student can return part of the cost. After all, to successful and diligent students, a higher educational institution pays a stipend monthly. Also, students have the right to choose the most convenient training system for themselves - in person or remotely.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision