25 Best Universities In Japan For International Students 2024

If you are looking to study in Japan, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 706 universities and colleges in Japan, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 706 universities in Japan, University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are the top-performing schools in Japan. This list covers both public and private institutions in Japan.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Japan. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Japan.

Rank University Founded Year City Type
1 University of Tokyo 1877 Tokyo Public
2 Kyoto University 1897 Kyoto Public
3 Aichi University 1946 Toyohashi Private
4 Tohoku University 1907 Sendai Public
5 Osaka University 1931 Suita Public
6 Tokyo Institute of Technology 1881 Tokyo Public
7 Nagoya University 1871 Nagoya Public
8 Kyushu University 1911 Fukuoka Public
9 Hokkaido University 1876 Sapporo Public
10 University of Tsukuba 1973 Tsukuba Public
11 Keio University 1858 Minato Private
12 Hitotsubashi University 1875 Kunitachi Public
13 Kobe University 1902 Kobe Public
14 Bunka Fashion Graduate University 2005 Tokyo Private
15 Waseda University 1882 Tokyo Private
16 Hiroshima University 1949 Higashihiroshima Public
17 University of Aizu 1993 Aizuwakamatsu Public
18 Tokyo Medical and Dental University 1928 Tokyo Public
19 Kyoto Sangyo University 1965 Kyoto Private
20 Kansai Medical University 1928 Hirakata Private
21 Tokyo Metropolitan University 1949 Tokyo Public
22 Chiba University 1949 Chiba Public
23 University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan 1978 Kitakyushu Private
24 Okayama University 1870 Okayama Public
25 Niigata University 1949 Niigata Public

How do I get admission to the best universities in Japan?

Applying to the universities in Japan involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Japan to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Japan?

Tuition fees at Japan’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 250,000 Yen to 3,800,000 Yen , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 215,000 Yen to 3,500,000 Yen. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Japan!

As we cover the best universities in Japan for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Japan for International Students

1 University of Tokyo

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#1 in Japan
#7 in Asia
#48 in World
Percentage of International Students
15%
Total Number of students - 28,171
International Number of students - 4,283

One of Japan’s prestigious universities, The University of Tokyo, continues to live with its vision of being a globally recognized platform for learning and research. As they aspire to build a community of leaders in society, they provide excellent academic programs to all levels. More than that, to expand their global engagement, they offer English-taught programs in some departments. International students at The University of Tokyo receive a well-rounded curriculum and services. They are able to attend various activities and events organized by the university that fosters engagement within the campus.

Forest Life Science
Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies
General System
Evolutionary Biology
Aquatic Production and Environmental Science

2 Kyoto University

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#2 in Japan
#11 in Asia
#72 in World
Percentage of International Students
12%
Total Number of students - 22,596
International Number of students - 2,715

Kyoto University, a public university in Kyoto, Japan, was founded in 1897, making it one of the oldest academic institutions in the country. The university’s founding principles “freedom from academic culture” serves as its guide in providing high-quality education to more than 22,000 students. As such, the university is one of the top universities in Japan, as assessed by reputable global ranking institutions.

Engineering
Letters
Science
Agriculture
Integrated Human Studies

3 Aichi University

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#3 in Japan
#22 in Asia
#162 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 9,628

Aichi University is a private liberal arts college with three campus locations: Toyohashi, Nagoya, and Kurumamichi. It was founded in 1946, after the end of World War II, with a mission to contribute to world peace and develop independent thinkers with a global perspective. The university is well-known for its technologically advanced facilities and its library that holds the largest collection of books among all the university libraries in Japan.

Economics
Accounting and Finance
English Studies
History and Geography
Humanities and Sociology

4 Tohoku University

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#4 in Japan
#24 in Asia
#185 in World
Percentage of International Students
10%
Total Number of students - 17,665
International Number of students - 1,780

Frequently landing among the top schools in reputable rankings, Tohoku University is renowned as one of the best public universities in Japan. It has massive popularity among students and receives a large number of applications each year. Tohoku University welcomes over 17,000 students to its modern campus, which houses top-notch libraries, research centers, laboratories, and a university hospital.

Global Humanities
Integrated Human Sciences
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Electrical, Information, and Physics Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering

5 Osaka University

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#5 in Japan
#29 in Asia
#201 in World
Percentage of International Students
11%
Total Number of students - 23,044
International Number of students - 2,611

Celebrating its 91st year in the educational service sector, Osaka University takes pride as one of Japan’s leading research universities. Throughout the decades, they’ve established its reputation for producing high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs for all nationalities. As they move forward and expand their campuses in the country, they aim to build a global community of learners and researchers in various academic fields.

Philosophy, Thought and Culture
Human Geography
Aesthetics and Science of Literary Arts
Social Sciences
Mathematics

6 Tokyo Institute of Technology

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#6 in Japan
#30 in Asia
#212 in World
Percentage of International Students
16%
Total Number of students - 10,500
International Number of students - 1,700

Tokyo Institute of Technology, more commonly known as Tokyo Tech, is a leading university that entirely concentrates on providing first-class education in science and technology. It attracts brilliant and talented students who aspire to obtain a degree at this elite university. At present, Tokyo Tech is also open to admitting international students. Aside from its Japanese-taught programs, it also offers English-taught programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering

7 Nagoya University

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#7 in Japan
#38 in Asia
#246 in World
Percentage of International Students
12%
Total Number of students - 15,772
International Number of students - 1,900

Nagoya University is one of the most prominent public universities in Japan. Founded in 1871, it first opened as a medical school and public hospital. Today, the university offers a wide range of degree programs and consistently ranks among the top schools in the country. Several of its alumni have become Nobel Prize winners, politicians, and corporate executives.

Automotive Engineering
Biological Science
Chemistry
Physics
Social Sciences

8 Kyushu University

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#8 in Japan
#48 in Asia
#296 in World
Percentage of International Students
12%
Total Number of students - 18,585
International Number of students - 2,270

Kyushu University has a long and rich history that can be traced back to 1911. It has undergone several name changes and redevelopments throughout the years. And today, the university is considered one of Fukuoka’s biggest and best public institutions. Committed to promoting internationalization, the school offers innovative educational programs, participates in foreign exchange programs, and welcomes foreign nationals into its campus.

Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Education
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Environmental Design

9 Hokkaido University

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#9 in Japan
#59 in Asia
#349 in World
Percentage of International Students
12%
Total Number of students - 18,171
International Number of students - 2,104

Another top-tier university in Japan, Hokkaido University, aims to deliver quality education to everyone. Since its establishment in 1876, they have developed undergraduate and graduate programs in various academic disciplines. They have been highly regarded for their goals of contributing to research and producing outstanding graduates in the field. For the next years, they aim to build more global connections through their academic programs and activities.

Modern Japanese Studies
Integrated Science
Chemistry
Biological Science
Economics and Business

10 University of Tsukuba

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#10 in Japan
#81 in Asia
#432 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 16,542

The University of Tsukuba is one of the world-class public institutions in Japan. The university aims to develop cutting-edge programs suited to the needs of the succeeding generations. Additionally, internationalization also plays a big part in the institution’s success. It collaborates with other renowned foreign universities, actively participates in international programs, and warmly welcomes many students from across the globe who desires to obtain an internationally acknowledged Japanese degree.

Political Science
Biology
Agricultural Sciences
Computer Systems
Japanese Art and Design

11 Keio University

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#11 in Japan
#86 in Asia
#457 in World
Percentage of International Students
6%
Total Number of students - 33,400
International Number of students - 1,900

Keio University, founded in 1858, is a private university in Minato City, Japan. Most of its 11 campuses are located in Tokyo and in Kanagawa Prefecture, with more than 20 faculties offering degree programs in undergraduate and graduate levels. At present, the university is home to more than 33,400 students, with over 1,900 from international backgrounds.

Economics
Business and Commerce
Engineering
Policy Management
Environment and Information Studies

12 Hitotsubashi University

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#12 in Japan
#101 in Asia
#516 in World
Percentage of International Students
13%
Total Number of students - 6,300
International Number of students - 820

Founded in 1875, Hitotsubashi University is one of the oldest schools in Japan. Over the years, the university has expanded its program offerings and included academic and research programs in social sciences, economics, and public policy. The primary objective of Hitotsubashi University is to educate future leaders of society by training them to become independent, creative, and intellectual thinkers with integrity.

Commerce and Management
Economics
Studies of Social Structure and Socio-Cultural Transformation
Policy Management Studies
Human Practice

13 Kobe University

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#13 in Japan
#106 in Asia
#530 in World
Percentage of International Students
7%
Total Number of students - 15,986
International Number of students - 1,179

Kobe University is an influential and internationally recognized institution situated in Hyogo prefecture. The university envisions itself as the global hub for higher education and research in the coming years. By achieving this desired outcome, it continuously thrives on developing innovative and interdisciplinary programs that will help contribute to the socio-economic growth of society and aid in resolving current global issues in the community.

Biology
Chemical Science and Engineering
Economics
Humanities
Ocean Safety Systems Science

14 Bunka Fashion Graduate University

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#14 in Japan
#117 in Asia
#568 in World
Percentage of International Students
95%
Total Number of students - 176
International Number of students - 168

Bunka Fashion Graduate University was founded in 2005 and is located in Tokyo, Japan. It offers Professional Degree programs in Fashion Business Administration, Fashion Technology, and Fashion Design. These programs contain seminars and training for future fashion professionals. Japanese proficiency is still required at the level of N2. Despite this, most students in the university are from abroad.

15 Waseda University

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#15 in Japan
#118 in Asia
#569 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 47,959

Waseda University is one of the most highly-regarded universities in Japan. It is considered the best private institution in the country and consistently ranks among the top 200 in reputable world university rankings. Waseda receives the highest number of applications in Japan every year. Several alumni have become Japanese prime ministers, CEOs, and influential artists.

Political Science
Economics
Global Political Economy
Mechanical Engineering
Chemistry

16 Hiroshima University

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#16 in Japan
#123 in Asia
#594 in World
Percentage of International Students
11%
Total Number of students - 15,040
International Number of students - 1,643

Situated in western Japan, Hiroshima University was founded due to the amalgamation of several institutions. Since then, the university has continued to flourish by improving its educational system, developing new programs, and collaborating with other universities, to name a few. And today, it has positioned itself as one of the most prominent universities in Japan and has also been considered one of the best globally.

Humanities
Economics
Informatics and Data Science
Architecture
Integrated Arts and Sciences

17 University of Aizu

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#17 in Japan
#132 in Asia
#631 in World
Percentage of International Students
7%
Total Number of students - 1,197
International Number of students - 84

The University of Aizu is one of the most recognized universities in Japan and is continuously gaining popularity because it offers great computer science programs. It is ranked among the top 500 universities by Times Higher Education, which distinguishes its programs from other similar institutions. Even though, compared to other universities, it can be considered a new institution founded in 1993, the achievements that it has earned make it a great university option for all interested students.

Natural Sciences
Programming
Foundation of Computer Science and Engineering
Humanities and Social Sciences
Physical Activities

18 Tokyo Medical and Dental University

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#18 in Japan
#137 in Asia
#651 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 1,380

Tokyo Medical and Dental University is one of the most prominent universities in Japan when it comes to medicine and dentistry. The university has valuable partnerships with hospitals and corporations, allowing students to gain sufficient exposure in the actual field. It highly supports research and innovation as it continues to do wonders in the global healthcare industry.

Nursing Science
Oral Health Care Sciences
Oral Health Care Engineering
Medicine Technology

19 Kyoto Sangyo University

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#19 in Japan
#141 in Asia
#677 in World
Percentage of International Students
1%
Total Number of students - 13,729
International Number of students - 198

Kyoto Sangyo University was founded in 1965 and is located in Kyoto, Japan. It offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. Over 10 faculties for undergraduate-level education and 8 divisions for graduate-level education are present. Additionally, well-equipped facilities are home to different extracurricular clubs and societies for students. These extracurricular clubs and facilities include academics, interests, and sports.

Business Administration
Life Sciences
Information Science and Engineering
Science
Law

20 Kansai Medical University

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#20 in Japan
#143 in Asia
#696 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 709

Kansai Medical University is one of the leading institutions in Japan in terms of medical education. The university has various partner institutions and university hospitals that allow students to widen their perspectives in the medical field. Due to the high demand for healthcare workers, the university is focused on giving students sufficient experience beyond textbooks.

Nursing
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy

21 Tokyo Metropolitan University

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#21 in Japan
#172 in Asia
#773 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 8,538

Tokyo Metropolitan University takes pride in its active participation in numerous inter-faculty exchanges and research and development activities between industries and academia. The university deeply aims to heighten the level of research education on campus as it strives to widen its international scope in the coming years. Tokyo Metropolitan University has high hopes for its goal of providing an education that solves significant issues in metropolitan areas.

Sociology
Social Anthropology
French Studies
Business Administration
Economics

22 Chiba University

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#22 in Japan
#185 in Asia
#821 in World
Percentage of International Students
10%
Total Number of students - 13,711
International Number of students - 1,401

Chiba University is a public institution determined to train students who will meet the needs of society while sharing their knowledge and innovating in their fields. It offers a wide variety of degree programs at its over 20 schools and faculties. This includes multiple master’s degree programs that are fully taught in English and have been adapted to international students. Chiba University also has a very active student body with almost 200 student organizations, multiple committees, and activities, like the language exchange tutoring initiative.

 

Global Studies
International Languages and Cultures
Earth Sciences
Applied Biological Chemistry
Medical Engineering

23 University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan

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#23 in Japan
#192 in Asia
#841 in World
Percentage of International Students
2%
Total Number of students - 1,164
International Number of students - 20

The University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan is a medical institution in Kitakyushu. The main aim of this institution is to educate the next generation of doctors and nurses so that the medical field in Japan will be in good hands. The programs that are offered are mostly post-graduate programs, such as nursing and medicine. The top achievement for this institution is that it is among the top 401 universities in the world based on the Times Higher Education.

Occupational Health
Nursing

24 Okayama University

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#24 in Japan
#194 in Asia
#844 in World
Percentage of International Students
6%
Total Number of students - 13,012
International Number of students - 760

Okayama University is an exceptional university known for providing internationally recognized educational programs. Such programs include agriculture, science, education, and engineering. In addition, its tuition rates are relatively low, and it offers several scholarships for qualified students. The institute is also known for having a vibrant community and welcomes students from across the globe regardless of background.

Engineering for Sustainable Development
Agricultural Sciences
Earth Sciences
Pharmaceutical Technology
Chemistry

25 Niigata University

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#25 in Japan
#210 in Asia
#905 in World
Percentage of International Students
5%
Total Number of students - 12,112
International Number of students - 659

Niigata University came to life after the merger of different Niigata higher education institutions with the objective of offering a multidisciplinary education that combines research, local development, and innovation. It is divided into 10 faculties and 5 graduate schools that welcome international students in its dozens of Japanese and English-taught programs. Students are also invited to collaborate on projects developed by the network of institutes specializing in areas like ecological sustainability and brain research.

Society and Culture
Legal Education
Management Studies
Field Research in the Environmental Sciences
Mathematics

We know that choosing your dream school in Japan not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Japan, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Japan! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!