15 Cheapest Universities in Tokyo for International Students

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In Tokyo, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Japan without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Tokyo, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 82 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Tokyo, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Tokyo for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Tokyo ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Tokyo Kasei-Gakuin University 308,000 Yen 68%
Tokyo Kasei University 370,000 Yen - 1,020,000 Yen 62%
Tokyo Metropolitan University 520,800 Yen 46%
University of Tokyo 535,800 Yen 45%
Ochanomizu University 535,800 Yen 45%
Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology 535,800 Yen 45%
Institute of Science Tokyo 635,400 Yen 34%
Tokyo University of the Arts 643,000 Yen 33%
University of the Sacred Heart 700,000 Yen 27%
Toyo University 710,000 Yen - 1,100,000 Yen 26%
Otsuma Women’s University 745,000 Yen - 895,000 Yen 23%
Komazawa University 759,000 Yen - 800,000 Yen 21%
Tokyo Woman’s Christian University 760,000 Yen 21%
Tokyo University of Agriculture 760,000 Yen 21%
Tokyo University of Social Welfare 761,000 Yen 21%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 957,600 Yen for universities in Tokyo.

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1. Tokyo Kasei-Gakuin University

Tokyo Kasei-Gakuin University is a private university located in the Chiyoda ward in Tokyo, Japan. The school’s predecessor was founded in 1925, but it was only recognized as a university in 1963. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in a variety of disciplines are available, including human life science, economics, design, nutrition, and child studies.

2. Tokyo Kasei University

Tokyo Kasei University is a private institution that exclusively accepts female students. With the urge to educate and generate women leaders and professionals, the university has formed cutting-edge and explicitly designed programs to help develop students’ skills and knowledge in various study programs. These carefully-selected programs include studies in home economics, health sciences, humanities, and child studies.

3. Tokyo Metropolitan University

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.

4. University of Tokyo

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.

5. Ochanomizu University

Ochanomizu University is a Japanese institution founded in 1875 and is located in the country’s capital – Tokyo. It offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. Around 2,800 students are currently enrolled with over 300 faculty and administrative staff handling them. The university also provides excellent education at the Kindergarten, Elementary, and Highschool levels.

6. Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology

Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology is solely the marine university in Japan founded in 2003; however, its rich and long history can be traced back to 1875. Currently, the university offers top-quality maritime programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Since its primary goal is to be among the top marine universities worldwide, the institute has been thriving and undergoing reconstructions to improve its education structure and develop more innovative programs.

7. Institute of Science Tokyo

Institute of Science Tokyo, formerly known as Tokyo Institute of Technology, 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, the Institute of Science Tokyo 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.

8. Tokyo University of the Arts

Tokyo University of the Arts is a perfect place to level up one’s creativity and artistry. It is a university that develops artistic students in the modern world, integrating technology into its course offerings. The university has maintained an excellent reputation worldwide because of its comprehensive art lessons and well-adept instructors that are deeply knowledgeable in the arts and media field.

9. University of the Sacred Heart

The University of the Sacred Heart is a well-known private university in the bustling city of Tokyo, Japan, where it provides educational opportunities for close to nine thousand students. This all-women university is renowned for offering affordable tuition to local and international students. Several graduates from the University of Sacred Heart have become politicians, authors, and prominent scholars.

10. Toyo University

Toyo University was originally created to fill a gap in Japanese universities: the lack of philosophy courses. Over the years, it has expanded but maintains the same principles of putting philosophy at the core of education, being committed to finding the truth and finding solutions to society’s problems. The university has almost 30 faculties and graduate schools distributed on 5 campuses. It also has more than 20 research centers and institutes that specialize in areas such as sustainable development, social sciences, biomedical engineering, etc.

11. Otsuma Women’s University

Otsuma Women’s University is a private university in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. Otsuma Kotaka, a pioneer of traditional women’s education, founded it as a sewing school in 1908. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in home economics, language, literature, and communication are currently available at the university. “Nurturing maternal qualities” and “deepening the value of a gentle and generous heart” are central to Otsuma’s philosophy.

12. Komazawa University

Among the oldest universities in Japan, Komazawa University was established in 1592 as Sendan-Rin School, a Buddhist seminary. It changed to its present name in 1925, and from 1949 onwards, the university opened faculties offering various academic programs in social sciences, business management, and economics. One of Komazawa University’s main goals is to provide high-quality education combined with Buddhist principles and teachings for students to gain the knowledge, skills, and values they can contribute to reshaping and reforming society.

13. Tokyo Woman’s Christian University

Tokyo Woman’s Christian University (TWCU) is an excellent institution that is exclusively for women. Based on its Christian principles, the university educates and trains local and international students to become well-equipped and sensible professionals who will contribute to the betterment of society. Presently, TWCU offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in select areas of study such as humanities, arts, and sciences.

14. Tokyo University of Agriculture

Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tokyo NODAI) is a private institution that offers premier programs in agriculture. The university has been educating countless students since 1891. Throughout the years, Tokyo NODAI has been committed to providing courses dedicated to agriculture. And it is among the top private Japanese universities that offer cutting-edge and interdisciplinary specialized programs.

15. Tokyo University of Social Welfare

Education at the Tokyo University of Social Welfare has the objective of training students in different areas of humanities so they will become experts that will serve the local and international community. The university has four undergraduate schools and three graduate schools distributed in its four campuses, which are located in the main cities of Japan. It offers a program fully taught in English that was designed for international applicants.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Tokyo for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Tokyo ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Tokyo Zokei University 300,000 Yen 57%
Taisho University 400,000 Yen - 700,000 Yen 42%
Tokyo Medical University 400,000 Yen 42%
J. F. Oberlin University 435,000 Yen - 600,000 Yen 37%
Toyo University 450,000 Yen - 600,000 Yen 35%
Kitasato University 450,000 Yen - 650,000 Yen 35%
Teikyo University 459,000 Yen - 530,000 Yen 33%
Musashino University 470,000 Yen 32%
Tokyo Kasei-Gakuin University 480,000 Yen 30%
Musashi University 480,000 Yen - 520,000 Yen 30%
Sophia University 492,000 Yen - 1,078,000 Yen 29%
Toho University 500,000 Yen - 700,000 Yen 27%
Kokugakuin University 505,000 Yen 27%
Gakushuin University 508,000 Yen - 688,000 Yen 26%
Meiji Gakuin University 510,000 Yen 26%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 683,500 Yen for universities in Tokyo.

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1. Tokyo Zokei University

Tokyo Zokei University (TZU) is a privately-funded institute that offers comprehensive art and design programs. This specialized university was founded by a design journalist, Kuwasawa Yoko, in 1966. She had successfully convened numerous educators, artists, and art experts to educate and train students in her school. Today, TSU has a vibrant academic faculty that is comprised of highly-qualified professors and experts working together to support the school’s creative and talented students.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Tokyo Zokei University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 300,000 Yen annually for their master's degree.

2. Taisho University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Taisho University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Taisho University is 400,000 Yen to 700,000 Yen.

Taisho University is a very old but advanced university that was founded in 1926 and is located in Tokyo, Japan. This university is unique because it provides studies in almost every field of education, and students can choose from a variety of programs that can help advance their careers in the future.

3. Tokyo Medical University

Tokyo Medical University is one of the most professional institutions in the area, providing studies in the fields of medicine and nursing. This university was founded in 1946 and has one of the most well-prepared faculty and administrative staff in its field. The main value that comes from this university is that it has a broad range of degrees, from bachelor’s up to Ph.D. degrees.

The tuition fee at Tokyo Medical University for incoming international master’s students is 400,000 Yen. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. J. F. Oberlin University

Another affordable university to consider in Tokyo is J. F. Oberlin University.

J.F. Oberlin University is a private university in Tokyo, Japan, located in the city of Machida. It was established in 1921 by Reverend Yasuzo Shimizu and was named after philanthropist J.F. Oberlin. The College of Arts and Sciences, as well as five professional colleges, offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The tuition fee in J. F. Oberlin University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 435,000 Yen.

5. Toyo University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Toyo University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 450,000 Yen yearly.

Toyo University was originally created to fill a gap in Japanese universities: the lack of philosophy courses. Over the years, it has expanded but maintains the same principles of putting philosophy at the core of education, being committed to finding the truth and finding solutions to society’s problems. The university has almost 30 faculties and graduate schools distributed on 5 campuses. It also has more than 20 research centers and institutes that specialize in areas such as sustainable development, social sciences, biomedical engineering, etc.

6. Kitasato University

Kitasato University is a private medical university in Tokyo, Japan, with campuses in Shirokane and Minato. It was founded in 1962 and named after Kitasato Shibasabur, a Nobel Prize winner in medicine. Undergraduate and graduate programs in natural sciences and medicine are available at the university. According to Times Higher Education, it is one of the top 350 universities in Asia.

7. Teikyo University

Teikyo University is a private university in Tokyo’s Itabashi District. It was founded in 1931 as Teikyo Commercial High School and is part of the Teikyo Group, a multinational educational foundation. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs on five campuses across the country, as well as exchange students on international campuses.

8. Musashino University

Musashino University is a private university in Tokyo, Japan’s Koto Ward. It was founded in 1924 as Musashino Women’s Academy by Buddhist scholar, Junjiro Takakusu. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, such as literature, global studies, law, economics, and data science. Musashino University is distinguished by its commitment to the ideals of the Hongwanji Jodo Shinshu School of Buddhism.

9. Tokyo Kasei-Gakuin University

Tokyo Kasei-Gakuin University is a private university located in the Chiyoda ward in Tokyo, Japan. The school’s predecessor was founded in 1925, but it was only recognized as a university in 1963. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in a variety of disciplines are available, including human life science, economics, design, nutrition, and child studies.

10. Musashi University

The Musashi University is an institute in the suburbs of Tokyo, Japan that welcomes over 4,000 students. It serves as the educational standpoint for psychology and cultural studies. This institute was founded in 1949 and relies on traditional teaching techniques, but is currently developing its systems to adapt to new innovative techniques.

11. Sophia University

Sophia University, one of the elite private universities in Japan, ranks highly in international rankings, including QS Top Universities and Times Higher Education. It is primarily established in globalization, literature, and foreign languages, ranking 360th for Arts and Humanities worldwide. Besides such courses, the university has science, engineering, and religious programs. It is a Roman Catholic institution founded by the Society of Jesus.

12. Toho University

The priority of Toho University is to provide optimal learning opportunities for students with high potential. With almost 100 years of experience, the university has already influenced the social and economic activities of the country. It aims to prepare students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in the professional field.

13. Kokugakuin University

Kokugakuin University is a private university in Tokyo’s Shibuya District. It was established in 1882 as one of Japan’s first universities to be recognized by the university system. Programs in Shinto studies, Japanese history, oriental literature, and community development are prioritized at Kokugakuin. They also offer a course to become a Shinto priest, which is only available at two universities.

14. Gakushuin University

Gakushuin University is a private university in Tokyo’s Mejiro district. It was founded in Kyoto in 1847, but it was re-established as a private university in 1949. Undergraduate and graduate programs in law, economics, and science are available at the university. As one of the most prestigious universities in Japan, most of the Imperial House of Japan have attended the Gakushuin University.

15. Meiji Gakuin University

Meiji Gakuin University is a Christian university that integrates science with Christian principles. Its exceptional academic curriculum and training programs allow students to explore academia with a strong presence of mind and passionate heart. The university’s mission is to produce highly competent graduates that are not just intelligent but also empathetic and compassionate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Tokyo?

Applying to cheap universities in Tokyo requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Japan for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Tokyo?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Tokyo. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Tokyo is the Institute of Science Tokyo, which offers Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Gakushuin University offers Archival Science, Physics, and Economics.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Tokyo, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Tokyo as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Tokyo for international students was helpful!

2 Comments

  1. I am an international student currently studying in a Japanese language institution, I would like to study at a low cost university, is this possible?