25 Best Universities In Japan For International Students 2026

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.

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 260,000 Yen to 3,680,000 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

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.

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.

Celebrating its 91st year in the educational service sector, the University of Osaka 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Osaka Metropolitan University was founded in 2022 by merging Osaka City University and Osaka Prefecture University. It is located in Osaka, Japan in partnership with 233 institutions in 42 countries and regions. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral-level degree programs are offered in specific graduate schools of the university. Student aids such as scholarships are also open to international students as long as their education are privately financed.

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.

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.

 

Ritsumeikan University is a private institution in Kyoto that has been in the academic industry since 1859. Today, it is considered to be among the best institutions in Japan. Teachers and professionals across the globe highly recommend the school due to its academic excellence. Its best features include its vibrant learning environment, top-rated study programs, and student support, to name a few.

Kanazawa University, one of Japan’s most prestigious universities, provides education from bachelor’s to doctorate level. Humanities, sciences, engineering, and many other disciplines are covered by its programs. Also known as Kindai, it is a two-campus institution located in Kakuma and Takaramachi. Kindai earned its university status in 1949, but its history can be traced to 1862.

Established in 1889 by Akiyoshi Yamada, Nihon University is considered one of the biggest universities in Japan. When it started its operation, the institute’s educational philosophy was “independence of mind and creativity.” And throughout the years, it has remained one of the university’s beliefs. At present, the university leads in providing exceptional study programs. It has a broad spectrum of academic disciplines offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including law, international relations, science and technology, business, health sciences, and engineering.

Kumamoto University identifies itself as a research-focused university that emphasizes the importance of maintaining cultural traditions and contributing to the local community. It has four campuses in the city of Kumamoto that are known for being surrounded by breathtaking nature, like the seashore or mountains. However, nature isn’t the most impressive aspect of them. They have 10 research institutes and organizations with modern technology, as well as recreational facilities for extracurricular activities. The university has also partnered with other institutions to offer collaborative academic activities at research centers and hospitals.

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.

Tokyo University of Science (TUS) came to fruition when several undergraduate students from the University of Tokyo decided to establish their own school concentrated entirely on science. Despite the government’s support, the university experienced difficult challenges during its early years. However, since its founding members are strong advocates of providing academic excellence, the university thrived and has grown into an elite science and technology institution. Today, TUS is known for its high standards of teaching and research in Japan and across the globe.

Located in a culturally rich city filled with historic sites, Nagasaki University strives to provide innovative education while staying true to its traditions and contributing to the betterment of society. The university is also committed to sustainability, not only from an environmental point of view but also from an equality and health awareness standpoint.

One of Japan’s high-ranking academic institutions and most sought-after is Kindai University. Annually, 150,000 aspiring individuals apply to the university, making it the Japanese educational institution with the most number of applicants. It is mainly based in Higashiosaka, a city within Osaka, but has campuses in Nara, Osaka, Wakayama, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. Besides the central campus where various disciplines, from law to engineering, are conducted, each campus hosts a specific field. Nara is for agriculture, Osaka is for medicine, Wakayama is for biology, Hiroshima is for engineering, and Fukuoka is for humanity-oriented science and engineering.

Tokai University’s history goes back to 1942. However, the present Tokai University is the result of integrating three universities: Tokai University (the namesake), Kyushu Tokai University, and Hokkaido Tokai University. This private institution is well-ranked both in global and national assessments. For instance, it is ranked 247th among Asian universities by the QS Top Universities ranking site. The university covers an impressive range of courses. These are offered through its six campuses: Shonan, Kumamoto, Takanawa, Isehara, Sapporo, Shibuya, and Shimizu.