9+ Best Universities in Japan for International Students

Why Study at Universities in Japan?

There are many compelling reasons for students to choose to study in Japan. In this section, we will discuss why to study at in detail. Look below:

• Quality Education at an Affordable Price: You can receive a high-quality education in science and technology at a lower cost compared to Western countries. Additionally, scholarships are available to help support your studies.
• Access to Cutting-Edge Research: You'll be at the forefront of innovative research in areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology.
• Enhanced Job Prospects: You'll gain skills that are highly sought after by major companies like Sony, Toyota, and Nintendo, giving you an advantage in the Asian job market.
• Cultural Immersion: You'll have the opportunity to experience Japanese culture, which emphasises harmony, productivity, and respect. This cultural understanding can benefit you both personally and professionally.
• Safe and Convenient Living: Japan has a low crime rate, and excellent public transportation makes it easy to get around and feel secure.
• Language Acquisition: Studying in Japan college allows you to become fluent in Japanese, a valuable skill for global employment opportunities. Immersion in the language environment accelerates your learning.
• Growing Job Market: Japan's economy is expanding and becoming more global, leading to job opportunities, especially in technology and manufacturing.

Top 10 Universities in Japan 

Here is a list of universities in Japan that can help you choose the one that best aligns with your profile and aspirations:

1. University of Tokyo (Todai)

• Established: 1877
• Type: National Research University
• Student Body (2022): 28,133 (13,962 UG, 14,171 PG)
• Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): 32-36%
• Graduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): 52% (MA 47%, PhD 72%)

2. Kyoto University

• Established: June 18, 1897, as Kyoto Imperial University.
• Type: National Research University
• Student Body (2022): Approximately 22,000 (with 3,000 international)
• Acceptance Rate: Highly selective at approximately 11%

3. Osaka University

• Established: 1931 (as the sixth Imperial University)
• Type: National Research University
• Student Body: Large, with a diverse mix of domestic and international students across 11 faculties and 15 graduate schools.
• Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Around 60%
• Graduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Varies by program, generally competitive

4. Tohoku University

• Established: 1907 (Japan’s third Imperial University)
• Type: National University (Public)
• Student Body (2024): 17,816 total (10,720 undergrad, 7,096 grad) with 3,410 international students.
• Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Around 41%, but varies by program
• Graduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Varies significantly by program; generally competitive.

5. Keio University

Established: 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa.

Type: Private, Coeducational

Student Body: Over 33,500

Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Highly selective; rates vary, some sources suggests 0-9% for extreme selectivity, while others note 24% overall acceptance from 20k+ applicants.

Graduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Also very competitive, generally follows the university’s selective trend.

6. Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech)

Established: 1881 (First national university of technology in Japan)

• Type: National University (Research University)
• Student Body: 10,500 total (50% UG, 50% PG) and International student 1800
• Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Extremely low, around 10% or even lower, making it very competitive.
• Graduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Higher than UG, but varies; MA programs might be in the 40-50% range, while PhDs can be significantly higher, reflecting research focus.

7. Nagoya University

• Established: 1939 (Imperial University), origins in 1871
• Type: National Research University, Designated National University
• Student Body: 16,000 students (total enrollment)
• Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Varies widely by program; G30 (Global 30) programs show rates from 2% to 48% (2017-2025) general rate cited at 75%.
• Graduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): More accessible than UG, with MA around 47% and PhD rates around 72% in some examples, though this can vary greatly.

8. Hokkaido University

• Established: 1876 (as Sapporo Agricultural College)
• Type: Public Research University
• Student Body: Overall around 18,000 (UG 12,000, PG 6,000)
• Acceptance Rate (Approx): 34-35%

9. University of Tsukuba

• Established: 1973 (Relocated from Tokyo University of Education)
• Type: National University, Public, Comprehensive Research
• Student Body (2022): 16,500 students (diverse, large international cohort)
• Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Around 32%
• Graduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Varies by program, generally competitive

10. Waseda University

• Established: October 21, 1882, by Ōkuma Shigenobu
• Type: Private Research University
• Student Body: 51,000 overall (42,860 UG, 8,269 PG)
• Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): Around 17% to 34%
• Graduate Acceptance Rate (Approx): MA programs (47%), PhD programs (Higher around 72%)

Note: INR conversions are approximate based on 2026 exchange rates (0.56 INR/JPY).

Admission Process and Eligibility Criteria for Universities in Japan

To gain admission to a top university in Japan, you'll need to meet specific requirements and follow the application procedures. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligibility Criteria

• Education: You must have completed 12 years of schooling (i.e., a high school diploma).
• Age: Generally, you should be at least 18 years old.
• Academic Performance: A decent academic record is necessary, typically a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Language Proficiency:

For Classes in Japanese: You will need to pass the JLPT N2/N1 test or achieve competitive scores on the EJU.

For Classes in English: You must take the TOEFL, IELTS, or another recognised language test.

• Financial Evidence: You need to demonstrate that you can cover your living and educational expenses (e.g., savings, proof of income, scholarship, or bank statement). A budget of approximately ¥1 million to ¥2 million is typically required.

Admission Process

1. Research Universities: Investigate various universities and programs (in English or Japanese) to determine their requirements.
2. Prepare for Language Tests: Study for the JLPT if you are taking classes in Japanese, or prepare for the TOEFL/IELTS if your classes will be in English.
3. Prepare for Entrance Exams: Get ready for the EJU (if applying for a Japanese program) or any other required tests by the university.
4. Gather Documentation: Collect your academic records, diplomas, recommendation letters, essays, and copies of your passport.
5. Apply Online: Submit applications to each Japanese university separately through their websites and pay the application fees (approximately ¥10,000–¥30,000 or more).
6. Await Decisions: Universities will review your documents and may conduct interviews online.
7. Acceptance Notification: If accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter. The university will then apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).
8. Apply for a Visa: Use the CoE, your passport, and other required documents to apply for a Student Visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.

Also Read: Japan Student Visa

Conclusion

Summing up, choosing the best universities in Japan is essential for both your personal and professional growth. To make an informed decision, it’s important to research different institutions and their offerings. This blog has compiled a list of top universities along with details about their admission processes, eligibility criteria, scholarships, top courses, and other relevant information. If you are considering pursuing higher education at one of these universities, seeking help from Gradding.com study abroad consultants could be a valuable option.

FAQs

1. What Are the Top-Ranked Universities in Japan for International Students?

The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tohoku University, Osaka University, and Waseda University/Keio University are consistently highly ranked for international students, offering excellent research opportunities and diverse programs in a safe environment.

2. Are There English-Taught Degree Programs Available at Japanese Universities?

Yes, many universities in Japan offer English-taught degree programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD), with an increasing number of options, especially at the graduate level. Traditional Japanese programs are also widely available.

3. What Are the Admission Requirements and Entrance Exams for Universities in Japan?

Admission requirements typically include academic transcripts, motivation letters, language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for English, JLPT for Japanese), and sometimes entrance exams like the EJU or university-specific tests. The application process can vary depending on the institution.

4. How Much Does it Cost to Study At a University in Japan and What Scholarship Options Are Available?

Tuition fees range from ¥500,000 to ¥800,000 per year, with national universities in Japan generally being more affordable. Scholarships like MEXT and university-specific funds can significantly reduce costs, making studying in Japan more accessible.

5. What Support Services Are Available for International Students in Japan?

All Japan university offer a variety of support services for international students, including housing assistance, counselling, career services, and welcome events. Many resources are available in English to help ease the transition to study life in Japan.