Best Universities in Japan: A Complete Guide for Aspiring International Students

If you’re young, driven, and full of potential, Japan could be your next big move. Now more than ever, top Japanese universities are actively seeking talented international students. And the best part? You don’t need to know Japanese to get started.

Many of Japan’s leading institutions offer full degree programs taught in English, making it easier to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies in one of the world’s most innovative countries.

Study in English, immerse yourself in Japanese culture, and pick up the language along the way, all while unlocking doors to unique academic, career, and life opportunities.

Discover why Japan is investing in global talent, explore the top universities, and learn how scholarships can make your journey more affordable than you think.

Why Study in Japan?

Japan is becoming a top choice for international students, with a 21% increase in student numbers from 2022 to 2023, now totaling around 280,000. The country is expanding English-taught programs, exchange opportunities, and joint degrees to attract more global talent.

Key reasons to study in Japan include:

• Strong government support for internationalization
• A growing demand for skilled professionals in tech and IT
• A safe and high-quality living environment
• The availability of part-time job opportunities for students

When choosing a university in Japan, it’s important to consider several factors.

• Look for institutions that offer full English-taught degree programs along with Japanese language support.
• A diverse and welcoming international student community can also enhance your experience.
• Consider the location, whether you prefer the energy of a major city or the slower pace of a regional town.
• The university’s academic reputation, global rankings, and the quality of its programs.

Public vs. Private Universities

It also helps to understand the types of universities in Japan you can choose from.

Public universities tend to dominate the rankings. Of these, national universities rank higher than local or prefectural universities. Fees tend to be lower, and the focus is more on research, science and technology, and postgraduate programs. They are usually named after a city, like Osaka University, or a region, like Tohoku University.

While private universities tend to rely largely on tuition fees and private endowments. These universities are the majority in Japan, and entry tends to be less competitive. They have an additional focus on social sciences, humanities, and economics, as well as more undergraduate programs.

Japan's Ivy League: The Imperial Universities

Japan doesn’t have an official “Ivy League” like the U.S., but it does have elite university groups that are considered similarly prestigious. These nine universities were established by the Japanese Empire between 1886 and 1939 to foster top-tier research and academic excellence. They were funded directly by the imperial government and became the academic and political backbone of modern Japan.

After Japan's defeat in World War II, the Empire was dissolved, and the term “Imperial University” was discontinued. However, seven of the nine original universities remain operational in Japan and are still regarded as the country's best universities.

1. University of Tokyo 

2. Kyoto University 

3. Tohoku University 

4. Kyushu University 

5. Hokkaido University 

6. Osaka University 

7. Nagoya University 

8. Keijō Imperial University now Seoul National University (no longer existing in Japan)

9. Taihoku Imperial University now National Taiwan University (no longer existing in Japan)

Though the term Imperial University is no longer in use, the legacy of these institutions lives on. The seven former Imperial Universities in Japan continue to set the standard for academic excellence, research innovation, and global influence. Meanwhile, Seoul National University and National Taiwan University, both rooted in the legacy of the imperial system, have become their countries’ top universities.

Top 5 Universities in Japan

Below is an overview of Japan’s top-ranking universities based on major global indexes.

• Times Higher Education (THE) evaluates institutions based on research volume, academic citations, teaching environment, and international outlook. In its reputation-specific ranking, the University of Tokyo ranks 10th globally and 5th in Asia.

• QS World University Rankings place more weight on academic reputation, employer reputation, and faculty-to-student ratios, making it a useful tool for judging overall excellence.

• Nature Index ranks universities based on high-quality research outputs in natural sciences and is especially valuable if you’re aiming for a career in advanced research.

Top 10 Universities in Japan for International Students 

Japan is home to many prestigious institutions that welcome students from all over the world. These universities are known for their academic excellence, research achievements, and strong international programs, especially those taught in English.

Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies, these top-ranking schools offer strong support and outstanding opportunities for global learners.

Programs are subject to change year-on-year, so make sure to check the official websites.

1. The University of Tokyo

Tokyo University (‘Todai’) is probably Japan’s most acclaimed and sought-after university for domestic and international students alike. Around 80% or more of foreign students come from Asian regions, 12% come from Europe and North America, and the rest come from other global regions.

Tokyo University’s graduate schools are top favorites for studies in economics, sciences, technology, and engineering. Placements are often limited, and competition is tough.

For undergraduates, its PEAK program specializes in politics, economy, and East Asian studies in a global context. International science students can transfer into the Global Science Course (GSC) program at the start of their third year. Tokyo University’s Japanese language program is unique for its specialized focus on different faculty needs.

2. Kyoto University

Kyoto University has a wide choice of international undergraduate programs. Its iUP intensive Japanese language program offers the possibility of studying liberal arts, science, and other subjects in either English/or Japanese. Civil engineering, biosciences, and informatics are among its top graduate school studies. Around 84% of foreign students are from Asia, and 6.5% from Europe.

3. Keio University

Keio is one of the best private universities in Japan. Its 4-year undergraduate degree in economics attracts some 400 students from 21 countries and regions. However, most English degree programs are graduate programs in economics, business, media, medicine, science and technology, including advanced robotics. Keio also offers double master's degrees in economics and international management with partnered universities around the world

4. Sophia University

Sophia University is a private university with a wide selection of undergraduate programs, including a popular Japanese language study program. Compared to national universities, its graduate English program is not as comprehensive. The university has a strong focus on education studies, foreign studies, and humanities. As of 2025, about 9% of the student body is from abroad, and 18% of the faculty is non-Japanese.

5. Tohoku University

Tohoku University is located in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, about 300 km northeast of Tokyo. It has a strong focus on materials science, engineering, and physics. In 2025, English-taught programs for undergraduates included chemistry, mechanical and aerospace engineering, and applied biosciences. Its graduate schools, however, number over 20, and it has a dedicated Japanese language education center. Foreign students average over 3000 per year.

6. Waseda University

Waseda, another of Japan’s prestigious private universities, was founded to foster modern scholarship for social and political leadership. It has six undergraduate schools, and its extensive graduate programs include sports science, international communications, Asia-Pacific studies, and MBA. Waseda typically hosts around 8,000 foreign students from more than 100 countries or regions.

7. Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University started in 1876 as an agricultural college. It’s noted for its Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP) for undergraduates. Agriculture, biosciences, chemical-material sciences, and veterinary sciences are some of their best English programs. Foreign students number around 2,000 or more.

8. Osaka University

Osaka University is the third top-ranking university in Japan for research output, after Tokyo and Kyoto universities. Its English graduate schools focus on economics, engineering, science and information technology. For undergraduates, you can study in the School of Human Sciences.

9. Hitotsubashi University

Hitotsubashi University dates back to 1875 as a commercial training school in Kunitachi, Tokyo. Its undergraduate program is a good choice for Japanese culture studies, business, economics, sociology, and international relations. Its graduate school focuses more exclusively on economics and business.

10. Chuo University

Chuo University started as a specialized law school but has expanded with growing international affiliations. It has an increasing curriculum of English-taught programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Most of its international students come from China and South Korea.

Best Cities in Japan for International Students

The best cities in Japan for international students depend on what you are looking for.

Tokyo, for example, is the most dynamic and cosmopolitan city in Japan with no dearth of foreign communities, lifestyles, entertainment, and superior transport systems. The cost of living, including rent, is comparatively high.

Kyoto, on the other hand, is a more laid-back city with much easier access to nature. In many ways, it is more historic and traditional than Tokyo, but it’s also home to a large international academic and student population.

Osaka, the second most important city in Japan, is more down-to-earth than most other places. It’s popular for its food and bargain shopping arcades. Osaka can often be cheaper than both Kyoto and Tokyo.

Other regional cities like Nagoya, Sapporo, or Sendai are smaller and have their own unique character and culture. These cities tend to be more affordable in terms of living costs and provide a quieter, more community-focused lifestyle. While entertainment options may be more locally oriented, they offer a rich and authentic Japanese experience.

Application Process for International Students

Each university will have its own application process. Many of the universities mentioned here accept online applications or provide application forms on their website.

Alternatively, your application could be managed via a scholarship fund, a government or private agency, or even your current institution of study.

To qualify for a Japanese student visa, you first have to be accepted by a university, which will then act as your visa sponsor.

Japan Scholarships for International Students

For a Japan-based scholarship, there are generally two routes to follow.

One is a university-recommended scholarship that you can apply for via your selected university. All the universities in Japan mentioned here have scholarship information on their English service websites.

Japanese government scholarships are known as MEXT scholarships (from the Ministry of Education, Sports, Science, and Technology). To apply for these, you should approach the Japanese diplomatic mission or cultural attaché in your own country.

JASSO, or the Japan Student Services Organization, provides invaluable information on scholarships in Japan.

School Essentials for Student Life in Japan

Getting ready for university life in Japan? Make sure you’re equipped with the high-quality tools that Japanese students swear by.

• Tombow MONO Eraser – the gold standard for clean, precise erasing

• Tombow 8900 Graphite Pencils– a classic choice for sketching or note-taking

• Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Ink Pens– smooth writing in vibrant colors

• Kokuyo B5 Lined Notebooks– ideal for structured and organized note-taking

• Carl Angel-5 Royal 3 Pencil Sharpener – durable, reliable, and beautifully designed

• Delight Labo Pen – sleek, lightweight, and perfect for everyday writing tasks

Check out our full range of Japanese school and office supplies, from everyday basics to clever tools you didn’t know you needed!

Additionally, explore these 8 must-have Daiso stationery items that are both fun and functional. And if you're curious about bento culture, check out the best bento lunch box you can get and how to prepare one.

Unique Opportunities Await

Studying in Japan offers something for everyone. For graduate students, it can be a strategic career move. For others, a semester abroad may be the adventure of a lifetime. But for undergraduate students, a full degree program provides the rare chance to gain fluency in Japanese, immerse oneself in local culture, and build a foundation for a future in Japan, including potential career paths, long-term residency, and even the possibility of how to become a Japanese citizen over time. 

No matter where you are in your journey, we're excited for what lies ahead. Ganbatte (good luck) as you take your first step toward studying in Japan!