Are you searching for high-quality education and the world’s best sushi? If you are, then Japan should be on your list of considerations.
Seriously, there are lots of reasons why studying abroad in Japan is a good idea for college students. Aside from the amazing cultural experiences you get to immerse yourself in, many of the best universities in Japan warmly welcome international students.
Particularly, Japan ranks high on many students’ lists because of all the opportunities and experiences the country has to offer.
Why Study Abroad in Japan
Before we go into the specific list of schools to choose from, let’s see why Japan can be such a good choice for students who want to study abroad.
1. Japan has high-quality education: Japan is constantly being ranked in the top 10 countries for education. No matter what kind of school you attend, be it public or private, Japan takes education seriously.
2. Great Food: Traditional Japanese cuisine is famous for being healthy, fresh, and delicious.
3. Good Job Opportunities: Japan’s economy has a high demand for foreign workers, especially English Teachers. This means, upon graduation, if you feel like staying in Japan a little while longer, you are likely to find a job.
4. Unique Culture: Japan is a hub of international impact and culture. From anime to technology, Japan boasts very unique experiences for adventurous spirits!
5. Japan Encourages Students from Abroad: The government of Japan has a strong interest in accepting students from abroad. Because of that, they are focused on making the application process easier for international students.
Best colleges in Japan for International Students
Check out this list of some of the top Japanese universities:
1. University of Tokyo
2. Kyoto University
3. Osaka University
4. Nagoya University
5. Kyushu University
6. University of Tsukuba
7. Keio University
8. Waseda University
9. Tokyo Institute of Technology
10. Sophia University
These are the best colleges in Japan and you should keep reading to find out why they made it to our list.
1. University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo also known as Todai University is Japan’s first national university. It was founded in 1877 and has 10 faculties and 5 graduate schools. One interesting thing about the school is that students change campuses throughout their studies. For the first two years, they are on one campus, and then they change to another one in their third year. The campus is a good option for those who want to explore the country because it’s located close to main attractions.
The school is one of the elite Japanese universities chosen for the MEXT’s Top Global University Project, signifying its role as an example of the competitiveness of Japanese higher education. The school has graduated celebrated figures in many fields, ranging from politics, business, science to fine arts. To this day, the university has 15 Japanese prime ministers, five astronauts, and eight Nobel prize winners among its alumni.
This school made our list and number one because it’s the most prestigious school in all of Japan. This is the Harvard of Japan, and fun fact, it actually competes with Harvard.
2. Kyoto University
Kyoto University was founded as an imperial institution in the year 1897. Besides being the second-oldest university in Japan, it is also known as the second-best institution in the country.
The university has 2 campuses in Kyoto and 1 in Uji and is home to nearly 23,000 students. It also has a foreign community of more than 2,000 students (11% of the total population).
Many celebrated scientists come to talk at the university and there are many local opportunities there as well. High-tech laboratories and practical training make Kyoto University an incredible place for students who want to perform research.
There are strong student unions for international students and as a culturally rich area, there is no shortage of things to do outside of campus life.
3. Osaka University
Osaka University is home to more than 15,000 undergraduate students, with about 8,000 graduate students and around 2,000 international students. If you enroll at Osaka University, you will have attended the same school as Sony founder Akio Morita. Established as the Kaitokudo in the year 1724, Osaka University, one of the most affordable universities in Japan by the way, is a designated national institution.
The college, which is ranked 7th in Japan, currently has 3 campuses in Suita, Minoh, and Toyonaka. These branches house the school’s 11 undergraduate and 16 graduate faculties.
This school made our list because Osaka University is one of the many Japanese schools to offer an English-medium undergraduate program. Launched in the year 2011, this project has attracted many foreign students. The international students currently represent 12% of the university’s 22,000+ strong population
4. Nagoya University
Nagoya University continues its legacy of academic excellence and boasts about 33% of Japan’s Nobel Laureates in Science. This is not surprising as the university is well known for its research.
Nagoya University (NU), was founded in 1871 as the last Japanese imperial university. The college is regarded as one of the country’s best. Ranked 5th in the World Rankings, and is also listed as the 41st best university in Asia.
NU’s undergraduate faculties are organized according to the studies of Law, Medicine, Engineering, Science, Letters, Agriculture, Economics, Education, and Information Culture.
The same courses are offered at the graduate level, with the addition of specializations in Science, International Language Culture, Mathematics, International Development, and Environmental Studies.
Currently, NU is home to more than 15,000 students. It also has an active foreign student community, which corresponds to 11% of the total enrollment rate.
5. Kyushu University
Kyushu University is one of the fourth oldest universities on the island. The college can trace its history back to 1903. To date, the school is regarded as the 8th-best university in Japan. This status has helped attract many foreign students, representing 13% of the university’s 18,000 students.
The university is quite affordable for international students and is known to offer undergraduate programs in the fields of Law, Sciences, Interdisciplinary Science & Innovation, Dentistry, Education, Economics, Medicine, Pharmaceutical Science, Design, Engineering, e.t.c. It also offers graduate programs in the mentioned fields, as well as that of Socio-cultural Studies, Humanities, and Human Environment studies.
Despite the big campus, the student-to-teacher ratio is still just 9:1.
6. University of Tsukuba
More than a third of Japan’s research institutes take place on this campus. There is a robust focus on international studies, with cooperative agreements with Central Asia and North Africa. Interestingly, about 70 of its current and previous students have participated in the Olympic Games.
The University of Tsukuba was officially established in 1973. Ever since then, it has become one of Japan’s finest – even placing 10th in the World University Rankings.
Located in Ibaraki, Japan, the university specializes in the fields of Medicine, Mathematics, Engineering, Technology, and Science. They also offer programs in Social Science, Humanities, and Art & Design.
The University of Tsukuba is on our list because it has one of the highest percentages of foreign students – corresponding to 20% of its 16,000 enrollees.
7. Keio University
Keio University is another top private university in Japan. The college currently offers more English-speaking graduate degree programs than undergraduate (24 in total). For undergraduates looking to study at Keio, the faculty of Policy Management, Environment, and Information Studies, (GIGA), and the faculty of economics (PEARL) program, offer classes in English.
Graduate degree programs offer more choices like Health, Media, Engineering, and Law.
The school has multiple campuses all over Tokyo, and one close to the beautiful seaside of Kanagawa, where the PEARL program resides. Keio University also provides scholarships, international dormitories, and ways for foreign students to get involved with the community.
Keio University is on our list because of how it offers more graduate degree programs in English than any other university.
8. Waseda University
Situated in Tokyo, Waseda University is considered to be one of the most diverse campuses in Japan. More than 5,000 international students study on the campus, coming from over 100 different countries.
Waseda University is one of the biggest private universities in Tokyo with countless options for international students. Currently, they have seven different undergraduate/graduate schools that all run in English.
In their engineering department they offer Fundamental, Creative, and Advanced Science and Engineering Degrees. Economics, Liberal Arts, Politics, Social Sciences, Media, and Society school are the other majors currently offered.
These four-year programs are much smaller than their Japanese counterparts but provide a good opportunity to mix with Japanese and international students alike.
Waseda’s international programs are very famous in Japan, with its foreign students participating actively in campus life.
Aside from foreign student life, the schools offer many dormitory options that are close to the main parts of the city and school and scholarship options for those who find the price to be too steep.
9. Tokyo Institute of Technology
Verified by its name, the Tokyo Institute of Technology has educated some of the world’s brightest math and engineering minds. 13% of its students are international.
The University has one competitive option for international degree-seeking students: the Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP).
10 students who apply get four funded years of University by the MEXT scholars program and a few other independently funded students are accepted.
The program believes that transdisciplinary studies are necessary for well-versed scientists and engineers, and include compulsory classes such as Science, Management, Engineering, and Liberal Arts courses.
The topics are almost completely self-chosen, with each student receiving support in order to pick the area they want to succeed in. All GSEP classes are located on Meguro campus.
10. Sophia University
Although smaller than the previously mentioned schools on this list, Sophia University still has some good options for international degree-seeking students. It boasts two major English degree programs: FLA (Faculty of Liberal Arts), and the Faculty of Science and Technology, which offers the majors Green Engineering, and Green Science.
The university is one of the top-rated Japanese institutions to offer classes in both Japanese and English. Such that it has attracted many foreign enrollees, which equate to 11% of the school’s 13,511 students.
The university has a campus in central Tokyo near Yotsuya station. Like the previous schools, there are many international clubs and opportunities to meet Japanese people.
FAQ on List of Colleges in japan for international students
What are the requirements to study in Japan?
Undergraduate students must show proof of basic education (high school certificate) spanning at least 12 years. Applicants also need to be 18 years of age upon admission.
Additionally, applicants should also provide a copy of his/her valid passport – as well as proof of proficiency in Japanese or English for English-taught programs.
For graduate students, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is required. Other documents that may be required include letters of reference and proof of financial support.
Can you study English at Japanese Universities?
Yes. While most universities generally concentrate on Japanese-taught programs, some institutions offer English-taught programs. All universities mentioned in this list offer some English programs for international students.
How much does it cost to study in Japan?
An annual average of $4,900. Most schools on this list have their annual tuition set from $4,800 – $4,900 annually.
Conclusion
There are so many opportunities for what you can study and where you can choose to earn your degree. Nevertheless, studying abroad, especially in Japan, will expand your network and experiences! Studying abroad will help you create unique and unforgettable memories.