With more than 700 universities, including specialized vocational institutions, Japan offers an extensive array of educational options. From traditional academic subjects (law, economics, engineering, science and math) to cutting-edge fields of study like environmental protection, IT, tourism, comics and animation, Japan is a world-leading hub for education.
With internationalization leading the charge among higher education reforms, Japan is putting the focus on attracting foreign talent to its universities and workforce. These efforts include simplifying the application process, supporting students through their studies and helping them on their job trail.
Kyoto University
Located in Kyoto, the ancient capital city of Japan, this top-ranked research-oriented university is famed for its production of world-beating researchers. It has produced 13 Nobel Prize laureates and is ranked competitively in most major rankings.
Founded in 1897, this institution offers an education with a focus on free and open-minded dialogue. Its state-of-the-art facilities and rich academic environment attract outstanding students from all over the world.
The main Yoshida campus is home to several iconic buildings, including the Clock Tower Centennial Hall (known as the symbol of Kyoto University) and camphor trees. This campus also boasts an impressive number of laboratories and research institutes.
Osaka University
Founded in 1931 as the Osaka Imperial University, it has a high academic reputation and maintains an excellent research culture. Its three campuses – Suita, Toyonaka, and Minoh – are located in the city of Osaka and the surrounding area, and have 11 undergraduate faculties and 16 graduate schools.
The university is recognized for its strengths in the sciences and technology. It has a number of Nobel Prize winners and Lasker Award recipients, including the first Japanese to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics, Hideki Yukawa.
The university also offers a variety of student clubs, allowing students to pursue their passions and make friends for life. These include tea ceremony, calligraphy, flower arrangement, Koto (the Japanese harp), and Himawari Club, which involves community volunteer activities.
Nagoya University
Nagoya University, or Meidai as it is known in Japan, is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in Japan. It is also one of the nation’s National Seven Universities.
Founded in 1871 as a medical school, it was designated as a national university in 1947. The university has earned a reputation for its research in science and technology.
It has several well-equipped schools and research centers. It is also home to the International Education & Exchange Center and International Student Advisors in each Undergraduate and Graduate School.
The university has a strong and supportive academic system in place for international students, including housing facilities that accommodate all types of living situations, appointments of faculty members as International Student Advisors in each School and Graduate School, and a well-established counseling system.
Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University, also known as Hokudai, is one of Japan’s seven national universities. It’s located in downtown Sapporo, and is known as a prestigious academic institution.
It is considered one of the best global universities in Japan and has a diverse range of programs in both the humanities and sciences. The school is renowned for its research and boasts alumni including a Nobel laureate.
The University has a strong focus on international relationships and ties to many global partners. It also takes part in a government sponsored program to help Japanese universities rank higher in world university rankings.
Waseda University
Located in Tokyo, Waseda University is known for its high academic standards and liberal environment. Its alumni include seven post-war prime ministers and leaders in major Japanese corporations.
Founded in 1882, Waseda University has a long history of establishing strong programs in science, engineering, business, and humanities. As a result, it’s considered a prestigious institution and one of the best global universities in Japan.
Students can study a variety of subjects at Waseda including international relations, business, history, political science, literature, and Japanese culture. They also participate in a wide range of student activities on and off campus. These activities help students build language skills and gain insight into Japanese society.