Top Universities in Japan

Japan offers an exceptional environment for higher studies, combining academic excellence with a rich cultural experience. Its universities provide world-class education, especially in fields like science, engineering, and technology, with access to cutting-edge research facilities. Known for its safety and hospitality, Japan actively welcomes international students. Here are some of the top universities in Japan:

1. University of Tokyo

i. Founding year: 1877

ii. QS ranking 2024: 32

UTokyo, or the University of Tokyo, is one of the most prestigious universities in Japan and the world. Since its establishment in 1877, the institution has been a pioneer in research and education in the country. The university takes a research-intensive and interdisciplinary approach to education. While the primary language of instruction is Japanese, it also has English-language programs, particularly at the Master’s level for international students. Some popular courses are physics, astronomy, architecture, business, economics, biology, chemistry, and computer science.

2. Kyoto University

i. Founding year: 1897

ii. QS ranking 2024: 50

Kyoto University was initially established as the Kyoto Imperial University in 1897 and renamed Kyoto University in 1947. It’s one of the best institutions in the world, famous for its academic rigour and variety of program offerings. It has 18 graduate schools and offers many English-taught programs at the Master’s level. The university even provides international students and researchers with a 15-week supplementary course for the Japanese language. The institution’s wide range of subjects includes integrated human sciences, law, science, medicine, engineering, agriculture, and pharmaceutical courses.

3. Tohoku University

i. Founding year: 1907

ii. QS ranking 2024: 107

Tohoku University was the first institution in Japan that accepted women and graduates from technical schools when it was established, breaking away from the norm at the time. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, it was also at the forefront of research in medicine and disaster science. The university has a few Bachelor’s level courses in English in the fields of chemistry, engineering, and applied biosciences. For graduates, there are several Master’s programs taught in English in psychology, law, politics, economics, medicine, dentistry, engineering, and more.

4. Osaka University

i. Founding year: 1931

ii. QS ranking 2024: 86

Osaka University, also known as OU, was the sixth imperial university in the country. It merged with the Osaka University of Foreign Studies in 2007; since then, it has seen an increase in students from other countries. OU has a research-focused approach to learning and provides students with a vast collection of libraries. Like the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, its research institutes are also highly regarded. While Japanese is the principal language of instruction, some undergraduate and graduate program courses are taught in English for international students. Popular subjects include human sciences, law, economics, foreign studies, dentistry, engineering, and pharmaceutical sciences.

5. Tokyo Institute of Technology

i. Founding year: 1881

ii. QS ranking 2024: 84

The Tokyo Institute of Technology is considered one of the best universities in Japan. Also called Tokyo Tech by some, it is heavily focused on science and technology. It even played a vital role in developing Japan’s bullet train, making it a great option for tech enthusiasts.  About 12% of the student body comprises international students, and the university has several Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs taught entirely in English and several required courses in English for this purpose. Its popular courses include science, engineering, computing, life sciences and technology, society, environment, and chemical technology.

6. Hokkaido University

i. Founding year: 1876

ii. QS ranking 2024: 173

Initially known as the Sapparo Agricultural College, Hokkaido University was one of the first national universities in Japan. It has always had a reputation for being open and welcoming to international students, and students from more than 85 countries attend it. Located in Sapparo, one of the biggest cities in Japan, it has many famous alums, including astronaut Mamoru Mohri and Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Akira Suzuki. The university provides several English-taught courses, mainly at the Masters and PhD levels. Its faculties cover chemistry, sciences, engineering, medicine, law, economics and business administration.

Final thoughts

Japan’s stunning natural beauty, culture, and commitment to academic excellence make it the ideal study destination for international students. Its universities prioritise research and interdisciplinary learning for the development of their students.

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