UUniversity Reviews

Best Universities in Japan for International Students

  • February 19, 2023

Japan is one of the biggest countries in Asia for GDP and corporate organizations. The reason for their success lies not only in their strong work ethics but also their exceptional academic curriculum and structure.

Therefore, as an international student, you might be wondering which university will best suit your interests.

Hold on, let’s reveal the best universities in Japan for International Students in 2023.

A good number of the biggest companies in the world started up in Japan before establishing branches in other places.

In fact, 90% of their headquarters are currently in Japan. A good example is Hyundai.

As a place of research and innovation, Japan has many research centers in which they perform serious research.

In the same vein, Universities in Japan have made research a top priority.

So as we move on, let’s find out what is exceptional about universities in Japan and how international students can make a good choice.

Table of contents

How many Universities are in Japan?

Japan is home to so many outstanding and incredible universities that have recorded breakthroughs at different times.

Alumni members of their institutes have grown to become pioneers of diverse companies and corporations.

So, Japan currently has 780 universities out of which over 80% are private institutes.

Moreso, there are vocational schools and specialized programs for interested students.

Also Read: Study English in Japan

What are the English Universities in Japan?

Although the official language of Japan is Japanese, some of their universities also teach in English.

For this reason, international students run to these universities so they don’t need to learn a new language.

Research has shown that international students feel more accommodated in these universities that also teach in English.

Hence, the English Universities in Japan are the University of Tokyo, Kyushu University, Waseda University and Nagoya University.

How many Public Universities are in Japan?

Japan actually has more private universities than public universities.

This is simply because the government encourages individuals to set up education centres where students can learn and grow too.

Hence, a lot of private institutions have sprung up and they have totally outnumbered the public universities in Japan.

Out of the 780 universities in Japan, only 156 are public universities. Therefore, there are 156 public universities in Japan.

What Online Universities are in Japan?

The explosion of the internet market in the late 19th century caused restructuring in many academic institutions.

As people grew more acquainted with the internet, they actually grew a level of dependency.

As more and more students crave to attend programs despite their busy schedules and locations, they get discouraged.

But the story is different today because of online programs which promise ease and access at fixed times.

Universities in Japan have followed the pattern by setting up online schools for students all over the world.

Hence, the online universities in Japan are Kyoto University, Tama University, Tohoku University and Meiyi University.

Best Universities in Japan for International Students | 2023

Japan is well known worldwide for its innovation in machines and engineering. In this decade, they plan to venture into more fields.

Of course, the strength of their innovation grows as their academic institutes grow as well.

Therefore, the best universities in Japan for international students include;

  • University of Tokyo
  • Kyoto University
  • Osaka University
  • Keio University
  • Tama University
  • Tohoku University
  • Ritsumeikan University
  • Meiji University
  • Kyushu University
  • Hokkaido University
  • Akita International University
  • Tokyo Christian University
  • Waseda University
  • University of Tsukuba
  • Yokohama National University
  • Temple University

Also Read: Chevening Scholarships for Japanese Students

1. University of Tokyo

Overall Rating: 49.3%

The University of Tokyo is one of the leading research universities in Japan. Furthermore, they offer courses in essentially all academic disciplines at both undergraduate and graduate levels while conducting research across all branches of academics.

The University seeks to provide its students with a rich and varied academic environment that ensures opportunities for both intellectual development and the acquisition of professional knowledge and skills.

Furthermore, this University runs undergraduate and graduate programs besides vocational and special programs.

University of Tokyo’s acceptance rate is 34.2% and with growing applications, it will reduce.

UTokyo offers student support for all students wherein they can get proper guidance regarding academic problems.

This university’s impeccable record makes it one of the best universities in Japan for international students.

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2. Kyoto University

Overall Rating: 49.1%

Kyoto University is the second oldest university in Japan while being one of the best universities in Japan.

This institution has a lot of operations which are geared at building the mind of the student to achieve greater things.

Currently, Kyoto University’s acceptance rate is 37% and with growing applications, it will reduce.

In this school, interested candidates can pursue undergraduate, graduate and special programs in different courses.

Some of their best courses are Engineering, Humanities and Law.

As an international student, Kyoto will offer you a place of learning, research and growth. So, why not take that decision to pick up the admission form today.

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3. Akita International University

Overall Rating: 48.4%

Founded in 2004, Akita International University (AIU) is a public university located in Akita City, Japan.

Akita City has a population of about 960,000 who have a friendly culture that promotes access to international goods and services.

Everyone respects Akita for one reason; they prepare the best jollof rice and sake in Japan.

AIU prefecture is respected and embraced for its natural beauty and resources. Because it is located close to a ski area while sitting close to the sea of Japan coastline.

International students usually sway to AIU to study because of their awesome program offers.

To be precise, a good number of international students at Akita University are exchange students.

These exchange students basically take Japanese courses in different undergraduate programs.

During the Spring of 2019, Akita International University welcomed over 150 international students from different countries.

This act perfectly shows their belief in intercultural education which has gained Akita respect and recognition.

Today, Akita University’s acceptance rate is 10% which shows the battle for places in the school.

The school offers programs at different levels. They offer both bachelors, masters and PhD programs besides student exchange programs.

In the same vein, they offer bachelor’s degrees in Global Business and Global Studies, and master’s degrees in Japanese Language Teaching, English Language Teaching, and Global Communication Practices.

AIU as an intercultural university offers foreign language courses in order to help the students grow their language strength.

Its on-campus housing is exquisite as it blends a perfect mix of Japanese and international students.

In Akita, you’re in one of the best universities in Japan for international students.

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4. Keio University

Overall Rating: 47.7%

Keio University is a private university in Japan. Furthermore, it is one of the oldest private institutes in Japan.

This university has a unique learning style which is the foundation of its consistent growth and building.

Today, Keio University’s acceptance rate is 23.7%. Indeed this is a number that communicates their willingness to accommodate students.

As an international student, you can pursue a program in any of their undergraduate, graduate and short-term programs.

Its online school is nothing short of fantastic as students learn and connect to each other simultaneously.

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Also Read: Joint Japan World Bank Undergraduate

5. Waseda University

Overall Rating: 45.5%

Founded in 1882, Waseda University is a Japanese private research university in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Umakuma Shigenobu is the founder of this prestigious institution.

Waseda currently has 36 departments: thirteen undergraduate schools and twenty-three higher schools. As of May 2016, they had 42,860 university students and 8,269 graduate students.

In addition to a central campus in Shinjuku, the university operates campuses in Chūō, Nishitōkyō, Tokorozawa, Honjō and Kitakyūshū. Waseda also operates 21 research institutes at its main campus in Shinjuku.

Today, Waseda University’s acceptance rate is 15%. This rate reflects that Waseda is a dream destination for students.

The Waseda University library is collectively one of the largest libraries in Japan and currently contains about 4.5 million volumes and 46,000 serial publications.

Waseda regularly ranks among the most selective and prestigious universities in the Japanese university ranking.

It is often ranked alongside Keio University, its rival, as the best private university in Japan.

In 2015-2016, Waseda ranked 212th in the world ranking of QS universities.

Waseda is one of the best types of selected Japanese universities to which additional funds have been allocated under the Top Global University project to improve the competitiveness of education in Japan.

In research, Waseda keeps competing at a global level in order to advance human technology.

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6. Tohoku University

Overall Rating: 43.9%

Tohoku University is a Japanese national university. Additionally, it is the third imperial university and one of the National Seven Universities in Japan.

In 2017, the Government of Japan recognized Tohoku as one of the top universities in Japan.

Today, Tohoku University’s acceptance rate is 41%. It has risen by some percentage over the years.

Tohoku has a range of academic programs such as the undergraduate, graduate and special programs. In fact, they offer courses such as Economics, Arts and Engineering.

Interested candidates can pick up the application forms and apply for any of these programs immediately.

In Tohoku, the campuses are all tailored to present the school’s focus which lies in producing quality students.

Hence, Tohoku remains one of the best universities in Japan for international students.

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7. Ritsumeikan University

Overall Rating: 43.6%

Founded in 1896, Ritsumeikan University is a private university located in Kyoto, Japan.

This institution has satellite campuses at different locations all of which are connected to the school.

Today, Ritsumeikan University’s acceptance rate is 36%. It has risen by some percentage over the years.

This University runs a lot of programs from Bachelor to Masters down to Ph.D. and special programs. Furthermore, they run online programs too.

In Ritsumeikan, research is the top priority as they believe it expands the knowledge base of the student.

Conclusively, students have access to awesome facilities for study and also physical exercise.

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8. Meiji University

Overall Rating: 42.1%

Meiji University is a private university in Japan having campuses in Tokyo and Kawasaki.

They are also one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the whole of Japan.

Today, Meiji University’s acceptance rate is 24.9%. This is a fair level when you compare with other institutions of its size.

This University runs a lot of programs starting from the undergraduate to graduate degree and special programs.

Meiji University has an admission guide which gives new students a guideline on the processes and objectives to fulfil.

As a university of class, world-class award-winning lecturers and professors teach their courses.

So, as an international student, you can put in an application for an exchange program in one of the best universities in Japan for international students.

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9. Kyushu University

Overall Rating: 40.7%

Kyushu University is a Japanese National University and it is also the 4th oldest university in Japan.

This university has a motto which connotes “Opening the Door to a New Century of Knowledge”.

Today, Kyushu University’s acceptance rate is 42.4%. This is a fair level when you compare with other institutions of its size.

This University runs a lot of programs starting from the undergraduate to graduate degree and special programs. Hence, the Kyushu Univerity tuition fees differ each depending on the program.

Furthermore, English and Japanese are the two major languages students and lecturers use in Kyushu.

The school continues to encourage research and innovation as they seek to reclaim their spot as one of Asia’s best universities.

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10. Hokkaido University

Overall Rating: 38.6%

Hokkaido University is one of the many Japanese Universities. Hence, they’re a member of the Imperial Universities which were the finest research institutes.

Today, their commitment to research and student capacity development remains consistent and continuous.

However, the Hokkaido University acceptance rate which was 35.9% in 2015 has dropped to 34.5% this year.

The increase in applications has however not changed the university’s tuition rate as they are a Government-owned university.

The pride of Hokkaido remains seeing its alumni succeed, and this makes them one of the best universities in Japan for international students.

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11. Osaka University

Overall Rating: 38.1%

Founded in 1838, Osaka University is a public research university in Japan.

This university has three campuses where its students live, study and perform other academic activities.

Currently, Osaka University’s acceptance rate is 41%. This shows that this school will accept and train students.

There are 24 departments in this university under the 16 graduate schools and two undergraduate programs.

Furthermore, they have six research institutes, four libraries and an astounding 18 research centres.

These numbers show their level of interest and commitment to human capacity development.

In summary, Osaka’s continued effort to progress makes them one of the best universities in Japan for international students.

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12. Tokyo Christian University

Overall Rating: 37.2%

TCU is a world-class evangelical university in Japan; The only evangelical institution accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), an accreditation recognized worldwide.

They offer a degree in theology to students in our ACTS program. This program aims to provide a Christ-centered liberal arts education for men and women in Asia, focusing on the education of the heart and mind for leadership, service, evangelism and mission.

Its program brings together students from all over the world to live, learn and serve with one great objective: Christ is everything and is in everyone.

The Christian University of Tokyo sits in a park-like environment and in a green city near Narita International Airport and downtown Tokyo.

Students can also study different courses. However, this will largely depend on the interest of the student.

Today, the acceptance rate of Tokyo Christian University is 47.9%. Of course, people who are not Christians would not apply for admission.

It’s undergraduate and graduate schools have excellent teachers who teach students’ knowledge and ethics.

The admission requirements for these two programs are different but similar in terms of principles and standards.

Life on campus is amazing, as the administration encourages students to pay attention to their spiritual reach.

Essentially, there are spiritual and academic counsellors who advise and guide students regarding life decisions.

Enrollment at the Tokyo Christian University is affordable, although they still offer scholarships to families in difficulty.

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13. Tama University

Overall Rating: 35.4%

Tama University is a private institution located in Japan.

This university strongly believes in dialogue-driven reciprocal learning wherein their students can solve real-world problems.

Today, Tama University has an acceptance rate which ranges between 80-90%. This is very high and communicates that getting admission is not a very difficult process.

In the same vein, the tuition fees vary per program. The undergraduate, graduate and special programs have different tuition rates.

As a new student, you enjoy a study tour wherein you get to see the educational and research facilities of this school.

Therefore, in Tama, you’re sure of accurate and precise learning which will further improve your knowledge and attitude.

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14. University of Tsukuba

Overall Rating: 33.9%

This is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Japan.

Since their existence, they have sought to become a place where learning and training is the top priority.

In this university, there are over 16,500 students in their 28 colleges. Their colleges have different departments where students pursue their interests.

The main campus of the University of Tsukuba covers over 636 acres of land space. Indeed, this university is large.

In one of their campus branches, they offer graduate programs for working adults in the capital city.

Generally, the University of Tsukuba’s academic strengths lies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine. Of course, their alumni members are pioneers of diverse innovations in Japan.

Research institutions are littered all over Tsukuba which communicates their interest in continuous learning.

Recently, they established programs in Human Biology and Empowerment Fanatics at their PhD level.

University of Tsukuba acceptance rate is 31.6%. As they introduce more programs, the numbers will eventually change.

Indeed, Tsukuba is one of the best universities in Japan for international students.

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15. Yokohama National University

Overall Rating: 32.7%

Founded in 1876, Yokohama National University is one of the amazing national universities in Japan. In essence, it’s among the top public universities in Japan.

Since its inception, Yokohama National University has remained committed to training students so that they can impact society as well.

This is the reason for which they take time to ensure students get the knowledge they need to move them forward.

Today, Yokohama National University’s acceptance rate is 34.3% which shows the level of interest they have to further the education system.

This university has five graduate schools and four undergraduate faculties that offer amazing courses.

As a public university, the Government offers scholarships to both local and international students. Yokohama National University is one beneficiary of this scholarship as students study without paying tuition at times.

The campus life in Yokohama is orgasmic as they have awesome libraries besides sports facilities.

In addition, students who stay on campus get awesome accommodation spaces which help their productivity.

In summary, Yokohama National University is just exceptional and remains one of the best universities in Japan for international students.

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Conclusion

Japan keeps growing and remains a place of innovation, research and advanced learning.

In the coming years, they plan to bring forth some innovations in engineering and other branches of science.

Hence, as an international student, you are no longer limited by language as you can study in an English speaking university in Japan.

The best decision is to check your priorities and pursuits against every offer presented by each university.

References

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