The 10 Best Universities in Japan for International Students

Japan is known for being a country that preserves its culture and tradition while supporting creativity and innovation in modern technology. This mentality also shows in the higher education system in Japan. In other words, universities in Japan are focused on research development and international communication while still maintaining Japanese tradition and culture.

Undoubtedly, Japan is a beautiful country that possesses a rich language and culture. We’ve previously discussed tourism in Japan. However, today we move on to the topic of studying in the country. Moreover, this article will feature the top universities in Japan according to world university rankings.

Read also our guide on how to apply to Japanese universities.

Table of Contents

The University of Tokyo

Firstly, the University of Tokyo. Established in 1877, the university comprises 10 colleges, 15 higher education institutions in addition to research institutions and university centers. Furthermore, there are currently 2600 international students at the university.

Specialties:

Arts and humanities.
Engineering and technology.
Physics.
Computer science.
Business and economics.
Sociology.
Medicine and medical sciences.
Life sciences.

For information on how to apply as an international student, visit the official website for The University of Tokyo.

Kyoto University

Secondly, Kyoto University is one of the most accomplished research universities in Asia. In fact, this all comes down to the university’s unique teaching and research methodologies that encourage creativity, innovation, and discussion. Additionally, the number of international students studying at Kyoto University is 1799.

Specialties:

Arts and humanities.
Medicine and medical sciences.
Engineering and technology.
Computer science.
Life sciences.
Physics.
Sociology.
Business management and economics.

Apply as an international student by visiting the official website for Kyoto University.

Osaka University

Thirdly, Osaka University. Furthermore, established in 1931, the university has 11 faculties and 16 graduate schools. Additionally, Osaka University has a number of research centers, and hospitals, in addition to a center for nuclear physics research and a cyber media center. Moreover, there are 2326 international students studying at the university.

Specialties:

Arts and humanities.
Life sciences.
Physics.
Sociology.
Engineering and technology.
Medicine and medical sciences.

For more information, visit the official Osaka University website.

Tohoku University

Fourthly, Tohoku University is the third-oldest imperial university in Japan. It is also considered one of the most esteemed universities in Japan. Furthermore, established in 1736, the university was originally a medical school. In fact, among the university’s most notable specialties are: advanced applications in molecular chemistry, applied marine biology and international mechanical and aerospace engineering. Not only that, but there are currently 1750 international students studying at Tohoku University.

Specialties:

Life sciences.
Arts and humanities.
Business management and economics.
Engineering and technology.
Physics.
Sociology.
Medicine and medical sciences.

To apply as an international student, visit the official website for Tohoku University.

Tokyo Institute of Technology

Fifthly, the Tokyo Institute of Technology is a national university of higher education for science and technology that is more than 130 years old. It also offers many Bachelors, Masters and PhD programs. Additionally, the university aims to become the lead university for science and technology in the world. Furthermore, there are currently 1244 international students studying at the university.

Specialties:

Arts and humanities
Business management and economics.
Physics.
Engineering and technology.
Sociology.
Computer science.

Apply by visiting the official Tokyo Institute of Technology website.

Nagoya University

Sixth, Nagoya University’s origins date back to 1871. Additionally, it features 9 colleges, 13 institutes of higher education, 3 research institutions, and 18 research centers. Furthermore, the university is highly respected in the field of research. Additionally, there are currently 2462 international students at Nagoya University.

Specialties

Life sciences.
Arts and humanities.
Engineering and technology.
Physics.
Computer science.
Business management and economics.
Sociology.
Medicine and medical sciences.

Visit the admission website for Nagoya University

Kyushu University

Seventh, Kyushu is one of seven national universities in Japan. Moreover, established in 1903, the university’s main goal was to provide the highest level of education, research, and medical activities. Not only that, but the university is also partnered for foreign exchange with over 100 international universities. Additionally, the number of international students studying at the university are 2387.

Specialties:

Life sciences,
Arts and humanities.
Business management and economics.
Sociology.
Engineering and technology.
Medicine and medical sciences.

Visit the official Kyushu University website for information on international student applications.

Hokkaido University

Eighth, Hokkaido University. Indeed, established in 1876, the university won the award for the world’s most innovative university for consecutive years. Additionally, the teaching methodology at the university is based on the goal of making a positive change in the world. Moreover, there are 1624 students at Hokkaido University.

Specialties:

Life sciences.
Business management and economics.
Sociology.
Medicine and medical sciences.

For information on how to apply as an international student, visit the official Hokkaido University website.

Tokyo Medical and Dental University

Ninth, the Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Established in 1828, the university is known for conducting lead research in the medical field. Furthermore, the university logo which features five flower petals is a symbol for the university’s five colleges: medicine, dentistry, bioengineering, liberal medical sciences, and its medical research center. Additionally, there are approximately 204 international students at the university.

Specialties:

Medicine and medical sciences
Bioengineering.

For information on international student admission, visit the official university website

University of Tsukuba

Finally, the University of Tsukuba. Moreover, it was established in 1973 at 258 acres as a research university with a unique vision of the future. Additionally, it features more than 30% of Japan’s national research institutions. Not only that, but the university also focuses on foreign exchange collaborations. Furthermore, there are 3138 international students at the University of Tsukuba.

Specialties: