15 Universities in Japan for International Students

Do you know that there are Universities in Japan for International Students? Read through this article to find out more about it!

Japan is a humble abode for a lot of educational institutions. There are business schools situated in Japan, for students interested in acquiring an MBA degree. There are art schools for lovers of art and as well as opportunities to teach English in Japan as an English teacher.

All these make Japan a well-known country for tourists and international students. One can even learn the Japanese language as an international student, by enrolling in Japanese Language Schools scattered all over the country.

This article will be focusing more on the universities in Japan for International students. Japan also provides student exchange programs for international students that wish to study in Japan. There are several reasons why students choose to study in Japan.

Before we go into the specific schools to choose from, let’s see why Japan is such a good choice for students who want to study abroad.

  • High-Quality Education: Japan is consistently ranked in the top 10 countries for education. No matter what kind of institution you attend, from public to private, Japan takes education seriously.
  • Plenty Of Programs To Choose From: Aside from high-quality education, there are many programs to choose from when you study in Japan. Hence, even as an international student, you can select the program you want to take. Furthermore, some programs offer courses taught in English, especially if you’re not yet fluent in Japanese.
  • Low Study Abroad Fees: Japan can be an affordable choice for Asian students wanting to study abroad. Japan is cheaper than studying in America, Europe, and other parts of the world. Not only will tuition fees be cheaper, but the cost of living expenses are generally lower too.
  • Well-Ordered Environment: Japan is one of the safest and most secure countries in Asia and the world. Thus, when you study in Japan, you can get the most out of a well-ordered environment. The streets are clean, and convenience stores and vending machines are within walking distance. Hence, you can do it without hassle if you have errands to run after class.
  • Great Food: Traditional Japanese cuisine is world-famous for being fresh, healthy, and delicious. From tofu dishes, miso soup, to the most quality sushi, Japan’s local cuisine has something tasty for every taste bud.
  • Good Job Opportunities: Japan’s economy has a high demand for foreign workers. That means, upon graduation, if you feel like calling Japan home for longer, you can likely find a job. For example, the demand is consistently high for English teachers.
  • Unique Culture: Japan is a hub of international impact and culture. From anime to technology, Japan boasts very unique experiences for adventurous spirits!

Having seen these reasons, nothing stops you from studying in Japan as an international student.

However, with the long list of the best international schools in Tokyo or other parts of Japan, finding the right one can be tricky. In that case, ask yourself some questions to help you make an informed decision. These include questions like, ‘Is Japan the best option for me?’ ‘Will I be able to adjust to Japanese culture and society?’

Once you’ve set your mind, it’s time to familiarize yourself with the top universities in Japan.

Without further ado, let’s talk about the universities in Japan for International students.

Universities in Japan for International Students

 Universities in Japan for International Students

There are quite a number of universities in Japan for International students. I will be listing and discussing them one after another. They are as follows;

  • University of Tokyo
  • Tohoku University
  • Kyoto University
  • Waseda University
  • Tokyo Institute of Technology
  • Kyushu University
  • Osaka University
  • Nagoya University
  • Hokkaido University
  • Keio University
  • Meiji University
  • Hiroshima University
  • Kobe University
  • Hitotsubashi University

1.       University of Tokyo

This prestigious university is also known as Todai and is ranked among the best institution in the country as they have produced world-class individuals and excellent minds that are changing narratives all over the globe. It is also the first imperial university recognized by the Japanese government.

University of Tokyo’s outstanding performance and research prowess bring thousand of applicants annually to the school from across the world. The undergraduate English-taught programs are being at the Komaba campus by the university’s college of arts and sciences.

Total Number of Students: 28171

Total Number of International Students: 4283

Percentage of International Students: 15.2 %

2.       Tohoku University

The institution is located in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan, and it was the first university that accepted women and opened its doors to international students. It is a global-ranking university known for its high-quality education.

Total Number of Students: 17665

Total Number of International Students: 1780

Percentage of International Students: 10.1 %

3.       Kyoto University

Founded in June 1897, Kyoto University has a long history and enduring traditions, with a main campus located in the historic city of Kyoto, a center of traditional Japanese culture.

Since its founding, the University has been dedicated to furthering higher education and fostering an atmosphere of free academic exchange. Its graduates play important roles in both national and international affairs, as key players in politics, industry, and society.

As of today, Kyoto University is comprised of 10 faculties, 18 graduate schools, 13 research institutes, and 23 educational institutes and other establishments. Approximately 2,700 of the University’s 23,200 students hail from overseas — representing some 120 countries and territories — contributing to a culturally diverse campus environment.

Total Number of Students: 22596

Total Number of International Students: 2715

Percentage of International Students: 12.0 %

4.       Waseda University

The University was established with a focus on educating the common people, and Fostering Good Citizens is one of the three founding principles.

From extensive Japanese language courses to full-time degrees taught in English, Waseda offers a variety of educational programs for everyone. You can also find out what it is like to study in one of the most international campuses in Japan

Total Number of Students: 47959

5.       Tokyo Institute of Technology

Tokyo Tech is the top national university for science and technology in Japan with a history spanning more than 130 years. Of the approximately 10,500 students at the Ookayama, Suzukakedai, and Tamachi Campuses, half are in their bachelor’s degree program while the other half are in master’s and doctoral degree programs. International students number 1,700. There are 1,200 faculty and 600 administrative and technical staff members.

In the 21st century, the role of science and technology universities has become increasingly important. Tokyo Tech continues to develop global leaders in the fields of science and technology, and contributes to the betterment of society through its research, focusing on solutions to global issues. The Institute’s long-term goal is to become the world’s leading science and Technology University.

Total Number of Students: 10500

Total Number of International Students: 1700

Percentage of International Students: 16.2 %

6.       Kyushu University

Kyushu University was founded in 1903 first as Fukuoka Medical College which later became the foundation of Kyushu Imperial University.

This University offers undergraduate, graduate, and double degree programs, student exchange programs, and short-term programs. The University is comprised of different schools and centers.

Total Number of Students: 18585

Total Number of International Students: 2270

Percentage of International Students: 12.2 %

7.       Osaka University

Osaka University was officially founded in 1931 as Japan’s 6th imperial university and is committed to contributing to social stability and welfare, world peace, and harmony between humans and nature through education and research activity under its motto of “Live Locally, Grow Globally.”

The university strives to achieve this goal with its free and unfettered civic spirit, which was inherited from Kaitokudo and Tekijuku (places of learning in Osaka), and with its spirit of independence that does not succumb to power and authority Osaka University is home to 11 undergraduate and 16 graduate schools.

Total Number of Students: 23044

Total Number of International Students: 2611

Percentage of International Students: 11.3 %

8.       Nagoya University

Established in 1871, Nagoya University is a Comprehensive University with a rich history, with 9 Undergraduate and 14 Graduate Schools currently accepting students. It is highly accomplished as a Research University, as demonstrated by the fact that 6 of the 13 Japanese laureates to receive the Nobel Prize after entering the 21st century were affiliated with Nagoya University.

Nagoya University is also making great efforts towards international exchange, and over 10% of Nagoya University’s 16,000 students are international students from overseas. Many courses taught in English are being offered to encourage and increase the number of inbound international students.

 Systems are in place to support international students with their academics as well as daily living, including housing facilities for students who have never visited Japan before, appointing faculty members as International Student Advisors in each School and Graduate School, and a well-established counseling system.

Total Number of Students: 15772

Total Number of International Students: 1900

Percentage of International Students: 12.0 %

9.       Hokkaido University

The institution is a high-ranking global university recognized for its massive contributions to material sciences, chemistry, earth and ocean sciences, and the first university to award bachelor’s degrees to students.

Hokkaido University is among the top of Japan’s National research universities and welcomes thousands of students from across the globe annually.

Total Number of Students: 18171

Total Number of International Students: 2104

Percentage of International Students: 11.6 %

10.   Keio University

Established in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa as a small school of Western learning, Keio has a history as Japan’s very first private institution of higher learning. Over 160 years since its founding, Keio has thrived under its founder’s motto of jitsugaku, or empirical science, as it continues to transform Japan as a modern nation through contributions to education, research, and medicine

Keio University operates six major campuses in Tokyo and Kanagawa, along with five other campuses with specific academic or research functions. Keio’s network of affiliated schools extends beyond its university campuses and includes one fully accredited high school in the State of New York.

 Keio offers a variety of academic programs across 10 undergraduate faculties and 14 graduate schools. Keio offers tomorrow’s leaders an education that encourages scholarship alongside the values of equality, independence, and initiative.

Total Number of Students: 33400

Total Number of International Students: 1900

Percentage of International Students: 5.7 %

11.   Meiji University

The institution’s history can be traced as far back as 1881, with about 33,000 students. The institution has 10 undergraduate schools and 16 graduate schools and has won over 40 medals. It is globally recognized for its prowess in research and is regarded as a world-class research institute.

Students acquire a Bachelor of Arts degree within four years of study and the program syllabus focuses on traditional and modern Japanese culture, as well as the Japanese society in the global community

12.   Hiroshima University

This prestigious college is a top-ranking institution across the globe partnering with other best universities across the globe to ensure that students get the best education. The university has about 12 schools, 4 graduate schools, research institutes and facilities, an affiliated hospital, etc.

The college houses about 11,000 undergraduate students, and 4,500 graduate students with over 1,650 international students from about 72 different countries.

Total Number of Students: 15040

Total Number of International Students: 1643

Percentage of International Students: 10.9 %

13.   Kobe University

Formally established in 1949, Kobe University is a national university based in western Japan. Its roots date back further, to 1902, when it was originally known as Kobe Higher Commercial School. Today, Kobe University is one of Japan’s leading comprehensive universities with 10 faculties and schools, 15 graduate schools, and a great number of research centers and institutions.

Taking advantage of its traditional strengths in the social sciences combined with more recent initiatives across the natural and biomedical sciences, Kobe University is promoting interdisciplinary research and education to become an outstanding research university.

Total Number of Students: 15986

Total Number of International Students: 1179

Percentage of International Students: 7.4 %

14.   Hitotsubashi University

Hitotsubashi University was founded in 1875 as the first business school in Japan, with the mission of nurturing the “Captains of Industry” essential for the nation’s rapid modernization and development.

 Over the years, it has gradually expanded the scope of its research and teaching to cover all fields of the social sciences, and today enjoys a well-deserved reputation as one of the top research universities in Japan

The University is made up of 11 principal academic units – four faculties, six graduate schools, and one institute.

Total Number of Students: 6300

Total Number of International Students: 820

Percentage of International Students: 13.0 %

15.   Niigata University

Niigata University has a long institutional history, with origins going back some 150 years. Since its inauguration as a national university in 1949 under the new university system, they have played an important role in higher education and research in Japan.

Over the years, they have grown into a large-scale comprehensive university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs under ten faculties and five graduate schools in a wide range of disciplines spanning the humanities, education, law, economics, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, health sciences, and dentistry.

Total Number of Students: 12112

Total Number of International Students: 659

Percentage of International Students: 5.4 %

Conclusion

These universities in Japan mentioned above, all accept international students. So you are eligible as an international student to enroll in any of them, provided you want to study in Japan.

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