Programs & Universities in Japan - Study in Japan

Programs & Universities in Japan

Japan has over 800 universities and colleges — a vast number that can feel overwhelming to international students. The good news is that the system is structured in a way that makes narrowing your options relatively straightforward once you understand the key distinctions: national vs. private, Japanese-taught vs. English-taught, and research-focused vs. career-oriented.

This guide helps you navigate the landscape, compare top institutions, and find the right program for your goals.

Japan's University System: Three Types

National Universities (Kokuritsu Daigaku) — 86 Institutions

National universities are funded by the Japanese government and are the backbone of Japan's research output. They include nearly all of the country's top-ranked institutions and charge standardized tuition of JPY 535,800/year regardless of your nationality or field of study.

Key characteristics:

• Strongest research facilities and funding
• Highest global rankings
• Standardized, affordable tuition
• More competitive admission
• Tend to be more academically rigorous
• Each prefecture has at least one national university

Public Universities (Kouritsu Daigaku) — 101 Institutions

Public universities are funded by prefectural or municipal governments. They offer similar tuition rates to national universities and often have strong regional reputations and connections to local industry.

Key characteristics:

• Similar tuition to national universities (some charge slightly more for non-residents)
• Strong in fields relevant to their region (e.g., marine science in coastal cities)
• Smaller class sizes than national universities
• Good support for international students due to smaller populations
• Less globally recognized but well-respected within Japan

Notable public universities:

• Osaka Metropolitan University — Formed from the merger of Osaka City University and Osaka Prefecture University, strong in engineering and urban studies
• Tokyo Metropolitan University — Good for urban science, humanities, and social sciences
• Yokohama City University — Strong in medicine and international business
• University of Aizu — Japan's first computer science-dedicated university, instruction in English

Private Universities (Shiritsu Daigaku) — 600+ Institutions

Private universities range enormously in quality, from internationally renowned institutions like Waseda and Keio to small local colleges. Tuition is 2–3 times higher than national universities, but many offer generous scholarships to attract international students.

Key characteristics:

• Wide range of quality and reputation
• Higher tuition (JPY 800,000–1,500,000/year)
• Often more flexible admission requirements
• Stronger alumni networks in business (for top institutions)
• More English-taught programs available
• More active campus culture and student clubs

English-Taught Programs: G30 and SGU

The G30 and SGU initiatives have transformed international access to Japanese higher education.

Global 30 (G30) — Original 13 Universities

Launched in 2009, G30 funded 13 top universities to create full degree programs taught entirely in English. These programs remain the most established English-taught options:

G30 Universities: University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tohoku University, Nagoya University, Kyushu University, University of Tsukuba, Waseda University, Keio University, Sophia University, Meiji University, Ritsumeikan University, Doshisha University.

Super Global University (SGU) — 37 Universities

Launched in 2014, SGU expanded the network with two tiers:

• Type A (Top Type): 13 universities aiming for top 100 global rankings
• Type B (Global Traction Type): 24 universities focused on innovative internationalization

English-Taught Programs by Field

Top Universities by Subject Area

Engineering and Technology

Japan's engineering programs are world-class, benefiting from deep connections to Japanese industry leaders like Toyota, Sony, Panasonic, and Hitachi.

Natural Sciences

Japanese universities have produced 29 Nobel Prize winners in Physics, Chemistry, and Physiology/Medicine — more than any other Asian country.

Social Sciences and Humanities

While Japan's global rankings are stronger in STEM, several universities are respected for social sciences.

Program Structure and Degree Types

Undergraduate Programs (Gakubu)

Graduate Programs (Daigakuin)

How to Choose the Right University

Use this decision framework:

For undergraduate students:

1. Can I gain admission to a national university? (Best value)
2. Do I want a Japanese-taught or English-taught program?
3. Which city fits my budget and lifestyle preferences?
4. Does the university have strong programs in my field?
5. What scholarship and tuition waiver opportunities are available?

For graduate students (master's/PhD):

1. Which professors are doing research in my area of interest?
2. What lab facilities and equipment are available?
3. What is the university's publication and citation record in my field?
4. What are the industry connections (for applied research)?
5. What funding opportunities exist (MEXT, JASSO, university scholarships)?

Comparing University Locations

Next Steps

• Understand the application process — Learn about EJU, direct applications, and contacting supervisors
• Calculate your costs — Compare tuition and living costs with scholarship options
• Check visa requirements — Understand the Certificate of Eligibility and College Student visa
• Explore student life — Housing, transport, culture, and daily life in Japanese cities