Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.
Sophia University(“Jochi Daigaku” in Japanese) was founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, a Catholic order renowned for excellence in education. From the beginning, the university founders stressed an internationally oriented curriculum and rigorous training in foreign languages. Sophia soon established itself as a leading institution for scholarship on foreign languages and literature in Japan. Today Sophia University is a major teaching and research university in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with 14,000 students and teaching staff of 1,400 members, embracing over 1,500 international students studying on one campus from 95 countries. This approach yields significant benefits for the University’s programs by deepening educational mobility, collaboration, and specialization.
Students can study business and economics, science and technology and environmental studies, all strengths of Japan, in English. Sophia also boasts a long tradition in Japanese studies. Monumenta Nipponica, an English-medium scholarly journal that serves as an important resource for researchers studying Japan worldwide, is edited at the University. The following programs offer entirely of English-medium curriculum:
・Undergraduate level: Liberal Arts, Science and Technology, Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures (Journalism, Education, Sociology, Economics, Management, Global Studies)
・Graduate level: Education, Global Studies, Global Environmental Studies, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Green Science and Technology
・Non-Degree programs: Liberal Arts, Center for Language Education and Research (Japanese-language courses)
New Digital Green Technology Department to Launch in April 2027 to Nurture Global GX Leaders; Sophia University will establish the Department of Digital Green Technology in April 2027 within the Faculty of Science and Technology. This new department aims to nurture next-generation innovators who will lead GX and tackle global challenges. The curriculum, delivered entirely in English, equips students with cutting-edge engineering skills based on date science and digital technologies.
Sophia University has been selected as one of 37 universities to receive funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for internationalization effort called the "Top Global University Project." As a result of the TGU Program Committee’s review, the University received the highest rating of “S” on a five-point scale (S to D) from the MEXT on March 21, 2025.
Sophia University(“Jochi Daigaku” in Japanese) was founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, a Catholic order renowned for excellence in education. From the beginning, the university founders stressed an internationally oriented curriculum and rigorous training in foreign languages. Sophia soon established itself as a leading institution for scholarship on foreign languages and literature in Japan. Today Sophia University is a major teaching and research university in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with 14,000 students and teaching staff of 1,400 members, embracing over 1,500 international students studying on one campus from 95 countries. This approach yields significant benefits for the University’s programs by deepening educational mobility, collaboration, and specialization.
Students can study business and economics, science and technology and environmental studies, all strengths of Japan, in English. Sophia also boasts a long tradition in Japanese studies. Monumenta Nipponica, an English-medium scholarly journal that serves as an important resource for researchers studying Japan worldwide, is edited at the University. The following programs offer entirely of English-medium curriculum:
・Undergraduate level: Liberal Arts, Science and Technology, Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures (Journalism, Education, Sociology, Economics, Management, Global Studies)
・Graduate level: Education, Global Studies, Global Environmental Studies, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Green Science and Technology
・Non-Degree programs: Liberal Arts, Center for Language Education and Research (Japanese-language courses)
New Digital Green Technology Department to Launch in April 2027 to Nurture Global GX Leaders; Sophia University will establish the Department of Digital Green Technology in April 2027 within the Faculty of Science and Technology. This new department aims to nurture next-generation innovators who will lead GX and tackle global challenges. The curriculum, delivered entirely in English, equips students with cutting-edge engineering skills based on date science and digital technologies.
Sophia University has been selected as one of 37 universities to receive funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for internationalization effort called the "Top Global University Project." As a result of the TGU Program Committee’s review, the University received the highest rating of “S” on a five-point scale (S to D) from the MEXT on March 21, 2025.
There are various admissions to apply for Sophia University.
In general, the admission decision is made based on document screening for English-taught programs. No written exam or interview is required.
For the English-taught programs, no Japanese skill is needed to apply, enroll, and graduate with all support in English whereas students have chances to learn the Japanese language while focusing on your major studies.
-English-taught programs
We offer bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, non-degree (taking credits for a semester or two), and exchange programs. We also offer Sophia short-term programs in summer and January. Short-term program students cannot earn a Sophia University degree or take regular courses, but can earn credits upon completion of the program. Please refer to our website for the details.
-Scholarships
Sophia University’s scholarships are all grants with various types for international students. Please refer to our website for the details.
General
0+
0+
0+
0+
The Campus (YOTSUYA Campus) is located in the heart of Tokyo a megacity, yet surrounded by nature and greenery. Students can enjoy all the benefits of its state-of-the-art technology, facilities, and infrastructure.
Fours Years to Grow with Unique Friends From all Over the World Campus life at Sophia University begins with the entrance ceremony, marked by cherry blossoms in full bloom along Sanadabori. Located in the heart of the city, yet surrounded by nature in Yotsuya, the campus is filled with students from a wide variety of backgrounds, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. As a single campus, students can interact with international students as well as peers from different faculties. Additionally, there are facilities and equipment to support a variety of activities, including extracurricular activities and volunteer activities, as well as a support system to consult with students when they face problems in their student life or career development. For details, please visit Sophia official website.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
$6,310
Food
$4,440
Transport
$680
Utilities
$3,260
Tuition fees
Domestic
10,000 USD
International
10,000 USD
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Overview: Of the humanities and social sciences graduates (about 2400), 80% went to work and 8% went on to graduate school. Of the science and technology graduates (about 350), 48% went to work and 48% went to graduate school.
Among undergraduates, the employment rate for applicants is 97.2%. There is a lot of support for current students utilizing the network of alumni, such as seminars by company. Support
Career Center: The Sophia Career Center supports students' job-seeking activities and gives them tips to find career opportunities.
Students have access to the following programs offered by the Career Center.
- Individual counseling service
- Job fair
- Job search workshops
Where Students Go (from English-taught programs):
- Public Services (Japanese governmental ministries)
- Trade and Industry
- Banking and Finance
- Media and Arts
- Communications and Technology
- Graduate School
Sophia University Alumni Association (SUAA) : Sophia University has approximately 140,000 alumni; 3,000 students graduate every year. The Sophia University Alumni Association (SUAA or "Sophia-kai" in Japanese) promotes friendship among Sophia's alumni and contributes to Sophia University's developing, setting and accomplishing further goals.
Rankings & Ratings
Sophia University is one of the top Private not for Profit universities in Tokyo, Japan. It is ranked #951-1000 in QS World University Rankings 2026.
What is the ratio of Japanese students and foreign students?
In terms of undergraduate students, In the Faculty of Liberal
Arts, approximately 70% are Japanese students and 30% are foreign nationals,
while in the Faculty of Science and Technology English-taught programs,
approximately 80% are foreign nationals. However, even if the students’
nationality is Japanese, they could have dual nationality or have spent most of
their lives abroad. Therefore, it is not possible to know students’ background
from their nationalities.
What are the countries that international students usually come from?
Most of the international students come from the U.S., China and Korea. In the Faculty of Science and Technology English-taught programs, many students come from Southeast Asia. Nationalities are diverse and they represent about 90 countries in the world.
Is there an on-campus examination or interview?
No. Decision on acceptance or rejection will be based on document screening only. However, applicants must submit the scores of English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS) and standardized tests (SAT/ACT/IB Diploma etc.) beforehand. Please refer to the application procedure for details on the waiver condition and other information. Also, please be aware that the screening process and required documents of the admission by recommendation (公募推薦) are different, and include a written exam and interview.
Is there a minimum requirement for standardized test score (SAT/ACT/IB/GCE A-Level) to apply ?
There is no minimum standardized test score requirements for application, However all applicants for admission to undergraduate programs have to submit at least one of the indicated scores (SAT/ACT/IB/GCE A-Levels.)
Can I apply for more than one English-taught program at the same time?
Yes. However, you need to register online, pay the application fee and submit the application documents for each program.
Sophia University
Yotsuya Campus, Tokyo Japan
# 951-1000QS World University Rankings
97Undergrad & Postgrad Programmes
10 % International students
About Sophia University
Sophia University (“Jochi Daigaku” in Japanese) was founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, a Catholic order renowned for excellence in education. From the beginning, the university founders stressed an internationally oriented curriculum and rigorous training in foreign languages. Sophia soon established itself as a leading institution for scholarship on foreign languages and literature in Japan. Today Sophia University is a major teaching and research university in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with 14,000 students and teaching staff of 1,400 members, embracing over 1,500 international students studying on one campus from 95 countries. This approach yields significant benefits for the University’s programs by deepening educational mobility, collaboration, and specialization.
Students can study business and economics, science and technology and environmental studies, all strengths of Japan, in English. Sophia also boasts a long tradition in Japanese studies. Monumenta Nipponica, an English-medium scholarly journal that serves as an important resource for researchers studying Japan worldwide, is edited at the University. The following programs offer entirely of English-medium curriculum:
・Undergraduate level: Liberal Arts, Science and Technology, Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures (Journalism, Education, Sociology, Economics, Management, Global Studies)
・Graduate level: Education, Global Studies, Global Environmental Studies, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Green Science and Technology
・Non-Degree programs: Liberal Arts, Center for Language Education and Research (Japanese-language courses)
New Digital Green Technology Department to Launch in April 2027 to Nurture Global GX Leaders;
Sophia University will establish the Department of Digital Green Technology in April 2027 within the Faculty of Science and Technology. This new department aims to nurture next-generation innovators who will lead GX and tackle global challenges. The curriculum, delivered entirely in English, equips students with cutting-edge engineering skills based on date science and digital technologies.
Sophia University has been selected as one of 37 universities to receive funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for internationalization effort called the "Top Global University Project." As a result of the TGU Program Committee’s review, the University received the highest rating of “S” on a five-point scale (S to D) from the MEXT on March 21, 2025.
For more details, please visit the official website: https://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/.
Up to date pictures of campus are also available on facebook and instagram.
About Sophia University
Sophia University (“Jochi Daigaku” in Japanese) was founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, a Catholic order renowned for excellence in education. From the beginning, the university founders stressed an internationally oriented curriculum and rigorous training in foreign languages. Sophia soon established itself as a leading institution for scholarship on foreign languages and literature in Japan. Today Sophia University is a major teaching and research university in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with 14,000 students and teaching staff of 1,400 members, embracing over 1,500 international students studying on one campus from 95 countries. This approach yields significant benefits for the University’s programs by deepening educational mobility, collaboration, and specialization.
Students can study business and economics, science and technology and environmental studies, all strengths of Japan, in English. Sophia also boasts a long tradition in Japanese studies. Monumenta Nipponica, an English-medium scholarly journal that serves as an important resource for researchers studying Japan worldwide, is edited at the University. The following programs offer entirely of English-medium curriculum:
・Undergraduate level: Liberal Arts, Science and Technology, Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures (Journalism, Education, Sociology, Economics, Management, Global Studies)
・Graduate level: Education, Global Studies, Global Environmental Studies, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Green Science and Technology
・Non-Degree programs: Liberal Arts, Center for Language Education and Research (Japanese-language courses)
New Digital Green Technology Department to Launch in April 2027 to Nurture Global GX Leaders;
Sophia University will establish the Department of Digital Green Technology in April 2027 within the Faculty of Science and Technology. This new department aims to nurture next-generation innovators who will lead GX and tackle global challenges. The curriculum, delivered entirely in English, equips students with cutting-edge engineering skills based on date science and digital technologies.
Sophia University has been selected as one of 37 universities to receive funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for internationalization effort called the "Top Global University Project." As a result of the TGU Program Committee’s review, the University received the highest rating of “S” on a five-point scale (S to D) from the MEXT on March 21, 2025.
For more details, please visit the official website: https://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/.
Up to date pictures of campus are also available on facebook and instagram.
Brochures
Available programmes
Faculty of Liberal Arts (Courses are taught in English)
Faculty of Liberal Arts (Courses are taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Global Studies (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Global Studies (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Materials and Life Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Materials and Life Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Sociology (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Sociology (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Green Science/Engineering (English Courses in Science and Technology)
Undergraduate Program, Green Science/Engineering (English Courses in Science and Technology)
Arts and Humanities (6)
Faculty of Liberal Arts (Courses are taught in English)
Faculty of Liberal Arts (Courses are taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of English Literature (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of English Literature (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of English Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of English Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of French Literature (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of French Literature (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of French Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of French Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of German Literature (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of German Literature (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of German Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of German Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Hispanic Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Hispanic Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of History (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of History (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Japanese Literature (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Japanese Literature (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Luso-Brazilian Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Luso-Brazilian Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Philosophy (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Philosophy (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Russian Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Russian Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Theology (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Theology (taught in Japanese)
Business and Management (6)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Economics (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Economics (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Management (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Management (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Engineering and Technology (6)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Information and Communication Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Information and Communication Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Life Sciences and Medicine (6)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Nursing (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Nursing (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Psychology (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Psychology (taught in Japanese)
Natural Sciences (6)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Materials and Life Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Materials and Life Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Green Science/Engineering (English Courses in Science and Technology)
Undergraduate Program, Green Science/Engineering (English Courses in Science and Technology)
Social Sciences and Management (6)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Education (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Education (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Global Studies (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Global Studies (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of International Legal Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of International Legal Studies (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Journalism (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Journalism (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Law (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Law (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Legal Studies of the Global Environment (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Legal Studies of the Global Environment (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Social Services (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Social Services (taught in Japanese)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Sociology (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Sociology (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Arts and Humanities (6)
Graduate Program, MA, Death and Life Studies (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Death and Life Studies (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, English and American Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, English and American Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, French Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, French Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, German Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, German Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, History (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, History (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Japanese Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Japanese Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Linguistics
Graduate Program, MA, Linguistics
Graduate Program, MA, Philosophy (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Philosophy (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Theology (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Theology (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Death and Life Studies (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Death and Life Studies (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD English and American Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD English and American Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Linguistics (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Linguistics (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Philosophy (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Philosophy (taught in Japanese)
Business and Management (6)
Graduate Program, MA, Economics (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Economics (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Management (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Management (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Economics (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Economics (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Management (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Management (taught in Japanese)
Engineering and Technology (6)
Graduate Degree Program of Applied Data Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Degree Program of Applied Data Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, Applied Data Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, Applied Data Sciences (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Electrical and Electronics Engineering Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Electrical and Electronics Engineering Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Green Science and Engineering (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Green Science and Engineering (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Information Science Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Information Science Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Mechanical Engineering (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Mechanical Engineering (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Green Science and Engineering (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Green Science and Engineering (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Information Science Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Information Science Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Mechanical Engineering (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Mechanical Engineering (taught in Japanese)
Life Sciences and Medicine (6)
Graduate Program, MA, Nursing (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Nursing (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Psychology (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Psychology (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Biological Science Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Biological Science Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Biological Science Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Biological Science Division (taught in Japanese)
Natural Sciences (6)
Graduate Program, MA, Global Environmental Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, MA, Global Environmental Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Applied Chemistry Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Applied Chemistry Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Mathematics Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Mathematics Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Physics Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Physics Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology/ Chemistry Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology/ Chemistry Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Global Environmental Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, PhD, Global Environmental Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Mathematics Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Mathematics Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Physics Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Physics Division (taught in Japanese)
Social Sciences and Management (6)
Graduate Program, MA, Area Studies (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Area Studies (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Cultural Interaction (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Cultural Interaction (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Education
Graduate Program, MA, Education
Graduate Program, MA, Global Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, MA, Global Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, MA, International Cooperation Studies
Graduate Program, MA, International Cooperation Studies
Graduate Program, MA, International Relations (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, International Relations (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Journalism (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Journalism (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Law (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Law (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Social Services (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Social Services (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Sociology (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, MA, Sociology (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Area Studies (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Area Studies (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Education
Graduate Program, PhD Education
Graduate Program, PhD International Relations (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD International Relations (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Law (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Law (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Social Services (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Social Services (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Sociology (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Sociology (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Global Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, PhD, Global Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Arts and Humanities (5)
Graduate Program, PhD Cultural Interaction (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Cultural Interaction (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD French Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD French Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD German Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD German Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD History (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD History (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Japanese Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Japanese Literature (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Systematic Theology (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Systematic Theology (taught in Japanese)
Engineering and Technology (5)
Graduate Program, PhD,Science and Technology Electrical and Electronics Engineering (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD,Science and Technology Electrical and Electronics Engineering (taught in Japanese)
Life Sciences and Medicine (5)
Graduate Program, PhD Psychology (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Psychology (taught in Japanese)
Natural Sciences (5)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Chemistry Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Chemistry Division (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology Applied Chemistry (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology Applied Chemistry (taught in Japanese)
Social Sciences and Management (5)
Graduate Program, PhD Journalism (taught in Japanese)
Graduate Program, PhD Journalism (taught in Japanese)
Juris Doctor Program (Law School) (taught in Japanese)
Juris Doctor Program (Law School) (taught in Japanese)
University information
There are various admissions to apply for Sophia University.
In general, the admission decision is made based on document screening for English-taught programs. No written exam or interview is required.
For the English-taught programs, no Japanese skill is needed to apply, enroll, and graduate with all support in English whereas students have chances to learn the Japanese language while focusing on your major studies.
-English-taught programs
We offer bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, non-degree (taking credits for a semester or two), and exchange programs. We also offer Sophia short-term programs in summer and January. Short-term program students cannot earn a Sophia University degree or take regular courses, but can earn credits upon completion of the program. Please refer to our website for the details.
-Scholarships
Sophia University’s scholarships are all grants with various types for international students. Please refer to our website for the details.
General
The Campus (YOTSUYA Campus) is located in the heart of Tokyo a megacity, yet surrounded by nature and greenery. Students can enjoy all the benefits of its state-of-the-art technology, facilities, and infrastructure.
Yotsuya Campus Map
On and off-campus Facilities
Central Library
Learning Support Information
Student life
Fours Years to Grow with Unique Friends From all Over the WorldCampus life at Sophia University begins with the entrance ceremony, marked by cherry blossoms in full bloom along Sanadabori. Located in the heart of the city, yet surrounded by nature in Yotsuya, the campus is filled with students from a wide variety of backgrounds, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. As a single campus, students can interact with international students as well as peers from different faculties. Additionally, there are facilities and equipment to support a variety of activities, including extracurricular activities and volunteer activities, as well as a support system to consult with students when they face problems in their student life or career development.
For details, please visit Sophia official website.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Utilities
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Employability
Overview: Of the humanities and social sciences graduates (about 2400), 80% went to work and 8% went on to graduate school. Of the science and technology graduates (about 350), 48% went to work and 48% went to graduate school.
Among undergraduates, the employment rate for applicants is 97.2%. There is a lot of support for current students utilizing the network of alumni, such as seminars by company. Support
Career Center: The Sophia Career Center supports students' job-seeking activities and gives them tips to find career opportunities.
Students have access to the following programs offered by the Career Center.
- Individual counseling service
- Job fair
- Job search workshops
Where Students Go (from English-taught programs):
- Public Services (Japanese governmental ministries)
- Trade and Industry
- Banking and Finance
- Media and Arts
- Communications and Technology
- Graduate School
Sophia University Alumni Association (SUAA) : Sophia University has approximately 140,000 alumni; 3,000 students graduate every year. The Sophia University Alumni Association (SUAA or "Sophia-kai" in Japanese) promotes friendship among Sophia's alumni and contributes to Sophia University's developing, setting and accomplishing further goals.
Rankings & Ratings
Sophia University is one of the top Private not for Profit universities in Tokyo, Japan. It is ranked #951-1000 in QS World University Rankings 2026.
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS Sustainability Ranking
Asian University Rankings
QS World University Rankings
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS Sustainability Ranking
Asian University Rankings
QS World University Rankings
Sophia University
Videos & media
Videos & media
Campus locations
open the map
Frequently Asked Questions
In terms of undergraduate students, In the Faculty of Liberal Arts, approximately 70% are Japanese students and 30% are foreign nationals, while in the Faculty of Science and Technology English-taught programs, approximately 80% are foreign nationals. However, even if the students’ nationality is Japanese, they could have dual nationality or have spent most of their lives abroad. Therefore, it is not possible to know students’ background from their nationalities.
No. Decision on acceptance or rejection will be based on document screening only. However, applicants must submit the scores of English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS) and standardized tests (SAT/ACT/IB Diploma etc.) beforehand. Please refer to the application procedure for details on the waiver condition and other information. Also, please be aware that the screening process and required documents of the admission by recommendation (公募推薦) are different, and include a written exam and interview.