Top universities in Japan

Keio University is the country’s oldest private university established in 1858. The university currently has six campuses in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture along with several research focused town campuses throughout Japan. 

The university offers multiple degree programmes and hundreds of courses taught entirely in English, providing international students with a wide range of study options. The university also has strong links with industry and a growing culture of entrepreneurship, giving students valuable opportunities to gain real-world experience alongside their studies. 

As one of Japan's leading private universities, Waseda University is known for its international outlook and diverse student community. Located in Tokyo, the university comprises 13 undergraduate schools and 23 graduate schools across several campuses. 

Waseda also offers more than 18 degree programmes taught entirely in English across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, making it even more attractive for international students.  

Home to one of the largest university campuses in Japan by total land area, Hokkaido University is renowned for its picturesque surroundings and research excellence. Its main campus in Sapporo is frequently recognised as one of Japan's most beautiful, offering students a rare blend of nature and city life. 

The university comprises 12 undergraduate schools and 21 graduate schools, with a selection of programmes taught in Japanese and in English for students to choose from.  

With a strong reputation for research and innovation, Kyushu University is consistently recognised as one of Japan's leading universities. The university is committed to strengthening research across disciplines ranging from the humanities and arts to engineering and medical sciences, with the aim of addressing some of society's most pressing challenges. 

Based in Fukuoka, it offers students the opportunity to study in one of Japan's most vibrant student cities while being part of an international community representing more than 100 countries. 

Nagoya University is one of Japan's leading national research universities and a member of the country's prestigious National Seven Universities. Founded in 1939, it has built a strong reputation for research and innovation, with particular strengths in the sciences, engineering and medicine. 

The university has produced six Nobel laureates and offers a growing selection of English-taught programmes alongside its Japanese-language degrees, making it an attractive choice for international students.  

Tohoku University is a well-established national university in Japan, renowned for being the first Japanese university to admit female students. Founded in 1907, the university now comprises 10 undergraduate schools, 18 graduate schools, six research institutes, 12 research centres and its own university hospital. 

They offer a range of programmes in both English and Japanese, giving students the flexibility to choose a course that best suits their language proficiency and academic goals.

Formed through the 2024 merger of Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Institute of Science Tokyo brings together expertise in science, engineering, medicine and dentistry. The university places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education and research, with the aim of tackling complex global challenges.  

Regardless of being a newly established institution, the university performs strongly in the rankings for employer reputation and faculty-to-student ratio, reflecting the strengths inherited from its predecessor institutions. 

The University of Osaka is one of Japan's leading national research universities and was originally established in 1931, although its roots can be traced back to the 19th century. Today, it offers a broad range of programmes across undergraduate schools, graduate schools and research institutes, and is particularly recognised for its strengths in science, engineering, medicine and the life sciences. 

The university has consistently performed well in the rankings, earning strong recognition for its academic reputation and employer reputation. 

Another of Japan's former Imperial Universities, Kyoto University is the country's second-oldest university and is widely recognised for its research excellence. The university comprises 10 undergraduate faculties, 18 graduate schools and 13 research institutes, supporting a broad range of academic disciplines. 

It has consistently performed strongly in the rankings, particularly for its academic reputation, employer reputation and faculty-to-student ratio.

The University of Tokyo was Japan's first imperial university and has long been regarded as one of the country's most prestigious institutions. It consistently ranks among the top universities in Japan and is recognised for its academic reputation, employability and learning experience. 

Often referred to as Todai or UTokyo, the University of Tokyo offers programmes across 10 faculties and 15 graduate schools. Admission is highly competitive, and while most programmes are taught in Japanese, it also provides a selection of English-taught degree programmes and specialised tracks for international students.

Outside of the top 10, Japan is home to many other universities that offer high-quality teaching, strong research opportunities and excellent graduate outcomes. Depending on your academic interests, budget and preferred lifestyle, you may find that another university is a better fit for your goals. 

University of Tsukuba is known for its innovative approach to education and also their affordable admission and tuition fees, while Hiroshima University offers a broad range of programmes and has built a reputation for research and global engagement. 

Students looking for a balance between academic excellence and city life may want to consider Kobe University, which overlooks the port city of Kobe. Meanwhile, Hitotsubashi University is highly regarded for its strengths in the social sciences, particularly business, economics and law, making it a popular choice for students interested in those fields.