STUDY IN JAPAN UNIVERSITY GUIDE
Universities in Japan for International Students
Compare university types, English-taught programs, eligibility, tuition fees and application routes before choosing where to study in Japan.
Updated with current 2026 and 2027 admission information where available. Always verify the final application guide for your intended intake.
810
Universities in Japan in the latest MEXT national count
85
National universities
101
Public universities
624
Private universities
MEXT count as of May 1, 2025. Japan’s university landscape changes as institutions open, merge or reorganize.
UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEM
Three main types of universities in Japan
National Universities
Government-established institutions with strong research infrastructure. Examples include the University of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Tohoku, Hokkaido, Nagoya, Tsukuba and Kyushu.
Public Universities
Established by prefectural or municipal governments. Tuition can be competitive, although admission fees may differ for local and non-local residents.
Private Universities
The largest category in Japan. English-medium options are especially visible at institutions such as Waseda, Keio, Sophia, ICU, Ritsumeikan and APU.
ENGLISH-TAUGHT PROGRAMS
Can you earn a degree in Japan entirely in English?
Yes. Japanese universities and graduate schools offer programs in which a degree can be completed in English, and Japanese ability is often not required for admission to those specific programs. Availability is much wider at graduate level than undergraduate level.
English undergraduate guideline
Study in Japan lists a general proficiency guideline of TOEFL iBT 71–80 or IELTS 5.5–6. Individual universities can require higher scores.
English graduate guideline
A general guideline is TOEFL iBT 75–80 or IELTS 6.0. Research proposals, supervisor matching and program-specific requirements often matter as much as language scores.
Japanese-medium guideline
For Japanese-medium undergraduate study, N1 or N2 JLPT plus around 250 on the Japanese section of EJU is a commonly cited guideline, but university requirements vary.
ELIGIBILITY
Basic eligibility to study at a Japanese university
Bachelor’s degree
- Normally complete 12 years of formal school education.
- Equivalent routes can include IB, GCE A-Level, Abitur, Baccalauréat or recognized high-school equivalency.
- English-medium programs may ask for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, ACT, IB or other standardized credentials.
- Japanese-medium routes commonly require Japanese proficiency and may require EJU.
Master’s / graduate school
- Normally hold a four-year bachelor’s degree or complete 16 years of formal education.
- Medical, dental, pharmaceutical and veterinary doctoral routes can require 18 years of education.
- Many research programs ask for a research proposal and may require contact with a prospective supervisor.
- English-taught graduate routes are widely available across science, engineering, business, policy and humanities.
FEES
University fees in Japan: what to budget
These are official average first-year academic fees and should be treated as planning benchmarks. Individual universities and programs can differ substantially.
| Institution type | Undergraduate first year | Graduate first year | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | Approx. ¥820,000 | Approx. ¥820,000 | UTokyo is a notable exception: undergraduate annual tuition is ¥642,960 plus ¥282,000 admission fee. |
| Local public | Approx. ¥910,000 | Approx. ¥900,000 | Admission fee can vary by local residency. |
| Private | Approx. ¥1,300,000 | Approx. ¥1,100,000 | Large variation by university and field. |
| Private medical / dental / pharma | Approx. ¥3,800,000 | Varies | Among the most expensive university routes. |
Examination fees, laboratory costs, materials, insurance, accommodation and living expenses may be additional.
UNIVERSITIES IN JAPAN DIRECTORY
Compare English-taught programs university by university
Use the sections below to compare major national, public and private universities in Japan. Open any university tab to check English program availability, example pathways, fee guidance and important admission updates. This format is designed to stay readable on both desktop and mobile.
National Universities
University of Tokyo | National | Tokyo
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes, but the undergraduate English landscape is changing.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
PEAK’s final intake was Fall 2026. GSC remains a third-year all-English science transfer route. UTokyo College of Design is scheduled to launch in September 2027 as an all-English five-year bachelor’s/master’s program.
FEE GUIDE
Undergraduate tuition: ¥642,960/year + ¥282,000 admission fee.
Important: Always check the exact 2027 intake route because PEAK is no longer accepting new students.
Kyoto University | National | Kyoto
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
The Undergraduate International Course Program of Civil Engineering is fully English. Kyoto iUP does not require Japanese at application, but the curriculum later becomes bilingual / Japanese-heavy.
FEE GUIDE
¥535,800/year + ¥282,000 admission fee.
Important: English availability differs significantly by program.
The University of Osaka | National | Osaka
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
The Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program is English-medium. IUPS in science combines English and Japanese.
FEE GUIDE
¥535,800/year + ¥282,000 admission fee.
Important: Check whether your chosen science route requires Japanese after enrollment.
Tohoku University | National | Sendai
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes, with a major transition from 2027.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
FGL undergraduate recruitment ended with the 2026 intake. Gateway College launches from 2027 and is conducted primarily in English.
FEE GUIDE
National-university fee structure; confirm the 2027 Gateway College guide.
Important: Do not rely on older FGL admission pages for 2027 entry.
Hokkaido University | National | Sapporo
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
Major international routes include the Integrated Science Program (ISP) and Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP).
FEE GUIDE
ISP planning benchmark: ¥535,800/year + ¥282,000 enrollment fee.
Important: Program language and eligibility differ between ISP and MJSP.
University of Tsukuba | National | Ibaraki
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
English options include Geoscience, Biology, Agro-Bio Resource Sciences, Global Issues, International Social Studies and Interdisciplinary Engineering.
FEE GUIDE
2026 benchmark: ¥535,800/year + ¥282,000 admission fee.
Important: The university has announced revised international tuition from 2027, so verify your intake-year fee schedule.
Nagoya University | National | Aichi
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
Global 30 (G30) offers full undergraduate and graduate degrees in English across selected disciplines.
FEE GUIDE
¥535,800/year tuition benchmark.
Important: Confirm the exact G30 program and standardized-test requirements.
Kyushu University | National | Fukuoka
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
English undergraduate options include Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Applied Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Bioresource & Bioenvironment.
FEE GUIDE
¥535,800/year tuition benchmark.
Important: English availability depends on faculty and course.
Public Universities
Akita International University | Public | Akita
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Strong English-medium environment.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
Known for all-English instruction, small classes, a global liberal arts curriculum and mandatory study abroad.
FEE GUIDE
From April 2027: ¥896,000/year tuition; non-Akita matriculation fee ¥423,000.
Important: Fees can change by academic year and residency category.
University of Aizu | Public | Fukushima
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
The ICT Global All-English Program focuses on computer science and engineering.
FEE GUIDE
¥520,800/year; non-resident admission fee ¥564,000.
Important: Strong fit for students targeting computing, software and ICT.
Private Universities
Waseda University | Private | Tokyo
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes, with a broad selection.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
English-based options include Political Science & Economics, Social Sciences TAISI, SILS, JCulP and selected science & engineering programs.
FEE GUIDE
Varies significantly by school and program.
Important: Check the school-specific fee table and testing requirements.
Keio University | Private | Tokyo
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
Key undergraduate English routes include PEARL in Economics and GIGA in Policy Management / Environment & Information Studies. Keio also reports multiple degree programs obtainable in English across undergraduate and graduate levels.
FEE GUIDE
Program-specific.
Important: Admission requirements differ sharply between PEARL, GIGA and graduate programs.
Sophia University | Private | Tokyo
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
Major English-taught options include the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures.
FEE GUIDE
Faculty of Liberal Arts 2027: approximately ¥1.669M first year.
Important: Check whether your program is fully English or multilingual.
International Christian University (ICU) | Private | Tokyo
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes / bilingual liberal arts.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
English Language Based Admissions lead into ICU’s bilingual liberal arts environment.
FEE GUIDE
AY2027 tuition + facilities: approximately ¥1.557M, plus matriculation fee.
Important: Japanese is not necessarily required at entry through the English route, but ICU is intentionally bilingual.
Ritsumeikan University | Private | Kyoto & Osaka
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
English-medium routes include GLA, JDP, Global Studies, CRPS and ISSE.
FEE GUIDE
2027 first year roughly ¥1.56M–¥2.60M depending on program.
Important: The fee range is wide because programs differ substantially.
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) | Private | Beppu
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes, extensive.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
International undergraduate admissions are available on an English basis in a highly multilingual campus environment.
FEE GUIDE
2027 first-year tuition approximately ¥1.455M before other charges.
Important: Check English-basis and Japanese-basis admission requirements separately.
Rikkyo University | Private | Tokyo
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
The Global Liberal Arts Program (GLAP) provides an English-based liberal arts route with study abroad.
FEE GUIDE
GLAP 2026 tuition approximately ¥1.9M/year + ¥200,000 admission fee.
Important: Verify the current-year GLAP fee schedule before applying.
Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) | Private | Kyoto
ENGLISH AVAILABILITY
Yes.
PROGRAM / KEY DETAILS
English-taught bachelor’s programs include Engineering, Bioenvironmental Sciences and Business Administration. Japanese is not required for admission to these English programs.
FEE GUIDE
2027 first year: Engineering/Bioenvironment approximately ¥2.295M; Business approximately ¥1.852M.
Important: Program-specific scholarship and fee-reduction opportunities may be available.
Directory note: Japan has hundreds of universities. This section prioritizes universities with verified English or international degree routes that are particularly useful to international applicants. It is not a complete list of every institution in Japan. Program availability, tuition and admission requirements can change by intake year.
HOW TO COMPARE UNIVERSITIES
Do not choose a university by name alone
1. Language
Is the entire degree in English, partly in English, or only the admission process in English?
2. Intake
Most Japanese programs start in April, while many international programs begin in September or October.
3. Total cost
Compare tuition, admission fee, housing and city living costs instead of looking only at annual tuition.
4. Career fit
Check internships, Japanese-language support, research strengths, location and industry connections.
Universities in Japan: FAQs
Can I study at a Japanese university without knowing Japanese?
Yes, if you enter a degree program that is taught fully in English. Japanese ability is often not an admission requirement for those programs. However, learning Japanese can significantly improve daily life, internships and career opportunities.
Is IELTS compulsory for studying in Japan?
No single English test is compulsory across all universities. Universities may accept IELTS, TOEFL or other approved tests, while some waive a test when applicants meet specific English-medium education conditions.
Are national universities cheaper than private universities?
Usually yes. The official first-year benchmark is about ¥820,000 for national undergraduate universities versus about ¥1.3 million for private universities excluding medical, dental and pharmaceutical programs. Individual universities can differ.
Do Japanese universities accept Indian Class 12 qualifications?
Applicants who complete 12 years of formal education generally meet the basic educational requirement for undergraduate admission, but each university can impose additional academic, language and examination requirements.
Do I need EJU for an English-taught program?
Not always. Many English-medium programs use document screening, standardized tests and interviews instead. Some programs may still accept or require EJU, so check the specific application guide.
When should I start preparing?
Starting 10 to 15 months before your intended intake is practical. English programs can have application deadlines many months before enrollment, and scholarship timelines may be even earlier.
Next: shortlist by program, not just university name.
Compare the exact English-taught degree, entry requirements, tuition, scholarship options and intake before applying.
SOURCES & DATA NOTES
Sources used for this info
Government / national sources:
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), School Basic Survey / public university statistics: mext.go.jp
MEXT national university listings: mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/ichiran/
Study in Japan, government-approved information site by JASSO: studyinjapan.go.jp
Study in Japan pages used: Universities & Junior Colleges, Graduate Schools, Degree Programs in English, Academic Fees, School Search, FAQ and Scholarship/Tuition Reduction Search.
University sources:
University of Tokyo: u-tokyo.ac.jp, peak.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp, design.adm.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Kyoto University: kyoto-u.ac.jp, iup.kyoto-u.ac.jp
The University of Osaka: osaka-u.ac.jp, iudp.hus.osaka-u.ac.jp
Tohoku University: tohoku.ac.jp, insc.tohoku.ac.jp, tu-gwc.tohoku.ac.jp
Hokkaido University: global.hokudai.ac.jp, oia.hokudai.ac.jp
University of Tsukuba: tsukuba.ac.jp, global.tsukuba.ac.jp
Nagoya University G30: admissions.g30.nagoya-u.ac.jp, en.nagoya-u.ac.jp
Kyushu University: kyushu-u.ac.jp, isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp, ag.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Akita International University: aiu.ac.jp
University of Aizu: u-aizu.ac.jp
Waseda University: waseda.jp
Keio University: keio.ac.jp
Sophia University: sophia.ac.jp, adm.sophia.ac.jp
International Christian University: icu.ac.jp
Ritsumeikan University: en.ritsumei.ac.jp
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University: admissions.apu.ac.jp
Rikkyo University GLAP: glap.rikkyo.ac.jp
Kyoto University of Advanced Science: kuas.ac.jp/en/
Important: Admission criteria, tuition, intake dates and program availability can change every academic year. This page is an informational guide and does not replace the official university application guidelines. Figures marked approximate are planning benchmarks from official sources.