Japan has many notable universities and research institutions. Each university offers a broad range of study topics, with opportunities for both domestic and international students. Japanese higher education is subject to a national quality-assurance framework that includes standards for establishing universities, government approval, and periodic evaluation by certified organizations.
Most undergraduate universities in Japan are private institutions. Official Study in Japan data lists 620 private universities, compared with 86 national and 101 public universities. In this article, we present an editorial selection of seven prominent private universities in Japan for international students rather than an official ranking.
Top Private Universities in Japan
1. Keio University
Keio University is a private university located in Minato, Tokyo. Founded in 1858, Keio describes itself as Japan’s first modern institution of higher learning. It has six main campuses across Tokyo and Kanagawa, along with additional research and educational facilities.
Keio University offers a variety of English-taught programs and maintains partnerships with more than 340 universities and institutions around the world. As of June 2026, Keio reports 794 classes taught in English and 20 degree programs available entirely in English across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral study.
2. Waseda University
Established in 1882 by Shigenobu Okuma, Waseda University is a private university based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It has a long history of teaching, research, and international engagement.
Waseda currently has six undergraduate schools with English-based undergraduate degree programs, as well as numerous graduate programs taught in English. Under Waseda Vision 150, the university aims to increase its international student population to 10,000 by 2032. International students may also explore more than 100 university and external scholarship opportunities, although eligibility, coverage, and selection criteria vary by scholarship.
3. Sophia University
Founded in 1913, Sophia University is a private Jesuit university located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Sophia identifies itself as Japan’s oldest Catholic university.
Sophia currently reports 1,861 foreign-national students, accounting for approximately 13% of its student body, with about 90 countries represented on campus. International students can choose from English-taught programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in fields spanning the humanities, social sciences, science, and engineering. Available options can be reviewed in the university’s English-taught program catalog.
4. International Christian University
International Christian University is a private university located in Mitaka, Tokyo. ICU was established in 1949, and its College of Liberal Arts opened in 1953 as Japan’s first four-year liberal arts college. Japanese and English are the university’s official languages, and bilingual education is a central part of its curriculum.
In the Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings 2025, ICU ranked 11th overall and first among private universities in Japan. It also ranked first nationwide for student engagement. ICU currently reports 3,231 students representing 53 countries and regions.
5. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Located in Beppu, Oita, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University is a highly international private university. As of May 1, 2026, it enrolled 6,699 students, including 3,425 domestic students and 3,274 international students. International students therefore accounted for approximately 48.9% of enrollment, with 121 countries and regions represented. The university had 213 full-time faculty members, including 102 foreign-national faculty members from 29 countries and regions.
APU’s curriculum is offered in both Japanese and English, allowing undergraduate students to complete their degrees in either language. The university also holds entrance and graduation ceremonies in both the spring and fall, supporting two annual admission cycles.
6. Ritsumeikan University
Founded in 1900, Ritsumeikan University is a comprehensive private university with campuses in Kyoto, Shiga, and Osaka. It currently has 17 colleges and 22 graduate schools, serving approximately 34,000 students.
Ritsumeikan’s Graduate School of International Relations is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs. The university also offers programs in fields such as social sciences, science and engineering, and business administration. International applicants can choose from five English-medium undergraduate programs, including dual- and joint-degree options.
The university also highlights the experiences of its international students. In an interview with Global Scholarships, Muhammad Hamza Mehdi from Pakistan noted that “the language barrier is the most significant challenge in any foreign country.” However, he added that “people here are very kind and helpful, and although many aren’t fluent in English, they don’t mind communicating in it.”
His comments describe one international student’s experience of a welcoming environment while also acknowledging the practical challenges associated with studying in a new language and culture.
7. Doshisha University
Founded in 1875, Doshisha University is a well-established private university located in Kyoto. Admission requirements and selectivity vary by faculty, program, and admissions route, so applicants should consult the latest official admissions information rather than rely on a single university-wide acceptance rate.
Doshisha’s principal campuses are Imadegawa and Kyotanabe. It also operates satellite campuses in Osaka and Tokyo and an EU campus in Tübingen, Germany. Its faculties include Letters, Law, Social Studies, Science and Engineering, and Commerce. The university offers degree programs that can be completed in English and supports approximately 400 student clubs and circles.
FAQs: Studying in Private Universities in Japan
What Are the Advantages of Enrolling in a Private University in Japan?
Most undergraduate universities in Japan are private institutions. Official Study in Japan data lists 620 private universities, compared with 86 national and 101 public universities. Costs vary by institution and field, but average first-year academic fees at a private undergraduate university are approximately ¥1.3 million, excluding medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs. By comparison, the College Board reported average published tuition and fees of $45,000 at U.S. private nonprofit four-year institutions for the 2025–26 academic year. International students can also explore merit-based, need-based, government, university, and private scholarships, as well as tuition-reduction programs. Students holding a student visa must obtain permission from Japan’s immigration authorities before undertaking paid work. With permission, students may generally work up to 28 hours per week and up to eight hours per day during long school vacations, provided the work does not interfere with their studies and is not in a prohibited business. These rules allow eligible international students to pursue appropriate part-time jobs while studying. Japan’s private universities offer a wide range of academic programs, international learning environments, and financial-aid opportunities, although students should compare each institution’s current fees, admissions criteria, and scholarship conditions before applying.
We hope this article has given you a helpful introduction to prominent private universities in Japan. If you are interested, check out the available courses for international students. Don’t forget to visit the Study in Japan Page for insightful articles and valuable tips!
